WO2009049404A1 - Method and system for optimizing cognitive training - Google Patents

Method and system for optimizing cognitive training Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009049404A1
WO2009049404A1 PCT/CA2008/001798 CA2008001798W WO2009049404A1 WO 2009049404 A1 WO2009049404 A1 WO 2009049404A1 CA 2008001798 W CA2008001798 W CA 2008001798W WO 2009049404 A1 WO2009049404 A1 WO 2009049404A1
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Prior art keywords
training
cognitive
individual
trials
stimuli
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PCT/CA2008/001798
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French (fr)
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Stephane Bergeron
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Stephane Bergeron
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Publication of WO2009049404A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009049404A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B7/00—Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers
    • G09B7/02—Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers of the type wherein the student is expected to construct an answer to the question which is presented or wherein the machine gives an answer to the question presented by a student

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to method and system designed to test, train, improve, and rehabilitate both specific and global cognitive functions in individuals.
  • the present invention is distinct from other attempts to develop personalized cognitive training programs in several ways. Many have developed customized cognitive training programs based on screening strategies that assess cognitive functioning prior to training. Such approach is vulnerable to many artefacts as multiple variables may influence performance during the screening test. Fatigue, mood, prior exposure to testing environment, drugs and alcohol are among many variables that are well known to significantly influence cognitive performance. These conditions may or may not be present during the training program, or the levels to which they influence performance may vary between the screening test and the training program. Hence, strategies based on a preliminary cognitive screening used to develop personalized training programs may lead to suboptimal levels of training in most individuals. [0005] Others who attempted to adjust task parameters within training session used algorithms that required hundreds of trials before being effective. This strategy is not adapted for a cognitive training program in which such a large number of trials cannot be considered.
  • a first object of the present invention is to provide methods and system to test, train, improve, and rehabilitate both specific and global cognitive functions using various cognitive tasks.
  • a second object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system which also refers to the association between any computerized cognitive training system or method and any physical training program or adapted physical training equipment that increase cerebral blood flow.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system that may be used to reduce, postpone, or prevent age-related cognitive decline through computer guided cognitive exercises and physical training or adapted physical training equipment.
  • a method to optimize cognitive training in individuals comprising the step of using a computerized system comprising means to interact with the individual, the method comprising the step of performing a plurality of tasks to train the cognitive functions of the individual, the trials having parameters, the method comprising the step of collecting responses made by the individual for each trial, and the method comprising the step of analysing the responses made by the individual for each trial.
  • a system to optimize cognitive training in individuals the system being used to test, train, improve and rehabilitate both specific and global cognitive functions by performing a plurality of tasks to train the cognitive functions of the individual, the system comprising a computerized system comprising means to interact with the individual during the training to perform the tasks, and data storage means to collect responses made by the individual.
  • the present invention refers to any computerized method that interacts with a user in order to adjust task difficulty within a few trials in a single training session.
  • This method applies to all cognitive programs designed to test, train, improve, and rehabilitate both specific and global cognitive functions using various cognitive tasks. This is thus a method that uses an interface, or a system, to optimize the cognitive training of a user.
  • the present method also refers to the association between any computerized cognitive training and any physical training program or adapted physical training equipment that increase cerebral blood flow during cognitive training.
  • the cognitive training method may be used on any computerized system and may include any form of interaction between a user and the system. This includes, but is not limited to, any interactive interface like computer mouse, keyboard, keypad, touch pad, touch screen, microphone, voice recorder, vocal recognition interface and/or stylus.
  • the computerized training method and system may include several cognitive tasks that may be executed in a predetermined order and/or be selected and customized by a user.
  • the computerized training method and system may target several cognitive functions such as, but not limited to, perceptual skills, motor coordination skills, attentional skills, information processing speed, inhibitory skills, behavioral flexibility skills, memory skills, planning and/or problem solving skills, mental calculus skills, visuo-spatial skills, and linguistic skills.
  • cognitive functions such as, but not limited to, perceptual skills, motor coordination skills, attentional skills, information processing speed, inhibitory skills, behavioral flexibility skills, memory skills, planning and/or problem solving skills, mental calculus skills, visuo-spatial skills, and linguistic skills.
  • the system may present different stimuli to a user to train, test, improve, and rehabilitate these functions.
  • Stimuli may target all senses - vision, audition, olfaction, touch, and taste.
  • Stimuli may also be static or in motion, and there may be one or more stimuli present at a time. Presentation time of stimuli, number of stimuli, speed, direction, color, blur, salience, sound frequency, sound intensity, temporal distance, and similarity between stimuli may differ from trial to trial.
  • responses may be encoded as reaction time and/or spatial location answers and/or written answers and/or answer length and/or multiple choices with one response mode opportunity and/or multiple choices with multiple response mode opportunities and/or moving objects and/or dragging stimuli to different positions.
  • Responses made by the user may produce expected or unexpected consequences on screen. Responses may be encoded as true positive, true negative, false positive and false negative answers and may then be scored as successes or mistakes.
  • a method to modify task difficulty may be by changing stimuli presentation parameters such as length, size, color, type of sensory modality stimulated, numbers of sensory modality simultaneously targeted and/or numbers of cognitive processes required to solve a trial.
  • One way to modify task difficulty may be by changing perceptual contrast between interfering stimuli and target stimuli such as similarity of color, form, speed, direction, intensity, frequency, blur, salience, and/or temporal distance.
  • One way to modify task difficulty may be by changing number of interfering stimuli, total number of stimuli to be processed, linguistic relation between stimuli and/or mathematical relation between stimuli.
  • One way to modify task difficulty may be by changing motor output to be made by a user such as predictability of movement direction, speed, and/or number of moves to be done.
  • the present invention may include continuous and between-sessions monitoring of performance in order to maintain constant and optimal task difficulty levels.
  • One way to maintain optimal task difficulty levels from sessions to sessions may be to store previous responses, outcomes, and difficulty levels and to use them on subsequent training sessions.
  • the present invention may be provided with a digital storage device that collects, stores, and interacts with the system.
  • the present invention may be provided with a processor that analyze users' responses and modify the program outcome. This may be included on a digital storage device that includes a program that executes the described method. The method may be used for training and performed repeatedly, such as several times a week.
  • a method to optimize cognitive training by combining it with physical activity or adapted physical training equipment that increase cerebral blood flow such as cardiovascular, muscular, or workout programs and/or training equipment.
  • the training system may also provide scientific information and teaching about cognitive processes and outcomes of cognitive training as this was demonstrated to optimize motivation and benefits of cognitive training program.
  • One way to provide information may be to teach relaxation techniques that ensure low anxiety and stress level. This includes any techniques recognized to diminish anxiety and stress levels in individuals.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an example of the sequence of four last events employed to modify task parameters/difficulty from trials to trials.
  • Figure 2 shows an example of the parameters of the first four trials based on the last trial settings of the previous training session or default settings.
  • Figure 3 shows an example of the steps performed during a training session combining physical training with cognitive training.
  • Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the computer-based cognitive training system integrated on a stationary bicycle.
  • Figure 5 shows another perspective view of the computer-based cognitive training system integrated on a stationary bicycle.
  • Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the computer-based cognitive training system integrated on a stationary bicycle.
  • Suboptimal cognitive functioning may result from various causes such as aging, brain tumor, stroke, lack of use, and/or even mood and anxiety disorders.
  • the present invention may be viewed as an attempt to improve and/or maintain cognitive functioning in healthy and/or cognitively impaired individuals. With regard to aging for example, the present invention may be used to reduce, postpone, or prevent age-related cognitive decline through system guided cognitive exercises and physical training or adapted physical training equipment.
  • the present invention is derived from scientific research in the field of neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, medicine, gerontology, kinesiology, and computer sciences. These specific expertises were put together to develop technologies that optimize cognitive training.
  • the present invention comprises a computer-based training system developed to challenge and train specifically targeted cognitive functions.
  • the following list presents some examples of cognitive abilities that the system may train and is not restricted to these processes: speed of processing, perceptual skills, attentional abilities, inhibition, behavioral flexibility, cognitive control, reasoning, planning, problem solving, arithmetic, various aspects of memory, visuo-spatial aptitudes, linguistic skills, and/or motor coordination.
  • the basic principle behind the present innovation is to use mathematical algorithms for each cognitive task and to use them on a computerized system in order to adjust specific task parameters from trial to trial and hence to adjust and personalize the difficulty of each cognitive task during training.
  • Cognitive training sessions are built into several discrete trials, each trial requiring a response, action or answer from the user.
  • the system may modify stimuli parameters from trial to trial to ensure fast adjustments of task difficulty to user's fluctuating performance and skills and maintain user in optimal training range.
  • the system may use the latest trial parameters (124) along with the response(s) made by the user in the last, and/or up to the four last (102, 104, 106, 108), trials in order to modify the stimuli parameters of the next trial 120 and so on for the entire training session, as shown in Figure 1. It is to be understood that the number of trial used to adjust the task difficulty may vary. In the present example, the responses of four trials are used but it may be more or less than four trials.
  • the user's response is collected and scored as success or failure (1 10, 112, 1 14, 1 16).
  • the system records and stores the responses and their sequence, and adjusts the presentation of stimuli in order to adapt the task difficulty (120) so that the overall percentage of correct answer for the trials will be within an optimal training range of approximately 65 % to 85 %.
  • the present invention is not restricted to this training range and those skilled in the art would know that performance of about 75% correct answers represents the optimal training range conventionally employed in cognitive psychology training.
  • the data associated to this session are updated (124) so that they will be used to determine the task difficulty of the next trial.
  • the system For each cognitive task, the system stores the responses and task parameters of each trial onto a permanent memory storage device (locally or on a server).
  • the data from previous sessions' responses and task parameters may be retrieved (202) and may be used to start a subsequent training session of the same and/or a different exercise, allowing the system to provide for personalized task parameters that already are compatible with a user's optimal training range, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the system determines, for a particular user, if there are data recorded from previous trials (202). If there are previous data available (204), the system uses the previous parameters (206) for the current trial.
  • the system adjusts task parameters from trial to trial in direct relation with the series of responses made by the user. This allows to rapidly increase or decrease task difficulty, to reach the optimal training range within a few trials depending on the user's aptitude for a given task, and to maintain the task difficulty in the optimal training range even if the user's ability fluctuates during the training session.
  • the present invention is distinct from other methods employed to customize cognitive training and presents many advantages.
  • One of the most important challenge with cognitive training programs is to ensure interest and motivation to carry on training. Too easy or too difficult tasks would lead to loss of interest, loss of motivation, training withdrawal and abortion.
  • an approach providing a rapid adjusting method to attain a user's optimal training range increases motivation and interest which in turn favours better compliance and outcome to the training.
  • Some existing approaches are based on preliminary testing of cognitive functions using home-made or third party screening tests.
  • the results of this preliminary testing determine the level of difficulty, and/or the type and/or sequence of tasks, of the trials and sessions that will thereafter be presented to the user during the session.
  • This approach has two main pitfalls. First, oftentimes we design pre-test trials that are not strictly similar to the task to be accomplished during the training session. Under these circumstances, the validation of the correspondence between testing and training tasks is unknown. This means that, for a given psychological process, the task employed for training may not be fully comparable to the test used during preliminary screening thus leading to inadequate training of this given process. [0056] Second, this kind of approach is vulnerable to many artefacts as multiple variables may influence performance during screening testing.
  • the method employed in the present invention is much more straightforward and adaptable compared to the aforementioned approaches. Depending on the type of cognitive task and the performance level of a user, it may require in most users from 3 to 15 trials to attain the optimal task difficulty range. This is a major issue regarding cognitive training as it ensures interest and motivation to continue training at the most appropriate level.
  • Another challenge with cognitive training is the need to customize task parameters and difficulty to the actual user due to broad disparity in inter-individual cognitive capacities.
  • the method used in the present invention ensures that a broader variety of users may reach their optimal training levels. Even those with important cognitive difficulties or those gifted with aptitudes would be able to achieve a customized training level.
  • Cognitive domains listed are namely, but not limited to, perceptual functions, motor coordination, attentional skills, memory aptitudes, executive functions, visuo- spatial processing skills, arithmetic and linguistic abilities.
  • Perceptual functions represent the first line in cognitive processes as they imply to decode the nature and the length of sensory information received by human body senses.
  • the present invention may be used to train visual and auditory perception skills and/or temporal perception.
  • the stimuli parameters modified by the system may include absolute and/or relative differences in the psychophysical properties between target and interfering stimuli such as: object shape, size, border type, location, color, speed, direction, blur, salience, number of objects, sound frequency, sound and/or light intensity, similarity of stimuli, temporal distance, and/or presentation time.
  • the system may present an arrow pointing in a precise direction along with multiple stimuli objects moving in different directions and at different speeds.
  • the user may be asked to identify the object that moves in the same direction than the arrow or may be asked to identify the one that moves slower than the others.
  • the system may adjust objects' speed and/or direction from trial to trial based on the latest parameters employed in order to obtain a success rate approximately between 65% and 85%.
  • This method allows fast increases or decreases of the relative difference between the target stimulus' speed and/or direction compared to those of the interfering stimuli and hence, to rapidly increase or decrease task difficulty to adapt it to the fluctuating optimal training range of the user for this training skill.
  • Motor coordination is the capacity to physically interact with moving stimuli presented in the environment.
  • the present system may be used to train motor coordination in response to visual and/or auditory stimuli by moving the cursor via a computer mouse in response to a moving object seen on the screen or to a sound heard that changes its frequency and/or intensity.
  • Correspondence between movements made by the user and cursor movements on screen may be identical or distorted.
  • the mouse may be interchange with other peripheral devices such as touch pad, joystick, key pad, stylus, or any other apparatus.
  • peripheral devices such as joystick, key pad, stylus, touch pad or any other apparatus.
  • Attentional functions represent the capacity to detect and focus on specific information at a time and may include skills as: vigilance, selective attention, sustained attention, visuo- spatial attention, alternated attention, and/or divided attention.
  • the system may present various types of visual and/or auditory stimuli to train these specific components of attentional functions.
  • the system may modify tasks parameters by changing multiple aspects of stimuli presented in one trial such as: object shape, size, border type, location, color, blur, salience, presentation time, intensity, total number of stimuli, similarity between target stimulus and interfering stimuli. Modification of tasks parameters for alternated and/or divided attention functions may also include performing attentional tasks and/or tasks from other cognitive domains simultaneously and/or in alternation.
  • One specific object may be presented to the user as the target stimulus to identify. Then, multiple stimuli, including the target stimulus and other interfering stimuli, may be presented in different locations on the screen. The user may respond by clicking in a specific part of the screen. Reaction time and/or correctness of answers may be recorded. Depending on the user's up-to-four last responses, the system may adjust stimuli location, presentation length, intensity, total number of stimuli, and/or similarity between target stimulus and interfering stimuli from trial to trial based on the latest parameters employed.
  • Memory represents the capacity to encode, store, retrieve, and/or recognize different kind of information and may be trained under distinct cognitive components such as: working memory, episodic memory, semantic memory, declarative memory, procedural memory and/or memory for temporal order.
  • the present system may train these different components of mnemonic functions after shorter or longer retention delay and by using different types of visual and/or auditory stimuli such as: spoken or written words, faces, drawn objects, and/or drawn non words objects.
  • the system may modify tasks parameters by changing the number of stimuli, the temporal length between stimuli presentation and stimuli recall and/or recognition, the temporal distance between stimuli in the presentation list and/or the physical or semantic disparity between stimuli to be memorized.
  • Episodic and temporal order memory A list of cards with drawn objects may be presented to a user with the instruction to look carefully at them. Then, all cards previously seen may be presented simultaneously along with novel cards. The user is asked to pick up from the list only the previously presented cards and to sort them in the same order of presentation. Another way to train memory would be to present the user a sequential list of cards showing drawn objects. After the list is shown, the user is then presented with two cards at a time and asked to indicate which of the cards was presented first in the list (if both cards shown were in the list) or which card was not presented in the list (if only one card was shown in the list).
  • the system may modify tasks parameters of the subsequent trial by changing the number of stimuli, the temporal length between stimuli presentation and stimuli recall and/or recognition, the temporal distance between stimuli in the presentation list and/or the physical or semantic disparity between stimuli to be memorized.
  • Executive functions represent the sets of cognitive processes that translate perceived and/or memorized information into goals, motor plans, and/or actions.
  • Executive functions may include many processes such as: inhibition, cognitive control, behavioral flexibility, attentional shifting, reasoning, planning, decision making, multitasking, and/or problem solving.
  • the system may present various types of visual and/or auditory stimuli to train these processes and may modify task parameters by changing the presentation length of stimuli, the similarity between stimuli, the number of mathematic equation to solve, the number of steps between a start situation and the goal to achieve, and/or the number of parts forming a problem, the number of physical dimensions within a stimuli (shape, size, border type, location, color, and/or filling) and/ or the correspondence between stimuli inscription and physical properties.
  • a square puzzle made of a certain number of regular shaped pieces may be presented to a user for a few seconds. Then, the image reappears but one piece is missing and the remaining pieces are disorganised. The user may only move single piece at a time to the empty space in order to rebuild the original image.
  • the system may record the time and the number of moves required to solve the puzzle and, using the user up-to-four last answers, adjust for the next trial the total number of pieces forming the puzzle and/or the number of moves required to solve the task.
  • the system may change presentation length of stimuli, the similarity between stimuli, the number of mathematic equation to solve, the number of steps between a start situation and the goal to achieve, and/or the number of physical dimensions within a stimuli (shape, size, border type, location, color, and/or filling) and/ or the correspondence between stimuli inscription and physical properties.
  • Visuo-spatial processing refers to the capacity to analyze and understand 2D and 3D space and designs.
  • the system may present various types of visual stimuli to train skills as constructional praxia and/or mental imagery which respectively refers to the capacity to build or draw 3D and/or 2D designs from blocks and the capacity to mentally manipulate 2D and/or 3D objects.
  • To modify task parameters based on the user's up-to-four last answers to trials, the system may increase or decrease the number of blocks required to build the design, the number of items forming an object, the shapes of the object's pieces, and/or the number of mental manipulation required to solve the task.
  • Constructional praxia An empty space is presented to a user with a set of pieces of different shapes. Within a limited period of time, the user may fill the empty space. To do so, the user may click on each shape one by one and rotate it to obtain the desired form and then, move it into the empty space. For each trial, the system records the responses made by the user and adjust the number of pieces required to fill the empty space for the next trial and/or the shapes of the pieces. Also, the system may adjust the number of blocks required to build a design, the number of items forming an object, the shapes of the object's pieces, and/or the number of mental manipulation required to solve the task. Arithmetic functions
  • Arithmetic functions refer to the set of processes that allow us to perform mathematical operations.
  • the system may present various types of contexts that require mathematical problem solving as well as mental and/or written calculation.
  • To modify task parameters based on the user's up-to-three last answers to trials, the system may increase or decrease the complexity of the next equation and/or the number of variables included.
  • Linguistic functions represent the processes required to understand and produce different forms of communication modes and may include skills as: denomination, semantic categorization, abstraction, reading, classification, and/or verbal fluency.
  • the system may modify task parameters, based on the user's up-to-four last answers to trials, by using words more or less frequent in common language, by modifying the number of stimuli presented, the semantic proximity between concepts to categorize, the abstraction level of concepts employed, and/or the rules that increase or decrease the number of existing words to produce.
  • Example of task concerned by the linguistic functions training Example of task concerned by the linguistic functions training.
  • Semantic categorization An odd number of images and/or words may be presented to a user. Images and/or words are regrouped in semantic pairs except for one item that may be identified within a limited period of time.
  • the system may record the response of a user and, based on the user's up-to-four last answers to trials increase or decrease 1) the number of images and/or words presented in the next trial and/or 2) the semantic proximity between the images and/or words listed. Also, the system may adjust words more or less frequent in common language, the abstraction level of concepts employed, and/or the rules that increase or decrease the number of existing words to produce.
  • the present invention may also include informations, news, cues and/or examples 306 about the science behind each task, the utility of each task in daily life, and/or the strategies to adopt to better perform the exercises, as shown in Figure 3.
  • the user starts a physical training session 302 on a training equipment being connected to the computer-based cognitive training system. Then the user starts a trial of a training session 304 related to one cognitive domain previously mentioned. As explained above, the system will use previous parameters tasks if available or use default parameters otherwise.
  • the responses given by the user are analysed 308 (correct or incorrect) and the results are stored 310. It is to be noted that the system, in a preferred embodiment, is intended to provide information, news, cues and examples to users who are doing their cognitive training but not necessarily during the physical training.
  • One way to optimize cognitive training may be to provide scientific facts about cognitive functions and/or brain functions along with informations explaining the daily utility of each trained function.
  • One way to provide information may be to teach strategy cues to help solve cognitive tasks. This includes any strategies related to any cognitive processes and cognitive domains such as perceptual skills, motor coordination skills, attentional skills, memory aptitudes, executive functions, visuo-spatial processing skills, and linguistic abilities.
  • the present invention may also optimize cognitive training by associating the computer-based cognitive training system with any kind of physical activity or adapted physical training equipment that increases cerebral blood flow.
  • One way to increase cerebral blood flow during cognitive training is to associate cognitive training with any kind of aerobic exercise and/or strength training programs or machines such as stationary bicycle, treadmill, stairmaster, elliptical cross-trainer, and/or all fitness center equipments, and/or workout programs.
  • One way to associate cognitive and physical training may be to fix the computer-based cognitive system on or near the aerobic exercise and/or strength training program or machine.
  • the invention also includes any device and apparatus that may be used to ergonomically interact with the computer system such as: keyboard, touch pad, touch screen, joystick, key pad, stylus, or any other apparatus.
  • aerobic or strength training machines are, but not limited to: rowing machine, treadmill, stationary bicycle, bicycle ergometer, elliptical exerciser, indoor cycling/spinning.
  • the computer-based cognitive training system is integrated with a stationary bicycle 405.
  • the system further comprises a screen 410, a control interface 415 and a computer integrated in the system (not visible).
  • the computer could also be a standard computer that is connected to the training equipment.
  • the screen 410 is of the touch screen type, thus the user can interact with the system by touching the screen 410 or the control interface 415.
  • the surface 420 may be used to operate a mouse or another equipment.
  • the stationary bicycle 405 is installed near a computer to perform the training session.
  • the system comprises means to connect the computer to the screen 410.
  • the control interface 415 provides control for the stationary bicycle 405 so the user can adjust the rhythm and/or the difficulty level or resistance of the physical training equipment.
  • the control interface is connected to the training equipment as well as to the computer running the cognitive training. It is to be understood that, as with any other computer, accessories such as microphones, speakers, headset, mouse, joystick, etc ., may be connected to the computer-based cognitive training system so the user can interact with the system.
  • This invention may comprise any system that combines the presented method associated with a computer.
  • the present invention is not restricted to any specific system, location and/or accessibility mode but rather is opened to any system that may be used to operate the present invention and to optimize cognitive training.
  • the term "computer” comprises, but no is limited to, standard computer, laptop, personal digital assistant (PDA).
  • the present invention may be used by a single person, a community and/or an organization and may be provided as customized individual as well as multi-users packages.
  • the system may be set up to function as a separate module located at a user's home, a gym, a health club or health care facility, a seniors' home, an enterprise, or any other appropriate location.
  • the system may also be linked in a network of interconnected systems comprising one or more workstations, e.g.: in retirement homes and communities, gyms, health clubs, health care facilities, enterprises, or any other appropriate location.
  • the system, or part of the system may be accessible from an Internet website.
  • the present invention comprises the computerized system employed for cognitive training as well as any other computer programs required to run such kind of device.
  • the system may be accessible to the computers/work stations via either CDs, wi-fi, internet, intranet, or any other appropriate method for transporting information.
  • the present invention may be accessible from a workstation's local storage device, such as a hard drive, CD or floppy, or may be accessible remotely from an internal or external organization's mainframe, or may be accessible via mobile networks such as Internet, wi-fi, mobile phone, cable, etc.
  • a workstation's local storage device such as a hard drive, CD or floppy
  • mobile networks such as Internet, wi-fi, mobile phone, cable, etc.
  • the present invention preferably includes a database that may be used to store the responses and performance of each user.
  • the database may be located on the user's computer and may be fully or partially available at a user's facilities.
  • the database may also be remote and may be accessible via the Internet.
  • the database may be local or remote, and may be located in an internal or external organization.
  • the database may accumulate and group scores and responses of one or more individuals, thereby providing for the possible creation of a normative guideline.

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Abstract

The present invention provides method and system that optimize cognitive training in single individuals. The method includes the use of a computer-based cognitive training that can be also used in conjunction with physical activity or adapted physical training equipment that increases cerebral blood flow. The system employs computerized algorithms to tailor a task's difficulty level during its execution to achieve optimal training range for people with widely distributed baselines and/or with fluctuating levels of performance. The method is applied to various cognitive tasks that target specific cognitive domains and functions and may be reused at least one time.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZING COGNITIVE TRAINING
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0001] The present patent application claims the benefits of priority of commonly assigned US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/979,926, entitled "Method and system for optimizing cognitive training" and filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office on October 15, 2007.
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to method and system designed to test, train, improve, and rehabilitate both specific and global cognitive functions in individuals.
Background of the Invention
[0003] Our ability to interact with our environment in an adapted manner determines our capacity to maintain an independent way of living. To produce such adequate behaviors in response to various forms of incoming information, we entail optimal cognitive functioning. Various cognitive processes are required in order to properly perceive, decode, analyze, and memorize information as well as to use this information to adapt and execute actions. Failure and/or decline in one or many of these cognitive domains, resulting from brain trauma or aging for example, lead to loss in our quality of life and in our capacity to take care of ourselves.
[0004] The present invention is distinct from other attempts to develop personalized cognitive training programs in several ways. Many have developed customized cognitive training programs based on screening strategies that assess cognitive functioning prior to training. Such approach is vulnerable to many artefacts as multiple variables may influence performance during the screening test. Fatigue, mood, prior exposure to testing environment, drugs and alcohol are among many variables that are well known to significantly influence cognitive performance. These conditions may or may not be present during the training program, or the levels to which they influence performance may vary between the screening test and the training program. Hence, strategies based on a preliminary cognitive screening used to develop personalized training programs may lead to suboptimal levels of training in most individuals. [0005] Others who attempted to adjust task parameters within training session used algorithms that required hundreds of trials before being effective. This strategy is not adapted for a cognitive training program in which such a large number of trials cannot be considered.
[0006] To our knowledge, no cognitive training program employed a strategy that adapts a task's difficulty within a few trials in a single training session, and keeps on adapting quickly to the subject's performance threshold even while the performance fluctuates during the task. Also, no cognitive training program has been associated with cardiovascular and/or physical training and/or workout, which is well known to increase cerebral blood flow.
Objects of the Invention
[0007] A first object of the present invention is to provide methods and system to test, train, improve, and rehabilitate both specific and global cognitive functions using various cognitive tasks.
[0008] A second object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system which also refers to the association between any computerized cognitive training system or method and any physical training program or adapted physical training equipment that increase cerebral blood flow.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system that may be used to reduce, postpone, or prevent age-related cognitive decline through computer guided cognitive exercises and physical training or adapted physical training equipment.
[0010] Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.
Summary of the Invention
[0011] A method to optimize cognitive training in individuals, the method being used to test, train, improve and rehabilitate both specific and global cognitive functions, the method comprising the step of using a computerized system comprising means to interact with the individual, the method comprising the step of performing a plurality of tasks to train the cognitive functions of the individual, the trials having parameters, the method comprising the step of collecting responses made by the individual for each trial, and the method comprising the step of analysing the responses made by the individual for each trial.
[0012] A system to optimize cognitive training in individuals, the system being used to test, train, improve and rehabilitate both specific and global cognitive functions by performing a plurality of tasks to train the cognitive functions of the individual, the system comprising a computerized system comprising means to interact with the individual during the training to perform the tasks, and data storage means to collect responses made by the individual.
[0013] The following presents an overview of the innovative method and system employed in the present invention to optimize cognitive training.
[0014] The present invention refers to any computerized method that interacts with a user in order to adjust task difficulty within a few trials in a single training session. This method applies to all cognitive programs designed to test, train, improve, and rehabilitate both specific and global cognitive functions using various cognitive tasks. This is thus a method that uses an interface, or a system, to optimize the cognitive training of a user.
