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NCT05396586 · ClinicalTrials.gov registry record · NA
Understanding Individual Differences in Working Memory Training and Transfer in Older Adults
A NA study, sponsored by Northeastern University.
- Completed
- Registry status
- NA
- Development phase
- 313
- Enrollment target
NCT05396586: Completed NA study, sponsored by Northeastern University.
NCT05396586 is a NA study that has completed, run by Northeastern University. The registered enrollment target is 313 participants, below the 1,404-participant average among 58,714 other NA trials with a reported enrollment target (78% lower). According to ClinicalTrials.gov, the official US trial registry.
The verdict
NCT05396586, a NA study, has completed, sponsored by Northeastern University.
- COMPLETED
- Registry status
- NA
- Development phase
- 313 participants
- Enrollment target
Study Summary
The present study investigates how individual differences in cognitive processing contribute to the efficacy of working memory training programs in an older adult population. In a randomized crossover design, different types of working memory training interventions will be evaluated within the same participants. Adding game-like elements to working memory training programs can increase motivation and engagement, which can increase learning. However this process, termed gamification, adds sensory complexity that can lead to increased mental load and/or distraction in older adults. Investigators hypothesize that gamification of training tasks will be beneficial to some and counterproductive to other participants. The investigators will test two models; the first assumes that participants with difficulty inhibiting distracting information will show better learning and transfer when assigned to non-gamified training, whereas those with more distractor tolerance will show better learning and transfer when assigned to gamified training. The second model states that the outcomes of the intervention will be better predicted by performance on measures of general cognitive ability. In a separate study, the investigators will compare working memory training that contains rich, multisensory information with a training program that contains only visual information. Here they will also test two models; the first assumes that participants with difficulty binding two stimulus streams will show better learning and transfer when assigned to visual-only working memory training, whereas participants who do not have this difficulty will show better learning and transfer when assigned to multisensory working memory training. The second model states that the outcomes of the intervention will be better predicted by performance on measures of general cognitive ability.
Primary Outcome
N-back is a tablet-based updating working memory task. Participants see a consecutive stream of pictures and are asked to tap the pictures that match those presented N items earlier. All participants will complete 1-back and 2-back, progression to 3-back and beyond is based on performance on the previous level (no more than 4 errors). The outcome measure is the change in the highest N-level reached on the task compared to baseline at Day 2.
Interventions
- BEHAVIORAL Span
- BEHAVIORAL N-back
- BEHAVIORAL Multisensory
Trial Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Target | 313 participants |
| Start Date | 2022-03-17 |
| Est. Completion | 2025-03-05 |
| Phase | NA |
What the finished NCT05396586 record still lists
NCT05396586 is an interventional study that assigns participants to a tested intervention. The registered 313 participants enrollment target is mid-sized for trials with a published cap, below the 1,404-participant average among 58,714 other NA trials with a reported enrollment target (78% lower).
The record links to 0 conditions, and to 3 interventions - of which Span is the first listed.
NCT05396586 does not publish any study locations in the registry export this page uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clinical trial NCT05396586 about?
NCT05396586 is a clinical study titled "Understanding Individual Differences in Working Memory Training and Transfer in Older Adults". The present study investigates how individual differences in cognitive processing contribute to the efficacy of working memory training programs in an older adult population. In a randomized crossover design, different types of working memory training interventions will be evaluated within the same ...
What is the current status of trial NCT05396586?
This trial is currently completed. It is a NA study. The enrollment target is 313 participants. The study started on 2022-03-17. Estimated completion is 2025-03-05.
What interventions are being tested in trial NCT05396586?
The interventions under investigation include: Span (BEHAVIORAL), N-back (BEHAVIORAL), Multisensory (BEHAVIORAL).
Who is sponsoring clinical trial NCT05396586?
This trial is sponsored by Northeastern University, which has 39 total clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Learn More About Clinical Trials
How this trial's enrollment target compares
Where NCT05396586's enrollment target sits among peer trials
313 323rd of 2000 higher than 1,678 of 2,000 other NA trials
participants (enrollment target), bucketed by value
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more other NA trials. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source ClinicalTrials.gov registry export · 2026-08-08
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