August 2023
in
Neurotrauma
To investigate the feasibility of using a remote therapeutic cognitive intervention for brain injury survivors using an at-home training program.
20 older female and male adults were assessed for cognitive health status using a self-report questionnaire and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and deemed cognitively healthy. The at-home participants were provided with NeuroTracker training and completed 20 training sessions over 5 weeks. Participant recruitment, retention, adherence, and experience were used as markers of feasibility. Individual session scores, overall improvement, and learning rates between groups was also assessed.
The remote intervention was found to have strong feasibility overall. This was supported by high recruitment and retention, 90% participant adherence, along with ease of use of the program. Differences in screen size and 3D technology showed no differences on cognitive benefits achieved from training, with significant improvements in task performance across the program, which was also equivalent to lab-based training. The researchers concluded that NeuroTracker provides a promising at-home option for cognitive training for cognitively healthy adults and brain injury survivors.
NeuroTracker 3D-MOT training was associated with improvements in balance and attentional control, with additional changes observed in dual-task gait and visual-perceptual measures.
To examine whether a visual–spatial attention training intervention using 3D multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) influences motor performance and subsystem measures relevant to occupational performance.
Three pre-test/post-test studies were conducted:
In healthy adults, the intervention groups demonstrated greater improvements in balance performance (SEBT) compared to controls, along with within-group improvements in attentional measures (Stroop). Dual-task gait parameters showed measurable changes following training, though functional improvements were less clearly defined than balance outcomes.
In the single-subject case study, clinically meaningful improvements were observed in visual-perceptual skills, balance subtests, and selected attentional measures, with additional non-clinically significant changes in gait and convergence.
The findings suggest that training visual–spatial attention through 3D-MOT may influence balance and attentional subsystems that contribute to occupational performance, with preliminary evidence of broader functional effects.
Dark sweet cherry supplementation improved working memory in obese adults but did not enhance NeuroTracker-measured visual cognitive performance beyond practice-related gains.
To evaluate whether 30 days of dark sweet cherry (DSC) consumption improves executive function, NeuroTracker 3D-MOT performance, neuropeptide levels, and circadian rhythm biomarkers in adults with obesity.
Method
• Single-blind randomized controlled trial
• 40 adults with BMI 30–40 kg/m²
• DSC drink (200 mL twice daily) vs isocaloric placebo for 30 days
• Executive function assessed using TMT, Digit Span (forward/backward), and DSST
• Visual Cognitive Performance (VCP) assessed via 15 NeuroTracker CORE sessions
• Blood biomarkers: neurotensin, substance P, oxytocin, cortisol, melatonin
NeuroTracker performance was evaluated using speed threshold changes across baseline (sessions 1–3) and final (sessions 13–15) blocks.
Executive Function
• Significant improvements in Digit Span Forward (p = 0.006) and Backward (p = 0.01) in the DSC group
• No between-group differences in TMT or DSST
• Benefits were more pronounced in females and higher BMI subgroup
NeuroTracker (VCP)
• Both cherry and placebo groups improved significantly over 15 sessions (practice effect)
• No significant between-group differences
• Mean change (Δ) VCP: Cherry 0.26 vs Placebo 0.25 (p = 0.94)
Biomarkers
• Neurotensin increased significantly in placebo group only
• Melatonin increased significantly in placebo group only
• No significant treatment effects on cortisol or oxytocin
NeuroTracker meets gold standard criteria as a cognitive enhancement tool, corroborated with positive pre-post changes in qEEG measures.
To examine the practical efficacy of cognitive enhancement interventions through a gold-standard template for assessing use of such tools, and to assess NeuroTracker evidence against the template for enhancing attention, working memory and visual information processing speed.
To assess cognitive tools and NeuroTracker specifically against the following gold-standard criteria and with qEEG findings on changes in neuroelectric brain activity: 1. Robust transfer effects, 2. No Side Effects or Risk of Toxicity, 3. Minimal time and monetary investment, 4) Lasting effects, 5) No ethical issues, 6) Can be used in combination with other interventions, 7) Can be applied to any population.
3-hours of training over 5-weeks with NeuroTracker demonstrated robust effects on attention, working memory, and visual information processing speed as measured by neuropsychological tests. Corresponding changes measured by qEEG were also corroborated these intervention effects. NeuroTracker was concluded to meet the gold standard criteria in points 1, 2, 3, and 5, with some evidence to support the other points, but further research needed.
To evaluate the potential for sports vision training to improve objective and subjective visuomotor function in a low vision patient.
A 37-year-old woman with Usher syndrome underwent a 14-week sports vision training program with pre-post cognitive assessments.
The patient was able to improve the use of remaining visual abilities. A 27 to 31% improvement in hand-eye coordination was achieved along with a 41% improvement NeuroTracker performance. The patient also subjectively reported clear improvements in visual abilities. The researcher concluded sports vision training may reduce the impact of the reduced visual function and aid in activities of daily living.
A variety of egg-based diets over 1-month improve performance on NeuroTracker compared to a no-egg diet.
To evaluate the impact of the nutritional impact of dietary intake of whole eggs, egg white, and egg yolk on visual cognitive performance (NeuroTracker) in healthy older adults.
99 healthy men and women aged 50 to 75 years were randomly assigned to one of five groups with different daily consumption of eggs alongside a record of their usual dietary intake. Over 1-month period participants either consumed four egg whites, two whole regular eggs, two whole omega-3-fortified eggs, four egg yolks, or no eggs (control). During the final 2 weeks of the study all participants completed 15 NeuroTracker.
On average male participants performed significantly better at NeuroTracker than females. All participants on egg-based diets performed significantly better across 2-weeks of NeuroTracker training than the no-egg controls. Findings suggest that whole eggs, egg whites and egg yolks are beneficial for visual cognitive performance in healthy older adults.
Detailed analysis of dietary intake in combination with daily NeuroTracker baselines reveals key nutrient levels for optimal perceptual-cognitive performance.
To examine the influence of nutritional intake on visual perceptual-cognitive performance, measured by NeuroTracker, in young healthy adults.
98 healthy men (38) and women (60) aged 18–33 years maintained their usual dietary intake while completing NeuroTracker 15 sessions of NeuroTracker over a 15-day period. Food logs and extensive lifestyle measures including body composition, cardiovascular health, sleep and exercise patterns, and general readiness to perform were collected for analysis.
Males consumed significantly more calories, macronutrients, cholesterol, choline, and zinc and performed significantly better on NeuroTracker than the females. Participants who consumed more than 40% of kcals from carbohydrates, less than 24% of kcals from protein, more than 2,000 μg/day lutein/zeaxanthin or more than 1.8 mg/ day of vitamin B2 performed significantly better on NeuroTracker than those who consumed less than those amounts. The researchers concluded that perceptual-cognitive performance is positively influenced by higher carbohydrate, lutein/ zeaxanthin, and vitamin B2 dietary intake, while high protein consumption had negative impacts.
NeuroTracker is one of the most widely researched cognitive training systems, used in elite sports, military, and human performance settings worldwide. Built on 20 years of neuroscience research.
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