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Updated: Dec 17, 2025

Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
Is cognitive training an effective tool for improving cognitive function and real-life behaviour in healthy children
Sandra Luis-Ruiz1, Xavier Caldú2, Cristina Sánchez-Castañeda2
1Departament de Psicologia Clínica i Psicobiologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 171, 08035, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Neurociències (UBNeuro), Universitat de Barcelona, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 171, 08035, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Passeig de Sant Joan de Déu, 2, 08950, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
Computerised cognitive training (CCT) has been applied to improve cognitive function in pathological conditions and in healthy populations. Studies suggest that CCT produces near-transfer effects to cognitive functions, with less evidence for far-transfer. Newer applications of CTT in adults seem to produce certain far-transfer effects by influencing eating behaviour and weight loss. However, this is more unexplored in children and adolescents. We conducted a systematic review of 16 studies with randomised controlled design to assess the impact of CCT on cognitive functioning and real-life outcomes, including eating behaviour, in children and adolescents with typical development (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019123889). Results show near-transfer effects to working memory, with inconsistent results regarding far-transfer effects to other cognitive functions and real-life measures. Long-term effects show the same trend. Far-transfer effects occurred after cue-related inhibitory control and attentional training, although effects seem not to last. CCT may be a potential weight-loss treatment option but more research is needed to determine the specific characteristics to enhance treatment outcomes.
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