Applicability of a new internet-based cognitive training program: implementation and effectiveness of the go/no-go task

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness and applicability of a cognitive training based on a computerized Go/no-go task on inhibitory control, processing speed and executive control in young adults. Eleven individuals between the ages of 19-26 participated in a four-week long training, thirteen same age peers were recruited in a passive control group. In the beginning of the study all participants from training and control group were assessed with Trail Making Test (TMT) to specify the pre-testing level of inhibitory control, executive control and processing speed. After initial assessment participants from the training group performed short computerized Go/no-go task trainings five times a week during a four-week period whereas control group participants were on a passive waiting-list. After four weeks both training and control group participants were again assessed with TMT. The results showed that training on a Go/no-go task has a significant positive effect on inhibitory control – within four weeks inhibitory control had improved by 24% in the training group. Nonsignificant improvements in executive control were also notable in the training group. The processing speed of the training group individuals did not seem to either improve nor decline. Control group individuals however, performed significantly faster after four weeks during the re-testing. In conclusion, inhibitory control, a core component of executive functioning and an important contributor to overall well-being, academic and social functioning and quality of life, could be improved with our four-week long computerized training with Go/no-go tasks.