training cognitive functions - assessment systems · training cognitive functions for attention,...

schuhfried.com

#04.0

Training cognitive functionsFor attention, memory, executive functions, spatial processing, visuomotor skills and processing speed

COGNIPLUS

About usSCHUHFRIED GmbHHyrtlstrasse 45 2340 MoedlingAustria

Telephone +43 2236 42315Fax +43 2236 46597Email [email protected]

Media owner and editor: SCHUHFRIED GmbHPlace of publication: MoedlingDate of publication: 03/2017Editor-in-chief: SCHUHFRIED GmbHGrafics: Mag. art. Johanna Kurz, www.johannakurz.comPhotos: © SCHUHFRIED GmbH / a.c.schiffleitner Copyright: © 2017 SCHUHFRIED GmbH, Moedling. All rights reserved.

Your own personalonline demonstrationFast, efficient, personal.Upon request a member of the SCHUHFRIED team will – in the same way as in a webinar – take you through CogniPlus online and answer your questions. You don’t need anything for this personal online tour except a telephone, a computer with internet access and a little time.

[email protected]

Telephone+43 2236 42315-50

For queries and orders Mon. – Thurs.: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Fri.: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

[email protected]

Telephone+43 2236 42315-50

Fax+43 2236 46597

Websiteschuhfried.com

AddressSCHUHFRIED GmbHHyrtlstrasse 452340 MoedlingAustria

Help DeskQueries on installation and operation for our customersMon. – Thurs.: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Fri.: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

[email protected]

Telephone+43 2236 42315-60

Get in touch!

4Cognitive trainings with CogniPlus 5CogniPlus training programs 6Attention 6 ALERT Attention: Alertness 6 VIG Attention: Vigilance 7 SELECT Attention: Selective 7 FOCUS Attention: Focused 8 DIVID Attention: Divided 8 SPACE Attention: Visuospatial attention

9Memory 9 VISP Memory: Rehearsal – visuospatial 9 CODING Memory: Spatial coding 10 NBACK Memory: Updating – visual 10 DATEUP Memory: Updating – spatial 11 NAMES Memory: Learning of face-name

associations

11Executive Functions 11 HIBIT-R Executive functions: Response inhibition –

revised version 12 PLAND Executive functions: Planning and action

skills

12Spatial Processing 12 ROTATE Spatial processing: Mental rotation

13Visuomotor skills 13 VISMO Visuomotor coordination

14Processing Speed 14 SPEED Processing Speed

15CogniPlus speaks many languages 16A typical training session 18Training at all ability levels 18Scientific cooperations 19The perfect team: Vienna Test System

and CogniPlus 20Scientific Studies 22CogniPlus at a glance

Contents

SCHUHFRIED CogniPlus . 3

CogniPlus is a scientifically based training battery for the training of cognitive functions. The trainings are always developed in the light of the latest scientific literature and incorporate up-to-date psychological findings.

CogniPlus, which is available in 16 languages, is used across the entire ability range. This opens up completely new opportunities for use alongside the traditional areas of application such as the rehabilitation of patients with brain damage. For example, CogniPlus can be used to train aspects of driving-related abilities and the attention of children with ADHD, or to boost the mental activation of patients with MCI.

CogniPlus: Efficient. Digital. Motivating.

Cognitive trainingsCOGNIPLUS

4 . SCHUHFRIED CogniPlus

Cognitive trainings with CogniPlusAre you still testing or already training?

Based on a function-specific intervention approachEach CogniPlus training is tailored to a specific deficit, because studies have shown that use of over-complex training programs may actually cause performance to de-teriorate. Training programs are only offered for cognitive functions that are scientifically proven to be trainable.

Embedded in a context of scientific theoryTheory-led design is a top priority. All our partners are no-ted for their theoretical expertise as well as their practical clinical experience.

Realistic and motivating designClients want to apply their improved skills as quickly as possible in everyday life. In CogniPlus the ability dimensions being trained are almost always embedded in lifelike scenarios. It is this appealing, modern and motivating appearance that makes CogniPlus popular with clients.

Adapts automatically to the client’s abilityCogniPlus is an intelligent interactive system, which is neither too easy nor too difficult for the client. It reliably identifies the client’s ability level and adapts automatically to it. One of the conditions for successful training is thus met: the users of the program are motivated.

Effective therapy for cognitive impairmentsCogniPlus is a product of the SCHUHFRIED company – your specialist in digital testing.

