Automatic planning in cognitive training: application to multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is the second most common cause of neurological disability amongyoung adults. Cognitive impairment, which typically worsen over time, is a majorsymptom of MS. Sign of cognitive impairment can be observed in many cognitivedomains often including executive functions disorders. Planning is one of the mainskills related to executive functions, it is fundamental for many cognitive and motortasks. Brain games, initially available in a paper-and-pen format, have been designed to improve planning abilities. Current computerized cognitive training toolsalso include this kind of exercises; however, they have several limitations which canbe addressed exploiting automated planning. This solution enables advanced formsof human-computer interaction, but poses several design challenges. In this paper,we tested the usability of two cognitive training exercises for executive functionsbased on automated planning which include different features and interaction mechanisms, then we present the results of a multidomain cognitive training addressedto individuals affected by MS including the exercise that performed better in thetest. The aim of this study is to clarify design issues concerning executive functionsexercises based on automated planning, showing that they can be actually used ina multidomain cognitive training with participants affected by MS.