TurbeLab Serious Game for Executive Functions in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the feasibility and preliminary effects of TurbeLab, a serious mobile game designed to stimulate executive functions (EFs) in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Methodology: Fifteen participants (aged 10–14; M = 11.3, SD = 1.3) with diagnosed NDDs completed two 20-minute gameplay sessions. EFs were assessed pre- and post-intervention using standardized neuropsychological measures of inhibitory control, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, and visuoconstructive memory; user experience was evaluated using the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS); data were analyzed with linear mixed models. Findings: Significant improvements were observed in inhibitory control, processing speed, and visuoconstructive memory; cognitive flexibility showed no significant change. A significant Time × baseline working memory interaction was found for selected outcomes. Participants reported high satisfaction and engagement. Originality: To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate TurbeLab’s feasibility and preliminary efficacy using standardized neuropsychological EF assessments in a clinical NDD population, extending prior usability-focused work. Impact: Findings support TurbeLab as a feasible and acceptable brief digital intervention for EF stimulation in neurodiverse youth and motivate future controlled trials.