NeuroTracker has been tried and tested by many independent research centres across the world. Discover the diverse research published with our searchable database
Published Research Papers
Research Institutes Using NeuroTracker
Issued Patents and Patents Pending
NeuroTracker training yields superior learning rates when combined with crowd noise stimulation in collegiate football players.
To investigate how attentionally based performance and learning is affected when audio stimuli is present in athletic populations.
Twenty USPORT level football athletes (mean age = 20.5yrs) completed in 18 sessions of NeuroTracker Training. Ten athletes completed the training in a dark room with no external noise (had noise cancelling headphones). The other ten athletes completed the training in the same room but were exposed to a consistent simulated crowd noise.
No significant differences in NeuroTracker initial baselines were found between the two groups were found. However, after the 18 training sessions, the mean NeuroTracker score for the noise group was 2.07 (SD = 0.24). In contrast the no noise group averaged significantly slower at 1.77 (SD = 0.32). Although studies show that noise can inhibit attentional processing, this study indicates that presence of the simulated crowd noise may enhance the ecological validity of NeuroTracker training for athlete populations.
Children undergoing cancer therapy show cognitive responsiveness to a NeuroTracker training intervention, but with effects varying with age.
To assess the feasibility of NeuroTracker training for this population and the potential cognitive effects of treatment therapy.
40 patients with CNS tumors aged 6–18 years completed 6 block of NeuroTracker training sessions.
Patients aged 10-17 years old responded well to the NeuroTracker training, improving their performance on this task by around 50%-90%. However patients under 9 years of age showed negligible improvements (atypical for subjects of this age). The results may indicate that the young children may be more cognitively sensitive to this type of antitumor therapy.
NeuroTracker training over 5 weeks improves the visual perception skills of motorcyclists.
To enhance the visual perception ability of motorcycle taxi riders by using a NeuroTracker training intervention.
60 motorcycle taxi riders were volunteers and recruited from Chonburi, Thailand, and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group completed 30-minutes of NeuroTracker training sessions for twice a week over five weeks in total. Pre-post assessments of the Development Test of Visual Perception – Adolescent and Adult (DTVP-A) were completed by both groups.
Results revealed that the experimental group had a significantly higher visual perception ability score after training. In addition, the average DTVP-A score in the experimental group increased to significantly higher than that of the control group. The study findings suggest NeuroTracker training can improve the visual perception ability of motorcycle taxi riders.
To investigate whether performing simultaneous motor and cognitive tasks of varied complexity impact perceptual-cognitive domains in healthy children and youth, with the goal of established dual-task normative concussion baselines more relevant than single-task baselines for daily living activities.
106 healthy children and youth (5–18 years) participants performed motor (postural stability) and cognitive (NeuroTracker) tasks under single- and dual-task conditions. Postural stability was measured during the tasks.
Postural stability decreased under dual-task conditions, but attention was maintained or improved. Consequently, attention took precedence over postural control when performing tasks concurrently, demonstrating the ability for dual-task methodology to isolate specific processes. This study provides a normative dataset to be used during clinical management to identify functional deficits following concussion and acts as a starting point to explore dual-task protocols in children and youth following concussion.
To examine the short and long term effects of Donepezil (DPZ) pharmacological enhancement (trade mark ‘Aricept’) on cognitive functions and learning related neuroplasticity.
17 healthy young adults were randomly assigned to an active group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 8). In a double-blind placebo controlled intervention, both groups were initially tested on NeuroTracker one per week for 5 consecutive weeks. 3 hours before training the active group was administered 5mg of DPZ and the control group was given a lactose placebo. Additional NeuroTracker testing was undertaken 4-14 months after the 5 week training phase, and without any pharmacological intervention.
All participants significantly improved at the NeuroTracker task during the 5 weeks training. However, the active group improved more quickly, with improvements in baseline 20%-50% higher than the control group by week 3. During the 4-14 months follow-up testing, the control group improved on their baselines by 45%, while the active group had a much more significant increase of 86% (double the effect). In conclusion DPZ administration during perceptual-cognitive training led to an earlier improvement of NeuroTracking ability, and had potential long-lasting effects. This small study suggests that NeuroTracker testing was useful in revealing cognitive influences of DPZ intervention, which appears to increase learning capacities with both short and long term effects.
NeuroTracker baselines are significantly related to some test components of standardized concussion assessment tools, but not others.
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.
NeuroTracker baselines as a measure of spatial awareness correlate significantly with moderate intensity running during competitive rugby play.
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.
A 12 month NeuroTracker and memory training program improves cognitive abilities and quality of life outcomes for an elderly individual with memory problems.
This case report sought to examine in detail the effects of a combined intervention program (NeuroTracker and Memory Training) for recovering memory and attentional functions in an older individual.