You too can profit from a state-of-the-art program that covers all areas of cognitive training!

Reasons to choose CogniPlus

SCHUHFRIED CogniPlus . 54 . SCHUHFRIED CogniPlus

An OverviewCogniPlus training programs

X Training material contains general rather than specifically work-related scenarios.

Dimension Subdimension Specific Function

Neu

rolo

gica

l Di

sord

ers

Men

tal

Diso

rder

s

Wor

k Re

-in

tegr

atio

n

Gero

nto-

ps

ycho

logy

Paed

iatr

ics

Diff

icul

ty

Leve

ls

CogniPlus training

Attention

Intensity

Alertness X X X X X 18 ALERT Page 6

Vigilance X X X X X 30 VIG Page 6

Selectivity

Selective attention X X X X X 15 SELECT

Page 7

Focused attention X X X X X 10 FOCUS

Page 7

Divided attention X X X X X 15 DIVID

Page 8

Spatial attention

Visuospatial attention X X X 10 SPACE

Page 8

Memory

Working memory

Rehearsal visuospatial X X X X X 18 VISP

Page 9

Spatial coding X X X X X 21 CODING

Page 9

Updating – visual X X X X X 15 NBACk

Page 10

Updating – spatial X X X X X 25 DATEUP

Page 10

Long-term memory

Learning of face-name associations

X X X X 17 NAMES Page 11

Executive functions

Response inhibition X X X X X 32 HIBIT-R

Page 11

Planning and action skills X X X X

191628

PLAND Page 12

Spatial processing

Mental rotation X X X X X 24 ROTATE

Page 12

Visuomotor skills

Visuomotor coordination X X X X X 22 VISMO

Page 13

Processing speed

Processing speed X X X X X 5 SPEED

Page 14

The range of CogniPlus training programs keeps growing! Visit schuhfried.com/trainings for the latest information.

Reasons to choose CogniPlus


CogniPlus training programs

Attention: Alertness

ALERT Walter Sturm ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

The ALERT training program trains the alertness dimension of attention – the ability to temporarily increase and sustain the intensity of attention.

When the intensity of attention is temporarily aroused exogenously by a warning signal, phasic alertness is in-volved. If the arousal occurs without a cue, the situation involves intrinsic alertness. The aim of alertness training must be to increase intrinsic alertness, since only in this case is arousal entirely cognitively controlled. However, where there are deficits related to alertness it is necessary to first improve phasic alertness and only then to proceed to working on intrinsic alertness.

Each of the two training forms contains 18 difficulty levels. The degree of challenge is increased by shortening the maximum permitted reaction time.

Good to knowALERT can also be used with patients with disorders of the field of vision. The instruction pages are then displayed on one side of the screen and the obstacles only appear on one side.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: WAFA

Attention: Vigilance

VIG Walter Sturm ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

The VIG training program trains the attention dimen-sion of vigilance – the ability to sustain attention over a lengthy period of time under monotonous stimulus conditions.

Long-term alertness tasks require the client’s attention “to be focused continuously for long periods of time on one or more sources of information, in order to detect and respond to small changes in the information presented” (Davies et al., 1984). Vigilance represents a special variant of long-term attention. Vigilance tasks make demands on attention over a long period of time – often a number of hours – and the relevant stimuli typically occur at very irregular intervals and at a very low frequency among a large number of irrelevant stimuli. Vigilance training cannot be effective unless a training session lasts for more than 30 minutes at the minimum.

The VIG training program has 30 difficulty levels. A decreasing stimulus frequency makes it more and more difficult for the client to sustain his attention.

Good to knowVIG can also be used with patients with impaired field of vision.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: WAFV


CogniPlus training programs CogniPlus training programs

Attention: Selective

SELECT Walter Sturm ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

The SELECT training program trains selective attention – the ability to respond quickly to relevant stimuli and to suppress inappropriate responses.

An attention selectivity training program should help the client to distinguish rapidly between relevant and irrelevant aspects of a task. Most selective attention tasks require a quick decision within a set of stimuli in which the relevant and irrelevant items are clearly defined.

The SELECT training program consists of three training forms. There are 15 difficulty levels for each training form.

Good to knowSELECT can also be used with patients with impaired field of vision.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: WAFS

Attention: Focused

FOCUS Walter Sturm ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

The FOCUS training program trains focused attention – the ability to respond only to relevant stimuli among a high density of distracting stimuli.

