The theoretical framework behind NeuronUP

1. Design based on theoretical framework

NeuronUP’s exercises are designed according to established neuropsychological principles, grounded in rigorous scientific research. These principles include brain plasticity and cortical reorganization as theoretical bases, which support the functional recovery of cognitive skills after injury or decline.

In a study by Plata-Bello et al. (2021) on people with multiple sclerosis, it was shown that digital therapies like those of NeuronUP significantly improve working memory and verbal fluency. These findings validate the effectiveness of the exercises and also show structural changes in the brain’s gray and white matter, an indicator of active neuroplasticity.

2. Personalization and adaptability

In addition, the platform stands out for its focus on personalization. The exercises are adjusted to the user’s unique profile, taking into account their age, educational level, type of injury, and specific needs. This adaptability increases the treatment’s effectiveness by designing activities aligned with individual therapeutic goals.

For example, an older adult with mild cognitive impairment may receive activities focused on episodic memory and processing speed, while a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will work on executive functions and social skills.

3. Ecological validity and functional transfer

One of the main challenges in cognitive rehabilitation is ensuring that the progress achieved during therapy sessions translates into improvements in the user’s daily life. NeuronUP prioritizes this functional transfer through activities designed with high ecological validity. That is, the exercises are designed so that progress in the clinic is reflected in the user’s everyday life.

An example is the exercise Accurate Payments, which simulates everyday situations like handling money. This type of task not only trains mathematical and planning skills, but also reinforces functional autonomy, improving the user’s quality of life.

An example is the exercise Accurate Payments, which simulates everyday situations like handling money. This type of task not only trains mathematical and planning skills, but also reinforces functional autonomy, improving the user’s quality of life.

Impact on diverse populations

Childhood and neurodevelopmental disorders

In the child field, NeuronUP Kids has become an essential tool to stimulate key cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and executive functions. According to Ayala Arango (2020), a neuropsychological intervention program based on this platform showed significant improvements in academic skills such as reading and writing, especially in contexts of social vulnerability.

Additionally, in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), NeuronUP’s exercises have been effective in improving sustained attention and inhibitory control, two fundamental skills for academic and social success.

Older adults and healthy aging

NeuronUP has shown significant benefits in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Recent studies, such as Cruz González et al. (2021), have documented improvements in episodic memory and processing speed after brief cognitive stimulation interventions with this tool.

The personalization of activities is particularly relevant in this group, as it allows working on specific cognitive areas to slow the progression of decline and promote healthy aging.

Acquired brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases

In people with acquired brain injury, such as those who have suffered strokes (CVA), NeuronUP serves as a effective tool to promote neuroplasticity and recover essential cognitive functions. Specific activities on the platform have proven useful for training attention, language, and executive functions, skills often affected after a stroke.

In the case of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, exercises focused on implicit and explicit memory have been shown to be effective in slowing cognitive decline, allowing affected individuals to maintain their independence longer.

Scientific methodology behind the exercises

Principles of the theoretical framework

NeuronUP bases its approach on a robust theoretical framework that combines neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, and advanced technology, ensuring that its activities are scientifically valid, accessible, and customizable.

Some key principles are:

Neuroplasticity and cortical reorganization

The activities are designed to stimulate specific brain areas, promoting the creation of new neural connections. This principle underpins the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize after injuries or decline.

Assessment and continuous retroNutrition

Therapists can monitor progress in real time, allowing immediate adjustments based on the user’s responses, maximizing the effectiveness of interventions.

Transfer of skills

The exercises improve specific cognitive skills and facilitate applying them to everyday situations, helping affected individuals regain functional independence.

Modular and multimodal model

The activities combine restoration, compensation, and substitution, adapting to the specific needs of each user and therapeutic context. This comprehensive approach fosters ecological functionality, improving activities of daily living (ADLs)​.

Scientific validation through RCTs

Regarding validation, NeuronUP uses randomized controlled trials (RCTs, by their English acronym) to validate its exercises. This type of study ensures that interventions are not only effective but also replicable in diverse clinical contexts.

