Do specific attention deficits need specific training?

The efficacy of game-like computerised adaptive training programmes for intensity aspects of attention (alertness and vigilance) and selectivity aspects of attention (selective and divided attention) was studied in patients with left or right focal brain damage of vascular aetiology. Each patient received consecutive training in the two most impaired of the four attention domains. Control tests were performed by means of a standardised computerised attention test battery comprising tests for the four attention functions. Assessment was carried out at the beginning and after each of two training periods of 14 one-hour sessions each. There were significant specific training effects for both intensity aspects (alertness and vigilance), and also for response time in the selective attention and error rate in the divided attention task. For selectivity aspects of attention, reaction time also improved after training of basic attention domains. The application of inferential single case procedures revealed not only a high degree of specific training effects in individual cases but also a substantial number of deteriorations in performance after non-specific training of basic attention problems by tasks requiring selectivity of attention. The results are discussed in the light of a hierarchical organisation of attention functions.