Focused attention describes the ability to isolate a segment of reality in order to be able to analyse it more closely. It is particularly important to be able to maintain this focus in the face of distractions and to suppress the interference caused by the simultaneous and automatic processing of information.

The FOCUS training program consists of two training forms, each of which has ten difficulty levels.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: WAFF



Attention: Divided

DIVID Walter Sturm ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

The DIVID training program trains divided attention – the ability to perform different tasks simultaneously.

The ability to divide one’s attention depends on the processing resources available and on the nature of the combined tasks. The more similar the tasks, the greater the inter ference that arises between them (Wickens, 1984). In everyday life, the ability to split one’s attention is relevant to many skills – for example, driving a car, which normally requires the simultaneous monitoring of a number of different information streams.

DIVID has 15 difficulty levels.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: WAFG

Attention: Visuospatial

SPACE Walter Sturm ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

The SPACE training program was created for patients with hemineglect but it can also be used successfully with patients who have an impairment of the visual field.

In everyday life, our attention may be focused on a diffe-rent source from our perceptive organs. Peripheral stimuli lying outside our central field of vision can attract the focus of attention to themselves. They then bring about a change in the direction of gaze or a turning of the head towards an object or event (visuospatial attention). Peripheral cues tend to bring about an automatic (exogenous) spatial shift of attention, while central cues (e.g. an arrow in the fixation point pointing to the left or right) are more likely to produ-ce a cognitively controlled (endogenous) shift of attention, since a particular expectation is generated. Both periphe-ral and central cues cause a covert shift of attention to the right or left and thus make it easier to detect stimuli in the half of the visual field in which the cues occur or to which they point (valid condition). However, if the cue is in the wrong half or points in the wrong direction (invalid condi-tion), the speed of reaction to the target stimulus is slowed, since attention must first be shifted from the “wrong” focus to the correct spatial position.

There are ten different difficulty levels, each of which displays a different scene of interest on the screen.

Good to knowThe instructions for the SPACE training program are displayed on only one side of the screen and are there-fore easily read by patients with neglect or visual field impairment.We recommend the use of monitors with a screen diagonal of at least 19“ so that the area of the visual field being trai-ned is as large as possible.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: WAFR



Memory: Rehearsal – visuospatial

VISP D. Schellig, U. Schuri, W. Sturm ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

VISP is a training program for improving active rehearsal in spatial working memory.

Rehearsal processes can improve short-term and long-term memory. However, rehearsal is not a form of simple storage but a controlled and attention-based series of retrievals and re-encodings of material, the aim being to maintain this material from perceptual processing or long-term memory in the focus of attention.

Spatial attention is the central process in spatial rehearsal – just as subvocal articulation is the key function for verbal rehearsal. For example, we let our gaze travel repeatedly from one location to another, thereby allowing our attention to shift sequentially between various spatial positions and protecting this spatial information against forgetting.

The VISP training program has 18 difficulty levels.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: CORSI

Memory: Spatial coding

CODINGD. Schellig, U. Schuri, W. Sturm ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

CODING is a program for training monitoring processes and spatial coding in visuospatial working memory.

Both monitoring and coding are base mechanisms of working memory. They are used for (metacognitive) control and coordination of cognitive processes and form the basis for more complex cognitive activities. Monitoring in working memory involves the controlled supervision of storage processes and stored representations. Storage in spatial working memory requires the coding of incoming information according to its spatial features: the location at which the stimuli were perceived and/or their spatial arrangement is stored. Spatial coding links the individual items to representations (binding) and gives them a structure. There is no “pure” representation of a visually perceived stimulus; each stimulus also has a spatial “code”.

For example, the information that a driver obtains by looking in his rear-view mirror is incorporated into the stored image of the driving environment. More complex examples include following assembly instructions or wiring diagrams, creating mind maps, or working with multiple open windows on a computer.

CODING has 21 difficulty levels.




Memory: Updating – visual

NBACk M. Sommer, R. Debelak, C. Heidinger ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

The NBACK training program trains the monitoring function of working memory – the ability to retain information and continuously update it.

