Brain training?

[Dulce Domem]

A couple of weekends ago at a homeschool conference I heard of brain training.  They had THREE different speakers giving talks regarding brain training.  And another company there as well.  Then last week, I pull into our local outdoor mall, and one of the companies has a center at the mall (it was LearningRX for the curious).

 

I found it fascinating, but not entirely convinced.  Does anyone have any experience with brain training?  Any information?  Any articles you've read on it saying yes it works, or no, it's bogus?  

 

I just found it so odd that there were so many brain trainers for speakers.  Is this the new "trend?"  

[Incognito]

I think it is a trend.  We have done one program.  I'm not sure if it made a difference for us or not.  We had amazingly positive results with a different online program that targeted reading, and it seemed appropriate to try the second program our school offered because of our great results with the first.  

 

Our experience - it is games to practice skills - ours were focused on working memory.  I am not sure if there was a transfer to areas other than the games, but perhaps.  We have seen improvements in spelling, but we also found a better spelling curriculum to use, so there is that.

 

 

Edited March 30, 2016 by Incognito

[gardenmom5]

Maybe I'm not understanding exactly what this is supposed to be doing. are these for actual problems with brain development - or just "do this and be smarter"?  that would make me think this decade's  version of baby Einstein.

 

dudeling does a  focused therapy - that is aimed directly at hastening development of his corpus  callosum (he has been tested and the development lags) - part of the brain.  this is done through an audiologist and speech langauge pathlogist.

Edited March 30, 2016 by gardenmom5

[Melissa in Australia]

not really sure if I am talking about the same thing or not

 

 

I know one family that used brain gym for years with their high functioning autistic child. apparently it assisted him.

 

 

With the twins all the specialists in conjunction with us have been working on rewiring the twins brains with unbelievably miraculous results. Twins came to us 18 months ago with their brain on automatic default major trauma response  (lower brain) to everything - screaming 4-6 hours a day and self harming. Now no self harming at all and minor screaming for a few minutes a week.

[GoVanGogh]

I have a child with mild cerebral palsy with retained primitive reflexes. Several years ago, I attended a neuro-developmental conference and attended several talks on brain training. (Intended audience was therapists and teachers.) I have also attended a few sessions at homeschool conferences. (Intended audience was potential clients.)

My understanding on brain training is that many issues (learning and behavior) are a result of retained primitive reflexes or primitive reflexes that are not fully integrated. So far as I can tell, the brain training programs are similar - though more simplistic - to what my child receives in occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy.

 

In the end, it may be just a trend, but right now I would say that brain training is gaining in popularity because of the recent and great strides in neurology. My child was a preemie 14 years ago - that first generation of preemies that survived. The doctors really had no idea what they were dealing with... As our specialists keep telling us, 14 years ago the brain was still much like the dark side of the moon. In the past decade, there have been major advances in MRI technology, along with doctors being able to save smaller and earlier babies. There has also been an increase in multiple births. I think that is why we are hearing more and more about brain training.

[Chris in VA]

I've participated in one, specific, brain training company's workshop (Brain Gym) at a preschool conference.

I've since read that it is not proven to do anything that normal development wouldn't do, i.e. it has been "debunked." I'm sorry, no reference for that.

But I don't think that's the same thing as profession, intense, "real" brain therapies.

[SJ.]

I don't remember where I read this but I read that brain training programs just make you better at doing the puzzles in their program and it doesn't translate to other things.

 

ETA:

 

 

 

The best(link is external) work(link is external) debunking studies claiming to produce training effects has been done by Randall Engel, Zach Shipstead, and their colleagues at Georgia Tech, who find that practice indeed improves skills at the trained tasks, but doesn’t transfer to untrained tasks when adequate control groups are used. 

 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-motivated-brain/201312/does-brain-training-work

 

 

Yet, according to a statement released by the Stanford University Center on Longevity and the Berlin Max Planck Institute for Human Development, there is no solid scientific evidence to back up this promise. Signed by 70 of the world’s leading cognitive psychologists and neuroscientists, the statement minces no words:

"The strong consensus of this group is that the scientific literature does not support claims that the use of software-based “brain games†alters neural functioning in ways that improve general cognitive performance in everyday life, or prevent cognitive slowing and brain disease."

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/brain-training-doesn-t-make-you-smarter/

Edited March 30, 2016 by SJ.

[BlsdMama]

A couple of weekends ago at a homeschool conference I heard of brain training.  They had THREE different speakers giving talks regarding brain training.  And another company there as well.  Then last week, I pull into our local outdoor mall, and one of the companies has a center at the mall (it was LearningRX for the curious).

 

I found it fascinating, but not entirely convinced.  Does anyone have any experience with brain training?  Any information?  Any articles you've read on it saying yes it works, or no, it's bogus?  

 

I just found it so odd that there were so many brain trainers for speakers.  Is this the new "trend?"  

 

 

I worked for Learning Rx for a few months. ;)

 

It is a new trend.

 

It isn't entirely bogus.  I love how they used metronomes.  I thought it definitely impacted processing speed from my firsthand training.  That said, several of the people I saw were dyslexic.  I felt they needed more.  I thought the model was fascinating but for the price tag?  OG program first.  Remediate the reading gaps.  Then, if you want to improve processing speed?  Learning Rx.  

 

ETA: Research metronome training - there's quite a bit on it now.  So much so that I did go buy a metronome for my kids for math fact memorization.  

I think the way they teach people to use their visual memory is a handy trick.  It's nothing you couldn't replicate at home, but many people are not aware of the different ways they learn better. 

I saw the work they did with a traumatic brain injury and I was pretty impressed - wondered if the young man would have improved that much on his own, given time, or whether it was the program.  It was significant.

\ The problem I did see?  The trainers are super fast processors - you have to be able to pass several levels at the interview to become a brain trainer.  They have zero training to actual brain processing, handicaps, learning dysfunction, or other function, or understanding of the brain.  I watched a trainer ask a kid over and over again why he would switch m and n and r and l and not remember.  The kid was severely dyslexic.  Was I allowed to say that?  Nope.  No "excuses."  The kid needed more than what Learning Rx could do.  Learning Rx probably would have benefitted him more AFTER remediation.  As it was?  Expensive and I don't think it helped the kid's attitude about himself and his ability to learn.  The most intense trainers that get the best results get a bonus.  The "best" trainer they had there reminded me of Jillian off of Biggest Loser.  I'm not saying she didn't get results but I wouldn't have let her near one of my kids with a ten foot pole.  That said, I know for certain with my severely dyslexic kid that emotions impact his learning ability.  If he was crazy overwhelmed and stressed, there is negative impact.  He has to be pushed and pushed hard, but it has to be in an encouraging manner.  Some people misplace harshness for pushing.  I'd strongly suggest you observe the training, imo.

 

If you want to learn brain training, head over to the learning disabilities board to learn how to affect memory and processing.  Those gals know as much as some neuropsychs.

Edited March 30, 2016 by BlsdMama

[NorthwestMom]

I did some research on this a few years ago when a friend was considering the Arrowsmith Program. Generally speaking, brain training programs do not generalize results across cognitive skills. Thus, you get better at the games in their program, but your overall cognitive performance does not improve. It can help people with mild impairments, and some studies show benefits for the elderly, but generally meh.

 

https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/does-brain-training-work/

 

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/apr/21/brain-training-online-neuroscience-elizabeth-day

 

Brain Gym is the first neuromyth on this list:

http://www.senseaboutscience.org/blog.php/77/neuromyths-and-why-they-persist-in-the-classroom

 

 

[Laurie4b]

There is a ton of research supporting brain training in terms of whether people get better at the particular skill being tested in the game. However, there is all kinds of controversy about whether those results generalize or not, which is where the rubber hits the road. So a brain training game may improve a person's peripheral vision for seeing things on a computer screen, but will that improve their peripheral vision while driving? That's where the controversy is. Some research supports the generalization of particular games in particular programs; some shows it does not generalize. 

