Enhancing preschoolers' executive functions through embedding cognitive activities in shared book reading

Given evidence that early executive functioning sets the stage for a broad range of subsequent outcomes, researchers have sought to identify ways to foster these cognitive capacities. An increasingly common approach involves computerized ‘brain training’ programs, yet there are questions about whether these are well suited for fostering the early development of executive functions (EFs). The current series of studies sought to design, develop, and provide evidence for the efficacy of embedding cognitive activities in a commonplace activity – shared reading of a children’s book. The book, Quincey Quokka’s Quest, required children to control their thinking and behaviour to help the story’s main character through a series of obstacles. The first study investigated effects of reading with embedded cognitive activities in individual and group contexts on young children’s executive functions (EFs). The second study compared reading with embedded cognitive activities against a more-active control condition (dialogic reading) that similarly engaged children in the reading process yet lacked clear engagement of EFs. The third study sought to investigate whether the effect of reading the story with embedded EF activities changed across differing doses of the intervention and whether effects persisted 2 months post-intervention. Findings provide converging evidence of intervention effects on working memory and shifting in as little as 3 weeks (compared to more traditional reading) and maintenance of these gains 2 months later. This suggests the efficacy of embedding cognitive activities in the context of everyday activities, thereby extending the range of users and contexts in which this approach can be used

Manualised Cognitive Remediation Therapy for adult obesity: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background: Research has shown that obese individuals have cognitive deficiencies in executive function, leading to poor planning and impulse control, and decision-making difficulties. An intervention that could help reduce these deficits and in turn help weight loss maintenance is Cognitive Remediation Therapy for Obesity (CRT-O). We aim to examine the efficacy of manualised CRT-O, which is intended to improve executive function, enhance reflective practice and help weight loss maintenance. \ud \ud Methods/Design: A randomised controlled trial (registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry) will be conducted. First, 90 obese adults (body mass index >30 kg/m2) in the community will receive three weekly sessions of a group Behaviour Weight Loss Treatment (BWLT), and then will be randomised either to receive CRT-O or to enter a no-treatment control group. CRT-O training will comprise twice-weekly sessions of 45 minutes over a 4 to 6 week period, for a total of eight sessions. Measurement points will be at baseline, post CRT-O (or 4 to 6 weeks after BWLT for the no-treatment control), 3 months post treatment and 1 year post treatment. The primary outcome will be executive function and secondary outcome measures will include participants' body mass index, hip to waist ratio, eating behaviours and quality of life. \ud \ud Discussion: This is the first study of its kind to examine the efficacy of Cognitive Remediation Therapy for obese adults through a randomised controlled trial