Computerized working memory training in males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A single case experimental design study

Learning disabilities (LDs) and working memory problems (WM) are common brain-related comorbidities in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Despite growing evidence on the efficacy of computerized WM training in children with LDs, research in DMD is lacking. This exploratory study assessed whether training (1) improves dystrophin-associated WM problems in DMD, (2) effects are present at post-intervention, 3 and 8 months follow-up, and (3) improves problems that arise from their LDs. A single case non-concurrent multiple baseline across patients design evaluated the target behaviour i.e. parental reports of WM problems of four DMD participants with LDs. Additionally, participants completed cognitive tests of verbal and visual WM, academics, attention, processing speed and fluid reasoning. Parents and teachers completed behavioural questionnaires. Testing and questionnaires were administered at baseline, post-intervention (T2), 3 (T3) and 8 (T4) months follow-up. Positive effects on target behaviour were found for three of four participants, but parental bias cannot be ruled out. Short and long-term, near-and far transfer effects were found for verbal and visual WM (T2:n = 2, T3&T4:n = 1), reading (T2:n = 4,T3:n = 3,T4:n = 2), arithmetic (all T:n = 1), processing speed (all T:n = 4) and fluid reasoning (T2:n = 1,T3&T4:n = 2). Behavioural questionnaires displayed minimal changes (T2:n = 1,T3&T4:n = 2). Promising WM training results are shown in DMD that merit further research.