Video gaming for cognitive functioning of people with schizophrenia: a single-blind, individually randomised three-arm parallel-group controlled trial in Hong Kong (GAME-S)
Description
In this single-blind, individually randomised three-arm parallel-group controlled trial in Hong Kong, we recruited persons in outpatient settings, aged 18–60 years and diagnosed with schizophrenia. Using a computer-generated random number list (blocks size 6), participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) into a computerised brain training group (CogniFit), an entertainment gaming group (SIMS 4) in addition to usual treatment (TAU), or a TAU only group. Over a 12-week period, gaming (5 times/week, 60 minutes each time) was supported by trained facilitators. The data collectors were not blinded, but the statistician was blinded to treatment allocation. Verbal working memory (Letter-Number-Span-Test, LNST) was the primary outcome, measured at 3 and 6 months and analysed using the intention-to-treat principle. Safety was monitored through the course of the intervention and assessed in all randomly assigned patients for any adverse events. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03133143) and is complete. Findings: From 16 May 2019 to 11 November 2020, 1432 patients were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 144 were willing to join the study (10·1%), and 131 (mean age 45·1 years [SD 9·5]) were randomly allocated to either the CogniFit (n=45), SIMS 4 (n=43) or TAU (n=43) group. The final intervention took place on 25 July 2021. The final 6-month outcome assessment was completed on 30 October 2021.