1 healthy 80 year old male with frequent memory complaints underwent 32 NeuroTracker sessions of Sustain mode over 12 months, alongside Memory Training based on consciously learned mnemonic strategies. The patient completed a robust pre-mid-post training battery of tests on memory, quality of life and stress.
At the post-assessment stage, training proved effective for gains in sustained and alternatingattention, with above-average cognitive flexibility. Assessments for memory accuracy and processingspeeds showed a steadily rising curve. Improvements were evident in self-perceived attention,memory, quality of life and self-confidence. A reduction in stress symptoms was observed withmeasured improvements in physical, psychological and environmental domains. NeuroTracker scoresshowed a rising curve throughout the training program.Based on the case report findings, the researchers suggested such cognitive training programs shouldbe made available in private and public institutions for elderly care to improve quality of life and delaythe signs of senility during the aging process.
A 3-session NeuroTracker baseline assessment (20-mins) effectively predicts simulated surgery performance metrics.
To examine the relationship between NeuroTracker and simulated laparoscopic surgery skills, in order to investigate the role of high-level cognitive skills in this performance domain.
29 surgeons in training completed a baseline of 3 sessions of NeuroTracker, and age, hours of sleep, caffeine, and video game use) were measured via questionnaires. Simulated surgery tests were used to measure time to completion and average surgical arm movement behaviour.
NeuroTracker baselines revealed a significant prediction of surgery skills, explaining, 29% of the variance of time to completion and 28% of the average surgical arm movement. Compared to the questionnaire measures, NeuroTracker baselines were the only significant predictor of performance. The researchers concluded,
NeuroTracker software provides a cost-effective and easily administrable approach to enhance cognitive skills necessary for laparoscopic surgery.
A 3-hour NeuroTracker training intervention significantly reduces elderly fall-risk across a battery of standardized assessments.
To investigate if NeuroTracker training could positively influence a number of assessments known to be reliable indicators of fall-risk in older adults.
25 elderly residents (av. 80 years old) of a day care facility were divided into active and control groups. The active group completed a NeuroTracker (3D-MOT) training intervention over 5 weeks, along with a batter of pre and post training assessments relevant to fall-risk. The control group did no NeuroTracker training, but also completed all the pre and post assessments. These included the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test A (TMT-A), 5 meter walking ability, dynamic balance ability, the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and the Function Reach Test (FRT).
Overall the participants improved significantly on NeuroTracker scores (+32%), demonstrating a clear learning capacity for this task in old age. The MMSE (a screening test) showed no significant changes for both groups. The NeuroTracker group experienced significant or large post-test improvements on TMT-A, 5 meter walking time, TUG and FRT. In contrast, controls experienced a moderate or significant decline in TMT-A, TUG and FRT, but a significant improvement in walking time.Overall the researchers conclude that NeuroTracker training offers an effective intervention for preventing falls in an elderly community dwelling.
Pilot study findings show significant improvements in multiple attentional capacities for elementary students with pre-established attentional challenges.
This was a pilot study with a selection of elementary school children based on test measures showing significant attention problems and impulse control, but not clinically diagnosed as ADHD. The purpose of this pilot study was to see if NeuroTracker has the potential be an efficacious short-term intervention for young students with severe attention impairments, based on changes in standardised neuropsychological assessments.
A test and control group of 5 Elementary school students each were included in the study, selected based on severely impaired rating on the IVA+PlusTM Continuous Performance Test. Both groups produced NeuroTracker initial baselines with statistically insignificant differences. The test group completed 21 five-minute NeuroTracker training sessions distributed over 3.5 weeks, the control group did no training. Both groups were then retested on the neuropsychological assessments.
The Test Group improved NeuroTracker speed thresholds by an average of 61% over the course of the training. The control group showed negligible difference in pre-post neuropsychological assessments scores, whereas the trained group showed variable but significant improvements across a range of visual and auditory measures. Gains were most pronounced in Prudence, Consistency and Focus in both visual and auditory domains, matching previous findings, and suggesting cross-modal performance transfer.In general the improvement ratios suggested that a short-term NeuroTracker training intervention can improve severe attention deficits towards moderate attention deficits in this population, with potential to positively impact learning outcomes at a young age.
A review of several NeuroTracker sports studies finds NeuroTracker to be a role model cognitive tool for improving soccer performance.
To review the existing perceptual-cognitive research and outline the relevance of NeuroTracker for the performance assessment and enhancement of competitive soccer abilities.
Several papers published on NeuroTracker were reviewed, including ‘Perceptual-Cognitive Training of Athletes’, ‘3D-Multiple Object Tracking task performance improves passing decision-making accuracy in soccer players’, ‘Visual tracking speed is related to Basketball-specific measures of performance in NBA players’, and ‘Enhancing Cognitive Function Using Perceptual-Cognitive Training’.
