Skip to main content
Journal cover image

Evaluation of a plasticity-based cognitive training program in schizophrenia: Results from the eCaesar trial.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Mahncke, HW; Kim, S-J; Rose, A; Stasio, C; Buckley, P; Caroff, S; Duncan, E; Yasmin, S; Jarskog, LF; Lamberti, JS; Nuechterlein, K; Ventura, J ...
Published in: Schizophr Res
June 2019

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia is a core feature of the disorder. Computerized cognitive training has shown promise in pilot studies. A 26-week randomized blinded placebo-controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effect of a novel computerized cognitive training program on cognitive and functional capacity outcomes. METHOD: The study followed MATRICS guidelines for the evaluation of interventions designed to improve cognitive function in schizophrenia. Participants (N = 150) were randomized to experimental (computerized cognitive training in a game-like format) or active control (computer games) groups. Training was conducted in-clinic, with an intended training schedule of 5 days per week, 1 h per day, for 26 weeks. Co-primary outcome measures were the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) composite score and the UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment (UPSA-2) total score, secondary outcome measures included the Cognitive Assessment Interview (CAI) and the Short-Form-12 Mental Composite Score (SF-12 MCS). Target engagement was assessed with task-learning based assessment. RESULTS: At baseline, the groups were well matched. No significant effect of the experimental treatment was seen on the primary or secondary outcome measures compared to the active control. Review of the task learning/target engagement data suggested inadequate target engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Results do not support a cognitive or functional capacity benefit from this implementation of a computerized cognitive training program in people with schizophrenia. In future trials, careful consideration is merited of the assessment of task learning/target engagement, the effects of making the cognitive training game-like on motivation, and the implicit effects of trial requirements on participant selection.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Schizophr Res

DOI

EISSN

1573-2509

Publication Date

June 2019

Volume

208

Start / End Page

182 / 189

Location

Netherlands

Related Subject Headings

  • Treatment Failure
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted
  • Schizophrenic Psychology
  • Schizophrenia
  • Psychiatry
  • Patient Dropouts
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Mahncke, H. W., Kim, S.-J., Rose, A., Stasio, C., Buckley, P., Caroff, S., … Keefe, R. S. E. (2019). Evaluation of a plasticity-based cognitive training program in schizophrenia: Results from the eCaesar trial. Schizophr Res, 208, 182–189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2019.03.006
Mahncke, Henry W., Sarah-Jane Kim, Annika Rose, Catherine Stasio, Peter Buckley, Stanley Caroff, Erica Duncan, et al. “Evaluation of a plasticity-based cognitive training program in schizophrenia: Results from the eCaesar trial.Schizophr Res 208 (June 2019): 182–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2019.03.006.
Mahncke HW, Kim S-J, Rose A, Stasio C, Buckley P, Caroff S, et al. Evaluation of a plasticity-based cognitive training program in schizophrenia: Results from the eCaesar trial. Schizophr Res. 2019 Jun;208:182–9.
Mahncke, Henry W., et al. “Evaluation of a plasticity-based cognitive training program in schizophrenia: Results from the eCaesar trial.Schizophr Res, vol. 208, June 2019, pp. 182–89. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.schres.2019.03.006.
Mahncke HW, Kim S-J, Rose A, Stasio C, Buckley P, Caroff S, Duncan E, Yasmin S, Jarskog LF, Lamberti JS, Nuechterlein K, Strassnig M, Velligan D, Ventura J, Walker T, Stroup TS, Keefe RSE. Evaluation of a plasticity-based cognitive training program in schizophrenia: Results from the eCaesar trial. Schizophr Res. 2019 Jun;208:182–189.
Journal cover image

Published In

Schizophr Res

DOI

EISSN

1573-2509

Publication Date

June 2019

Volume

208

Start / End Page

182 / 189

Location

Netherlands

Related Subject Headings

  • Treatment Failure
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted
  • Schizophrenic Psychology
  • Schizophrenia
  • Psychiatry
  • Patient Dropouts
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans