The Effectiveness of the "Aram" Computerized Cognitive Rehabilitation Program on Improving Visual–Spatial Perception and Working Memory in Students with Specific Learning Disorders

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Psychology, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.

Abstract

Specific learning disorder is among the most common academic challenges in children and can significantly impair cognitive functioning and educational progress. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program “Aram” on improving visual–spatial perception and working memory in students with specific learning disorder. This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group. The statistical population included 9- to 10-year-old boys with specific learning disorder referred to the Derakhshesh Child and Adolescent Counseling Center in Najafabad during the second half of 2024. Thirty participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. After sample attrition, data from 27 participants were analyzed. The research instruments included selected subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fifth Edition (WISC-V), including Block Design and Visual Puzzles for assessing visual–spatial perception, and Digit Span and Picture Span for evaluating working memory. The experimental group received the Aram computer-based cognitive rehabilitation intervention in 12 sessions of 45 minutes each, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate and univariate analyses of covariance. The findings indicated that, after controlling for pretest scores, the intervention significantly improved visual–spatial perception and working memory in the experimental group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The results suggest that the Aram program can effectively improve cognitive functioning in students with specific learning disorder.

Keywords

Main Subjects


Alivandi Vafa, M., Shalchi, B., Farhoodi, M., Nazari, M. A., & Obeidi Houri Leila, L. (2024). Comparison of the effectiveness of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation and non-computer-based intervention on improving auditory and visual working memory in patients with stroke in Tabriz. Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 34(231), 112–125. https://doi.org/10.34172/mj.2024.019
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Association Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Amini, A., Almasi, A., & Norouzi Homayoun, N. (2022). Effectiveness of sensory-motor integration exercises and computerized cognitive rehabilitation on executive functions (working memory, response inhibition, and cognitive flexibility) in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Empowerment of Exceptional Children, 13(2), 79–95. https://doi.org/10.22034/ceciranj.2022.318579.1619
Baddeley, A. (1992). Working memory. Science, 255(5044), 556–559. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1736359
Baddeley, A. (2012). Working memory: Theories, models, and controversies. Annual Review of Psychology, 63, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-120710-100422
Caporusso, E., Cardinali, F., Bucciarelli, F., Razzano, L., & Piegari, G. (2024). Current perspectives on computerized cognitive remediation: Efficacy and application. Rivista Sperimentale di Freniatria, 148(3), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.3280/RSF2024-003003
Chan, A. T. C., Ip, R. T. F., Tran, J. Y. S., Chan, J. Y. C., & Tsoi, K. K. F. (2024). Computerized cognitive training for memory functions in mild cognitive impairment or dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. npj Digital Medicine, 7(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-023-00987-5
Cicerone, K. D., Mott, T., Azulay, J., & Friel, J. C. (2004). Community integration and satisfaction with functioning after intensive cognitive rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85(6), 943–950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2003.07.019
Cornoldi, C., Giofrè, D., Orsini, A., & Pezzuti, L. (2014). Differences in the intellectual profile of children with intellectual vs. learning disability. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 35(9), 2224–2230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2014.05.013
Cowan, N. (2017). The many faces of working memory and short-term storage. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 24(4), 1158–1170. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-016-1191-6
Dehn, L. B., Piefke, M., Toepper, M., Kohsik, A., Rogalewski, A., Dyck, E., Schneider, W., & Beblo, T. (2020). Cognitive training in an everyday-like virtual reality enhances visual-spatial memory capacities in stroke survivors with visual field defects. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 27(6), 442–452. https://doi.org/10.1080/10749357.2020.1716531
Delavar, A. (2018). Research methods in psychology and educational sciences (5th ed.). Virayesh Publishing.
Derikvand, M., Shahni Yilagh, M., & Hajiyakhchali, A. (2023). The comparison of effects of computer cognitive rehabilitation (ARAM) and practical rehabilitation games (Attention Games) on working memory, response inhibition, and reading comprehension of students with dyslexia. Quarterly Journal of Child Mental Health, 10(1), 78–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.61186/jcmh.10.1.7
Devi, A., & Kavya, G. (2023). Dysgraphia disorder forecasting and classification technique using intelligent deep learning approaches. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 120, Article 110647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110647
Dutt, S., & Ahuja, N. J. (2021). Comparison of classification methods used in machine learning for dysgraphia identification. Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education12(11), 1886-1891 .https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/597b/747650844ee4a01e23949ebfeb162322016a.pdf
Eyvazi, S., Karami, J., & Yazdanbakhsh, K. (2024). The effectiveness of the “Hamrah” cognitive rehabilitation package on improving visual-perceptual problems in students with dysgraphia. Cognitive Psychology Quarterly, 11(4), 60–73. http://jcp.khu.ac.ir/article-1-3666-en.html
Feizipour, H., Sepehrianazar, F., Issazadegan, A., & Ashayeri, H. (2019). The effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation on processing speed, working memory capacity, executive function, and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients: A quasi-experimental study. Studies in Medical Sciences, 30(10), 804–818. http://umj.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-4688-en.html
Geary, D. C. (1994). Children's mathematical development: Research and practical applications. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/10163-000
 Haghighat Panah, A., Esteki, M., & Moghaddam, K. (2019). Impact of video games on creativity and spatial perception preschoolers. Journal of New Thoughts on Education15(3), 229-256.‏ https://doi.org/10.22051/jontoe.2019.14586.1726
Harley, J. P., Allen, C., Braciszewski, R. E., Cicerone, K. D., Dahlberg, C., Malec, J. F., ... & Smigelski, J. S. (1992). Cognitive rehabilitation: A systematic, functionally oriented service. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 7(3), 57–69. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Harley+Cognitive+rehabilitation
Hewapathirana, C., Abeysinghe, K., Maheshani, P., Liyanage, P., Krishara, J., & Thelijjagoda, S. (2021). A mobile-based screening and refinement system to identify the risk of dyscalculia and dysgraphia learning disabilities in primary school students. In 2021 10th International Conference on Information and Automation for Sustainability (ICIAfS), 11–13. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICIAfS52090.2021.9605998
Imani, Z., Jajarmi, M., & Mahoor, H. (2024). Comparison of the effectiveness of brain-based learning and self-regulation strategies on the academic achievement of students with specific learning disabilities. Journal of Study and Innovation in Education and Development, 4(2), 109–124. https://doi.org/10.61838/jsied.4.2.7
Javadi Bazargani, M., Estski, M., Shahriyari Ahmadi, M., & Kooshki, S. (2023). Comparison of visual perception infradian rhythms in students with and without special learning disorder. Quarterly Journal of Child Mental Health, 9(4), 140–151 http://childmentalhealth.ir/article-1-1266-en.html
Jeannerod, M. (1997). The cognitive neuroscience of action. Blackwell Publishing.
Karami, E., & Karami, R. (2018). Rāhnamā-ye āzmūn-e hūsh-e Weksler-e kūdakān [Manual of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Digital stimulus version, 21 subtests)] (D. A. Karami & D. R. Karami, Trans.). Ravansanji.
Karami, E., Karami, R., & Alipour, A. (2020). Psychometric properties of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Fifth Edition. Educational Measurement Quarterly, 11(41), 97–125. https://doi.org/10.22054/jem.2021.51727.2036
Karbach, J., & Verhaeghen, P. (2014). Executive-control and working-memory training: Effects on intelligence. Psychological Science, 25(11), 2027–2037. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797614548725
Kashavarz, S., & Kakavand, A. (2019). A study of numerical processing speed, explicit and implicit memory, active and passive memory, mental retention ability, and visual-spatial skills in students with dyscalculia. Quarterly Journal of Child Mental Health, 6(2), 53–67. http://childmentalhealth.ir/article-1-730-en.html
