Training-induced white matter microstructure changes in survivors of neonatal critical illness: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Publication date: Available online 27 June 2019Source: Developmental Cognitive NeuroscienceAuthor(s): Raisa M. Schiller, Hanneke IJsselstijn, Marlous J. Madderom, Joost van Rosmalen, Arno F.J. van Heijst, Marion Smits, Frank Verhulst, Dick Tibboel, Tonya WhiteABSTRACTIn a nationwide randomized controlled trial, white matter microstructure was assessed before and immediately after Cogmed Working-Memory Training (CWMT) in school-age neonatal critical illness survivors. Eligible participants were survivors (8-12 years) with an IQ ≥ 80 and a z-score of ≤ -1.5 on (working)memory test at first assessment. Diffusion Tensor Imaging was used to assess white matter microstructure. Associations between any training-induced changes and improved neuropsychological outcome immediately and one year post-CWMT were evaluated as well. The trial was conducted between October 2014-June 2017 at Erasmus MC-Sophia, Rotterdam, Netherlands. Researchers involved were blinded to group allocation. Participants were randomized to CWMT(n = 14) or no-intervention(n = 20). All children completed the CWMT. Global fractional anisotropy(FA) increased significantly post-CWMT compared to no-intervention(estimated-coefficient = .007, p = .015). Increased FA(estimated coefficient=.009, p = .033) and decreased mean diffusivity(estimated-coefficient=-.010, p = .018) were found in the left superior longitudinal fasciculus(SFL) post-CWMT compared no-intervention. Children after CWMT who...
Source: Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research