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BMC Pediatrics
Published in: BMC Pediatrics 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | Study protocol

Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial of home-based computerized executive function training for children with cerebral palsy

Authors: María García-Galant, Montse Blasco, Lee Reid, Kerstin Pannek, David Leiva, Olga Laporta-Hoyos, Júlia Ballester-Plané, Júlia Miralbell, Xavi Caldú, Xènia Alonso, Esther Toro-Tamargo, Mar Meléndez-Plumed, Francisca Gimeno, Marc Coronas, Emili Soro-Camats, Roslyn Boyd, Roser Pueyo

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Cerebral palsy (CP) is frequently associated with specific cognitive impairments, such as executive dysfunction which are related to participation and quality of life (QOL). The proposed study will examine whether a computerized executive function (EF) training programme could provide superior benefits for executive functioning, participation, QOL and brain plasticity, as compared to usual care.

Methods

A single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) design will be performed. Thirty children with CP aged 8 to 12 years will participate in a home-based computerized multi-modal executive training programme (12 weeks, 5 days a week, 30 min a day training, total dose = 30 h). Thirty children with CP matched by age, sex, motor and intelligence quotient (IQ) will compose the waitlist group. Cognitive, behavioural, emotional, participation and QOL measures will be obtained at three time points: before, immediately after and 9 months after completing the training. Additionally, structural and functional (resting state) magnetic resonance images (MRI) will be obtained in a subsample of 15 children from each group. Outcomes between groups will be compared following standard principles for RCTs.

Discussion

The study will test whether the cognitive training programme exerts a positive effect not only on neuropsychological and daily functioning of children with CP but also on other measures such as participation and QOL. We will also use brain MRI to test brain functional and structural changes after the intervention.
If this on-line and home-based training programme proves effective, it could be a cost-effective intervention with short- and long-term effects on EF, participation or QOL in CP.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04025749. Registered 19 July 2019. Retrospectively registered.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial of home-based computerized executive function training for children with cerebral palsy
Authors
María García-Galant
Montse Blasco
Lee Reid
Kerstin Pannek
David Leiva
Olga Laporta-Hoyos
Júlia Ballester-Plané
Júlia Miralbell
Xavi Caldú
Xènia Alonso
Esther Toro-Tamargo
Mar Meléndez-Plumed
Francisca Gimeno
Marc Coronas
Emili Soro-Camats
Roslyn Boyd
Roser Pueyo
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-019-1904-x

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