Brain Training in Children and Adolescents: Is It Scientifically Valid?

Frontiers in Psychology
Teresa Rossignoli-PalomequeJavier González-Marqués

Abstract

Background: Brain training products are becoming increasingly popular for children and adolescents. Despite the marketing aimed at their use in the general population, these products may provide more benefits for specific neurologically impaired populations. A review of Brain Training (BT) products analyzing their efficacy while considering the methodological limitations of supporting research is required for practical applications. Method: searches were made of the PubMed database (until March 2017) for studies including: (1) empirical data on the use of brain training for children or adolescents and any effects on near transfer (NT) and/or far transfer (FT) and/or neuroplasticity, (2) use of brain training for cognitive training purposes, (3) commercially available training applications, (4) computer-based programs for children developed since the 1990s, and (5) relevant printed and peer-reviewed material. Results: Database searches yielded a total of 16,402 references, of which 70 met the inclusion criteria for the review. We classified programs in terms of neuroplasticity, near and far transfer, and long-term effects and their applied methodology. Regarding efficacy, only 10 studies (14.2%) have been found that support neur...Continue Reading

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Citations

Nov 2, 2019·Child Neuropsychology : a Journal on Normal and Abnormal Development in Childhood and Adolescence·Jannel M Phillips, Jennifer N Longoria
Dec 14, 2018·European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·Catharine Vander LindenKaren Caeyenberghs
Nov 22, 2019·Frontiers in Psychology·Teresa Rossignoli-PalomequeJavier González-Marqués
Aug 10, 2021·Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·Maha Saleh Habsan Al-SaadAbeer F Almarzouki

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
imaging techniques
cochlear implants

Software Mentioned

WinABC
FastForWord
Sincrolab Kids
Cogniplus
Focus Pocus
Cogmed JM
BrainStim
Beebrite Edu
SIGUEME
SmartMind Pro

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