Computer-assisted Cognitive Training Tools

For elite performers, such as collegiate and professional athletes, military special operations personnel, astronauts, or first responders, the goal of training is to improve performance of real-world tasks – from competition to operations. In the mental performance domain, a range of tools have been developed and marketed that claim to provide positive benefits for cognition across broad domains of function. Computer-based cognitive training tools have, over the past 20 years, proliferated as a global multibillion dollar industry, which is touted by education, athletic, and military end users for its promise to facilitate cognitive skill development specifically and to enhance real-world performance generally. In this chapter, we analyze a range of currently available computer-assisted cognitive training tools. This review is not intended to be exhaustive, rather it serves to highlight key approaches and explore strengths and limitations of computer-based cognitive skills training applications more broadly.