Trial reportPloS one2016
Dual N-Back Working Memory Training in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Comparison to Processing Speed Training.
Trial report in PloS one, 2016. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 27 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
27 citing papers in PubMed, 72 citations in OpenAlex.
- Transferability and sustainability of process-based multi-task adaptive cognitive training in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial.BMC psychiatry · 2023Trial
- Electrophysiological Brain Changes Associated With Cognitive Improvement in a Pediatric Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Digital Artificial Intelligence-Driven Intervention: Randomized Controlled Trial.Journal of medical Internet research · 2021Trial
- Trial
- Investigating the Effects of Paralinguistic Configuration in Background Human Speech on Attention: Protocol for a Within-Subject Study.JMIR research protocols · 2026Article
- Student intrinsic motivational states underlie cognitive performance regardless of academic stage.Frontiers in psychology · 2026Article
- Temporal Dynamics of Subtle Cognitive Change: Validation of a User-Friendly Multidomain Digital Assessment Using an Alcohol Challenge.Journal of medical Internet research · 2025Article
- Efficacy of Brain Training Games on the Cognitive Functioning, Working Memory and Processing Speed of Healthy Individuals: A Meta-Analysis.Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences · 2025Article
- Exploring the n-back task: insights, applications, and future directions.Frontiers in human neuroscience · 2025Review
- Audiovisual n-Back Training Alters the Neural Processes of Working Memory and Audiovisual Integration: Evidence of Changes in ERPs.Brain sciences · 2023Article
- Alpha-band power increases in posterior brain regions in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder after digital cognitive stimulation treatment: randomized controlled study.Brain communications · 2022Article
- Working Memory Training Coupled With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Experiment.Frontiers in aging neuroscience · 2022Article
- Neural correlates of individual variation in two-back working memory and the relationship with fluid intelligence.Scientific reports · 2021Article
- An Adaptable, Open-Access Test Battery to Study the Fractionation of Executive-Functions in Diverse Populations.Frontiers in psychology · 2021Article
- The Mindset of Intelligence Is Not a Contributor of Placebo Effects in Working Memory Training.Frontiers in psychology · 2021Article
- Feasibility of using a computer-assisted working memory training program for healthy older women.Cognitive processing · 2020Article
- Divergent Research Methods Limit Understanding of Working Memory Training.Journal of cognitive enhancement : towards the integration of theory and practice · 2020Article
- Early Attentional Modulation by Working Memory Training in Young Adult ADHD Patients during a Risky Decision-Making Task.Brain sciences · 2020Article
- Effects of Computerized Updating and Inhibition Training in Older Adults: The ACTOP Three-Arm Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.Frontiers in neurology · 2020Article
- Feature coding dataset for trained and untrained working memory tasks in randomized controlled trials of working memory training.Data in brief · 2018Article
- N-back training and transfer effects revealed by behavioral responses and EEG.Brain and behavior · 2018Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
2 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
Abstract
unlabelledEnhancing 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.
resultsRepeated 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.
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What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.