A digital intervention to support childhood cognition after the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot trial.
Sci Rep
; 14(1): 14065, 2024 06 18.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38890384
ABSTRACT
Difficulties in executive functioning (EF) can result in impulsivity, forgetfulness, and inattention. Children living in remote/regional communities are particularly at risk of impairment in these cognitive skills due to reduced educational engagement and poorer access to interventions. This vulnerability has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies are needed to mitigate long-term negative impacts on EF. Here we propose a pilot trial investigating the benefits, feasibility, and acceptability of a school-based EF intervention for primary school students (6-8 years) living in regional, developmentally vulnerable, and socio-economically disadvantaged communities. Students were randomised to a digital intervention or teaching as usual, for 7 weeks. Children completed measures of EF and parents/educators completed ratings of everyday EF and social/emotional wellbeing at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Change in EFs (primary outcome), everyday EF, and social/emotional wellbeing (secondary outcomes) from pre- to post-intervention and pre-intervention to 3-month follow-up were examined. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention was assessed through educator feedback and intervention adherence.Protocol Registration The stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 20 April 2023. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at https//doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WT3S2 . The approved Stage 1 protocol is available here https//osf.io/kzfwn .
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Cognition
/
COVID-19
Limits:
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
Sci Rep
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Australia