This solicitation is now closed
Brain fitness training program to enhance cognitive function via remote ultra-mobile computing
Navy SBIR 2011.1 - Topic N111-069
ONR - Mrs. Tracy Frost - [email protected]
Opens: December 13, 2010 - Closes: January 12, 2011

N111-069 TITLE: Brain fitness training program to enhance cognitive function via remote ultra-mobile computing

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: OPNAV N13: Selection and classification program of record. ACAT 4

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted." The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: Design, implement, and evaluate a brain fitness training program enhances cognitive function and learning. The training program would be deployed on ultra mobile computing technology and remotely monitored. It must demonstrate substantial behavioral benefits (e.g., transfer to a broad range of cognitive tasks and substantial increases in measured fluid intelligence) and increased connectivity of grey matter). Improvements must be accomplished with modest training time and persist for extended periods of time.

DESCRIPTION: Scientific advances in cognitive training in the last five years show that high intensity cognitive training can produce dramatic gains in general cognitive capacity (increased fluid intelligence and verbal comprehension) and produce changes in brain connective tissue and neural populations of the related cortical networks. This has been demonstrated to produce substantial improvements in learning and performance through intensive, distributed, modest-duration training (e.g., 3 times per week at 30 minutes for ten weeks). Computer exercises provide a "cognitive gym" with a circuit training to grow key networks such as working memory, attention, language processing, and decision making. Modern brain measurement techniques (fMRI, anatomical connectivity mapping) can empirically quantify brain growth. The technology could be used both to improve ability (e.g., new recruits) and sustain/recover capacity (e.g., due to aging or Traumatic Brain Injury). This technology has been demonstrated in laboratory studies. To be deployable in a DOD environment it would be valuable to make the technology operate on ultramobile platforms (e.g., iPhone, PDA, netbooks) and be automatically monitored from a central site. Research must provide empirical data to optimize training effectiveness.

PHASE I: Develop the design of the tasks, test brain training program on a pilot basis. Show both far transfer on standardized behavioral test and quantify brain tissue growth. Demonstrate operation on ultra mobile computers (e.g., iPhone, Android) and semiautomatic monitoring and motivating of the learner to exert effort to intensively execute procedures to improve capacity.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype system in a full automated remote training. Conduct testing to prove feasibility to move mean ability one SD in working memory tasks with populations matched to military recruit base.

PHASE III: This system could be used in a broad range of military and civilian training. Civilian training would include both corporate and educational settings. Several Fortune 500 DOD corporations are following development in this technology considering commercializing the sector.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: This system could be used in a broad range of military and civilian security applications, including for jobs that impose high cognitive demand and workload.

REFERENCES:
1. Chein, JM, & Morrison AB. (2010) Expanding the Mind�s Workspace: Training and Transfer Effects with a Complex Working Memory Span Task. Psychonomic Bulletin and Review. 17 (2), 193-199

2. Jaeggi, S.M., Buschkuehl, M., Jonides, J., & Perrig, W.J. (2008). Improving fluid intelligence with training on working memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 105, 6829-6833. doi:10.1073/pnas.0801268105.

3. Keller, T., & Just, M. (2009). Altering Cortical Connectivity: Remediation-induced changes in the white matter of poor readers. Neuron, 64, 624-631.

4. Scholz J, Klein MC, Behrens TE, Johansen-Berg H.(2009) Training induces changes in white-matter architecture. Nat Neurosci. 12(11):1370-1.

5. Sternberg RJ.(2008) Increasing fluid intelligence is possible after all. Proc Natl Acad Sci 13;105(19):6791.

KEYWORDS: Brain fitness; training; ultra mobile computing; learning; decision making, working memory; fluid intelligence

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **
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