[0015] The present method also refers to the association between any computerized cognitive training and any physical training program or adapted physical training equipment that increase cerebral blood flow during cognitive training.
[0016] In accordance with the present invention, the cognitive training method may be used on any computerized system and may include any form of interaction between a user and the system. This includes, but is not limited to, any interactive interface like computer mouse, keyboard, keypad, touch pad, touch screen, microphone, voice recorder, vocal recognition interface and/or stylus.
[0017] The computerized training method and system may include several cognitive tasks that may be executed in a predetermined order and/or be selected and customized by a user.
[0018] The computerized training method and system may target several cognitive functions such as, but not limited to, perceptual skills, motor coordination skills, attentional skills, information processing speed, inhibitory skills, behavioral flexibility skills, memory skills, planning and/or problem solving skills, mental calculus skills, visuo-spatial skills, and linguistic skills.
[0019] In accordance with the present invention, the system may present different stimuli to a user to train, test, improve, and rehabilitate these functions. Stimuli may target all senses - vision, audition, olfaction, touch, and taste. Stimuli may also be static or in motion, and there may be one or more stimuli present at a time. Presentation time of stimuli, number of stimuli, speed, direction, color, blur, salience, sound frequency, sound intensity, temporal distance, and similarity between stimuli may differ from trial to trial.
[0020] In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a means to collect responses made by a user. Responses may be encoded as reaction time and/or spatial location answers and/or written answers and/or answer length and/or multiple choices with one response mode opportunity and/or multiple choices with multiple response mode opportunities and/or moving objects and/or dragging stimuli to different positions.
[0021] Responses made by the user may produce expected or unexpected consequences on screen. Responses may be encoded as true positive, true negative, false positive and false negative answers and may then be scored as successes or mistakes.
[0022] In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a method to adjust task parameters and stimuli presentation based on the last, the two last, the three last or the four (or more if needed) last responses made by a user in a manner that modify and adapts task difficulty after success or failed trials.
[0023] In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a method to modify task difficulty that may be by changing stimuli presentation parameters such as length, size, color, type of sensory modality stimulated, numbers of sensory modality simultaneously targeted and/or numbers of cognitive processes required to solve a trial.
[0024] One way to modify task difficulty may be by changing perceptual contrast between interfering stimuli and target stimuli such as similarity of color, form, speed, direction, intensity, frequency, blur, salience, and/or temporal distance. [0025] One way to modify task difficulty may be by changing number of interfering stimuli, total number of stimuli to be processed, linguistic relation between stimuli and/or mathematical relation between stimuli.
[0026] One way to modify task difficulty may be by changing motor output to be made by a user such as predictability of movement direction, speed, and/or number of moves to be done.
[0027] The present invention may include continuous and between-sessions monitoring of performance in order to maintain constant and optimal task difficulty levels. One way to maintain optimal task difficulty levels from sessions to sessions may be to store previous responses, outcomes, and difficulty levels and to use them on subsequent training sessions.
[0028] The present invention may be provided with a digital storage device that collects, stores, and interacts with the system.
[0029] The present invention may be provided with a processor that analyze users' responses and modify the program outcome. This may be included on a digital storage device that includes a program that executes the described method. The method may be used for training and performed repeatedly, such as several times a week.
[0030] In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a method to optimize cognitive training by combining it with physical activity or adapted physical training equipment that increase cerebral blood flow such as cardiovascular, muscular, or workout programs and/or training equipment.
[0031] In accordance with the present invention, the training system may also provide scientific information and teaching about cognitive processes and outcomes of cognitive training as this was demonstrated to optimize motivation and benefits of cognitive training program.
[0032] One way to provide information may be to teach relaxation techniques that ensure low anxiety and stress level. This includes any techniques recognized to diminish anxiety and stress levels in individuals. [0033] The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0034] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0035] Figure 1 illustrates an example of the sequence of four last events employed to modify task parameters/difficulty from trials to trials.
[0036] Figure 2 shows an example of the parameters of the first four trials based on the last trial settings of the previous training session or default settings.
[0037] Figure 3 shows an example of the steps performed during a training session combining physical training with cognitive training.
[0038] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the computer-based cognitive training system integrated on a stationary bicycle.
[0039] Figure 5 shows another perspective view of the computer-based cognitive training system integrated on a stationary bicycle.
[0040] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the computer-based cognitive training system integrated on a stationary bicycle.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
[0041] A novel method and system for optimizing cognitive training will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiment(s), it is to be understood that the embodiment(s) described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby. [0042] The following detailed description presents specific information in order to provide a complete understanding of the invention. Nevertheless, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may surpass the details stated in this description. Thus, the present invention is not restricted to these specific details and includes all cognitive exercises, and/or physical training methods, and/or teaching methods that may be derived from the principles of the invention described below.
[0043] Suboptimal cognitive functioning may result from various causes such as aging, brain tumor, stroke, lack of use, and/or even mood and anxiety disorders. The present invention may be viewed as an attempt to improve and/or maintain cognitive functioning in healthy and/or cognitively impaired individuals. With regard to aging for example, the present invention may be used to reduce, postpone, or prevent age-related cognitive decline through system guided cognitive exercises and physical training or adapted physical training equipment.
[0044] The present invention is derived from scientific research in the field of neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, medicine, gerontology, kinesiology, and computer sciences. These specific expertises were put together to develop technologies that optimize cognitive training.
[0045] The detailed description below presents the method and system to optimize training of cognitive functions using a computerized system associated with a physical training program or adapted physical training equipment. It is important to note that the present invention is not restricted to any specific details described below, such as targeted percentage of success for example, but rather to the general principle of task parameters adjustment described. Also, the method and system to optimize training of cognitive functions can be accomplished without the physical program or adapted physical training equipment.
Computer-based cognitive training system
[0046] The present invention comprises a computer-based training system developed to challenge and train specifically targeted cognitive functions. The following list presents some examples of cognitive abilities that the system may train and is not restricted to these processes: speed of processing, perceptual skills, attentional abilities, inhibition, behavioral flexibility, cognitive control, reasoning, planning, problem solving, arithmetic, various aspects of memory, visuo-spatial aptitudes, linguistic skills, and/or motor coordination. [0047] The basic principle behind the present innovation is to use mathematical algorithms for each cognitive task and to use them on a computerized system in order to adjust specific task parameters from trial to trial and hence to adjust and personalize the difficulty of each cognitive task during training. Cognitive training sessions are built into several discrete trials, each trial requiring a response, action or answer from the user.
[0048] The system may modify stimuli parameters from trial to trial to ensure fast adjustments of task difficulty to user's fluctuating performance and skills and maintain user in optimal training range. The system may use the latest trial parameters (124) along with the response(s) made by the user in the last, and/or up to the four last (102, 104, 106, 108), trials in order to modify the stimuli parameters of the next trial 120 and so on for the entire training session, as shown in Figure 1. It is to be understood that the number of trial used to adjust the task difficulty may vary. In the present example, the responses of four trials are used but it may be more or less than four trials.
