Introduction
In the realm of cognitive training, particularly for aging populations, the effectiveness of serious games for cognitive training in aging (SGCTAs) has been a topic of significant debate. The recent study titled "Speech Processing as a Far-Transfer Gauge of Serious Games for Cognitive Training in Aging" explores the potential of using speech processing as a measure of far-transfer efficacy in cognitive training. This blog post aims to elucidate the findings of this study and discuss their implications for practitioners, especially those providing online therapy services to children, like TinyEYE.
Understanding Far-Transfer in Cognitive Training
Far-transfer refers to the ability of training in one area to improve performance in a different, untrained area. In the context of SGCTAs, the study investigated whether training executive functions (EFs) using the game "Effectivate" could lead to improvements in speech processing, an untrained task. The study utilized the Eye tracking of Word Identification in Noise Under Memory Increased Load (E-WINDMIL) task to measure speech processing capabilities in adverse conditions.
Key Findings
The study involved 40 older adults, divided equally into a training group and a control group. Participants in the training group underwent six weeks of cognitive training using the Effectivate SGCTA. Results indicated significant improvements in both early and late speech processing for the training group compared to the control group. Specifically, the training group demonstrated higher discrimination scores, suggesting enhanced ability to segregate spoken words from noise.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, especially those involved in speech-language pathology and online therapy services, these findings highlight the potential of incorporating cognitive training games that focus on EFs to improve speech processing in children. By enhancing EFs, children may better manage tasks requiring attention, memory, and inhibition, which are crucial for effective communication and learning.
- Incorporate Cognitive Training: Consider integrating cognitive training games that target EFs into therapy sessions to support speech and language development.
- Monitor Speech Processing: Use tasks similar to E-WINDMIL to assess improvements in speech processing and adjust training programs accordingly.
- Encourage Further Research: Engage in or support research that explores the far-transfer effects of cognitive training on speech processing in younger populations.
Conclusion
The study provides compelling evidence that cognitive training targeting EFs can lead to improvements in speech processing, even in untrained tasks. For practitioners, these insights offer a pathway to enhance therapy outcomes for children by leveraging the principles of far-transfer. By adopting data-driven approaches and staying informed about emerging research, practitioners can continue to foster positive outcomes in speech and language development.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Speech Processing as a Far-Transfer Gauge of Serious Games for Cognitive Training in Aging: Randomized Controlled Trial of Web-Based Effectivate Training.
