اثربخشی نرم‌افزار توانبخشی‌شناختی کاپیتان‌لاگ بر توجه‌-‌تمرکز و حافظه فعال سالمندان

Background: Individuals’ cognitive functions often decline with advancing age. One of the most vital cognitive functions is memory, which holds particular importance in the human ability to store, retain, and recall information. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Captain’s Log cognitive rehabilitation software (CLCRS) on attention-concentration and working memory in older adults.
Method: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population of the study comprised all older adults residing in care and rehabilitation centers in Tehran in 2024, among whom 30 older adults over 65 years of age were selected through convenience sampling and based on eligibility criteria and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (n=15 in each group). Data collection instruments included Rosvold et al.’s Continuous Performance Test and Daneman and Carpenter’s Working Memory Test. The experimental group underwent a therapeutic intervention with CLCRS for 15 sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Following the posttest administration, data analysis was performed using ANCOVA in SPSS version 22.
Results: The results indicated that, by controlling for the pretest effect, there was a significant difference between the control and experimental groups in terms of attention-concentration and working memory at the posttest stage (p<.001). Such that the experimental group demonstrated a significant increase in two aforementioned variables.
Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that CLCRS resulted in significant improvements in attention-concentration and working memory in older adults, and it can be utilized as an effective interventional method to improve attention-concentration and working memory in older adults.

EXTENDED ABSTRACT
 Introduction
  tudies indicate that advancing age is accompanied by senescence and the deterioration of physical abilities related to cognition, resulting in increased cognitive errors and deficits, as well as reduced performance. The primary objective of cognitive rehabilitation is to ameliorate cognitive deficits and enhance cognitive functions such as working memory, executive functioning, social cognition, and attention-concentration. Enhancing the cognitive capabilities of older adults can contribute to increased personal independence, reduced reliance on caregivers, decreased healthcare system costs, and the more active integration of older adults into society. This approach aligns with the principles of “active aging” and “cognitive health as a human right,” as emphasized by WHO. Based on the principle of neuroplasticity, cognitive rehabilitation facilitates the improvement of these functions through the provision of targeted exercises. The Captain’s Log software is a computerized system designed to strengthen cognitive components; utilizing structured exercises, it aims to enhance working memory and attention-concentration. Despite evidence regarding the efficacy of this software in other populations, limited studies have been conducted on older adults. Consequently, the present study was designed to investigate the impact of a Captain’s Log software-based intervention on the variables of attention-concentration and working memory in older adults. It was hypothesized that: (1) the Captain’s Log cognitive rehabilitation software would significantly improve attention–concentration in older adults; and (2) the Captain’s Log cognitive rehabilitation software would significantly improve working memory in older adults.
Method
The method of the current research was quasi-experimental, employing a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population comprised all older adults aged 65 and above residing in care and rehabilitation centers in Tehran in 2024. From this population, 30 individuals were selected via convenience sampling from one of these centers and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group (15 individuals per group). The inclusion criteria were: (1) scoring below the normative mean on the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and the Working Memory Test; (2) possessing a minimum of middle school education; and (3) being over 65 years of age. The exclusion criteria consisted of: (1) absence from the therapeutic intervention sessions; and (2) diagnosis of acute cognitive disorders or concurrent receipt of other psychological treatments. The research instruments included CPT by Rosvold et al. and the Working Memory Test by Daneman and Carpenter. The experimental intervention utilizing the Captain’s Log cognitive rehabilitation software was administered individually by a therapist at the center, consisting of 15 sessions (45 minutes each, 3 days per week). The control group received no intervention for the duration of the study. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics included frequency (percentage), mean, and standard deviation, while inferential statistics involved univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Results
Prior to conducting the main analysis, the assumptions of ANCOVA were examined. The Shapiro–Wilk test indicated that the distribution of scores was normal in both groups at the pretest and posttest stages. Levene’s test confirmed the homogeneity of variances for attention–concentration and working memory. Furthermore, the assumption of homogeneity of regression slopes was satisfied, as the interaction between group and pretest scores was not statistically significant for either variable. Given that all assumptions required for ANCOVA were met, a univariate analysis of covariance was conducted to examine the effect of the intervention while controlling for pretest scores.
As shown in Table 1, the results of the univariate analysis of covariance revealed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in attention–concentration, F = 9.843, p = .004, η² = .267. This indicates that 26.7% of the variance in attention–concentration scores was explained by group membership after controlling for pretest scores. Therefore, the first hypothesis was supported. Similarly, the results demonstrated a significant difference between the two groups in working memory, F = 24.671, p< .001, η² = .447. This suggests that 44.7% of the variance in working memory scores was accounted for by the intervention after adjusting for pretest scores. Accordingly, the second hypothesis was supported.
Conclusion
The findings of the present study indicate that the Captain’s Log cognitive rehabilitation software was associated with significant improvements in attention–concentration and working memory among older adults. Age-related structural and functional changes in frontal and parietal brain regions are known to affect attentional control and working memory processes. Structured cognitive training programs may help mitigate these declines by engaging attentional networks and enhancing information processing efficiency. The Captain’s Log software provides structured tasks involving sustained attention, selective attention, and task switching, accompanied by immediate feedback. Such repeated and goal-directed cognitive exercises may enhance attentional control and the ability to filter relevant from irrelevant information. Working memory, which requires the active manipulation and monitoring of information, may also benefit from repeated cognitive engagement. From a neuroplasticity perspective, systematic cognitive training may promote functional adaptation within neural networks involved in executive functioning. Although neural changes were not directly measured in the present study, the observed behavioral improvements are consistent with training-induced cognitive enhancement. These findings are consistent with previous research demonstrating the effectiveness of computerized cognitive interventions in improving cognitive functioning among older adults.
 Ethical Consideration
Ethical Code
The research was conducted following the acquisition of necessary permissions from competent authorities among the care and rehabilitation centers for older adults in Tehran, in coordination with the director of one of the older adult care and rehabilitation centers.
Financial Support
This study did not receive financial support.
Authors’ Contributions
The author contributed to all aspects of the study
Conflict of Interest
The author declares no conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgments
The author extends sincere gratitude to all older adults who participated in this study who cooperated in the implementation of this research.
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