Computerized cognitive training programs (CCTP) are based on the assumption that cognitive abilities may be boosted by repetitively performing challenging tasks. The integration of game-like features in these programs, associated with the goal of amusing or rewarding participants, may contribute to generate cognitive benefits. Indeed, reinforcement contingencies have been reported to produce positive effects on performance and motivation, especially in children. This meta-analysis was aimed at providing a quantitative summary of the effectiveness of CCTP with game-like features in school-aged children with typical and atypical development. A total of 24 studies, with the cognitive and behavioral outcome data of 1547 participants, were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify the sources of the observed methodological heterogeneity. A robust variance estimation model, after removal of study outliers, yielded a small-to-moderate significant effect size. Final results pointed out smaller but more precise estimate effect sizes according to methodological aspects related to cognitive domain of outcomes, standardization of measures and type of control applied. Alongside supporting the use of CCTP for rehabilitating cognitive functions, the present results shed light on how different methodological choices are able to shape research findings in the field of children’s cognitive rehabilitation.

中文翻译：

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具有或没有神经心理疾病的儿童具有游戏特征的计算机认知训练计划（CCTP）的有效性：一项荟萃分析研究。

计算机化认知训练程序（CCTP）是基于这样的假设，即重复执行具有挑战性的任务可以提高认知能力。这些程序中类似游戏的功能的集成，与娱乐或奖励参与者的目标相关，可能有助于产生认知上的好处。确实，据报道，增强的意外事件对成绩和动机产生积极影响，尤其是对儿童而言。这项荟萃分析旨在定量评估CCTP在具有典型和非典型发育的学龄儿童中具有游戏性特征的有效性。共有24项研究（包括1547名参与者的认知和行为结果数据）被选入荟萃分析。进行亚组分析以鉴定观察到的方法异质性的来源。剔除研究异常值后，稳健的方差估计模型产生了从小到中的显着效应大小。最终结果指出，根据与结果认知领域，措施的标准化和所采用的控制类型有关的方法论方面，可以估计较小但较精确的效应大小。除了支持使用CCTP来恢复认知功能外，本研究结果还揭示了不同的方法选择如何能够塑造儿童认知康复领域的研究结果。最终结果指出，根据与结果认知领域，措施的标准化和所采用的控制类型有关的方法论方面，可以估计较小但较精确的效应大小。除了支持使用CCTP来恢复认知功能外，本研究结果还揭示了不同的方法选择如何能够塑造儿童认知康复领域的研究结果。最终结果指出，根据与结果认知领域，措施的标准化和所采用的控制类型有关的方法论方面，可以估计较小但较精确的效应大小。除了支持使用CCTP来恢复认知功能外，本研究结果还揭示了不同的方法选择如何能够塑造儿童认知康复领域的研究结果。