Damholdt, M.F., Mehlsen, M., O'Toole, M.S., Andreasen, R. ., Pedersen, A.D., & Zachariae, R. (2016). Web-based cognitive training for breast cancer survivors with cognitive complaints—A randomized controlled trial. Psycho-Oncology, 25, 1293–1300.
To investigate the use of a web-based cognitive training intervention for subjective and objective cognitive complaints in breast cancer survivors
HAPPYneuron Pro© (Scientific Brain Training, Villeurbanne Cedex, France) is a customized 12-task training program of 6 cognitive domains (attention, processing speed, learning, memory, working memory, problem solving) involving 10 levels of difficulty. The program required a minimum commitment of 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week for 6 weeks.
PHASE OF CARE: Late effects and survivorship
Randomized, waitlist controlled, pretest–post-test design
Web-based cognitive training did not improve function for the PASAT-measured domain of working memory or the CFQ-measured secondary outcome of perceived cognitive function. Improvement was demonstrated for cognitive function on two other neuropsychologic measures for verbal learning (RAVLT) (F [2, 272.1] = 3.2, p = 0.043) and working memory (digit span backward) (F [2, 272.6] = 3.3, p = 0.04).
Primary and secondary outcomes were not achieved, but web-based cognitive training was associated with improvement onone test of verbal learning and one test of working memory. Further study with instruments validated for phone administration may be warranted.
The web-based cognitive training intervention was well received by participants and not burdensome to administer in terms of costs. Small improvements were noted for some cognitive measures in the intervention group, and further study may be warranted.