Khanjani, Z., Salehi Eghdam, K., & Afi, E. (2018). The effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation-based training in improving visual and auditory memory in children with learning disorders accompanied by hyperactivity and without hyperactivity. Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 6(1), 23–35. https://sanad.iau.ir/en/Article/972506?FullText=FullText
Khodaei, M., Andalib Kourayem, M., & Zarghami, E. (2022). The effectiveness of computer-based cognitive exercises on memory, attention and concentration in the elderly with mild Alzheimer's disease living in nursing homes. Aging Psychology, 8(4), 329–347. https://doi.org/10.22126/jap.2022.8499.1674
Kim, W. C., Jeong, Y. J., Jeong, Y. G., & Lee, K. H. (2024). Computer-assisted rehabilitation shows greater efficacy than traditional in visuospatial skills and cognition in neglect patients. Journal of Motor Behavior, 56(4), 511–518. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222895.2024.2336520
Klingberg, T. (2010). Training and plasticity of working memory. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2010.05.002
Lipka, O., Sarid, M., Aharoni Zorach, I., Bufman, A., Hagag, A. A., & Peretz, H. (2020). Adjustment to higher education: A comparison of students with and without disabilities. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, Article 580719. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00923
Maggio, M. G., De Luca, R., Molonia, F., Porcari, B., Destro, M., Casella, C., ... & Calabrò, R. S. (2019). Cognitive rehabilitation in patients with traumatic brain injury: A narrative review on the emerging use of virtual reality. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 61, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocn.2018.12.020
Maresca, G., Corallo, F., De Cola, M. C., Formica, C., Giliberto, S., Rao, G., Crupi, M. F., Quartarone, A., & Pidalà, A. (2024). Effectiveness of the use of virtual reality rehabilitation in children with dyslexia: Follow-up after one year. Brain Sciences, 14(7), 655. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14070655
Marr, D. (2010). Vision: A computational investigation into the human representation and processing of visual information. MIT Press. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/9780262514620.001.0001
McMahon, M., & Hatton, C. (2021). A comparison of the prevalence of health problems among adults with and without intellectual disability: A total administrative population study. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 34(1), 316–325. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12785
Mendes, L., Oliveira, J., Barbosa, F., & Castelo-Branco, M. (2022). A conceptual view of cognitive intervention in older adults with and without cognitive decline: A systemic review. Frontiers in Aging, 3, Article 844725. https://doi.org/10.3389/fragi.2022.844725
Mix, K. S., & Cheng, Y. L. (2012). The relation between space and math: Developmental and educational implications. Advances in Child Development and Behavior, 42, 197–243. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-394388-0.00006-X
mohamad Panahi, N., & Bayat Mokhtari, L. (2024). The effect of visual spatial perception training on improving theory of mind in students with learning disabilities. Research in School and Virtual Learning, 12(1), 81–90. https://doi.org/10.30473/etl.2024.70444.4157
Moinalghorabaie, A., Eslami, A., & Fadaei, A. (2015). The prevalence of specific learning disabilities among primary school students in North Khorasan Province. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 5(1), 101–124. https://jld.uma.ac.ir/article_366_7eac6963b42bef6836d40c587ae6dd98.pdf?lang=en
Nejati, V. (2018). Comprehensive cognitive rehabilitation handbook in developmental disorders. Roshd-e Farhang.
Nemati, Sh., Badri Gargari, R., Vahedi, Sh., & Mehrganfard Jirandeh, Z. (2024). The application of cognitive rehabilitation on comprehension, production, and numerical calculations in students with specific learning disorder with impairment in mathematics. Applied Psychological Research Quarterly, 15(1), 53–72. https://doi.org/10.22059/japr.2024.333955.644085
Newcombe, N. (2015). Thinking about spatial thinking: New typology, new assessments. Routledge.
