Putting brain training to the test in the workplace: a randomized, blinded, multisite, active-controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Cognitive Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Cognitive training (CT) is known to benefit children and older adults.
• Its preventative health benefits for working-age adults remain controversial.
• This study investigated CT's real-world efficacy in the workplace.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of cognitive training (CT) in a workplace setting.
• To evaluate CT's impact on cognitive function, wellbeing, and productivity in working adults.
• To compare CT with an active control (AC) program.

Main Methods:

• 135 white-collar employees were randomized into CT or an active control (AC) group.
• Intervention lasted 16 weeks, with sessions 3 times per week for 20 minutes.
• Outcomes (cognitive, wellbeing, productivity) were measured at baseline, post-training, and 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• CT showed limited effects on cognitive outcomes, even in subgroup analyses.
• The AC group (viewing nature documentaries) showed significant improvements.
• AC participants reported higher Quality of Life, lower stress, and better Psychological Wellbeing at 6 months post-training.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive training (CT) does not appear to benefit white-collar office workers' cognition or wellbeing.
• Short respite activities, like viewing nature documentaries, may enhance psychological wellbeing.
• Further research into workplace interventions for employee mental health is recommended.