Working memory is of key importance in dealing with the demands of everyday life, especially when information that has been briefly presented must be retained and cognitively processed, or when a task needs to be performed or a goal achieved. Many diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s chorea, Parkinson’s disease or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are associated with impairments of working memory and consequent difficulties in coping with everyday tasks. Recent scientific findings indicate that the capacity of working memory can be improved through regular training. As the work of various researchers has shown, the effect of such training is enhanced if the train-ing tasks adapt to the client’s ability level. This is the case in NBACK. The training material consists of n-back tasks which require the client to react to stimuli that recur at a par-ticular interval. These tasks place demands on the client’s ability to retain task-related information and continuously update it in his mind.

NBACK has 15 difficulty levels.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: NBN

Memory: Updating – spatial

DATEUP D. Schellig, U. Schuri, W. Sturm ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

The DATEUP training program trains the executive updating function of spatial working memory. Updating is the ability to renew memory contents in a controlled and goal-directed manner.

Updating information is a fundamental cognitive process. New stimuli and information from perception or long-term memory bombard us constantly and replace older versions – continuous updating is required. For example, driving in a city involves a rapid and continuous process in which observed situations are briefly stored, compared with newly perceived ones and immediately replaced – for instance if a number of vehicles are approaching an unsigned junction and it is necessary to decide who has priority. At the same time, information from long-term memory is activated in order to identify what has been perceived and process it in a goal-directed manner; for example, on European roads this will involve recalling the rule, which states that drivers must give way to traffic from the right. In the scientific literature, updating is regarded as one of the basal executive control mechanisms of working memory. These mechanisms are used to control and coordinate cognitive processes and form the basis for more complex cognitive processing. The executive functions of working memory can be improved through repetitive training (Olesen et al., 2004; Erickson et al., 2007; Jaeggi et al., 2008; Dahlin et al., 2008). The DATEUP program trains the updating function by means of tasks of three types that are widely used and well-confirmed in the literature: running tasks, keep-track tasks and n-back tasks. The aim of training is to achieve more flexible and more automated updating of material in spatial working memory and to improve complex cognitive functions.

The DATEUP training program has 25 difficulty levels.




Memory: Learning of face-name associations

NAMES U. Schuri, D. Schellig, W. Sturm ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

The NAMES training program enables the client to practice effective strategies for learning people’s names and associating them with faces.

According to current psychological models of cognition, people’s names have fewer structural bindings than other identity-specific semantic details (such as occupation or nationality) and names of objects. Because of their limited binding, the learning and later recall of people’s names is a particularly demanding cognitive task. However, performance in learning face/name pairs can be improved by applying particular processing strategies – such as conscious linking with information already in memory and use of mental imagery.

The NAMES training program has 17 difficulty levels.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: FNA

Executive functions: Response inhibition – revised version

HIBIT-R M. Weisbrod, S. Kaiser, U. Pfüller, D. Roesch-Ely, S. Aschenbrenner ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

The HIBIT-R training program trains response inhibition – the ability to suppress unwanted reactions.

In everyday life, the ability to suppress unwanted reactions is an important component of the ability to act flexibly and appropriately. If environmental conditions change, practised reaction patterns are often dysfunctional and must be sup-pressed, so that new behaviour appropriate to the situation is possible. Deficits of response inhibition are reported in diseases characterised by impairment of impulse control (e.g. ADHD, borderline personality disorder, dependency disorders) in diseases characterised by rigid and inflexible behaviour (schizophrenia, compulsive disorders) in various neurological diseases (Parkinson’s disease, dementia of the Alzheimer’s type).

HIBIT-R works with a total of 32 difficulty levels, every scenario being split up into 8 levels.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: INHIB



Executive functions: Planning and action skills

PLAND D. Holt, J. Funke ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

In the PLAND training program action and planning skills are trained through the presentation of realistic planning tasks.

Meaningful and independent action in everyday life becomes possible only when behaviour is planned and organised over a relatively long period and competition between tasks is dealt with by setting priorities. Planning ability can be impaired by brain damage of any etiology and origin, especially where there is damage to frontal structures or diffuse cerebral damage. Executive functions can also be affected by a range of psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia and depression. PLAND is a training system based on everyday activities which enables clients to practise creating and implementing schedules of varying complexity. It gives the therapist the opportunity to work interactively with the patient to devise various strategies for improving cognitive functions and self-control. The aim is to improve planning and action skills in everyday situations.

The PLAND training program consists of three training forms (S1, S2 and S3). The S1 training form has 19 difficulty levels, the S2 form has 16 and the S3 form 28.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: PAD

Spatial processing: Mental rotation

ROTATE M. Sommer, C. Heidinger ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

ROTATE trains the ability to form a three-dimensional mental image of an object depicted in two dimensions and to manipulate the image by means of a change of perspective or rotation (mental rotation).

