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.

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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.

Attention and feedback are known to play critical roles in learning. This preliminary study sought to assess the benefits of instant feedback within NeuroTracker task performance.

38 young adults (mean 23yrs old) completed 4 NeuroTracker sessions over two days. 19 participants were assisted with feedback on test performance throughout the sessions, and 19 were given no feedback. Pre and post training assessments were completed using the Continuous Performance Test II to measure cognitive function.

The participants assisted with feedback demonstrated greater improvement in NeuroTracker scores over the 4 sessions. The feedback group also demonstrated better transferability effects to the CPT-II task, reflected by a significantly decreased pre/post mean error rate. The results indicate that feedback has a positive effect on performance and may be an important aspect of transfer to cognitive functions.

To assess if the mechanism of perceptual-cognitive training can transfer to spatial and semantic abilities in students.

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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.