Is lumosity an effective brain training program?: a meta-analysis of the existing research

Working memory allows individuals to temporarily hold and manipulate information in their mind to complete tasks. It is a critical aspect of an individuals cognitive functioning as it impacts their ability to reason, solve problems, carry out multi-step directions, and perform academic task. Research has recently shown promising results for increasing working memory and other cognitive skills with computerized brain training. Lumosity is a computerized brain-training program that claimed to improve different aspects of cognitive functioning including working memory, attention, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed. It also claimed that individuals with specific health conditions could benefit from training with the program. Research examining the efficacy of the program has produced limited and inconsistent results. Lumos Labs, the parent company of Lumosity, was sued for making unsubstantiated claims about the program’s effectiveness and benefits. The current study utilized a meta-analytical approach to examine 4 published, peer-reviewed articles that analyzed the effects of Lumosity on working memory, attention, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed. The results of the meta-analysis revealed a small effect on attention. There was no significant impact on working memory. A meta-analysis could not be conducted on cognitive flexibility and processing speed as there was only one study that examined each of these constructs