![the neurotracker the neurotracker](https://assets.website-files.com/5ff4d30d2b349672eb46b383/600886221113c71806b6e6cc_cts90-your-path-to-improvement-centered-min.jpg)
![the neurotracker the neurotracker](https://s2.studylib.net/store/data/005341601_1-aa407cf70b58d665df85afc2dd830090.png)
Currently there is reliable evidence that CT, implemented in a variety of ways, leads to measurable improvements on cognitive tests that resemble the training method – that is, near transfer ( Jaeggi et al., 2011 Morrison and Chein, 2011 Melby-Lervåg and Hulme, 2013 Sala and Gobet, 2019). Consequently, domain-general CT is particularly attractive as training payoffs could relate to multiple tasks and scenarios. Core cognitive abilities are indeed predictive of workplace performance ( Ree et al., 1994 Schmidt and Hunter, 2004). CT has received particular interest from sporting and military researchers ( Blacker et al., 2018 Walton et al., 2018), as these environments are considered to place significant demand on functions like working memory (WM) to support effective decision making ( Furley and Memmert, 2010) and resisting performance breakdowns under pressure ( Beilock and Carr, 2005 Ducrocq et al., 2018).Ĭognitive training is based on the assumption that if cognitive abilities predict real-world performance and success, then practicing those abilities should improve performance in real-world tasks ( Simons et al., 2016). Nonetheless there has been considerable uptake of CT by sports teams, and a significant commercial market has developed around CT (estimated to be worth $8 billion by 2021, 2017). A major contention within the CT literature is whether any real evidence exists for true far transfer effects, that is, to tasks or situations beyond those employed during training ( Owen et al., 2010 Stojanoski et al., 2018 Lintern and Boot, 2019). CT programmes consist of systematic practice on games, puzzles and tests designed to target cognitive functions such as working memory or attention ( Simons et al., 2016). Effective uses of CT may require more task specific training targeting mid-level transfer effects.Ĭognitive training (CT) aims to develop domain-general mental abilities to improve performance in a range of daily activities. These findings raise further questions about whether domain general CT will transfer to real-world performance. There may, however, have been some improvement in working memory performance as a result of training. There was no evidence for near transfer (to another object tracking task) or for far transfer to a route monitoring task designed to replicate real-world multitasking.
![the neurotracker the neurotracker](https://media.springernature.com/lw685/springer-static/image/art%3A10.3758%2Fs13423-021-01892-2/MediaObjects/13423_2021_1892_Fig1_HTML.png)
84 participants were randomized to four independent training groups, using NeuroTracker, a CT task based on 3D object tracking.
The neurotracker plus#
This study aimed to assess transfer from a CT intervention to near and mid-level transfer tasks, plus a far transfer test representative of real-world multitasking in a military environment. Research to date has indicated that CT likely aids performance on lab-based cognitive tests, but there has been little demonstration of transfer to tasks representative of real-world high performance environments. 2Human Performance Team, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Portsdown West, Fareham, United KingdomĬognitive training (CT) aims to develop domain general mental abilities to support functions like decision making, multitasking, and performance under pressure.1School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.