For example, an RCT conducted in older adults with mild cognitive impairment showed that NeuronUP activities significantly improved working memory and selective attention, even without additional stimulation.

Platform that continues to evolve

NeuronUP continues to stand out as an essential tool in the field of cognitive stimulation, thanks to its constant evolution and integration of advanced technologies and cutting-edge scientific approaches.

These are the most notable recent developments:

1. Expansion of multisensory exercises

NeuronUP has added new activities that stimulate multiple sensory channels simultaneously (visual, auditory, and tactile), optimizing activation of different brain areas. These exercises improve cognitive functions and increase user motivation, especially in children and older adults, where treatment adherence is a challenge.

2. Multicultural and multilingual adaptation

NeuronUP has worked on the cultural and linguistic adaptation of its exercises to make them relevant and effective in global contexts. Currently, the platform offers content in seven languages and adapted to different cultures, facilitating its implementation in various international clinical settings. This inclusive approach ensures that professionals and users from different regions can benefit from cognitive stimulation resources.

3. Incorporation of gamification

Gamification elements have been integrated to increase user participation and engagement. This includes progression levels, virtual rewards, and collaborative dynamics. Gamification makes the exercises more appealing, improves retention of acquired skills, and encourages continuation of treatment at home.

4. Remote monitoring and telerehabilitation

NeuronUP allows remote follow-up and monitoring of users, which is especially useful in situations where in-person access is limited. This feature makes it easier for professionals to maintain continuity in therapeutic interventions, regardless of the user’s geographic location, a characteristic that became crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5. Interdisciplinary collaboration

The NeuronUP platform collaborates with research centers and universities to update and innovate in the development of its content. With the aim of identifying and responding to current problems, as well as ensuring that its activities are backed by recent studies and evidence-based approaches. These collaborations allow NeuronUP to remain a reliable and up-to-date resource in cognitive rehabilitation.

The effectiveness of NeuronUP in cognitive stimulation is solidly supported by a theoretical framework. With exercises designed under neuropsychological principles and validated methodologies, this platform demonstrates significant improvements in functions such as memory, attention, and executive functions, achieving a positive impact on users’ daily lives.

NeuronUP continues to lead the field of neurorehabilitation, integrating the latest scientific and technological advances to offer innovative and effective tools to health professionals.

Bibliography

• Ayala Arango, M. (2020). Study on the effectiveness of neuropsychological intervention in contexts of social vulnerability using NeuronUP Kids. Revista de Neuropsicología Infantil, 5(2), 120-135. Retrieved from NeuronUP.
• Cruz González, I., Sánchez Pérez, F., & Torres Martín, E. (2021). Cognitive stimulation interventions in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: Results of a study with NeuronUP. Journal of Cognitive Rehabilitation, 15(4), 245-260. Retrieved from NeuronUP.
• Lynch, C. (2002). The design of functional tasks as a basis for cognitive rehabilitation. Retrieved from NeuronUP.
• Plata-Bello, J., Herrera-Ramos, E., & Cabrera Díaz, Y. (2021). Effects of digital therapies on neuroplasticity and cognitive recovery in patients with multiple sclerosis. Neuropsychological Studies, 30(3), 189-204. Retrieved from NeuronUP.
• Peretz, C., et al. (2011). Personalized training versus traditional activities in computer-based cognitive rehabilitation. Retrieved from NeuronUP.
• Sánchez Carrión, R., & Rosetti, L. (2011). Effectiveness of personalization in neuropsychological intervention: An adaptive approach. Rehabilitación Cognitiva, 9(1), 45-59. Retrieved from NeuronUP.
• NeuronUP. (s.f.). NeuronUP: Rehabilitation and cognitive stimulation tool based on scientific evidence. Retrieved from https://neuronup.com
• NeuronUP. (2024). Theoretical framework. https://neuronup.us/neuronup-labs/theoretical-framework-scientific-evidence-cognition-neuropsychology/
• NeuronUP. (s.f.). Research on brain and cognition by NeuronUP Labs. Retrieved from https://neuronup.us/neuronup-labs/

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Marco teórico detrás de NeuronUP