[0049] For each trial, the user's response is collected and scored as success or failure (1 10, 112, 1 14, 1 16). The system records and stores the responses and their sequence, and adjusts the presentation of stimuli in order to adapt the task difficulty (120) so that the overall percentage of correct answer for the trials will be within an optimal training range of approximately 65 % to 85 %. The present invention is not restricted to this training range and those skilled in the art would know that performance of about 75% correct answers represents the optimal training range conventionally employed in cognitive psychology training. When a trial is completed by a user (122), the data associated to this session are updated (124) so that they will be used to determine the task difficulty of the next trial.
[0050] By definition, cognitive performance fluctuates within a single training session. Also, stimuli parameters may not be the same for recent compared to older trials. Hence, algorithms designed in the present invention may allow more mathematical weight in the equation to recent trials compared to older ones (118).
[0051] For each cognitive task, the system stores the responses and task parameters of each trial onto a permanent memory storage device (locally or on a server). The data from previous sessions' responses and task parameters may be retrieved (202) and may be used to start a subsequent training session of the same and/or a different exercise, allowing the system to provide for personalized task parameters that already are compatible with a user's optimal training range, as shown in Figure 2. The system determines, for a particular user, if there are data recorded from previous trials (202). If there are previous data available (204), the system uses the previous parameters (206) for the current trial.
[0052] If there are no previous task parameters (208) due to absence of prior training in that specific task, then the system starts by setting task parameters at default allowing a standard difficulty level, as shown in Figure 2. The data associated with the current task are stored and becomes the previous data for a future training session (212) or trial.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment, within less than 5 trials of all cognitive tasks, the system adjusts task parameters from trial to trial in direct relation with the series of responses made by the user. This allows to rapidly increase or decrease task difficulty, to reach the optimal training range within a few trials depending on the user's aptitude for a given task, and to maintain the task difficulty in the optimal training range even if the user's ability fluctuates during the training session.
[0054] The present invention is distinct from other methods employed to customize cognitive training and presents many advantages. One of the most important challenge with cognitive training programs is to ensure interest and motivation to carry on training. Too easy or too difficult tasks would lead to loss of interest, loss of motivation, training withdrawal and abortion. Thus an approach providing a rapid adjusting method to attain a user's optimal training range increases motivation and interest which in turn favours better compliance and outcome to the training.
[0055] Some existing approaches are based on preliminary testing of cognitive functions using home-made or third party screening tests. The results of this preliminary testing determine the level of difficulty, and/or the type and/or sequence of tasks, of the trials and sessions that will thereafter be presented to the user during the session. This approach has two main pitfalls. First, oftentimes we design pre-test trials that are not strictly similar to the task to be accomplished during the training session. Under these circumstances, the validation of the correspondence between testing and training tasks is unknown. This means that, for a given psychological process, the task employed for training may not be fully comparable to the test used during preliminary screening thus leading to inadequate training of this given process. [0056] Second, this kind of approach is vulnerable to many artefacts as multiple variables may influence performance during screening testing. Fatigue, mood, stress, arousal level, prior exposure to testing environment, prior alcohol or drug consumption, daytime, motivation, any temporary illnesses are among many other variables that are well known to significantly influence cognitive performance. If a user do not make screening tests at its optimal capacities, then the resulting training program will be inappropriate to him.
[0057] Other attempts to train cognitive abilities employ multiple preset steps or difficulty levels. A major concern raises from this kind of approach due to the fact that it requires from several dozens up to a few hundreds trials to reach the optimal training range.
[0058] The method employed in the present invention is much more straightforward and adaptable compared to the aforementioned approaches. Depending on the type of cognitive task and the performance level of a user, it may require in most users from 3 to 15 trials to attain the optimal task difficulty range. This is a major issue regarding cognitive training as it ensures interest and motivation to continue training at the most appropriate level.
[0059] Another challenge with cognitive training is the need to customize task parameters and difficulty to the actual user due to broad disparity in inter-individual cognitive capacities. Compared to other approaches, the method used in the present invention ensures that a broader variety of users may reach their optimal training levels. Even those with important cognitive difficulties or those gifted with aptitudes would be able to achieve a customized training level.
[0060] The following section describes main cognitive domain targeted by the present invention as well as one example of the method used to adjust task parameters and difficulty levels for each domain. Cognitive domains listed are namely, but not limited to, perceptual functions, motor coordination, attentional skills, memory aptitudes, executive functions, visuo- spatial processing skills, arithmetic and linguistic abilities.
Perceptual functions
[0061] Perceptual functions represent the first line in cognitive processes as they imply to decode the nature and the length of sensory information received by human body senses. The present invention may be used to train visual and auditory perception skills and/or temporal perception. The stimuli parameters modified by the system may include absolute and/or relative differences in the psychophysical properties between target and interfering stimuli such as: object shape, size, border type, location, color, speed, direction, blur, salience, number of objects, sound frequency, sound and/or light intensity, similarity of stimuli, temporal distance, and/or presentation time.
Example of task concerned by perceptual functions training.
[0062] Visual perception of speed and direction; The system may present an arrow pointing in a precise direction along with multiple stimuli objects moving in different directions and at different speeds. The user may be asked to identify the object that moves in the same direction than the arrow or may be asked to identify the one that moves slower than the others. Depending on the user's up-to-four last responses, the system may adjust objects' speed and/or direction from trial to trial based on the latest parameters employed in order to obtain a success rate approximately between 65% and 85%. This method allows fast increases or decreases of the relative difference between the target stimulus' speed and/or direction compared to those of the interfering stimuli and hence, to rapidly increase or decrease task difficulty to adapt it to the fluctuating optimal training range of the user for this training skill.
Motor coordination functions
[0063] Motor coordination is the capacity to physically interact with moving stimuli presented in the environment. The present system may be used to train motor coordination in response to visual and/or auditory stimuli by moving the cursor via a computer mouse in response to a moving object seen on the screen or to a sound heard that changes its frequency and/or intensity. Correspondence between movements made by the user and cursor movements on screen may be identical or distorted. Of course, the mouse may be interchange with other peripheral devices such as touch pad, joystick, key pad, stylus, or any other apparatus.
Example of task concerned by motor coordination functions training.
[0064] Visuo-motor coordination: A square with a ball inside may be presented on the screen. The square may move and change direction in a random manner and the user may be asked to employ a computer mouse to move the ball to avoid the ball from touching the square. After a few seconds, task parameters may be modified such as square size may be increased or decreased and square movement may speed up or slow down. Also, movements of the ball on screen may be identical to mouse movements (x = x) and/or inverted (x = -x) and/or interchanged (x = y). Of course, the mouse may be interchange with other peripheral devices such as joystick, key pad, stylus, touch pad or any other apparatus.
Attentional functions
[0065] Attentional functions represent the capacity to detect and focus on specific information at a time and may include skills as: vigilance, selective attention, sustained attention, visuo- spatial attention, alternated attention, and/or divided attention. The system may present various types of visual and/or auditory stimuli to train these specific components of attentional functions. Depending on the user's up-to-four last responses, the system may modify tasks parameters by changing multiple aspects of stimuli presented in one trial such as: object shape, size, border type, location, color, blur, salience, presentation time, intensity, total number of stimuli, similarity between target stimulus and interfering stimuli. Modification of tasks parameters for alternated and/or divided attention functions may also include performing attentional tasks and/or tasks from other cognitive domains simultaneously and/or in alternation.
