Remote cognitive training for children with congenital brain malformation or genetic syndrome: a scoping review

Abstract

Increased attention is arising on the delivery of remote cognitive interventions, which allow performing exercises in everyday settings, favouring rehabilitation continuity. The present study offers an overview of remote cognitive training programs for children with congenital brain malformation or genetic syndrome affecting the central nervous system, included in papers published in the time period 2011-2021. A total of 13 records was found and discussed including efficacy studies, feasibility studies and study protocols. Many studies have focused on a specific diagnosis, such as cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, while no or little evidence has been gathered on more rare diseases or brain malformations. Interventions were found to generate benefits on some cognitive functions, but problems with adherence were highlighted, especially due to excessive cognitive load from the training or clinical comorbidities. Conclusions remain tentative due to heterogeneity in training, study and patients characteristics, and methodological limitations of studies.

Randomized clinical trial on the effects of a computerized cognitive training for pediatric patients with acquired brain injury or congenital malformation

“…This data is conflicting with previous studies suggesting that patients with CBM frequently show a complex clinical picture characterized by behavioral and physical issues together with low intellectual abilities, which may lead to limited possibilities to obtain significant gains from a remote training 6 . In addition, previous studies showed that the important difficulties of these children could even hamper the possibility of performing a remote training, suggesting that telerehabilitation may be a viable option only for a limited subgroup of children 76 , 77 .…”

“…A total of 40 sessions had to be performed by each participant, with a commitment of 5 times per week in a total period of 8 weeks. The intensity and duration of this version of Lumosity Cognitive Training were chosen on the basis of the characteristics of previous CCT programs for pediatric populations with brain damage or neurodevelopmental disorders 3 , 6 , 41 , 86 .…”

“…A number of these programs works on computerized platforms proposing game-like exercises that are more engaging than traditional rehabilitation tasks and may help sustaining children’s motivation and adherence to the training 36 . Previous studies indicated the feasibility and efficacy of computerized cognitive training (CCT) in fostering different cognitive functions in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including brain injury 3 , 4 , 6 , 37 – 39 .…”

“…Up to now, numerous reviews addressed the efficacy of remote CCT for children with ABI 3 , 41 , 52 – 54 , while limited evidence has been gathered for those with brain tumor (BT) and congenital brain malformations (CBM) 6 , 55 . Proceeding from these premises, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a remote CCT delivering drill-based exercises and simultaneously stimulating various cognitive abilities (multi-domain training) in a mixed population of children with non-progressive ABI, BT and CBM.…”