 

Lumosity just got penalized by the federal government for making claims about its programs that it didn't have the research to support. However, there is *some* research the Lumosity creators were citing. 

 

So for right now, I think it's an emerging field. You are better off training the specific skill you want to see than trying to use a brain training program to train a general trait. So if you have a weakness in peripheral vision that affects your driving, you are better off going to a rehab program for drivers that works on that than on doing brain training to improve "peripheral vision." Or if you have a weakness in working memory that causes you to lose objects all the time, your resources are better spent focusing on the specific skill of keeping track of your stuff than on general "working memory" improvement. That said, Cogmed was one program that did have some double-blind studies that showed generalization. I am not sure where the research is for that program right now. Still, the principle holds. 

 

If people can afford brain training programs, I have never read anything that says that they are detrimental. There is a lot of research that suggests that they may help. They are just unproven at this time in terms of generalization. So if resources are tight, spend them on the specific thing that is needed. 

 

I've done quite a bit of research lately because of family history of Alzheimer's. Previously, we used Cogmed for kids with ADD. I think it did help some. 

Edited March 30, 2016 by Laurie4b

[redsquirrel]

As someone whose kid has had a LOT of PT and OT and SLP but no learning problems and is neurotypical, I would say that you can get just as good improvement with consistent music lessons, such as piano and a physical activity that requires coordination and timing such as martial arts, ballet, swimming, horse back riding, or tai chi. I would think dance would be the best because there is so much stress on listening to the music and learning to count the beats and coordinating your movements to the count etc, but I think an argument can be made for other activities.

 

I am NOT talking about people/children with learning problems or brain trauma etc. That is a whole different story. And I don't mean that my kid could have done just as well without the PT and OT and SLP if he just had piano and dance. He had specific issues that needed to be addressed, but for continued improvement and challenge, and in addition to his therapies, those activities have been invaluable. 

 

But, if you are looking for an 'edge' or improved coordination or faster processing for a person who is neurotypical but maybe just needs a brush up or some general skill improvement, I honestly think music study and a whole body exercise is a possibility. You have to stick with it to keep seeing the benefits. The benefits of two years of piano lessons won't last 10 years, but I suspect it is the same with 'brain training'.

 

My kid had tons of 'brain gym' and other similar things, we used to have a daily routine we were supposed to do. It did help with his avoidance of crossing the midline. And his PT was a freaking hero. She taught him to bend his knees when he landed and worked on alternate hand and foot movement (like how you swing your arms when you walk) and putting his arms out in front when he fell (he did not have that reflex). But for ongoing work, after he skilled out of PT and OT, I have found consistent music and dance lessons to be invaluable. 

[J-rap]

We've learned a lot about the brain's neuroplasticity in the past decade.  Of course we've always known about this to an extent:  if we work on studying a second language, we get better.  If we work on improving our golf stroke, we'll get better.  But what scientists have learned more recently is that even injured brains have this potential.  It is quite amazing.  Not only can damaged brains get better, but other parts of the brain can sometimes be trained to take on jobs that isn't naturally its job.

 

This has been proven to be true with very focused, intense, usually repetitive-type therapy.

 

How this plays out with light brain games is still evolving.  Intensity and repetitions, plus mindfulness while doing the activity, are key (from what I understand), and whether these goals are met in brain games is still a question.

[Rosie_0801]

dudeling does a  focused therapy - that is aimed directly at hastening development of his corpus  callosum (he has been tested and the development lags) - part of the brain.  this is done through an audiologist and speech langauge pathlogist.

 

What is that therapy called?

[gardenmom5]

As someone whose kid has had a LOT of PT and OT and SLP but no learning problems and is neurotypical, I would say that you can get just as good improvement with consistent music lessons, such as piano and a physical activity that requires coordination and timing such as martial arts, ballet, swimming, horse back riding, or tai chi. I would think dance would be the best because there is so much stress on listening to the music and learning to count the beats and coordinating your movements to the count etc, but I think an argument can be made for other activities.

