Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42387621›Full record

ArticleBMC psychology2026

The transfer effects of executive function training on prospective memory in children with learning difficulties: a longitudinal study.

Chen Cai, Xin Fang, Zihan Quan, Huizhuo Liang

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC psychology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

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No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Chen CaiDepartment of Psychology, School of Education Science, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China. caichen@qdu.edu.cn.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8725-3988
Xin FangDepartment of Psychology, School of Education Science, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
Zihan QuanSchool of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, Guangdong, China.
Huizhuo LiangDepartment of Psychology, School of Education Science, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.

Funding

Education and Teaching Research Project of Shandong Province 2020JXQ001Social Science Planning Project of Shandong Province 21DJYJ05
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundExtensive empirical evidence has established that children with learning difficulties (LDs) experience pronounced deficits in prospective memory (PM) - the cognitive ability to encode, maintain, and successfully execute delayed intentions. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these PM impairments remain underexplored, while extant intervention studies demonstrate marked heterogeneity in treatment outcomes. The present study sought to bridge these critical gaps by expanding the empirical foundation regarding PM dysfunction in children with LDs and exploring the improvement patterns of core executive function (EF) subcomponents (working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility) during PM development within this population.

methodsWe assessed LDs' PM performance using a computerized dual-task paradigm and developed a comprehensive EF training protocol targeting these three subcomponents, which was delivered across twelve progressive sessions. Ninety-three children aged from 10 to 12 were randomly allocated to cognitive training (CT) group, behavioral training (BT) group, or control group, with PM performance assessed at pre-, post-training, and six-month follow-up.

resultsThe results revealed prominent PM enhancements for two training groups, with CT group demonstrating superior effect compared to BT group both at post-training and six-month follow-up assessments. Furthermore, distinct temporal improvement patterns were identified across EF domains: working memory showed rapid gains at early training stage, while inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility exhibited progressive growth in middle to late stages.

conclusionsThese findings make meaningful contributions to the field by offering preliminary indications for improving PM performance through EF training in children with LDs.

Indexed as

Executive FunctionLearning DisabilitiesMemory, EpisodicTransfer, PsychologyChildCognitive FlexibilityCognitive TrainingFemaleHumansInhibition, PsychologicalLongitudinal StudiesMaleMemory, Short-TermChildren with learning difficultiesExecutive function trainingLongitudinal studyProspective memoryTransfer effect

Identifiers

PMID42387621
PMCPMC13591710

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.