Author(s): Alex Jaeger

Presentation: poster

This study examined the effect of a dual n-back training paradigm on the working memory of a subject with a severe brain injury. The dual n-back task involved two independent sequences presented simultaneously using auditory and visual stimulus. The subject engaged in 20 trials per training session, 5 days per week, for a total of 30 days. Each trial required the subject to remember sequences of spoken letters and positions of a blue square on a grid and indicate when the current stimulus matched the one from n steps earlier in the sequence. The n-back level increased or decreased depending on performance. The average n-back level and percent correct responses were computed over all sessions completed. Results showed the subject performed better on the auditory task. N-back averages increased given practice over time, indicating improvement in working memory. This research suggests dual n-back training may be beneficial for increasing the working memory of individuals with severe brain injuries.

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