Neurocognitive Training to Improve Executive Function

描述(由申请人提供)：在这个第一阶段的STTR项目中，Koronis Biomedical Technologies(KBT)与明尼苏达大学的Zelazo实验室密切合作，提议开发一种基于脑电(EEG)的神经认知训练工具，使个人能够改善与执行功能(EF)相关的神经认知过程。自我控制和目标导向的问题解决过程被称为执行功能，在学习中发挥着重要作用，并构成了高危儿童学习韧性的关键保护系统。执行功能缺陷在低社会经济地位儿童中的发生率较高，并与较高的监禁率、药物滥用和较低的学习成绩有关。神经认知训练是一种生物反馈形式，它将脑波活动的实时测量呈现给个体，使他们能够随意控制自己目前的心理状态。除了Beta波长之外，还将在额部头皮上检测伽马状态(30赫兹以上的脑电活动)，并用于驱动定制硬件，通过创新的动作模式提供即时反馈。假设前额叶的高频活动与涉及执行功能的过程有关。与市场上现有的基于脑电的商业反馈设备相比，建议产品的优势如下：执行功能(EF)是目标，这是以前没有的；反馈行动模式独立于视频游戏和视频控制台；设备可以用于阅读、听力和现实世界活动，这应该会极大地提高现实世界技能和行为改进的概括性和可持续性；EF的改善将通过NIH工具箱的标准化评估和其他经过验证的同行评审措施来确认，而不是主观的家长/教师评级。该系统的可行性将在这个第一阶段项目中通过追求四个具体目标进行评估：1)构建一个用于改善执行功能的EEG神经认知训练系统原型；2)为儿童和青少年开发一个由多样化和参与性活动计划组成的神经认知训练方案；3)进行一项试点人体研究，以评估是否有可能通过EEG神经认知训练来增加额叶头皮上的相对伽马功率和其他波长；以及4)使用NIH工具箱认知测量来评估是否在行为方面有改善(特别是。EF)，以及它们是否与伽马功率或其他波长模式的增加相关。该第一阶段项目的结果将用于设计便携式原型，以在临床研究中进行评估，并验证和验证临床、学校和学习中心市场对改进儿童执行功能的精细化产品设计的要求。 与公共卫生相关：神经认知过程涉及自我控制和目标导向的问题解决，称为执行功能，在学习中发挥着重要作用，并构成高危儿童韧性的关键保护系统。基于与这些神经认知过程相关的脑电特征的神经反馈可能为这些认知过程的发展和健康行为的管理提供强有力的工具。执行功能缺陷是患有各种障碍(如ADHD、品行障碍、自闭症)的儿童的特征，并与较高的监禁率、药物滥用和较低的学习成绩相关。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In this Phase I STTR project Koronis Biomedical Technologies (KBT) in close collaboration with the Zelazo Lab at the University of Minnesota proposes to develop an electroencephalography (EEG) based neurocognitive training tool to enable individuals to improve neurocognitive processes associated with executive function (EF). Processes involved in self-control and goal-directed problem solving referred to as Executive Function play an instrumental role in learning and comprise a key protective system for academic resilience in high-risk children. Shortcomings in Executive Function have a higher prevalence in low social economic status children and are correlated to higher rates of incarceration, substance abuse, and lower academic performance. Neurocognitive training is a form of biofeedback in which real-time measures of brainwave activity are presented to the individual to enable them to willfully control their current mental state. Gamma states (EEG activity above 30Hz) in addition to Beta wavelengths will be detected on the frontal scalp and used to drive custom hardware to provide instantaneous feedback through an innovative mode of action. It is hypothesized that high frequency activity in the prefrontal area is associated with processes implicated in executive function. Advantages of the proposed product when compared to existing commercial EEG-based feedback devices on the market are the following: Executive Function (EF) is the target which has not been the case previously; feedback mode of action is independent of video games and video consoles; device can be used during reading, listening and real-world activities that should greatly improve generalizability and sustainability of improvements to real-world skills and behaviors; improvements in EF will be confirmed with standardized assessments from NIH toolbox and other validated peer-reviewed measures as opposed to subjective parent/teacher ratings. The feasibility of the system will be evaluated in this Phase I project by pursuing four specific aims: 1) Construct a prototype EEG neurocognitive training system for Executive Function improvement; 2) Develop a neurocognitive training regimen consisting of a program of diverse and engaging activities for children and young adolescents; 3) Conduct a pilot human study to assess whether it is possible to increase relative gamma power and other wavelengths over the frontal scalp using EEG neurocognitive training; and 4) use the NIH Toolbox Cognition measures to assess whether improvements are seen in behavior (esp. EF), and whether they are correlated with increases in gamma power or other wavelength patterns. The results from this Phase I project will be used to design a portable prototype to evaluate in clinical studies and to validate and verify requirements of a refined product design for the clinical, school and learning center markets to improve executive function in children. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Neurocognitive processes involved in self-control and goal-directed problem solving referred to as executive function play an instrumental role in learning and comprise a key protective system for resilience in high-risk children. Neurofeedback based on electroencephalography signatures correlated with these neurocognitive processes may provide powerful tools to aid in the development of these cognitive processes and the managing of healthy behaviors. Shortcomings in executive function are characteristic of children with a variety of disorders (e.g., ADHD, Conduct Disorder, autism) and are correlated with higher rates of incarceration, substance abuse, and lower academic performance.