Working memory training improves reading processes in typically developing children.

Loosli, Sandra V.; Buschkuehl, Martin; Perrig, Walter J.; Jaeggi, Susanne M.

doi:10.1080/09297049.2011.575772

Cited by 366Cognitive Abilities and TestingReading and Literacy DevelopmentDevelopmental and Educational Neuropsychology

Working memory training improves reading processes in typically developing children.

Loosli, Sandra V., Buschkuehl, Martin, Perrig, Walter J., Jaeggi, Susanne M.·2012·Child Neuropsychology

DOI 10.1080/09297049.2011.575772

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Abstract

The goal of this study was to investigate whether a brief cognitive training intervention results in a specific performance increase in the trained task, and whether there are transfer effects to other nontrained measures. A computerized, adaptive working memory intervention was conducted with 9- to 11-year-old typically developing children. The children considerably improved their performance in the trained working memory task. Additionally, compared to a matched control group, the experimental group significantly enhanced their reading performance after training, providing further evidence for shared processes between working memory and reading.

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After 10-14 sessions of Braintwister working memory training, two studies consistently showed improvements on standardized tests of reading in students between 7 and 11 years of age.
“After 10–14 sessions of training, both studies consistently showed improvements on standardized tests of reading in students between 7 and 11 years of age (Loosli et al., 2012; Karbach et al., 2014).”
From Executive control training from middle childhood to adolescence (2014) · cites this paper as Loosli et al., 2012
Training effects can go beyond the trained domain and show benefits in measures considerably different from the training task if they are associated with the trained process and share comparable neural circuits (far transfer).
“Furthermore, training effects could go beyond the trained domain and show benefits in measures considerably different from the training task, as long as they were associated with the trained process and shared comparable neural circuits (far transfer) (Jaeggi et al., 2008; Borella et al., 2010; Loosli et al., 2012; Dahlin, 2013).”
From Training on Working Memory and Inhibitory Control in Young Adults (2016) · cites this paper as Loosli et al., 2012

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Bamidis, P. D., Vivas, A. B., Styliadis, C., Frantzidis, C., Klados, M. A., Schlee, W., Σιούντας, Α., & Papageorgiou, S. G. (2014) · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.03.019 · Cited by 360 · see citing works
Does Working Memory Training Transfer? A Meta-Analysis Including Training Conditions as Moderators
Schwaighofer, M., Fischer, F., & Bühner, M. (2015) · Educational Psychologist · doi:10.1080/00461520.2015.1036274 · Cited by 332 · see citing works
Review of the Evidence on, and Fundamental Questions About, Efforts to Improve Executive Functions, Including Working Memory
Diamond, A. D., & Ling, D. S. (2019) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780199974467.003.0008 · Cited by 290 · see citing works
Executive control training from middle childhood to adolescence
Karbach, J., & Unger, K. (2014) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00390 · Cited by 269 · see citing works
“Moreover, the complex working memory tasks applied in other studies (e.g., Loosli et al., 2012; Karbach et al., 2014) included high demands on inhibitory control because participants had to inhibit the responses from the concurrent processing task in order to properly focus on the memory task: for…”
BackgroundMethodInfluential
Working memory training involves learning new skills
Gathercole, S. E., Dunning, D. L., Holmes, J., & Norris, D. (2019) · Journal of Memory and Language · doi:10.1016/j.jml.2018.10.003 · Cited by 225 · see citing works
Training attentional control and working memory – Is younger, better?
Wass, S. V., Scerif, G., & Johnson, M. H. (2012) · Developmental Review · doi:10.1016/j.dr.2012.07.001 · Cited by 235 · see citing works
“…M – Follow-up (time since completion of training) N – Average transfer observed across all pre–post tests administered O – Std in transfer observed across all pre–post tests administered Loosli et al. (2011) TD 9–11-y-o p 5 sessions (12 min per session) per week for 2 weeks 120 24 WM span 1 MANOVA”
Method
Working memory training in typically developing children: A meta-analysis of the available evidence.
