Research supports the benefits of cognitive training and its generalization to meaningful improvements for real-life functioning. As an example, the Captain’s Log MindPower Builder was compared to the Destination Reading program. Dr. Rabiner at Duke University carried out a randomized trial in 2010 to examine the effectiveness of these two computer-based interventions for students with attention difficulties. Captain’s Log provides over 50 structured exercises that focus on exercising attention, visual processing, mental processing speed, working memory and problem solving skills. Destination Reading targets five key skills: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Seventy-seven first graders were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: Captain’s Log (n=25), Destination Reading (n=27), and control (n=25). Participant group members were assigned based on matched pretest scores and demographics. Students in the Captain’s Log group scored significantly higher than the control group on two reading outcomes measures: DIBELS fluency (ES=+0.69) and WJ-III reading (ES=+0.10), with a median effect size of +0.40. In comparison the Destination Reading group did not show significant differences when compared with controls: DIBELS fluency (ES=+0.10) and WJ-III reading (ES=+0.13), with a median effect size of +0.12. The findings of this study supported that comprehensive brain training exercises using the Captain's Log were more successful in improving the scores of reading tests. See page 12 of this analysis by John Hopkin's researchers HERE.

In a study of college students studying accounting, Lampit et al. (2014) found that the Captain’s Log MIndPower Builder resulted in faster and more accurate mental processing of an unrelated academic skill that was not trained - bookkeeping and accounting math. Non-impaired college students were intensely trained (40 sessions) using either the Captain's Log system or a math software program. In comparison to the group who trained using commercial educational math software, the students in the Captain’s Log group performed significantly better in respect to their accuracy and mental processing speed when assessed using an hour long bookkeeping test. This is the first study that demonstrated the generalization or "far transfer" of cognitive training to relevant real-world job performance. Access the full study HERE.
Additional research may be found HERE.

How does the MindPower Builder differ from other cognitive training programs?
First, the Captain's Log MindPower Builder is the most comprehensive set of challenging brain training programs ever published. While other programs focus on particular issues, such as working memory or auditory processing, the MindPower Builder provides you with a comprehensive training library containing over 2000 exercises targeting twenty different cognitive skills. The wide variety of challenging tasks and the depth of the content can be incorporated into your comprehensive training program to help individuals at almost any ability level be successful in achieving improvement in whatever cognitive skills you elect to use.

Second, the MindPower Builder provides a built-in reward system to keep trainees motivated. Entertaining, video-game-like tasks break the routine of the exercises, rewarding success and adding additional training in hand-eye coordination.

Third, in addition to executive functioning tasks, you can target behavioral tracks, such as patience, focus, listening, response control, and processing speed.

Fourth, if you wish, you can incorporate an optional, simple, dry-sensor neurofeedback protocol into your cognitive training plan to help your clients develop a relaxed, calm, positive mental state while they perform the exercises.

Fifth, the Captain’s Log MindPower Builder is extraordinarily flexible. You have your choice of three different ways of setting up a customized training protocol for the trainee: You can just use the “wizard,” running a short test battery that helps you determine the individual's relative cognitive strengths and weaknesses and automatically creates a training plan customized just for him; or you can simply select the particular cognitive skills you want to target; or you can actually hand-pick which exercises you want the player to do. Any way you set-up a training plan, you always have the option of changing it and adjusting the level of difficulty as you deem necessary.

Sixth, the MindPower Builder was specifically designed for use by professionals and educators, and is installed directly on the trainer's computer (not web-based). It allows you to set your own specific training goals and provides detailed documentation of progress.

Seventh, the MindPower Builder is interactive and keeps individuals continually challenged. It gives you the ideal tools to function as an effective brain coach, keeping the trainee encouraged when the going gets tough and offering enthusiastic recognition and rewards for hard work and success. Click here for more information.

Eighth, the optional remote cloud training system allows you to offer off-site training, keeping their data in-sync with what you have in your office, and allowing you to coach players and change their training plans remotely.

Your computer must meet the following system requirements to use the Captain's Log MindPower Builder.

Context relevant help and a 200+ page detailed manual are always available through the software menus for trainers who want to explore and master the MindPower Builder. In addition, BrainTrain offers hands-on, small group training workshops to help you unlock the power of the MindPower Builder. Click here to learn more.