Current theoretical models of this ability area assume that the process of solving mental rotation problems involves four stages (see Just & Carpenter, 1985; Arendasy & Sommer, 2010): Search stage: the search for corresponding object parts Encoding stage: constructing a mental image of the object to be rotated Transformation stage: transformation by means of rotation or change of perspective Confirmation stage: comparison of actual results with intended outcome

Studies show that this ability can be improved through training and practice. In general, the best results are achieved by using training methods in which different spatial strategies are permitted and practised (for a summary: Handet al., 2007).

Difficulty is varied across the 24 levels.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: 3D

Which camera gives the view shown in the picture on the left? Click on this camera.



Visuomotor skills: Visuomotor coordination

VISMO R. Debelak, C. Heidinger ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH

The VISMO training program trains visuomotor co-ordination – the ability to coordinate hand and arm movements in response to visual stimuli.

Visuomotor coordination skills play an important part in many everyday situations such as driving a car, using household equipment or picking up objects.

Coordinating motor movements with visual stimuli requires a number of different abilities. First, it is necessary to identify what movements are necessary to achieve a particular goal. This involves creating internal models of the movement. After this the relevant movement must be planned and prepared, and finally the movement is executed. While the movement is being performed, the individual must use visual feedback to monitor whether the desired goal is being achieved. If necessary the movement must be changed, or a new movement may need to be initiated. At the same time, all external influences on the movement – such as gravity – must be taken into account.

VISMO trains clients’ visuomotor coordination by means of tracking tasks. These involve using a joystick to keep a circle positioned over a target object on the screen. The target object moves across the screen along a path that varies in its degree of complexity. A number of studies have shown that regular training with tasks of this type improves visuomotor performance in patients with motor disabilities. There is also evidence that these tasks can improve visuomotor ability even in people without motor disabilities.

The VISMO training program has 22 difficulty levels.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: 2HAND

The range of SCHUHFRIED training is growing! SPEED: read more on page 14.

Difficulty structureIncreasing levels of motivation are used for every training task to reinforce motivation, which is crucial for training success. Feedback of the results and making it to the next level of motivation helps clients to improve their performance immediately. An additional bonus system creates further incentives.

After performing the main task for the first time, an individual reference standard can be included for setting goals: the clients set the goal for themselves of how many seconds they expect to require for the next iteration. The feedback on achieving the goal is provided along with the feedback of the general results after every round. Feedback is presented to the clients in graphic form at the end of the training session or when the supervisor ends the training.

Good to knowThe training can be done with either the computer mouse or a touchscreen monitor.

Corresponding test in the Vienna Test System: TMT-L

TheoryProcessing speed is the basic ability to process simple stimuli quickly and with confidence without it being essential to involve higher cognitive, sensory or motor processes. At the same time, processing speed plays a key role for further (more complex) cognitive functions. Impairments to speed may arise at an older age as well as for different neurological and mental disorders. Because of the importance for other cognitive domains and coping with the requirements of daily life, it is necessary to train processing speed to improve cognitive ability and to maintain it in the long-term, if possible.

Setting and taskThe SPEED training program visualizes 6 daily training tasks as a city with different buildings – training houses. Clients are free to choose their training task. To do so, the clients select a training house (such as participating in a motor boat race or as a helicopter pilot for a rescue at sea operation) and then solve tasks specific to the situation. It is the clients‘ task to process the information provided quickly and reliably for every training session. The transfer options into the real everyday life of clients can be improved thanks to different task concepts and the fact that tasks are very similar to daily functions. Motivational incentives such as selecting from multiple varied training tasks and a reward system adjusted to the performance of the clients support this intrinsic motivation. Unlike the other CogniPlus training programs, the focus is on speed: the faster the better.



NEWProcessing speed

SPEED M. Bossert, K. Baum, M. Weisbrod, S. Aschenbrenner ©SCHUHFRIED GmbH



Arabic SpanishSlovak

German

English French

DutchItalianPolish

Chinese

Czech

Turkish

HungerianPortuguese

Russian

Basic software

ALERT

CODING

DATEUP

DIVID

FOCUS

HIBIT-R

NAMES

NBACK

PLAND

ROTATE

SELECT

SPEED

SPACE

VIG

VISMO

VISP

16 training programs – 16 languagesCogniPlus training programs

The range of languages keeps growing!