Sala, G., & Gobet, F. (2017) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/dev0000265 · Cited by 216 · see citing works
Failure of Working Memory Training to Enhance Cognition or Intelligence
Thompson, T. W., Waskom, M. L., Garel, K.-L. A., Cardenas-Iniguez, C., Reynolds, G. O., Winter, R., Chang, P., Pollard, K., Lala, N., Alvarez, G. A., et al. (2013) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0063614 · Cited by 208 · see citing works
“The promise of such training for enhancing the cognitive capacity of the human mind has been supported by other studies reporting WM training benefits on reading comprehension [12,52], mathematical ability [53], and ADHD symptomology [54], and some training programs have even gone so far as to show the neural changes…”
Neuronal effects following working memory training.
Buschkuehl, M., Jaeggi, S. M., & Jonides, J. (2012) · Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience · doi:10.1016/j.dcn.2011.10.001 · Cited by 212 · see citing works
Training the developing brain: a neurocognitive perspective
Jolles, D., & Crone, E. A. (2012) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2012.00076 · Cited by 210 · see citing works
“Typically, the learning curve is steep at the beginning of training, but gradually becomes more flat when learning progresses (e.g., Jolles et al., 2010; Van der Molen et al., 2010; Loosli et al., 2011).”
BackgroundInfluential
On methodological standards in training and transfer experiments
Green, C. S., Strobach, T., & Schubert, T. (2013) · Psychological Research · doi:10.1007/s00426-013-0535-3 · Cited by 192 · see citing works
Adaptive working-memory training benefits reading, but not mathematics in middle childhood
Karbach, J., Strobach, T., & Schubert, T. (2015) · Child Neuropsychology · doi:10.1080/09297049.2014.899336 · Cited by 183 · see citing works
“Finally, previous studies often did not analyze individual differences in the amount of training-related benefits (but see Dahlin, 2013; Loosli et al., 2012), even though that information seems to be of high relevance for the understanding of the mechanisms mediating training-induced performance…”
BackgroundInfluential
The Development of Executive Function
Müller, U., & Kerns, K. A. (2015) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118963418.childpsy214 · Cited by 171 · see citing works
Can impaired working memory functioning be improved by training? A meta-analysis with a special focus on brain injured patients.
Weicker, J., Villringer, A., & Thöne-Otto, A. (2016) · Neuropsychology · doi:10.1037/neu0000227 · Cited by 147 · see citing works
Few Effects of Far Transfer of Working Memory Training in ADHD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Egeland, J., Aarlien, A. K., & Saunes, B.-K. (2013) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0075660 · Cited by 148 · see citing works
Training working memory in kindergarten children: Effects on working memory and early numeracy
Kroesbergen, E. H., Noordende, J. E. V. '., & Kolkman, M. E. (2012) · Child Neuropsychology · doi:10.1080/09297049.2012.736483 · Cited by 131 · see citing works
“…on working memory is useful in enhancing working memory skills, as it has been shown that using (computerized) activities related to the processing and memorization of information is effective in improving working memory skills (Klingberg et al., 2005; Loosli et al., 2012; Thorell et al., 2009).”
Result
The dyslexia debate
Elliott, J., & Gibbs, S. (2012) · Newcastle University ePrints (Newcastle Univesity) · doi:10.25405/ncl.34175697 · Cited by 131 · see citing works
Far transfer to language and math of a short software-based gaming intervention.
Goldin, A. P., Hermida, M. J., Shalom, D. E., Elias Costa, M., Lopez-Rosenfeld, M., Segretin, M. S., Fernández-Slezak, D., Lipina, S. J., & Sigman, M. (2014) · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1073/pnas.1320217111 · Cited by 131 · see citing works
“Instead, current evidence (7, 9, 17, 18) derives from laboratory measures related to school performance (for instance, the time it takes for a child to read a word).”
Background
Practice-related optimization and transfer of executive functions: a general review and a specific realization of their mechanisms in dual tasks
Strobach, T., Salminen, T. M., Karbach, J., & Schubert, T. (2014) · Psychological Research · doi:10.1007/s00426-014-0563-7 · Cited by 126 · see citing works
Executive Function Buffers the Association between Early Math and Later Academic Skills
Ribner, A., Willoughby, M. T., & Blair, C. (2017) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00869 · Cited by 127 · see citing works
“The role of EF, particularly working memory, in reading and vocabulary, however, is well established (e.g., Daneman and Carpenter, 1980; Alloway, 2010; Loosli et al., 2012; Karbach and Verhaeghen, 2014).”
