A video-game based cognitive training for breast cancer survivors with cognitive impairment: A prospective randomized pilot trial

Published Jun 20, 2020Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Video Game Training for Thinking Problems in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Small Randomized Trial

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Abstract

Cognitive training through a web-based video game improved self-reported cognitive failure scores significantly in breast cancer patients (p = 0.029).

Patients reported higher cognitive impairment at baseline, with means for cognitive failure, anxiety, and self-reflectiveness exceeding normal ranges.
Overall MyCQ scores, levels of fear, and health change showed significant improvements over time (all p < 0.05).
Specific cognitive tasks demonstrated significant enhancements, including speed and accuracy in choice reaction time, visual memory recognition, and coding tasks (all p < 0.05).
Despite improvements in cognitive functioning, self-reflectiveness deteriorated over the study period (p < 0.05).
The role of video gaming in enhancing cognitive function remains uncertain.

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INTRODUCTION: We investigated whether a web-based cognitive training video game is an effective approach to improve cognitive decline in combination with our standard of care for rehabilitation of breast cancer (BC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Self-selected BC patients between 18 and 71 years old complaining of disturbing cognitive impairment were studied. The patients received access to a web-based internet video game and online cognitive assessments (Aquasnap, Cambridge, MyCQ™). The early intervention group (n = 23) had a training program of 6 months of at least three times a week for a minimum of 60 min of game playing per week at home in addition to standard of care rehabilitation. The delayed intervention (n = 23) received standard of care for three months, followed by three months of similar MyCQ training. Outcome measures were the MyCQ (sub)scores and Activity of Daily Life (ADL), mood, subjective cognition and functional cognitive status measured by classic neuropsychological tests.

RESULTS: At baseline the means for CFQ (a measure of self-reported cognitive failure), anxiety, PSQI and self-reflectiveness were beyond normal range in both groups. CFQ improved significantly better in the intervention group (p = 0.029). Combining the evolution over time in the entire population a significant improvement was seen for overall MyCQ score, level of fear, physical and emotional role limitation, and health change (all p < 0.05), but self-reflectivess deteriorated (p < 0.05)). Significant differences in the various MyCQ subtests over time were: improved speed in choice reaction time, visual memory recognition, N back 1 and 2, coding, trail making test B, improved accuracy of N back 1 and 2 (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: A program of cognitive training improves cognitive functioning over time. "Aquasnap" has a beneficial effect on the perception of subjective cognitive functioning (CFQ) but the exact role of video gaming in this process remains uncertain.

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A video-game based cognitive training for breast cancer survivors with cognitive impairment: A prospective randomized pilot trial

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