Visit schuhfried.com/trainings for the latest information.

To enable clients to train in their own language, CogniPlus is currently available in 16 languages. The CogniPlus training programs are continually being translated into additional languages. Visit schuhfried.com for up-to-date information.

Arab

ic

Chin

ese

sim

plifi

ed

Chin

ese

trad

ition

al

Czec

h

Dutc

h

Engl

ish

Fren

ch

Germ

an

Hun

garia

n

Ital

ian

Polis

h

Port

ugue

se

Russ

ian

Slov

ak

Span

ish

Turk

ish

Languages

Inde

x ca

rd 'l

ogbo

ok'

Inst

ruct

ion

phas

eIn

dex

card

'tra

inin

g'

Efficient. Digital. Motivating.A typical training session


1. Set up the training programStarting CogniPlus takes you directly to the convenient and detailed menu. As soon as you have registered a client, CogniPlus opens a client file with the four index cards, “Client data”, “Training”, “Results” and “Logbook”.

On the “Client data” index card you can enter the client’s details.

The “Training” index card lists all the available training programs. You can select the desired program and specify its duration. A session can consist of several training programs presented one after the other, in the order specified by you in the training sequence list.

The “Results” and “Logbook” index cards provide training results and session data. In the “Logbook” the system automatically records the details of each session. You can also add comments here. You thus have a compact but complete digital client file.

If your client is able to work alone, after selecting the training programs you can specify whether he is to move on directly from one program to the next, thus working his way independently through the session, or whether you will start the next program for him. This means that your presence during the session is not essential, unless the client needs special care (e.g. children or severely disabled patients).

2. Instruction phaseEach training program starts with an instruction phase. Simply formulated instructions inform the client of what he has to do. He can spend as much time reading them as he wishes; this prevents stress.

To make things easier for the client, all CogniPlus programs are designed along the same lines. In addition, they make use of everyday knowledge; for example, based on traffic-light usage the start button is always green. Guided by the careful use of size and color on the screen, the client absorbs information selectively in accordance with the importance of the various elements.

Good to knowThe Input device for the CogniPlus trainings can be a computer keyboard and for some trainings a computer mouse. For clients with restricted hand movement the SCHUHFRIED response panel is recommended. This is available either as “Response Panel Advanced” or with additional joysticks as “Response Panel Universal”. The new training SPEED is also suitable for a touchscreen.

Training at the computer


3. Practice phaseThe instruction phase is always followed by a practice phase. If the client’s responses indicate that he has not yet understood the task, the system will automatically repeat the instructions. The training phase does not start until the client has successfully completed the practice phase.

4. Training phaseYou can use the CogniPlus programs to carry out training at any level of difficulty across the ability range. If a new client commences training, CogniPlus quickly and automatically identifies his ability level and classifies him accordingly. If the client has already completed one or more training sessions, the new session begins where the last one finished.

So that clients are neither under- nor over-challenged, all the training programs have been designed to be adaptive; that is, they adapt themselves continuously to the client’s ability level.

5. Evaluation of resultsCogniPlus provides two types of evaluation of results:

For the client: Each training session concludes with an easily read chart of performance in recent sessions.

For the test supervisor: At the end of the session, detailed results of the individual programs used during that session are available. These results include mean reaction times and the number of correct, delayed, incorrect and omitted responses at each level of difficulty. In addition, a chart records each response made during the session in terms of difficulty level, reaction time and scoring (correct, delayed, etc.). It is also possible to compare performance in the most recent session with that in the preceding sessions.

Prac

tice

pha

seTr

aini

ng p

hase

Clie

nt e

valu

atio

nS

uper

viso

r ev

alua

tion

Training at the computer Training at the computer

User-friendly hardware and softwareTraining at all ability levels

Highest quality standardsFrom science into practice


The CogniPlus training programs can be used across the entire ability range. It is neither too easy nor too difficult for the client. It reliably identifies the client‘s ability level and adapts automatically to it.

This opens up completely new opportunities for use alongside the traditional areas of application such as the rehabilitation of patients with brain damage.

The software is simple and intuitive to use and a clear menu helps to find your way around.

Input DevicesThe CogniPlus training programs can be worked with a standard computer keyboard or with SCHUHFRIED’s Response Panels. For clients with restricted hand movement the SCHUHFRIED response panel is recommended. This is available either as “Response Panel Advanced” or with additional joysticks as “Response Panel Universal”. The new training SPEED is also suitable for a touchscreen.

