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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Schizophrenia | Study protocol

The impact of video gaming on cognitive functioning of people with schizophrenia (GAME-S): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

Authors: Maritta Välimäki, Min Yang, Yuen Ting Joyce Lam, Tella Lantta, Matias Palva, Satu Palva, Benjamin Yee, Siu Hung Yip, Kin-sun Dan Yu, Hing Chiu Charles Chang, Po Yee Ivy Cheng, Daniel Bressington

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Video gaming is a promising intervention for cognitive and social impairment in patients with schizophrenia. A number of gaming interventions have been evaluated in small-scale studies with various patient groups, but studies on patients with schizophrenia remain scarce and rarely include the evaluation of both clinical and neurocognitive outcomes. In this study, we will test the effectiveness of two interventions with gaming elements to improve cognitive and clinical outcomes among persons with schizophrenia.

Methods

The participants will be recruited from different outpatient units (e.g., outpatient psychiatric units, day hospitals, residential care homes). The controlled clinical trial will follow a three-arm parallel-group design: 1) cognitive training (experimental group, CogniFit), 2) entertainment gaming (active control group, SIMS 4), and 3) treatment as usual. The primary outcomes are working memory function at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. The secondary outcomes are patients’ other cognitive and social functioning, the ability to experience pleasure, self-efficacy, and negative symptoms at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. We will also test the effectiveness of gaming interventions on neurocognitive outcomes (EEG and 3 T MRI plus rs-fMRI) at a 3-month follow-up as an additional secondary outcome. Data will be collected in outpatient psychiatric services in Hong Kong. Participants will have a formal diagnosis of schizophrenia and be between 18 and 60 years old. We aim to have a total of 234 participants, randomly allocated to the three arms. A sub-sample of patients (N = 150) will be recruited to undergo an EEG. For neuroimaging assessment, patients will be randomly allocated to a subset of patients (N=126). We will estimate the efficacy of the interventions on the primary and secondary outcomes based on the intention-to-treat principle. Behavioural and EEG data will be analysed separately.

Discussion

The study will characterise benefits of gaming on patients’ health and well-being, and contribute towards the development of new treatment approaches for patients with schizophrenia.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03133143. Registered on April 28, 2017.

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Title: The impact of video gaming on cognitive functioning of people with schizophrenia (GAME-S): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Maritta Välimäki
Min Yang
Yuen Ting Joyce Lam
Tella Lantta
Matias Palva
Satu Palva
Benjamin Yee
Siu Hung Yip
Kin-sun Dan Yu
Hing Chiu Charles Chang
Po Yee Ivy Cheng
Daniel Bressington
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Schizophrenia
Electroencephalography
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-03031-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The impact of video gaming on cognitive functioning of people with schizophrenia (GAME-S): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

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