Comparison of Interventions for Developmental Dyslexia

Summary

The purpose of the present study is to compare the effectiveness of Rhythmic Reading Training (RRT), a computer-assisted intervention method that combines sublexical reading exercises with rhythm processing, and that of an intervention resulting from the combination of two yet validated treatments for DD, namely, Bakker's Visual Hemisphere-Specific Stimulation (VHSS) and the Action Video Game Training (AVG). Finally, the effectiveness of the administration of only AVG is intended to be compared to other treatments. All interventions are administered for 13 hours over 9 days to a group of Italian students with DD aged 8-12.

Conditions

• Developmental Dyslexia

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Rhythmic Reading Training

RRT is a child-friendly computerized reading training program designed for Italian students with DD aged 8-14 yrs. The main feature of this intervention is the integration of a traditional remediation approach (sublexical treatment) with rhythm processing. Therefore, all reading exercises are characterized by a rhythmic accompaniment with gradually increasing speed.

BEHAVIORAL

Visual Hemispheric-Specific Stimulation + Action Video Games

This training combines Visual Hemisphere-Specific Stimulation (VHSS) according to Bakker's Balance Model, and Action Video-Games (AVG). Hemispheric-specific stimulation is carried out by tachistoscopic presentation of words to a visual hemifield in order to selectively stimulate right-hemisphere perceptual analysis or left-hemisphere linguistic anticipation. A computerized program is used, in which the word is flashed and presented for less than 350 ms only if the child clicks on the mouse at the exact moment a dot is crossing a central target (control of eye position and fixation). AVG training involves dyslexic participants in a video-game training, specifically aimed at improving visuo-spatial attentional abilities. A commercial WiiTM video game from UbisoftTM (suitable for children age 7 and older by the Pan European Game Information) called 'Rayman Raving Rabbids' is used.

BEHAVIORAL

Action Video Games

AVG training involves dyslexic participants in a video-game training, specifically aimed at improving visuo-spatial attentional abilities. A commercial WiiTM video game from UbisoftTM (suitable for children age 7 and older by the Pan European Game Information) called 'Rayman Raving Rabbids' is used.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• IRCCS Eugenio Medea

  collaborator OTHER

• Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Alice Cancer, MD · Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

8 Years

Max Age

12 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2016-01-31

Primary Completion

2017-06-30

Completion

2018-04-30

Countries

• Italy

Study Locations