SCHUHFRIED has a wide network of partners and contacts in the scientific world. Many of our products have been developed in-house; others are the result of scientific cooperation Numerous well-known scientists, including Prof. Walter Sturm, Prof. Joachim Funke and Prof. Matthias Weisbrod, have worked with experts at SCHUHFRIED to develop CogniPlus. Extensive experience combined with the knowledge of the best makes CogniPlus one of the most advanced cognitive training programs.

Response Panel Universal

Response Panel Advanced

With SCHUHFRIED, you are in good company. Here is an extract of our cooperation partners worldwide:

Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, China Comenius University in Bratislava (Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave), Slovak Republic Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry (Max-Planck-Institut für Psychiatrie), Germany Metropolitan University of Technology (Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana del Estado de Chile), Chile Óbuda University (Óbudai Egyetem), Hungary SRH Clinic, Karlsbad-Langensteinbach (SRH Klinikum Karlsbad-Langensteinbach), Germany University of Groningen (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen), Netherlands University of Padova (Università degli Studi di Padova), Italy

Your added value


„Test – Training – Evaluation“ conceptA great team: CogniPlus and Vienna Test System

1|Test 2|Train

3| Evaluate the success

Psychological assessment Cognitive training

Dimension Special Function Vienna Test System CogniPlus

Attention

Alertness WAFA ALERT

Vigilance WAFV VIG

Selective attention WAFS SELECT

Focused attention WAFF FOCUS

Divided attention WAFG DIVID

Visual-spatial attention WAFR SPACE

Memory

Rehearsal – visuospatial CORSI VISP

Spatial coding CORSI CODING

Updating – visual NBN NBACk

Updating – spatial CORSI DATEUP

Learning of face-name associations FNA NAMES

Executive functions

Response inhibition INHIB HIBIT-R

Planning and action skills PAD PLAND

Spatial processing Mental rotation 3D ROTATE

Visuomotor skills Visuomotor coordination 2HAND VISMO

Processing speed Processing speed TMT-L SPEED

Careful assessment before the start of training, which specifically targets the impaired functions, ensures that training is effective and efficient – and prevents any adverse training effects.

Because the progress made in training is not assessed on the basis of performance on the training programs but by using the corresponding tests. This enables trivial practice effects to be distinguished from actual improvement.

The CogniPlus trainings are based on the same theoretical models as the tests of the Vienna Test System to which they correspond; this provides an efficient and theoretically sound link between assessment/training and the subsequent analysis of effectiveness. This enables a reliable distinction to be made between the material–specific learning effect and the desired training effect.

Customer Survey 2017: Most popular characteristics

of the Vienna Test System: useful – scientific – easy to use

Your added value Combining testing and training

SCHUHFRIED CogniPlus . 19

World of science

Quality in practiceScientific Studies


Cognitive training with schizophrenic patients

SRH Clinic, Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany, (2016)

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive therapy with CogniPlus with schizophrenic patients.

Methods: Effectiveness of therapy for six neurocognitive functions with schizophrenic patients (N.=59). Two groups: Group with socio-psychiatric and job oriented treatment together with neuro-cognitive training (NCT) and a group with “treatment as usual” conditions (TAU). NCT: Four training sessions (50 minutes) with CogniPlus and a transfer session per week. Pre-post measurement of cognitive functions (ability to react, divided and selective attention, working memory, inhibition and planning ability) with the Vienna Test System.

Result:Restitutive neurocognitive therapy is an effective method to increase attention functions and executive functions with schizophrenic patients.

Effect of a combining cognitive and balanced training on the cognitive postural and functional status of seniors with a mild cognitive deficit in a randomized, controlled trial

Hagovska, M., Takac, P., & Dzvoník, O. (2015)

The aim of the study was to investigate whether the CogniPlus method with a dynamic balance training not only improves cognitive functions but also improves the postural control and functional status more than a balance training session alone in seniors with a mild cognitive deficit.

Methods: 80 seniors with a mild cognitive deficit (average age 67.07 years), an experimental group (N.=40) and a control group (N.=40). The experimental group was engaged in 20 cognitive training sessions twice per week, using CogniPlus together with balance training.

Result:Combining cognitive and dynamic balanced training achieved significantly higher improvements not only in the evaluation of cognitive domains but also in postural control, than balance training alone in seniors with mild cognitive impairment. CogniPlus with dynamic balance training could be recommended as a therapeutic procedure for the prevention and treatment of cognitive and balance disorders.

