Train Your Attention and Executive Functions with Eye-Riders! A Videogame for Improving Cognitive Abilities in Neurodiverse Children

Abstract

Although it is increasingly common to use digital games for the cognitive training, to date there is still a need for more studies of the effectiveness of neuropsychological treatments based on digital games, especially for populations with Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs). This study aims to present the effectiveness of Eye-Riders, a serious game developed to train executive functions in neurodiverse children. A group of 41 children (age range 7–9 years) participated in the study: 13 with SLDs and 28 with typical development. The training consisted in playing Eye-Riders in 9 sessions of 20 minutes each, with a frequency of 3 times a week for three weeks. The effectiveness of the training was assessed by means of the Nepsy-II battery of executive and attentional function scales, administered before and after the training. The gaming style was measured by Gaming Style Questionnaire (GSQ). The results showed significant improvement in the skills of Auditory Attention, Visual Attention, Inhibition and Switching in both groups. These results had a positive impact in reading abilities. In addition, the results reveal that in children with SLD, the improvement achieved in visual attention skills can be attributed to the improvement in game performance. In conclusion, Eye-Riders is an effective video game to of executive functions in neurodivergent children.