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This exploratory study sought to evaluate the relationship between spatial awareness, agility, and distance covered as measured by GPS.

12 American collegiate athletes were assessed on spatial awareness (NeuroTracker: 1 Core session),agility (Pro-agility and T Drill), and then measured for running distance in a competitive Rubgy match at low, moderate and high intensity running speeds.

Agility measures did not correlate with any of the running speeds, and the spatial awareness measure did not correlate with low or high intensity running. However spatial awareness did correlate significantly with moderate intensity running (cruising/striding). Spatial awareness, as measured by NeuroTracker, appears to be related to the moderate intensity movement patterns of rugby union athletes. The researchers hypothesize that the ability to track teammates and opponents while at striding speed may be result of the processing of external and internal stimuli, while generally attempting to navigate open space on the pitch.

To investigate if beef and beef-related nutrient intake can explain the variance in visual cognitive performance in young females.

52 college age women performed 15 NeuroTracker sessions over 15 days with normal eating habits, as a preliminary study. Then 80 college age women were randomized in an RCT study to either a daily beef or veggie patty and consumed 1 patty/day for 30 days, and assessed with NeuroTracker.

In the preliminary study, higher iron, cholesterol, choline, arginine and B vitamins levels were all significantly associated with higher NeuroTracker scores. In the RCT study, the beef group demonstrated higher average NeuroTracker scores. The researchers suggest that increased intake of beef associated nutrients may increase visual cognitive performance in college age women.

To investigate if a short NeuroTracker training intervention could improve high-level cognitive abilities in elderly populations.

46 participants, aged 63-87 years old completed pre-and-post neuropsychological assessments for selective attention, psychomotor speed, and cognitive flexibility. Active participants completed 21 NeuroTracker sessions (approx. 2 hours of training) over 7 weeks, between pre-and-posts tests. Controls did no training.

Controls showed no change in pre and post tests. In contrast the active NeuroTracker group experienced significant gains in cognitive flexibility, psychomotor speed, and selective attention, and similar improvements in a combined assessment of psychomotor speed and cognitive flexibility.The researchers concluded that NeuroTracker presents a promising tool for recovering and improving these high-level cognitive abilities in older populations.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between visual tracking speed (NeuroTracker) and reaction time on basketball specific measures of performance.

12 professional NBA basketball players (Orlando Magic) were tested with a 1-session NeuroTracker baseline (6-mins), reaction time assessment, and the were results compared to competitive performance metric across an NBA season. Competition data analysis focused on Assists, Turnovers, Assist-to-turnover ratio, and Steals.

Finding show that relationships between NeuroTracker baselines were most strongly correlatedwith Assist-to-turnover ratio, and Turnovers. Backcourt players were more likely to outperform frontcourt players in AST and accordingly very likely to achieve higher NeuroTracker performance. Reaction time was not related to any of the basketball-specific performance measures. Overall a single NeuroTracker session baselines showed significant correlation to the NBA players’ ability to see and respond to various stimuli on the basketball court in ways that resulted in better performance.

To examine the role of working memory and visual attention for tracking expertise in different sports.

Two experiments were performed. In the experiment 1 (assessment-only), 31 male and female experienced athletes were divided into high-tracking and low-tracking sports, e.g. soccer vs swimming. They completed 3 assessment blocks (9 trials each) of the Jardine and Seiffert 2D MOT task, using 2, 3 and 4 targets at slow, medium and fast fixed speeds. Eye tracking behavior was recorded during the task. In experiment 2, 36 participants (similar to experiment 1) were divided into a control and active group. Pre and post training, both groups completed the same 2D MOT assessment with eye tracking, as well as 2 types of n-back working memory assessments (combined visual and auditory demands). The active group completed a training intervention of 4 NeuroTracker sessions (20 trials each), using adaptive speed adjustments, whereas the controls did not.

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In Experiment 1, analysis of eye tracking data revealed that directing gaze towards the center of the screen was a beneficial strategy for achieving higher tracking performance. High tracking sports showed superior tracking performance overall. In experiment 2, the active group experienced a large improvement in both NeuroTracker scores and working memory performance post-training, including a 35% increase WM accuracy. Training also transferred to significantly improved performance on the 2D MOT assessment. Controls showed no significant changes in pre-post assessments.

To determine the extent to which aspects of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3 (SCAT3) or Child SCAT3 (C-SCAT3), and the King-Devick Test (KDT) predict NeuroTracker baselines.

304 healthy, non-concussed participants with a sporting history (101 females, 203 males) ranging in age from 7-29 years were included in the analysis. Participants completed the SCAT3, KDT and NeuroTracker assessments in a single visit.

A regression analysis revealed that KDT, the delayed recall and coordination subcomponent results of the SCAT 3 explained a significant amount of the variance in NeuroTracker baseline scores, but large variability was found with the other test components. The researchers concluded that NeuroTracker baselines likely account for central cognitive functions above and beyond the SCAT3 or C-SCAT3 and KDT.

To investigate the relationship with NeuroTracker baselines and soccer player performance metrics across two professional seasons.

11 professional Greek soccer players from two major Super League football clubs completed a 6-min single NeuroTracker session baseline. Soccer-specific competition performance metrics were collected using the Wyscout analytics platform, including: team is winning/losing, actions with/without a yellow card, dribbles, through passes, forward passes, and assists.

Statistical analysis revealed NeuroTracker baseline score significantly correlated to actions when team is winning/losing, total actions without a yellow card, through passes, forward passes, and assists. The researchers suggest that such baselines could play a crucial and practical role in evaluating soccer players’ performance when under the demands of professional competition.

To examine the effects of NeuroTracker training on standardised measures of attention, working memory, and visual information processing speed using standardized neuropsychological tests. Additionally to measure changes in brain state using functional brain imaging.

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20 university-aged students were recruited and divided into an NT training group (30 sessions of NeuroTracker) and a non-active control group. Cognitive functions were assessed using standardized neuropsychological tests (IVA+Plus, WAIS-III, D-KEFS), and correlates of brain functions were assessed using quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG).

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The trained group showed strong and consistent improvements in NeuroTracker speed thresholds throughout the training period. The NT group demonstrated significantly higher scores on the IVA+Plus Auditory, WAIS Symbol Search, WAIS Code, WAIS Block Design, WAIS Letter-Number Sequence, d2 Test of Attention, and D-KEFS Color Naming, Inhibition and Inhibition/Switching subtests (P < .01). For qEEG measures the NT group demonstrated significant relative power increases in a range of frequencies within the beta bandwidth, with both eyes open and closed resting states. These changes were observed across frontal regions of the brain (executive function) and represented increases in brain wave speed associated with heightened brain activity and neuroplasticity. Overall results indicated that NeuroTracker training can enhance attention, information processing speed, and working memory, and also lead to positive changes in neuroelectric brain function.

To determine timeframes required for baseline updates for NeuroTracker and ImPACT, based on long-term retest reliability.

At the start of two consecutive seasons, 30 athletes with no recent history of mTBI completed baseline assessments of NeuroTracker and ImPACT. The test–retest reliability of the results was assessed via three different statistical analyses.

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The Visual Motor Speed composite score of the ImPACT was the only component of the assessment with outcomes with acceptable retest reliability. NeuroTracker baselines also met these standards. The researchers concluded that NeuroTracker has an acceptable level of test–retest reliability after one year in comparison to ImPACT.

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