Background
The unique contribution of working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and intelligence to reading comprehension and reading speed
Johann, V. E., Könen, T., & Karbach, J. (2019) · Child Neuropsychology · doi:10.1080/09297049.2019.1649381 · Cited by 126 · see citing works
Want to Optimize Executive Functions and Academic Outcomes? Simple, Just Nourish the Human Spirit
Diamond, A. D. (2013) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118732373.ch7 · Cited by 123 · see citing works
Cognitive benefits of last night's sleep: daily variations in children's sleep behavior are related to working memory fluctuations
Könen, T., Dirk, J., & Schmiedek, F. (2014) · Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry · doi:10.1111/jcpp.12296 · Cited by 112 · see citing works
Considering the Role of Executive Function in Reading Comprehension: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Spencer, M., Richmond, M. C., & Cutting, L. E. (2019) · Scientific Studies of Reading · doi:10.1080/10888438.2019.1643868 · Cited by 110 · see citing works
Effects of game‐based and standard executive control training on cognitive and academic abilities in elementary school children
Johann, V. E., & Karbach, J. (2019) · Developmental Science · doi:10.1111/desc.12866 · Cited by 110 · see citing works
Working Memory Training Improves Cognitive Function in VLBW Preschoolers
Grunewaldt, K. H., Løhaugen, G. C. C., Austeng, D., Brubakk, A., & Skranes, J. S. (2013) · PEDIATRICS · doi:10.1542/peds.2012-1965 · Cited by 104 · see citing works
Improving reading comprehension in reading and listening settings: The effect of two training programmes focusing on metacognition and working memory
Carretti, B., Caldarola, N., Tencati, C., & Cornoldi, C. (2013) · British Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjep.12022 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
The malleability of working memory and visuospatial skills: A randomized controlled study in older adults.
Stepankova, H., Lukavsky, J., Buschkuehl, M., Kopecek, M., Ripova, D., & Jaeggi, S. M. (2014) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0034913 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
“…2010; Jaeggi, Buschkuehl, Jonides, & Shah, 2011; Jaeggi et al., 2008, 2010b; Klingberg et al., 2005; Klingberg, Forssberg, & Westerberg, 2002; Loosli, Buschkuehl, Perrig, & Jaeggi, 2012; Richmond, Morrison, Chein, & Olson, 2011), and in some of those studies, adaptive versus nonadaptive…”
What’s Working in Working Memory Training? An Educational Perspective
Redick, T. S., Shipstead, Z., Wiemers, E. A., Melby-Lervåg, M., & Hulme, C. (2015) · Educational Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10648-015-9314-6 · Cited by 132 · see citing works
“…memory training and another type of training (Aries et al. 2014, Experiment 1; Soderqvist et al. 2012), and no working memory transfer assessed in same sample as achievement tests assessed (Dahlin 2011, 2013; Holmes and Gathercole 2014, Experiment 2; Loosli et al. 2011; Mansur-Alves et al. 2012).”
Why does cognitive training yield inconsistent benefits? A meta-analysis of individual differences in baseline cognitive abilities and training outcomes
Traut, H. J., Guild, R. M., & Munakata, Y. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.662139 · Cited by 100 · see citing works
Training on Working Memory and Inhibitory Control in Young Adults
Maraver, M. J., Bajo, M. T., & Gomez-Ariza, C. J. (2016) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2016.00588 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
“…such as mathematical performance (Dahlin, 2013; Bergman-Nutley and Klingberg, 2014), reading abilities (Chein and Morrison, 2010; Dahlin, 2010; Loosli et al., 2012; Karbach et al., 2015), or reasoning and fluid intelligence (Klingberg et al., 2005; Borella et al., 2010; Jaušovec and Jaušovec,…”
Background
Improving problem solving in primary school students: The effect of a training programme focusing on metacognition and working memory
Cornoldi, C., Carretti, B., Drusi, S., & Tencati, C. (2015) · British Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjep.12083 · Cited by 97 · see citing works
How to build better memory training games
Deveau, J., Jaeggi, S. M., Zordan, V. B., Phung, C., & Seitz, A. R. (2015) · Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnsys.2014.00243 · Cited by 93 · see citing works
“(B ) Diagram of a complex span training task (Buschkuehl et al., 2008; Loosli et al., 2012).”
