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To assess transfer from a NeuroTracker training intervention to near, mid-level, far transfer tasks.

84 graduate participants (av. 21 years old) were randomized to 3 trained groups and 1 passive control group. The trained groups completed either 5 or 3 standard sessions of NeuroTracker, or 5 sessions of a portable version of NeuroTracker (Microsoft Surface Pro tablet). The passive group completed only pre-post NeuroTracker baselines. All groups then completed pre-post assessments on a simplified 2D multiple object tracking task, an N-back working memory assessment, and on a video-based military driving task.

All trained groups showed significant improvements in NeuroTracker scores from 20-30 minutes of training. The passive control group also showed some modest improvements from only completing baselines. NeuroTracker training transferred to significant pre-post improvements in the 2D multiple object tracking test, but with smaller effects that improvements in NeuroTracker scores. Performance was found to be significantly better post-training for the trained groups on the working memory test, but not for the control group. No transfer effects were found for the video-based military task.

To assess the performance transfer effects from NeuroTracker training to professional baseball hitting over a competition season.

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12 Japanese pro baseball players from the Seibu Lions performed NeuroTracker training at their own preferred timing and frequency over 5 months, completing up to 80 sessions each. Throughout this duration and 4 months prior, competition hitting metrics were recorded: zone contact, zone-swing strike, outside swing, outside-swing strike.

On average the baseball players’ NeuroTracker speed threshold scores improved by around 30%, with no ceiling effects from continued training. Metrics on fastball hitting showed no significant changes. However, metrics on non-fastball hitting (e.g. curve balls and sliders) revealed strong positive effects. Successful hit rate increased by +12%, while zone swing and outside swing strikes were reduced substantially by -25.3% and -26.5% respectively. Outside swings were also positively reduced by -9.6%.

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 investigate how perceptual–cognitive performance is affected during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) using NeuroTracker(NT) assessments.

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42 healthy adults were randomly assigned to an intervention (HIIT + NT, NT, HIIT) or control group. NT performance was measured pre-and post-test at 5, 15, and 25 min while running on a treadmill. The participants trained twice a week for a 4-week intervention period.

There was a significant interaction effect between pre/post-test and groups regarding perceptual-cognitive performance, indicating similar enhancements in the HIIT + NT and the NT group during exercise. HIIT influences physical fitness but did not show any impact on perceptual–cognitive performance. Overall training resulted in substantial task-specific gains. The researchers suggest combination training may be proposed as a training program to improve perceptual–cognitive, and physical performance in a time-efficient way.

To compare the efficacy of NeuroTracker training for concentration and game performance to conventional training.

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21 university basketball athletes were divided into a NeuroTracker training group (12 sessions) or a conventional training group. The Concentration Grid Test was used to measure concentration, and FIBA-Live Stats were collected to evaluate the game statistics and athlete performance, both pre- and post-training.

NeuroTracker training resulted in 42% greater improvement in post-training Concentration Grid Test results, compared to conventional training. No substantial improvements in game performance were found with either form of training.

To investigate the effectiveness of NeuroTracker training with elite volleyball players as a form of off-court cognitive performance training.

43 elite volleyball athletes performed pre—post NeuroTracker baselines, along with several transfer tests. The active group completed an 8-week NeuroTracker training program in-between pre-post tests, which also included volleyball specific dual-tasks. The control group did no NeuroTracker training, but completed regular volleyball training.

Controls showed no change in pre-post NeuroTracker baselines, while the active group approximately doubled their NeuroTracker speed thresholds. Near transfer tests for sustained attention and processing speed showed significant gains for the NeuroTracker group only. A far transfer motor-skill test was used but was of insufficient difficulty to signficantly differentiate the active and control groups. The researchers concluded that NeuroTracker provides an example of an effective method for improving athlete's cognitive capacities with an off-court training intervention.

To investigate the extent to which older people's abilities predict biological motion cues to declines with natural aging, and to see if any such effects can be reversed through a NeuroTracker training intervention.

41 older adults with mean age of 68yrs old were divided into trained, active control (placebo), and passive control (no training) groups. They were measured on a standardized BMP post training, which consisted of 15 NeuroTracker sessions distributed over 5 weeks.

Only the NeuroTracker trained group showed transfer to BMP, who demonstrated substantial improvements in processing BMP at 4m. The conclusion was a clear and positive transfer of perceptual-cognitive training onto a socially relevant ability in the elderly.

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To examine the effects of different rehydration strategies on cognitive performance under the effects of physical fatigue.

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12 male endurance-trained runners (av. age: 23. years) were tasked with running on a treadmill at 70% of their predetermined VO2max for 1 h followed by running at 90% of VO2max until exhaustion on four separate days. On each day different hydration modalities were given (no hydration, electrolyte drink, electrolyte drink with a low dose of Sustamine, electrolyte drink with a high dose of Sustamine), drinking 250 mL every 15 min. Before and after each hour run, cognitive function (NeuroTracker) and reaction tests were administered.

Results showed that physical reaction time was faster for the low dose trial than the high dose trial. Analysis of lower body quickness indicates that performance in both the low and high dose trials were likely improved in comparison to the no hydration trial. NeuroTracker results indicated a possible greater performance for dehydration and low dose compared to only the electrolyte drink, while there was a likely greater performance in multiple object tracking for the high dose trial compared to consumption of the electrolyte drink only.

To compare performance and muscle architecture changes in starters and nonstarters during a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women's soccer season.

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28 females (av. 20 years old) were assessed on NeuroTracker baselines, vertical jump power, repeated line drills and reaction time at preseason, midseason, and postseason. Muscle architecture changes using ultrasonography were assessed at preseason and postseason.

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Both starters and non-starters showed similar status or improvements on all assessments across the season, except for line drills performance, which showed greater improvements for starters. NeuroTracker and reaction time performance improved regardless of playtime. Results of muscle architecture analysis indicated that practice training alone provide sufficient stimulus for improving muscle quality during the competitive season. Overall starters did not display significant benefits from competition over athletes who performed training only.