Study of Brain and Cognitive Effects of Math Skill Interventions in Children Ages 6 to 12 with and without Math Learning Disabilities

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying children aged 6 to 12 years with and without mathematical learning disabilities to understand the brain and cognitive processes involved in learning numerical skills. This study evaluates how children respond to interventions designed to improve weaknesses in math abilities by enhancing connections between symbolic and non-symbolic number understanding. The research aims to uncover how these changes relate to brain function and learning differences among children. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups for a 6-week program. One group receives an integrative symbolicnon-symbolic iSNS training that strengthens the link between symbolic numbers and quantities. The other group completes an active control intervention focusing on improving short-term memory for visual or verbal information. Training involves working on tablet-based activities at home three days a week with weekly one-on-one support from the research team. MRI brain scans and behavioral tests are conducted before and after the intervention, with an additional follow-up assessment six months later to measure lasting effects. Throughout the study, children complete various tasks measuring reaction times and accuracy in symbolic and non-symbolic number comparisons and addition. Researchers also analyze brain activity changes related to these tasks. Assessments include cognitive tests, brain imaging, and tracking of learning progress. The study lasts about six weeks for the intervention, plus follow-up visits after six months to evaluate long-term benefits and brain plasticity.

Interventions in Mathematics and Cognitive Skills