J Korean Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry.  2017 Apr;28(2):106-114. 10.5765/jkacap.2017.28.2.106.

A Preliminary Study of Computerized Cognitive Ability Enhancement Program Using Smart-Toy for Children

• Shin MS
• Lee J
• Lee J
• Lee J
• Kwon E
• Jeon H
• Lee S

• KMID: 2377219
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5765/jkacap.2017.28.2.106

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study was to examine the effectiveness of computerized cognitive ability enhancement program (CCAEP) using Smart-toy. The CCAEP using Smart-toy which can interact with children via bluetooth is a kids-friendly and convenient method for improving children's cognitive abilities by increasing their motivation for performing the program. We developed the CCAEP which designed to train auditory-verbal memory, visual-spatial memory, auditory-verbal working memory, and visual-spatial working memory.
METHODS
Eighteen children aged 8 to 10 participated in CCAEP individual training composed of 8 sessions of 40 minutes each for 4 weeks. The effect of the training was measured with Smart Toyweb's cognitive assessment tasks (smart device based assessment) as well as traditional neuropsychological tests before and after the training.
RESULTS
Children showed significant improvement in auditory-verbal memory, visual-spatial memory, auditory-verbal working memory and visual-spatial working memory abilities after the training.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated promising results suggesting the effectiveness of CCAEP using Smart-Toy in clinical settings as well as school and home situations. Further controlled study with larger sample size including various clinical groups is needed to confirm the present results.

Keyword

Smart-toy; Memory; Working memory; Cognitive training program; School age child

MeSH Terms

Child*
Humans
Memory
Memory, Short-Term
Methods
Motivation
Neuropsychological Tests
Sample Size