 

I am NOT talking about people/children with learning problems or brain trauma etc. That is a whole different story. And I don't mean that my kid could have done just as well without the PT and OT and SLP if he just had piano and dance. He had specific issues that needed to be addressed, but for continued improvement and challenge, and in addition to his therapies, those activities have been invaluable. 

 

But, if you are looking for an 'edge' or improved coordination or faster processing for a person who is neurotypical but maybe just needs a brush up or some general skill improvement, I honestly think music study and a whole body exercise is a possibility. You have to stick with it to keep seeing the benefits. The benefits of two years of piano lessons won't last 10 years, but I suspect it is the same with 'brain training'.

 

My kid had tons of 'brain gym' and other similar things, we used to have a daily routine we were supposed to do. It did help with his avoidance of crossing the midline. And his PT was a freaking hero. She taught him to bend his knees when he landed and worked on alternate hand and foot movement (like how you swing your arms when you walk) and putting his arms out in front when he fell (he did not have that reflex). But for ongoing work, after he skilled out of PT and OT, I have found consistent music and dance lessons to be invaluable. 

 

I agree with this.   a child with developmental brain delays may find those same activities more challenging than a NT peer.  

you want bilateral.  yoga is also a really good one.  dudeling has been making good progress and is actually talking about getting back to MA.  I learned the APD he has (CC) can actually make MA/bilateral activities more difficult. doing them can be helpful, but it needs to be more intense and focused than regular programs.

What is that therapy called?

 

capdots.  it's accessed through his SLP.  it's a computer based program aimed at teaching the CC (corpus callosum) to function more adequately. he's had other therapy which have helped him improve in other areas (shown by testing professional testing), but this one has been more difficult. he does seem to be making very good progress.

 

I was talking to dh because for one section he'd done fabulously - and that's exactly what our house guest was saying - oh, he's learning the games and how they work.  except - this is set up where there is no "system" which they can beat in order to progress.

it's one separate sound in each ear, and they must repeat back the sounds they heard.  (you and the child are both wearing headphones.)  the most annoying thing is one of the people speaking has a weird accent.   e.g. room = roums. . . . I learned to not require perfect pronunciation if she was the one speaking.  I also wear headphones and am hearing exactly what he's hearing.  as they progress - the sounds come faster.  they will only succeed if the CC is working at a faster rate - as it's supposed to do . . .

 

eta: you can check out "when the brain can't hear" which is about auditory processing disorder (which can have huge ramifications for how a child functions in many areas, including read, handwriting,  friendships, balance, etc.), and includes therapies that can be done at home to help.  NT kids could do it, but how much it would help them is questionable.

Edited March 31, 2016 by gardenmom5

[AimeeM]

I will say that it got a mega eye roll from my daughter's pediatrician. 

When I mentioned that I had two IQ tests for DD; one older but from a child psychologist and another, newer, from a brain training center - that each had very, very different results - he (not really bothering to disguise the distaste in his voice) advised me to go with the older IQ test that was implemented by the child psych.

 

ETA: This was a well known "brain training" franchise that, of course, could "bring up" DD's IQ (which, I'll note, was classified as in the "high range; above average" with the child psych, but for some reason, with the brain training center, was "borderline low") and fix her dyslexia - for many, many thousands of dollars :D

 

Edited March 31, 2016 by AimeeM

[gardenmom5]

I will say that it got a mega eye roll from my daughter's pediatrician. 

When I mentioned that I had two IQ tests for DD; one older but from a child psychologist and another, newer, from a brain training center - that each had very, very different results - he (not really bothering to disguise the distaste in his voice) advised me to go with the older IQ test that was implemented by the child psych.

 

ETA: This was a well known "brain training" franchise that, of course, could "bring up" DD's IQ (which, I'll note, was classified as in the "high range; above average" with the child psych, but for some reason, with the brain training center, was "borderline low") and fix her dyslexia - for many, many thousands of dollars :D

 

whose only doing this out of the goodness of their hearts . . . . oh-they want money?