Example of task concerned by the attentional functions training.
[0066] Selective attention: One specific object may be presented to the user as the target stimulus to identify. Then, multiple stimuli, including the target stimulus and other interfering stimuli, may be presented in different locations on the screen. The user may respond by clicking in a specific part of the screen. Reaction time and/or correctness of answers may be recorded. Depending on the user's up-to-four last responses, the system may adjust stimuli location, presentation length, intensity, total number of stimuli, and/or similarity between target stimulus and interfering stimuli from trial to trial based on the latest parameters employed.
Memory functions
[0067] Memory represents the capacity to encode, store, retrieve, and/or recognize different kind of information and may be trained under distinct cognitive components such as: working memory, episodic memory, semantic memory, declarative memory, procedural memory and/or memory for temporal order. The present system may train these different components of mnemonic functions after shorter or longer retention delay and by using different types of visual and/or auditory stimuli such as: spoken or written words, faces, drawn objects, and/or drawn non words objects. The system may modify tasks parameters by changing the number of stimuli, the temporal length between stimuli presentation and stimuli recall and/or recognition, the temporal distance between stimuli in the presentation list and/or the physical or semantic disparity between stimuli to be memorized.
Example of task concerned by the memory functions training.
[0068] Episodic and temporal order memory: A list of cards with drawn objects may be presented to a user with the instruction to look carefully at them. Then, all cards previously seen may be presented simultaneously along with novel cards. The user is asked to pick up from the list only the previously presented cards and to sort them in the same order of presentation. Another way to train memory would be to present the user a sequential list of cards showing drawn objects. After the list is shown, the user is then presented with two cards at a time and asked to indicate which of the cards was presented first in the list (if both cards shown were in the list) or which card was not presented in the list (if only one card was shown in the list). Using the user's up-to-four last answers, the system may modify tasks parameters of the subsequent trial by changing the number of stimuli, the temporal length between stimuli presentation and stimuli recall and/or recognition, the temporal distance between stimuli in the presentation list and/or the physical or semantic disparity between stimuli to be memorized.
Executive functions
[0069] Executive functions represent the sets of cognitive processes that translate perceived and/or memorized information into goals, motor plans, and/or actions. Executive functions may include many processes such as: inhibition, cognitive control, behavioral flexibility, attentional shifting, reasoning, planning, decision making, multitasking, and/or problem solving. The system may present various types of visual and/or auditory stimuli to train these processes and may modify task parameters by changing the presentation length of stimuli, the similarity between stimuli, the number of mathematic equation to solve, the number of steps between a start situation and the goal to achieve, and/or the number of parts forming a problem, the number of physical dimensions within a stimuli (shape, size, border type, location, color, and/or filling) and/ or the correspondence between stimuli inscription and physical properties. Example of task concerned by the executive functions training.
[0070] Planning: A square puzzle made of a certain number of regular shaped pieces may be presented to a user for a few seconds. Then, the image reappears but one piece is missing and the remaining pieces are disorganised. The user may only move single piece at a time to the empty space in order to rebuild the original image. The system may record the time and the number of moves required to solve the puzzle and, using the user up-to-four last answers, adjust for the next trial the total number of pieces forming the puzzle and/or the number of moves required to solve the task. Also, the system may change presentation length of stimuli, the similarity between stimuli, the number of mathematic equation to solve, the number of steps between a start situation and the goal to achieve, and/or the number of physical dimensions within a stimuli (shape, size, border type, location, color, and/or filling) and/ or the correspondence between stimuli inscription and physical properties. Visuo-spatial functions
[0071] Visuo-spatial processing refers to the capacity to analyze and understand 2D and 3D space and designs. The system may present various types of visual stimuli to train skills as constructional praxia and/or mental imagery which respectively refers to the capacity to build or draw 3D and/or 2D designs from blocks and the capacity to mentally manipulate 2D and/or 3D objects. To modify task parameters, based on the user's up-to-four last answers to trials, the system may increase or decrease the number of blocks required to build the design, the number of items forming an object, the shapes of the object's pieces, and/or the number of mental manipulation required to solve the task.
Example of task concerned by the visuo-spatial functions training.
[0072] Constructional praxia: An empty space is presented to a user with a set of pieces of different shapes. Within a limited period of time, the user may fill the empty space. To do so, the user may click on each shape one by one and rotate it to obtain the desired form and then, move it into the empty space. For each trial, the system records the responses made by the user and adjust the number of pieces required to fill the empty space for the next trial and/or the shapes of the pieces. Also, the system may adjust the number of blocks required to build a design, the number of items forming an object, the shapes of the object's pieces, and/or the number of mental manipulation required to solve the task. Arithmetic functions
[0073] Arithmetic functions refer to the set of processes that allow us to perform mathematical operations. The system may present various types of contexts that require mathematical problem solving as well as mental and/or written calculation. To modify task parameters, based on the user's up-to-three last answers to trials, the system may increase or decrease the complexity of the next equation and/or the number of variables included.
Example of task concerned by the arithmetic functions training.
[0074] A set of cards with numbers written on it may be presented to a user along with a mathematical operation that needs to be completed. For example, an equation may present X + Y = 8 and a user may be asked to replace the blank spaces (or the variables) with a numbered card in order to correctly complete this equation. For each trial, the system records the responses made by the user and adjust the number of digits and/or the mathematical operation signs for the next trial. Also, the program may adjust the time allowed to solve the next problem.
Linguistic functions
[0075] Linguistic functions represent the processes required to understand and produce different forms of communication modes and may include skills as: denomination, semantic categorization, abstraction, reading, classification, and/or verbal fluency. The system may modify task parameters, based on the user's up-to-four last answers to trials, by using words more or less frequent in common language, by modifying the number of stimuli presented, the semantic proximity between concepts to categorize, the abstraction level of concepts employed, and/or the rules that increase or decrease the number of existing words to produce.
Example of task concerned by the linguistic functions training.
[0076] Semantic categorization: An odd number of images and/or words may be presented to a user. Images and/or words are regrouped in semantic pairs except for one item that may be identified within a limited period of time. The system may record the response of a user and, based on the user's up-to-four last answers to trials increase or decrease 1) the number of images and/or words presented in the next trial and/or 2) the semantic proximity between the images and/or words listed. Also, the system may adjust words more or less frequent in common language, the abstraction level of concepts employed, and/or the rules that increase or decrease the number of existing words to produce.
Information provided to the user
[0077] The present invention may also include informations, news, cues and/or examples 306 about the science behind each task, the utility of each task in daily life, and/or the strategies to adopt to better perform the exercises, as shown in Figure 3. Typically, the user starts a physical training session 302 on a training equipment being connected to the computer-based cognitive training system. Then the user starts a trial of a training session 304 related to one cognitive domain previously mentioned. As explained above, the system will use previous parameters tasks if available or use default parameters otherwise. The responses given by the user are analysed 308 (correct or incorrect) and the results are stored 310. It is to be noted that the system, in a preferred embodiment, is intended to provide information, news, cues and examples to users who are doing their cognitive training but not necessarily during the physical training.