Niemeijer, M., Sværke, K. W., & Christensen, H. K. (2020). The effects of computer based cognitive rehabilitation in stroke patients with working memory impairment: A systematic review. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 29(12), Article 105265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105265
Nodayi, K., Samad, G., & Karami, H. (2016). The relationship between working memory capacity and reading performance in students: An executive function study. Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 4(3), 11–20. http://jcp.khu.ac.ir/article-1-2631-fa.html
Norouzi Homayoun, M., Lester, D., Hataminejad, M., & Sadri Demirchi, E. (2025). Neurocognitive differences in attention, memory, and executive functions between individuals with epilepsy and healthy controls: Evidence from Shiraz, Iran. Journal of Cognitive Science Research, 3(1), 60–69. https://doi.org/10.22059/jcsr.2025.404866.1024
Pourfaraman, M., & Taher, M. (2022). The effectiveness of visual skill-based computer games on visual-auditory-spatial perception and reading tracking speed of students with special learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 10(2), 200–211. https://jld.uma.ac.ir/article_1103_4a64a03f7d101e8d3103110b2551370c.pdf?lang=en
Raven, J. (2000). The Raven's progressive matrices: Change and stability over culture and time. Cognitive Psychology, 41(1), 1–48. https://doi.org/10.1006/cogp.1999.0735
Reisian, F., Ghasemzadeh, S., & Ghobari Bonab, B. (2025). Free rein: How freedom in outcome preserves working memory and protects skilled performance under high pressure. Journal of Cognitive Science Research, 3(1), 38–49. https://doi.org/10.22059/jcsr.2025.404839.1023
Roitavand Ghiasvand, N., & Amiri-Majd, M. (2019). The effectiveness of the Captain Log cognitive software on visual-spatial perception in students with learning disabilities. Journal of Exceptional Children, 19(1), 1–10. http://joec.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-692-1&slc_lang=fa&sid=1
Rute-Pérez, S., Rodríguez-Domínguez, C., Vélez-Coto, M., Pérez-García, M., & Caracuel, A. (2023). Effectiveness of computerized cognitive training by VIRTRAEL on memory and executive function in older people: A pilot study. Brain Sciences, 13(4), 684. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13040684
Saeidmanesh, M., Vaziri, F., & Azizi Bondarabadi, M. (2025). Examining the effectiveness of computerized cognitive rehabilitation on the working memory of students with learning disabilities. Journal of Disability Studies, 15, 28–36. http://jdisabilstud.org/article-1-3199-en.html
Safavi Vesal Morvarid, S., Nazari, M. A., & Bafandeh Qara Maleki, H. (2022). The effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in improving working memory, visual processing, and spatial understanding in children with mathematical learning disorder. Journal of Neuropsychology, 8(29), 85–104. http://childmentalhealth.ir/article-1-1258-en.html
Sahraeian, K. (2025). Design characteristics of educational games for developing metacognitive skills: A systematic review. Journal of Cognitive Science Research, 3(1), 70–90. https://doi.org/10.22059/jcsr.2025.407738.1031
Seyyed Sharbat, M., Zarei, H. A., & Hoseininasab, S. D. (2021). Comparative study of visual-spatial working memory perception in normal students and students with special learning disabilities. The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 10(5), 988–1001. https://doi.org/10.32598/SJRM.10.5.15
Shaban, A., Chang, V., Amodu, O. D., Attia, M. R., & Abdelhamid, G. S. M. (2024). A systematic review of working memory applications for children with learning difficulties: Transfer outcomes and design principles. Education Sciences, 14(11), 1260. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14111260
Shapiro, L. (2024). Trial tests cognitive rehab with VR-based exercise to boost memory. Medical News Today. https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/news-posts/2024/09/10/trial-cognitive
Swanson, H. L., & Sachse-Lee, C. (2001). Mathematical problem solving and working memory in children with learning disabilities: Both executive and phonological processes are important. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 79(3), 294–321. https://doi.org/10.1006/jecp.2000.2587
Trigueiro, M. J., Lopes, J., Simões-Silva, V., Vieira de Melo, B. B., Simões de Almeida, R., & Marques, A. (2024). Impact of VR-based cognitive training on working memory and inhibitory control in IDD young adults. Healthcare, 12(17), 1705. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12171705
Tsaousides, T., & Gordon, W. A. (2009). Cognitive rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury: Assessment to treatment. Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine: A Journal of Translational and Personalized Medicine, 76(2), 173–181. https://doi.org/10.1002/msj.20099
Vestberg, T., Reinebo, G., Maurex, L., Ingvar, M., & Petrovic, P. (2017). Core executive functions are associated with success in young elite soccer players. PLoS One, 12(2), Article e0170845. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0170845
Wechsler, D. (2003). WISC-IV technical and interpretive manual. Pearson.
Wechsler, D. (2008). WAIS-IV: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Pearson.
Wechsler, D. (2014). WISC-V technical and interpretive manual. Pearson.
Zelinski, E. M., & Reyes, R. (2009). Cognitive benefits of computer games for older adults. Gerontechnology, 8(4), 220–235. https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2009.08.04.004.00
  • Receive Date: 29 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 18 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 03 February 2026
  • Publish Date: 01 March 2026