Development and evaluation of home-based speed-of-processing training for older adults.
OBJECTIVE
To develop technical parameters for a videotape-based speed-of-processing training protocol, to evaluate the feasibility of self-administration (experiment 1), and to evaluate the protocol's effectiveness (experiment 2).


METHODS
A feasibility study (experiment 1) and a pre-post, 4-arm, nonrandomized controlled trial (experiment 2).


METHODS
University research center.


METHODS
A population-based sample (37 men, 47 women; age range, 65-94y) (experiment 1). A population-based sample (age > or =65y) with no prior exposure to the Useful Field of View assessment or speed-of-processing training, no dementia or life-limiting illness, a Mini-Mental State Examination score of greater than 24, corrected far visual acuity of greater than or equal to 20/40, contrast sensitivity of greater than or equal to 1.50 log(10), and deficient processing speed (experiment 2). For experiment 2, 8 of 189 eligible people declined to participate. The final sample for this experiment included 100 men and 81 women (age range, 65-91y).


METHODS
Eight to ten 1-hour cognitive training sessions.


METHODS
Posttraining gains in processing speed.


RESULTS
Self-administration was feasible. Subjects who underwent home-based training improved their processing speed significantly more than either control group (F(3,146)=16.16, P<.001). Their gains were 74% as great as the gains of those who underwent trainer-facilitated speed-of-processing training.


CONCLUSIONS
People can improve their processing speed at home using readily available technology. Future research should explore the relation of these improvements to driving performance.
Wadley
Virginia G
VG
Roybal Center for Translational Research on Aging and Mobility, University of Alabama, 1530 3rd Avenue S, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. vwadley@uab.edu
Benz
Rachel L
RL
Ball
Karlene K
KK
Roenker
Daniel L
DL
Edwards
Jerri D
JD
Vance
David E
DE
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003071:Cognition; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014743:Videotape Recording