Background
Variability in Children’s Working Memory Is Coupled With Perceived Disturbance: An Ambulatory Assessment Study in the School and Out-of-School Context
Dirk, J., & Schmiedek, F. (2017) · Research in Human Development · doi:10.1080/15427609.2017.1340051 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
A systematic assessment of socioeconomic status and executive functioning in early childhood
John, A. M. S., Kibbe, M. M., & Tarullo, A. R. (2018) · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2018.09.003 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
Applying cognitive training to target executive functions during early development
Wass, S. V. (2014) · Child Neuropsychology · doi:10.1080/09297049.2014.882888 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
Executive functioning and reading achievement in school: a study of Brazilian children assessed by their teachers as “poor readers”
de Abreu, P. E., Abreu, N., Nikaedo, C. C., Puglisi, M. L., Neto, C. J. T. D. A., Miranda, M. ́. C., Befi‐Lopes, D. M., Bueno, O. F. A., & Martin, R. (2014) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00550 · Cited by 93 · see citing works
“A range of activities have now been shown to improve children’s working memory and might help children with poor academic progress overcome some of their learning difficulties (Holmes et al., 2009; Loosli et al., 2012; Alloway et al., 2013).”
Background
Attention and working memory training: A feasibility study in children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Kerns, K. A., Macoun, S., MacSween, J., Pei, J., & Hutchison, M. (2017) · Applied Neuropsychology: Child · doi:10.1080/21622965.2015.1109513 · Cited by 88 · see citing works
Plasticity of Executive Control through Task Switching Training in Adolescents
Zinke, K., Einert, M., Pfennig, L., & Kliegel, M. (2012) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2012.00041 · Cited by 85 · see citing works
Symptoms of ADHD in Children with High-Functioning Autism Are Related to Impaired Verbal Working Memory and Verbal Delayed Recall
Andersen, P. N., Hovik, K. T., Skogli, E. W., Egeland, J., & Øie, M. (2013) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0064842 · Cited by 82 · see citing works
“Recent research shows that working memory can be trained using specifically designed computer programs [51,52].”
Background
Enhancing reading skills through a video game mixing action mechanics and cognitive training
Pasqualotto, A., Altarelli, I., Angeli, A. D., Menestrina, Z., Bavelier, D., & Venuti, P. (2022) · Nature Human Behaviour · doi:10.1038/s41562-021-01254-x · Cited by 87 · see citing works
Number sense or working memory? The effect of two computer-based trainings on mathematical skills in elementary school
Kuhn, J., & Holling, H. (2014) · Advances in Cognitive Psychology · doi:10.5709/acp-0157-2 · Cited by 80 · see citing works
Working Memory Training is Associated with Long Term Attainments in Math and Reading
Söderqvist, S., & Nutley, S. B. (2015) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01711 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
“Two studies have investigated this thus far, both using a WM training program that was primarily tapping verbal WM (Loosli et al., 2012; Karbach et al., 2015).”
BackgroundResultInfluential
The contribution of executive function and social understanding to preschoolers’ letter and math skills
Miller, M. R., Müller, U., Giesbrecht, G. F., Carpendale, J. I. M., & Kerns, K. A. (2013) · Cognitive Development · doi:10.1016/j.cogdev.2012.10.005 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
Testing for Near and Far Transfer Effects with a Short, Face‐to‐Face Adaptive Working Memory Training Intervention in Typical Children
Henry, L. A., Messer, D. J., & Nash, G. (2014) · Infant and Child Development · doi:10.1002/icd.1816 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
The development and malleability of executive control abilities
Hsu, N. S., Novick, J. M., & Jaeggi, S. M. (2014) · Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00221 · Cited by 73 · see citing works
“Additional studies have used intervention paradigms in children to improve EC abilities through training (Holmes et al., 2009; Thorell et al., 2009; Jaeggi et al., 2011; Loosli et al., 2012).”
