Dual N-Back Working Memory Training in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Comparison to Processing Speed Training

Enhancing cognitive ability is an attractive concept, particularly for middle-aged adults interested in maintaining cognitive functioning and preventing age-related declines. Computerized working memory training has been investigated as a safe method of cognitive enhancement in younger and older adu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PloS one 2016-04, Vol.11 (4), p.e0151817-e0151817
Main Authors: Lawlor-Savage, Linette, Goghari, Vina M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Active control
Adult
Adults
Age
Analysis
Bayesian analysis
Biology and Life Sciences
Cognition
Cognition & reasoning
Cognition - physiology
Cognitive ability
Computer memory
Female
Health aspects
Humans
Information processing
Intelligence
Intelligence tests
Male
Mathematical problems
Memory, Short-Term - physiology
Middle Aged
Middle aged persons
Multivariate analysis
Older people
People and Places
Psychological aspects
Research methodology
Short term memory
Social Sciences
Training
Variance analysis
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Summary:Enhancing cognitive ability is an attractive concept, particularly for middle-aged adults interested in maintaining cognitive functioning and preventing age-related declines. Computerized working memory training has been investigated as a safe method of cognitive enhancement in younger and older adults, although few studies have considered the potential impact of working memory training on middle-aged adults. This study investigated dual n-back working memory training in healthy adults aged 30-60. Fifty-seven adults completed measures of working memory, processing speed, and fluid intelligence before and after a 5-week web-based dual n-back or active control (processing speed) training program. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance failed to identify improvements across the three cognitive composites, working memory, processing speed, and fluid intelligence, after training. Follow-up Bayesian analyses supported null findings for training effects for each individual composite. Findings suggest that dual n-back working memory training may not benefit working memory or fluid intelligence in healthy adults. Further investigation is necessary to clarify if other forms of working memory training may be beneficial, and what factors impact training-related benefits, should they occur, in this population.
ISSN:1932-6203
1932-6203
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0151817