[0078] One way to optimize cognitive training may be to provide scientific facts about cognitive functions and/or brain functions along with informations explaining the daily utility of each trained function.
[0079] One way to provide information may be to teach strategy cues to help solve cognitive tasks. This includes any strategies related to any cognitive processes and cognitive domains such as perceptual skills, motor coordination skills, attentional skills, memory aptitudes, executive functions, visuo-spatial processing skills, and linguistic abilities.
[0080] This represents an innovative part of the method employed compared to other approaches. Furthermore, those skilled in the art would know that such kind of information represents an indispensable method to ensure optimal motivation and cognitive training benefits.
Physical training program
[0081] The present invention may also optimize cognitive training by associating the computer-based cognitive training system with any kind of physical activity or adapted physical training equipment that increases cerebral blood flow.
[0082] Resolution of cognitive tasks requires adequate functioning and activation of specific brain areas or neural networks. Increase in neural activity associated with the execution of any cognitive tasks requires an increase in blood supply to provide oxygen and nutriments to the nerve cells involved in the task completion. Because context and cognitive demands change constantly, the brain possesses an automatic mechanism that derives blood flow toward regions that needs more energy. The larger the amount of oxygen, nutriments and energy required, the larger the amount of blood needed to be sent to the associated brain region.
[0083] Physical activity increases heart rate and heart performance and hence, increases blood flow in the entire body and brain. Computer-based cognitive training may benefit from increasing cerebral blood flow with physical activity while performing training as more oxygen, nutriments and energy is pumped to the brain. Those skilled in the art would recognize that this pioneer aspect of the present invention is innovative in the field as no other known invention combine cognitive and physical training to optimize cognitive training.
[0084] One way to increase cerebral blood flow during cognitive training is to associate cognitive training with any kind of aerobic exercise and/or strength training programs or machines such as stationary bicycle, treadmill, stairmaster, elliptical cross-trainer, and/or all fitness center equipments, and/or workout programs.
[0085] One way to associate cognitive and physical training may be to fix the computer-based cognitive system on or near the aerobic exercise and/or strength training program or machine. The invention also includes any device and apparatus that may be used to ergonomically interact with the computer system such as: keyboard, touch pad, touch screen, joystick, key pad, stylus, or any other apparatus.
[0086] Others examples of aerobic or strength training machines are, but not limited to: rowing machine, treadmill, stationary bicycle, bicycle ergometer, elliptical exerciser, indoor cycling/spinning.
[0087] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the computer-based cognitive training system is integrated with a stationary bicycle 405. The system further comprises a screen 410, a control interface 415 and a computer integrated in the system (not visible). The computer could also be a standard computer that is connected to the training equipment.
[0088] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the screen 410 is of the touch screen type, thus the user can interact with the system by touching the screen 410 or the control interface 415. The surface 420 may be used to operate a mouse or another equipment.
[0089] In the embodiment of Figure 6, the stationary bicycle 405 is installed near a computer to perform the training session. The system comprises means to connect the computer to the screen 410.
[0090] The control interface 415 provides control for the stationary bicycle 405 so the user can adjust the rhythm and/or the difficulty level or resistance of the physical training equipment. In a further embodiment, the control interface is connected to the training equipment as well as to the computer running the cognitive training. It is to be understood that, as with any other computer, accessories such as microphones, speakers, headset, mouse, joystick, etc ., may be connected to the computer-based cognitive training system so the user can interact with the system.
The System
[0091] This invention may comprise any system that combines the presented method associated with a computer. The present invention is not restricted to any specific system, location and/or accessibility mode but rather is opened to any system that may be used to operate the present invention and to optimize cognitive training. The term "computer" comprises, but no is limited to, standard computer, laptop, personal digital assistant (PDA).
[0092] The present invention may be used by a single person, a community and/or an organization and may be provided as customized individual as well as multi-users packages.
[0093] The system may be set up to function as a separate module located at a user's home, a gym, a health club or health care facility, a seniors' home, an enterprise, or any other appropriate location. The system may also be linked in a network of interconnected systems comprising one or more workstations, e.g.: in retirement homes and communities, gyms, health clubs, health care facilities, enterprises, or any other appropriate location. Also, the system, or part of the system, may be accessible from an Internet website.
[0094] The present invention comprises the computerized system employed for cognitive training as well as any other computer programs required to run such kind of device. The system may be accessible to the computers/work stations via either CDs, wi-fi, internet, intranet, or any other appropriate method for transporting information.
[0095] The present invention may be accessible from a workstation's local storage device, such as a hard drive, CD or floppy, or may be accessible remotely from an internal or external organization's mainframe, or may be accessible via mobile networks such as Internet, wi-fi, mobile phone, cable, etc.
[0096] The present invention preferably includes a database that may be used to store the responses and performance of each user. The database may be located on the user's computer and may be fully or partially available at a user's facilities. The database may also be remote and may be accessible via the Internet. Hence, the database may be local or remote, and may be located in an internal or external organization. The database may accumulate and group scores and responses of one or more individuals, thereby providing for the possible creation of a normative guideline.
[0097] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the scope of the present invention may surpass the specific description explained hereinabove. Rather, the claims, which follow, should be used to define the scope of the present invention.
[0098] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiment(s) of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Claims

Claims
1. A method to optimize cognitive training in individuals, the method being used to test, train, improve and rehabilitate both specific and global cognitive functions, said method comprising the step of: a. using a computerized system comprising means to interact with said individual; b. performing a plurality of trials to train said cognitive functions of said individual, said trials having parameters; c. collecting responses made by said individual for each of said trials; d. analysing said responses made by said individual for each of said trials.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of combining said cognitive training method to a physical training apparatus and/or program.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of adjusting the difficulty of said task within a few trials in a single training session in function of said responses made previously by said individual.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of determining if previous said parameters are available for said individual.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said responses made by said individual may be reaction time, spatial location answers, written answers, answer length, multiple choices with one response mode opportunity, multiple choices with multiple response mode opportunities, moving objects or dragging stimuli to different positions.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of combining said cognitive training method to adapted physical training equipment and/or program that increases cerebral blood flow.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said means to interact with said individual are such as mouse, keyboard, keypad, touch pad, touch screen, microphone, voice recorder, vocal recognition interface or stylus.
8. A system to optimize cognitive training in individuals, the system being used to test, train, improve and rehabilitate both specific and global cognitive functions, by performing a plurality of tasks to train said cognitive functions of said individual, said training comprising a plurality of trials to which said individual has to make a response, comprising: a. a computerized system comprising means to interact with said individual during said training to perform said trials; b. data storage means to collect said responses made by said individual.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein said system is combined to a physical training apparatus and/or program.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein said system that interacts with said individual adjusts the task difficulty within a few trials in a single training session in function of said responses.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein said responses made by said individual may be reaction time, spatial location answers, written answers, answer length, multiple choices with one response mode opportunity, multiple choices with multiple response mode opportunities, moving objects or dragging stimuli to different positions.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein said system is combined to adapted physical training equipment and/or program that increases cerebral blood flow.
13. The system of claim 8, wherein said means to interact with said individual are such as mouse, keyboard, keypad, touch pad, touch screen, microphone, voice recorder, vocal recognition interface or stylus.
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