Background
Early Influence of Musical Abilities and Working Memory on Speech Imitation Abilities: Study with Pre-School Children
Christiner, M., & Reiterer, S. (2018) · Brain Sciences · doi:10.3390/brainsci8090169 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
“with musical aptitude [18], but are also age related [85].”
Background
Video Game Design for Learning to Learn
Pasqualotto, A., Parong, J. A., Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2022) · International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction · doi:10.1080/10447318.2022.2110684 · Cited by 86 · see citing works
“For example, in cognitive training intervention studies, researchers have frequently assigned their participants to train for several sessions per week, each lasting about 20–60min (Jaeggi et al., 2008; Loosli et al., 2012), for a total of tens to even hundreds of sessions over weeks to months (Schmiedek et al.”
Background
Effects of food supplementation on cognitive function, cerebral blood flow, and nutritional status in young children at risk of undernutrition: randomized controlled trial
Roberts, S. B., Franceschini, M. A., Silver, R. E., Taylor, S. F., de Sa, A. B., Có, R., Sonco, A., Krauss, A. J., Taetzsch, A., Webb, P., et al. (2020) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.m2397 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
Prospective memory training in older adults and its relevance for successful aging
Hering, A., Rendell, P. G., Rose, N. S., Schnitzspahn, K. M., & Kliegel, M. (2014) · Psychological Research · doi:10.1007/s00426-014-0566-4 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
Working memory training in children: Effectiveness depends on temperament
Studer-Luethi, B., Bauer, C. E., & Perrig, W. J. (2015) · Memory & Cognition · doi:10.3758/s13421-015-0548-9 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
Development of Executive Functions
Serpell, Z. N., & Esposito, A. G. (2016) · Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences · doi:10.1177/2372732216654718 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
Executive Functions and the Improvement of Thinking Abilities: The Intervention in Reading Comprehension
García-Madruga, J. A., Veiga, I. G., & Chaves, J. Ó. V. (2016) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00058 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
“Also, unlike many other WMtraining studies in which only one training task was used (e.g., Loosli et al., 2012), our training procedure was implemented through a variety of reading comprehension tasks.”
BackgroundMethod
Fluctuations in elementary school children’s working memory performance in the school context.
Dirk, J., & Schmiedek, F. (2015) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/edu0000076 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
“Finally, drawing on previous research on the importance of WM for achievement in mathematics and reading (Friso-van den Bos et al., 2013; Hitch et al., 2001; Loosli et al., 2012) and its relationship to fluid intelligence (Giofrè et al.”
Method
The malleability of executive function in early childhood: Effects of schooling and targeted training
Zhang, Q., Wang, C., Zhao, Q., Yang, L., Buschkuehl, M., & Jaeggi, S. M. (2019) · Developmental Science · doi:10.1111/desc.12748 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
“Children in the WM training group improved decisively in the trained task, which is in line with previous research (Karbach et al., 2015; Loosli et al., 2012).”
ResultInfluential
WISC-IV Intellectual Profiles in Italian Children with Specific Learning Disorder and Related Impairments in Reading, Written Expression, and Mathematics
Poletti, M. (2016) · Journal of Learning Disabilities · doi:10.1177/0022219414555416 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
Young adults learning executive function skills by playing focused video games
Mayer, R., Parong, J., & Bainbridge, K. (2019) · Cognitive development · doi:10.1016/j.cogdev.2018.11.002 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Beyond the Simple View of Reading: The Role of Executive Functions in Emergent Bilinguals’ and English Monolinguals’ Reading Comprehension
Barber, A. T., Cartwright, K. B., Hancock, G. R., & Klauda, S. L. (2021) · Reading Research Quarterly · doi:10.1002/rrq.385 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
Domain-specific and domain-general training to improve kindergarten children’s mathematics
Ramani, G. B., Jaeggi, S. M., Daubert, E. N., & Buschkuehl, M. (2017) · Journal of Numerical Cognition · doi:10.5964/jnc.v3i2.31 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
“The WM training game was adapted from previous research that successfully trained transfer measures in elementary-school aged children and older adults (Buschkuehl et al., 2008; Loosli et al., 2012).”
