Table 2 Description of study interventions based on the TIDieR template*a
Item | Computer-assisted cognitive training | Acupuncture | ACoTrain |
|---|---|---|---|
1 Short name | Ca CT | AP | ACT |
2 Why | Main objective is to evaluate the effects of computer-assisted cognitive training CaCT compared to AP on the outcomes of attention assessments | ||
Second objective is to test the effects of a combined cognitive intervention that incorporates CaCT and AP | |||
3 What: materials | Ca CT (RehaCom, Hasomed Inc., Germany, http://www.hasomed.de) will be conducted in the study. Patients will sit in front of the RehaCom system. The training program will be displayed on the computer screen and they also can hear the sound feedback from the audio system. According to different training programs, patients will press a special RehaCom keyboard with large buttons to react | Acupuncture needle, which is single use, φ 0.35 × 40 mm, will be used for acupuncture treatment. The angle of insertion is approximately 10°–20° (between needle and scalp), the needle should be inserted to a depth of approximately 0.3–0.5B-cun | For the combined group, patients will receive AP and CaCT combined, i.e. the CaCT will be performed while the needles are inserted |
4 What: procedures | For the purpose of this study, three submodalities of attention will be targeted with CaCT: intensity, selectivity, and divided attention [26]. To approach intensity of attention, the RehaCom modules “Attention and Concentration (AUFM)” and “Vigilance (VIGI)” will be used. For selectivity, the RehaCom task called “Alertness” for reaction behaviour and reactivity will be used. Divided attention will use the task called “Divided Attention Training 1 and 2”. Each task will start at the lowest difficulty level to allow progression according to the patient’s abilities. Only “Attention and Concentration” and “Divided Attention Training 2” will begin with level 4 and 2 respectively. A detailed description of the tasks and their content can be found on the developer’s site (Hasomed GmbH, www.hasomed.de) | The treatment will be performed after sterilisation of the skin on the areas where the needles will be inserted. The patient will be instructed to lie supine or to sit down on a treatment chair while the doctor’s left hand fixates the target position (DU20 and DU24), The angle of insertion is approximately 10°–20°(between needle and scalp), the needle should be inserted to a depth of approximately 0.3–0.5B-cun. Following insertion, a 1-minute stimulation of the acupuncture point will be performed using bidirectional rotation of the needle’s sleeve. This provokes a sensation known as Deqi, which is commonly described as a ‘glowing’ feeling. The needle will be kept in this position for 30 minutes. The described manipulation will be repeated every 10 minutes and the needles will be withdrawn after the fourth manipulation | |
5 Who provides | RehaCom training will be provided by experienced neuropsychology therapists, who will have at least 2 years of professional experience in the field of neurorehabilitation. | Acupuncture will be performed by acupuncturists who have a TCM practitioner’s license, and at least 2 years of working experience | Both study interventions will be provided by experienced neuropsychology therapists and acupuncture therapists, who will have at least 2 years of professional experience |
6 How | All the study interventions will be conducted individually in one-to-one sessions | ||
7 Where | All the study interventions will take place in the neuropsychology therapy department of each participating centre | ||
8 When and how much | During the 4-week intervention program, patients in each study group will receive the same amount of 20 sessions lasting 30 minutes each | ||
9 Tailoring | Training and therapy content will be tailored to each patient’s preferences, and the concentration level of each patient | ||