Patients with traumatic brain injuries who engage in computerized cognitive exercises experience improved neuroplasticity and cognitive function, according to research published in the Journal of Neurotrauma.
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt by reorganizing nerve fibers that support learning and processing. These fibers help neurons communicate for functions such as speech, memory, and problem solving. In healthy brains, these connections are robust, but injury can damage them and reduce their effectiveness.
“This study demonstrates changes in the brain’s white matter and shows that computerized cognitive remediation in adults with chronic brain injury can induce neuroplasticity. It builds on our earlier studies showing how these computer games can improve cognition as well as change the connections between brain regions and the structure of the pathways that connect the brain regions,” said Gerald Voelbel, associate professor of cognitive neuroscience at NYU Steinhardt.
The study involved 17 adults aged 24 to 56 with chronic traumatic brain injury. Participants were randomly assigned either to an experimental group using computer-based training or a control group. The experimental group used Brain Fitness Program 2.0, which tests skills like recalling syllable sequences, distinguishing sound frequencies, and remembering story details over forty one-hour sessions across fourteen weeks.
Researchers employed diffusion magnetic resonance imaging to assess changes in participants’ brains. Those who completed the computerized exercises showed significant improvements in neuroplasticity compared to those who did not participate.
These neurological changes corresponded with measurable gains in processing speed, attention, and working memory among participants.
“This study reveals that the changes in the nerve fibers, such as increased strength and stability, were related to the improved cognitive ability in adults with a chronic brain injury,” Voelbel said. “This provides great evidence that the brain can change over time, even in people with a brain injury, with computer exercises that improve cognitive abilities.”
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