BackgroundMethodInfluential
Working Memory, Reasoning, and Task Switching Training: Transfer Effects, Limitations, and Great Expectations?
Baniqued, P. L., Allen, C. M., Kranz, M. B., Johnson, K., Sipolins, A., Dickens, C., Ward, N., Geyer, A., & Kramer, A. F. (2015) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0142169 · Cited by 58 · see citing works
Working memory performance is reduced in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Browne, W. V., Hindmarsh, P. C., Pasterski, V., Hughes, I. A., Acerini, C. L., Spencer, D., Neufeld, S., & Hines, M. (2015) · Hormones and Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.11.014 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
“, 2009) and reading performance (Loosli et al., 2012).”
Working memory and recollection contribute to academic achievement
Blankenship, T. L., O'Neill, M., Ross, A., & Bell, M. A. (2015) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2015.08.020 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
The road to reading for South African learners: The role of orthographic depth
Malda, M., Nel, C., & van de Vijver, F. J. R. (2013) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2013.11.008 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
Targeting self-regulation to promote health behaviors in children
Miller, A. L., Gearhardt, A. N., Fredericks, E. M., Katz, B., Shapiro, L. F., Holden, K., Kaciroti, N., Gonzalez, R., Hunter, C. M., & Lumeng, J. C. (2017) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2017.09.008 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
“As there is some evidence for transfer effects of working memory training (Cortese et al., 2015; Jaeggi et al., 2011; Loosli et al., 2012), we assess multiple EF outcomes (working memory; inhibitory control).”
Background
Computer-Based Training in Math and Working Memory Improves Cognitive Skills and Academic Achievement in Primary School Children: Behavioral Results
Sánchez‐Pérez, N., Castillo, A., López-López, J. A., Pina, V., Puga, J. L., Campoy, G., González-Salinas, C., & Fuentes, L. J. (2018) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02327 · Cited by 60 · see citing works
“Working memory training has also be shown to increase reading skills (Loosli et al., 2012; Karbach et al., 2015; Söderqvist and Bergman-Nutley, 2015) and vocabulary (Studer-Luethi et al., 2015), possibly due to the observed correlation between some reading aspects (e.g., reading comprehension and…”
Background
Racing dragons and remembering aliens: Benefits of playing number and working memory games on kindergartners' numerical knowledge
Ramani, G. B., Daubert, E. N., Lin, G. C., Kamarsu, S., Wodzinski, A., & Jaeggi, S. M. (2020) · Developmental Science · doi:10.1111/desc.12908 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Near- and far-transfer effects of an executive function intervention for 2nd to 5th-grade struggling readers
Cartwright, K. B., Bock, A. M., Clause, J. H., Coppage, E. A., Saunders, H. G., & Schmidt, K. J. (2020) · Cognitive Development · doi:10.1016/j.cogdev.2020.100932 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Understanding the influence of text complexity and question type on reading outcomes
Spencer, M., Gilmour, A. F., Miller, A. C., Emerson, A. M., Saha, N. M., & Cutting, L. E. (2018) · Reading and Writing · doi:10.1007/s11145-018-9883-0 · Cited by 58 · see citing works
Seven Pervasive Statistical Flaws in Cognitive Training Interventions
Moreau, D., Kirk, I. J., & Waldie, K. E. (2016) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2016.00153 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
“Non-randommethods of group assignment are sometimes used in training studies (Spence et al., 2009; Loosli et al., 2012; Redick et al., 2013).”
Background
An evaluation of the effectiveness of a computer‐assisted reading intervention
Messer, D. J., & Nash, G. (2017) · Journal of Research in Reading · doi:10.1111/1467-9817.12107 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
How malleable are cognitive abilities? A critical perspective on popular brief interventions.
