Automatic planning in cognitive training: application to multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the second-most common cause of neurological disability among young adults. Cognitive impairment, which typically worsens over time, is a major symptom of MS. Signs of cognitive impairment can be observed in many cognitive domains, often including executive-function disorders. Planning is one of the main skills related to executive functions and is fundamental for many cognitive and motor tasks. Brain games, initially available in paper-and-pen format, have been designed to improve planning abilities. Current computerized cognitive training tools also include this kind of exercises; however, they have several limitations, which can be addressed exploiting automated planning. This solution enables advanced forms of human-computer interaction, but poses several design challenges. We tested the usability of two cognitive training exercises for executive functions based on automated planning, which include various features and interaction mechanisms. We present the results of a multidomain cognitive training addressed to individuals affected by MS, including the exercise that performed better in the test. The aim of this study is to clarify design issues concerning executive-function exercises based on automated planning, showing that they can be used in a multidomain cognitive training by participants affected by MS.