Published on: 2026-11-09
Source: Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia – Российский университет дружбы народов –
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The RUDN Brain Development and Higher Achievements Research Institute is conducting a study on the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for children and young people aged 5 to 25 after treatment for brain tumors.
“Cancer treatment may affect the brain and nervous system. Some patients continue to experience difficulties with movement coordination, speech, attention, memory, learning, and planning daily tasks after treatment. These consequences can impact education, communication, independence, and quality of life,” she explained Alena Devyaterikova, Deputy Director for Scientific Activities at the Brain Development and Advanced Achievements Research Institute of RUDN.
The project “Development of a protocol for correcting neurocognitive functions in children and young adults with brain tumors” is intended to help determine whether motor and hardware training can improve not only coordination but also executive functions (which provide conscious, purposeful human behavior and activity) after treatment. In addition, their impact on speech and daily activity is being assessed.
What the study examines
The study examines the idea of a close connection between movements and thinking. The ability to maintain balance, accurately coordinate eye and hand movements, write, and draw relies on common mechanisms that also participate in attention, self-control, planning, and problem-solving. Therefore, participants undergo not only traditional cognitive sessions but also motor training. The program includes exercises to develop basic motor skills, graphomotor training, work with rhythmic stimulation, laser pointers, and modern hardware technologies, including VR.
First, participants undergo a comprehensive examination: specialists assess cognitive and speech functions, eye movement characteristics, coordination, balance, motor control, and physical development.
Then all study participants are divided into two groups. Both groups follow a four-week program, but with different focuses. One program is aimed at correcting movement accuracy, the other at improving “eye–neck” and “eye–hand” coordination.
After the training sessions, a follow-up diagnosis is conducted, and three months later — a control assessment. This allows understanding not only the short-term effect of the sessions but also how stable the achieved changes are.
The results of the project will serve as the basis for more targeted rehabilitation programs that take into account the individual characteristics of each patient, she noted Alena Devyaterikova.
Stages of recovery and socialization
For the project, specialists from the Brain Development and Higher Achievements Research Institute have developed a set of practical programs aimed at various stages of rehabilitation and socialization.
Personalized sessions are being conducted courses for the restoration of neurocognitive functions. Each program is created taking into account the individual specifics and clinical picture of the patient.
Cognitive function diagnostics are conducted both online and in person. Patients can undergo diagnostics using the high-tech equipment of the RUDN Brain Development Research Institute. There are also specialized digital programs for those who have completed an active rehabilitation course and continue to study or work. This online diagnostics can be accessed from anywhere in Russia.
In addition, there is exam support programs. The program was created to assist schoolchildren and students and includes psychological and cognitive support during the most stressful periods of life — during exams and university sessions.
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