The combined existing research provides significant evidence for the usefulness of perceptualcognitive training to assess and enhance soccer abilities. Cognitive abilities are a significant feature of athletic excellence, and elite soccer players differ in their superior perceptual abilities in comparison to amateur players. NeuroTracker training has been found to improve high-level cognitive abilities known to be central factors in predicting soccer performance. Specifically, research has demonstrated that after just 3 hours of 3D multiple object tracking training, soccer players’ experienced a dramatic reduction in passing errors, from an error rate of 47%, down to just 28%.
NeuroTracker measures performed at different numbers of targets can be useful in characterizing attentional capacities in different populations.
This study sought to investigate the resource limits for dynamic visual attention across age development using NeuroTracker speed thresholds as a measure of attentional capacity.
21 participants were grouped by age: school-aged (6-12 years), adolescent (13-18 years), adult (19-30 years). Each group completed NeuroTracker baselines using speed threshold measurements at progressively increasing numbers of targets.
For all groups, speed thresholds changed in a logarithmic way consistent with the relative increase in multiple object tracking demands. Attentional capacities for NeuroTracker were determined by age, with significantly lower multiple object tracking limits for school-aged individuals. The findings also suggested that the 3D stereo component of NeuroTracker is a critical enabling factor for processing greater attentional loads: school-aged individuals could track numbers of targets beyond the limits of 2D non-stereo (as established in previous studies). These findings suggest that NeuroTracker can be used for characterizing the development of resource allocation in attentional processes through the use of a measure that best approximates real-world conditions.
NeuroTracker and reaction time measures reveal the effectiveness of different hydration modalities under severe physical fatigue.
To examine the effects of different rehydration strategies on cognitive performance under the effects of physical fatigue.
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.
2.6-hours of NeuroTracker training significantly improves visual abilities and sports vision skills in Olympic tennis, taekwondo, and water polo athletes.
To analyze the effectiveness of NeuroTracker training to improve sports vision and cognitive performance using a progressive single and dual-task training protocol.
37 elite water polo (13), taekwondo (12) and tennis elite athletes (12) completed 26 NeuroTracker sessions progressing from single-task training to progressively complex dual-task training. Pre and post training all athletes underwent a comprehensive battery of optometric vision assessments. Throughout the training program both athletes and their coaches completed frequent visual-analogue questionnaire assessments to assess changes in concentration, perception speed and peripheral vision performance.
Overall NeuroTracker learning rates were high. Although scores initially dropped on progressing to more complex dual-task motor-skills, performance recovered quickly to the level expected with single-task performance. This that dual-task training methods with NeuroTracker can efficiently consolidate new skills into using a progressive overload methodology. Post-training assessments revealed a statistically significant gains in most visual abilities, including static visual acuity, stereopsis, spatial contrast sensitivity, saccadic ocular movements, and visual selective attention. Transfer to related sports performance abilities was seen with both coach and athlete questionnaire assessments, with consistently significant improvements throughout the program. Although the athletes tended to rate their performance higher than coaches, their improvement ratings were close to identical.
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.
7 days of NeuroTracker training significantly enhances spatial abilities and semantics skills in young students.
To assess if the mechanism of perceptual-cognitive training can transfer to spatial and semantic abilities in students.
60 male lower secondary school students were randomly assigned a NeuroTracker training group (21 sessions over 7 days) or a passive control group (no training). Pre- and post-training assessment were carried out with the Test of Spatial Ability and the Test Of Semantic Skills–Intermediate.
The control group showed negligible change between pre and post tests, whereas the NeuroTracker group showed significant transfer with around a 50% gain in spatial ability and a 55% gain in semantic skills. The researchers concluded that a NeuroTracker intervention can increase cognitive abilities in secondary school students.
NeuroTracker baselines pre-post exercise until exhaustion qualify the effectiveness of different hydration methods.
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine dipeptide (AG) and electrolyte drink (ED) on cognitive function (NeuroTracker) following endurance exercise, in order to measure the effects of rehydration effectiveness.
12 male endurance athletes performed four trials, each consisting of running on a treadmill at 70% of VO2max for 1h, then at 90% of VO2max until exhaustion. One trial consisted of no hydration, another required ingestion of only a sports electrolyte drink (ED) and two trials required ingestion of a low dose (LD) and high dose of AG (HD) added to the ED. Cognitive function was measured through NeuroTracker baselines pre and post-exercise.
Before rehydration, subjects lost on average 2.4% of their body mass. Pre-post rehydration changes showed HD to be the most effective in aiding cognitive function, and electrolyte only having questionable benefit.
NeuroTrackerX is a cognitive training program designed to assess and improve mental performance.