Moreau, D. (2021) · American Psychologist · doi:10.1037/amp0000872 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Developing Self‐Directed Executive Functioning: Recent Findings and Future Directions
Barker, J. E., & Munakata, Y. (2015) · Mind Brain and Education · doi:10.1111/mbe.12071 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Working Memory Updating Training Improves Mathematics Performance in Middle School Students With Learning Difficulties
Zhang, H., Chang, L., Chen, X., Ma, L., & Zhou, R. (2018) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00154 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
“…initially engage similar processes and that brain circuits predict overlapping activity before training (Dahlin et al., 2008), a possible explanation for the outcome observed by Loosli et al. (2011) is that updating ability might be more closely related to mathematical ability than reading ability.”
BackgroundResult
Program for the Neuropsychological Stimulation of Cognition in Students: Impact, Effectiveness, and Transfer Effects on Student Cognitive Performance
Cardoso, C. D. O., Seabra, A. G., Gomes, C. M. A., & Fonseca, R. P. (2019) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01784 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Neuropsychological stimulation of executive functions in children with typical development: A systematic review
Cardoso, C. D. O., Dias, N. M., Senger, J. E., Colling, A. P. C., Seabra, A. G., & Fonseca, R. P. (2016) · Applied Neuropsychology Child · doi:10.1080/21622965.2016.1241950 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
“Although some studies in the literature demonstrate that WM training improve fluid intelligence (Colom et al., 2010; Jaeggi et al., 2008; Klingberg et al., 2002), the studies of this review did not obtain the same result (Jaeggi et al., 2011; Loosli et al., 2012; Mansur-Alves et al., 2013).”
BackgroundResult
Working memory arrest in children with high-functioning autism compared to children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Results from a 2-year longitudinal study
Andersen, P. N., Skogli, E. W., Hovik, K. T., Geurts, H. M., Egeland, J., & Øie, M. G. (2014) · Autism · doi:10.1177/1362361314524844 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
“Recent research shows that WM can be trained using specifically designed computer programs (Hovik et al., 2013; Loosli et al., 2011; Prins et al., 2011).”
Background
Educational robotics or unplugged coding activities in kindergartens?: Comparison of the effects on pre-school children's computational thinking and executive function skills
Zurnacı, B., & Turan, Z. (2024) · Thinking Skills and Creativity · doi:10.1016/j.tsc.2024.101576 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Narrowing the achievement gap in low-achieving children by targeted executive function training
Wang, C., Jaeggi, S. M., Yang, L., Zhang, T., He, X., Buschkuehl, M., & Zhang, Q. (2019) · Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.appdev.2019.06.002 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Training of Executive Functions in Children: A meta-analysis of cognitive training interventions
Birtwistle, E., Chernikova, O., Wünsch, M., & Niklas, F. (2025) · SAGE Open · doi:10.1177/21582440241311060 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
24-Hour movement behaviors and executive functions in preschoolers: A compositional and isotemporal reallocation analysis
Lau, W. C., Song, H., Song, D., Wang, J., Zhen, S., Shi, L., & Yu, R. (2023) · Child Development · doi:10.1111/cdev.14013 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Combined physical-cognitive training enhances postural performances during daily life tasks in older adults
Laatar, R., Kachouri, H., Borji, R., Rebai, H., & Sahli, S. (2017) · Experimental Gerontology · doi:10.1016/j.exger.2017.09.004 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
“It has been asserted that cognitive training induced not only trained tasks improvement but also a transfer to unrelated tasks and everyday functions such as reading (Chein and Morrison, 2010; Loosli et al., 2012) and driving (Edwards et al.”
Background
Working Memory Predicts New Word Learning Over and Above Existing Vocabulary and Nonverbal IQ
Gray, S. I., Levy, R., Alt, M., Hogan, T. P., & Cowan, N. (2022) · Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research · doi:10.1044/2021_jslhr-21-00397 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Dyslexia and Working Memory: Understanding Reading Comprehension and High Level Language Skills in Students with Dyslexia
Kızılaslan, A., & TUNAGÜR, M. (2021) · Kastamonu Eğitim Dergisi · doi:10.24106/kefdergi.741028 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Effects of task repetition but no transfer of inhibitory control training in healthy adults
Talanow, T., & Ettinger, U. (2018) · Acta Psychologica · doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2018.04.016 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
My Command, My Act: Observation Inflation in Face-To-Face Interactions
Pfister, R., Schwarz, K. A., Wirth, R., & Lindner, I. (2017) · Advances in Cognitive Psychology · doi:10.5709/acp-0217-7 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Learning through Language
(2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781316718537 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism Influences Reading Ability and Patterns of Neural Activation in Children
Jasińska, K. K., Molfese, P. J., Kornilov, S. A., Mencl, W. E., Frost, S. J., Lee, M., Pugh, K. R., Grigorenko, E. L., & Landi, N. (2016) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0157449 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
“This conclusion is also consistent with findings that training on working memory tasks has positive transfer effects in reading comprehension [129, 130].”
