Testing the Effects of 3D Multiple Object Tracking Training on Near, Mid and Far Transfer.

Cognitive training (CT) aims to develop domain general mental abilities to support functions like decision making, multitasking, and performance under pressure. Research to date has indicated that CT likely aids performance on lab-based cognitive tests, but there has been little demonstration of transfer to tasks representative of real-world high performance environments. This study aimed to assess transfer from a CT intervention to near and mid-level transfer tasks, plus a far transfer test representative of real-world multitasking in a military environment. 84 participants were randomized to four independent training groups, using NeuroTracker, a CT task based on 3D object tracking. There was no evidence for near transfer (to another object tracking task) or for far transfer to a route monitoring task designed to replicate real-world multitasking. There may, however, have been some improvement in working memory performance as a result of training. These findings raise further questions about whether domain general CT will transfer to real-world performance. Effective uses of CT may require more task specific training targeting mid-level transfer effects.

Caffeine effects on physical and cognitive performance during sustained operations.

PURPOSE: This study examined caffeine (CAF) effects on physical performance and vigilance during 4 d and 3 nights of sustained operations in Special Forces personnel. METHODS: There were 20 soldiers (28.6 +/- 4.7 yr, 177.6 +/- 7.5 cm, 81.2 +/- 8.0 kg) who were divided equally into placebo (PLAC) and CAF groups. A 4-km run that included three obstacles (OBST) was completed each morning with the performance on Day 2 representing control (CON) after familiarization on Day 1 and an 8-h sleep. From 01:30 to 06:15 of Days 3-5, soldiers performed two 2-h vigilance (VIG) sessions in the field. PLAC or 200 mg of CAF was administered at 21:45 of Days 2-4 and at 01:00, 03:45, and approximately 07:00 on Days 3-5. The run commenced within 30 min of the final dose. Soldiers were provided a 4-h sleep period from 13:30-17:30 during Days 3 and 4. RESULTS: VIC during Days 3-5 was greater for CAF vs. PLAC and not different from CON. Total run time was faster for CAF (29.7 +/- 2.0 min) compared with PLAC (30.7 +/- 2.9 min) on Day 3 due to faster completion of OBST (8.7 +/- 0.7 min vs. 9.2 +/- 1.0 min for CAF and PLAC, respectively). Thereafter, run times decreased for both groups on Days 4 and 5 compared with CON due primarily to an increased pace between OBST. CONCLUSIONS: it was concluded that CAF maintained both vigilance and physical performance during sustained operations that require periods of overnight wakefulness and restricted opportunities for daytime sleep.