SCHUHFRIED has always emphasized scientific quality: precise measurement, theory-led concepts, practice-oriented evaluation – without compromise. Working with recognized experts from academic and practical backgrounds, test and training concepts are developed and then tested in empirical studies.

Since the beginning, SCHUHFRIED conducts various studies on its own. In addition to that, SCHUHFRIED also collaborates with university-level institutions, students and partners in research and economy to prove its strict quality criteria in innovative topics.

We assembled an informative extract from numerous studies around cognitive training for you!

Find out more: schuhfried.com/scientific-studies

World of science


World of science

Comparison of fMRI activation patterns for test and training procedures of alertness and focused attention

Clemens, B., Zvyagintsev, M., Sack, A. T., Heinecke, A., Willmes, K., & Sturm, W. (2013)The aim of this fMRI study was to investigate specific as well as common neural correlates of alertness and focused attention and to assess the degree of neural overlap for two different tasks of the same attention function.

Methods: 32 healthy participants using fMRI. Randomly assigned to the alertness (N.=16) or the focused attention (N.=16) group. Participants underwent two different attention tasks, one being a diagnostic computerized test procedure and the other being a computer-game like training procedure.

Result:The findings indicate that attention training programs have the potential to facilitate attentional functioning in children with ADHD.

Attention training in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Lange, K. W., Tucha, L., Hauser, J. Lange, K. M., Stasik, D., & Tucha, O. (2012)

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of attention training on attention measures in children with ADHD.

Methods: The children were randomly assigned to one of two conditions, i.e. an attention training which trained aspects of vigilance, selective attention and divided attention. They received eight individual training sessions over a period of four weeks. A group of control children did not receive any training.

Result:The findings indicate that attention training programs have the potential to facilitate attentional functioning in children with ADHD.

Interested in the scientific process? Plan your own study with SCHUHFRIED or find a detailed list of studies on schuhfried.com/scientific-studies

CogniPlus at a glance

You get moreCogniPlus – Effective therapy for cognitive impairments


Profit from an efficient and motivating training for your clients. The arguments speak for themselves:

CogniPlus, which is available in 16 languages, is used to train cognitive functions: Attention Memory Executive functions Spatial processing Visuomotor skills Processing speed

The advantages of CogniPlus at a glance:

1. Based on a deficit-oriented intervention approach2. Realistic and motivating design3. Training at all ability levels 4. Adapts automatically to the client‘s ability 5. Developed by prominent scientists 6. Embedded in a context of scientific theory7. Recommended by respected institutions

CogniPlus: Efficient. Digital. Motivating.

Contact us for your personal online demonstration or get a demo version, without further obligation!

Customer Survey 2017: 82,7 % clients rate

SCHUHFRIED with excellent or very good.

More quality products from SCHUHFRIED

Vienna Test SystemPsychometric tests

The Vienna Test System is the worldwide embodiment of psychological assessment.The system consists of powerful administration software, the tests and optionally of additional input media.

You can choose from over 120 tests:

Intelligence tests Ability tests Personality tests Recruitment tests Clinical tests

These tests are not just the digital versions of established paper-and-pencil tests, but include also multi-media and adaptive test procedures. Combine flexibly to get the best test combination for your assessment query. We shall be happy to advise you!

www.schuhfried.com/testsEmail to [email protected]

Biofeedback XpertMulti-media biofeedback

Biofeedback Xpert is the innovative wireless biofeedback system from SCHUHFRIED. It can be used not only in the treatment of pain and in psychotherapy and physio-therapy but also in mental training and health management.

All relevant physiological parameters can be measured and displayed:

Respiration Skin conductance Temperature Heart rate variability Pulse Muscle tension Motility

Biofeedback Xpert is the all-in-one package that provides everything that biofeedback trainers and therapists need in their everyday work.

www.schuhfried.com/biofeedback Email to [email protected]

CogniPlus at a glance


SCHUHFRIED GmbH Hyrtlstrasse 45 2340 Moedling Austria

Telephone +43 2236 42315Fax +43 2236 46597Email [email protected]

Psychometric testsVIENNA TEST SYSTEM

Cognitive trainings COGNIPLUS

Multi-media biofeedbackBIOFEEDBACK Xpert

training cognitive functions - assessment systems · training cognitive functions for attention,...

Documents