Result
Can verbal working memory training improve reading?
Banales, E., Kohnen, S., & McArthur, G. M. (2015) · Cognitive Neuropsychology · doi:10.1080/02643294.2015.1014331 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
“Previous studies have shown an improvement in reading fluency and reading accuracy following visuospatial working memory training (Dahlin, 2011; Horowitz-Kraus & Breznitz, 2009; Loosli et al., 2012; Shiran & Breznitz, 2011) and in reading comprehension following a combination of visuospatial and verbal memory training…”
Sleep augments training-induced improvement in working memory in children and adults
Zinke, K., Noack, H., & Jan Born, A. (2017) · Neurobiology of Learning and Memory · doi:10.1016/j.nlm.2017.11.009 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Most evidence for the compensation account of cognitive training is unreliable
Smoleń, T., Jastrzębski, J., Estrada, E., & Chuderski, A. (2018) · Memory & Cognition · doi:10.3758/s13421-018-0839-z · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Considering roles of executive functions in the science of reading: A meta-analysis highlighting promises and challenges of reading-specific executive functions
Cartwright, K. B., & Palian, S. R. (2024) · Educational Psychologist · doi:10.1080/00461520.2024.2418392 · Cited by 30 · see citing works

Testing for Near and Far Transfer Effects with a Short, Face‐to‐Face Adaptive Working Memory Training Intervention in Typical Children
Henry, L. A., Messer, D. J., & Nash, G. (2014) · Infant and Child Development · doi:10.1002/icd.1816 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
Intensive and Systematic Training in Working Memory: Does It Have Validity for Improving Reading Achievement?
McKenzie, G. A. (2016) · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Intervention Targeting Reading and Working Memory among Struggling Readers in Primary School
Fälth, L., & Brković, I. (2021) · Medical Research Archives · doi:10.18103/mra.v9i11.2610 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Effects of working memory training on reading in children with special needs
Dahlin, K. I. E. (2011) · Reading and Writing · doi:10.1007/s11145-010-9238-y · Cited by 263 · see citing works
Working memory training and explicit teaching : A transdisciplinary approach to reading intervention
Smith, R. (2022) · Australian Catholic University · doi:10.26199/acu.8x51z

Authors: Loosli, S. V., Buschkuehl, M., Perrig, W. J., & Jaeggi, S. M.
Affiliations: University of Bern (CH)
University of Michigan (US)
Corresponding author: Jaeggi, Susanne M.
ORCID: Loosli, Sandra V.
Jaeggi, Susanne M.
Venue: Child Neuropsychology
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2011-05-26
Volume: 18
Issue: 1
Pages: 62-78
ISSN: 0929-7049 (ISSN-L)
1744-4136
DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2011.575772
OpenAlex: W2128397957
Cited by: 365
References: 86
Citations by year: 2026: 11 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 22 · 2020: 57 · 2019: 53 · 2018: 28 · 2017: 27 · 2016: 19 · 2015: 27 · 2014: 23 · 2013: 19 · 2012: 10
FWCI: 22.18
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Child Neuropsychology (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Bern Open Repository and Information System (University of Bern) (submittedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Reading and Literacy Development
Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Developmental and Educational Neuropsychology
Keywords: working memory training, cognitive training, reading achievement, typically developing children, transfer effects
MeSH terms: Child, Child Development, Cognition, Educational Status, Female, Humans, Male, Memory, Short-Term, Reading, Transfer, Psychology

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Working memory training improves reading processes in typically developing children.

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