Where cognitive enhancement meets personalization, Soma's training modes are unique tools. They are engineered to train the brain's resilience against both mental and physical fatigue by stimulating psycho-physiological adaptations. At Soma, customization is the norm, not a luxury. Our comprehensive charts detail the diverse modes for a tailored cognitive training experience. Remember, the key to effective training lies in data-driven decisions and flexible task modifications.
Training Modes
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Audiovisual Modes
These modes offer real-time feedback on performance to users, aiming to shape a user's decision-making behavior. Use this mode when you want to give feedback or influence a user's decision-making in response to stimuli.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | These modes provide real-time performance feedback to users, aiming to influence a user's decision-making behavior. |
Usage Recommendation | Use this mode when seeking to provide feedback or impact a user's decision-making in reaction to stimuli. |
Soma Analytics | Track visual feedback count for symbols '-', '+', and '-+' to assess user responses. |
Audio - : Negative Audio Feedback for Incorrect Responses
Audio + : Positive Audio Feedback for Correct Responses
Visual - : Negative Visual Feedback for Incorrect Responses
Visual + : Positive Visual Feedback for Correct Responses
Audio +/- : Both Positive and Negative Audio Feedback for Correct and Incorrect Responses
Visual +/- : Both Positive and Negative Visual Feedback for Correct and Incorrect Responses
EDM Mode
EDM mode is designed to enhance error detection and monitor an athlete's behavior in response to incorrect answers.
Understanding EDM Reaction Time: EDM mode measures the duration an individual takes to correctly respond after an error. This "EDM reaction time" provides insight into the person’s cognitive decision-making.
Strategic Error Correction: If the EDM reaction time exceeds the primary task reaction time, the individual might be intentionally taking their time, possibly to avoid repeating the same error in the future.
Progress Indication: As people improve in processing and rectifying mistakes, the difference between their standard reaction times and the EDM reaction time should lessen. A decreasing gap indicates quicker post-error responses.
Example 1:
Standard Reaction Time: 500 milliseconds
EDM Reaction Time: 800 milliseconds
Interpretation: The athlete takes an additional 300 milliseconds to respond after making an error, indicating a cautious approach to ensure accuracy.
Example 2:
Standard Reaction Time: 400 milliseconds
EDM Reaction Time: 350 milliseconds
Interpretation: The athlete maintains a consistent response time even after an error, suggesting quick cognitive recovery and adaptability.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Error Detection Mode | Designed to enhance error detection and monitor an athlete's behavior in response to incorrect answers. |
EDM Reaction Time | Measures the duration an individual takes to correctly respond after an error. Gives insight into cognitive decision-making. |
Strategic Error Correction | If the EDM reaction time is longer than the primary task reaction time, the individual might be intentionally slowing down, possibly to prevent the same error in the future. |
Progress Indication | As individuals improve in processing and rectifying mistakes, the gap between their standard reaction times and the EDM reaction time should decrease. A diminishing gap suggests quicker post-error responses. |
Soma Analytics | Monitor both the primary task's reaction time and the EDM reaction time. This offers insights into decision-making behavior. A slower EDM reaction time compared to the primary task suggests that the user is taking more time after errors to avoid future mistakes. |
CSQ Mode
CSQ mode aims to enhance mental resilience by increasing the task duration following incorrect answers.
If an error is made during the task, the timer bar turns red, signaling the mistake and adding 15 seconds to the task duration. Further mistakes during this penalty phase result in added time penalties, forcing heightened focus and decision-making accuracy.
Time Consequence Mode:
Initial Task Duration: 3 minutes
First Incorrect Response:
The timer bar turns red.
An additional 15 seconds are added to the task duration.
New Task Duration: 3 minutes and 15 seconds.
Second Incorrect Response (during penalty phase):
The timer bar indicates another error.
An additional 15 seconds are added again.
New Task Duration: 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
Interpretation:
In this example, each time the user makes a mistake, 15 seconds are added to the overall task duration. This increased duration forces the user to maintain focus and accuracy for a longer period, thus enhancing their decision-making skills and cognitive endurance. The accumulating time penalty for errors encourages the user to concentrate more intensely and strive for accuracy to avoid extending the task duration further.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Mental Resilience Mode | Aims to enhance mental resilience by extending the task duration after incorrect answers. |
Error Indication | If an error occurs during the task, the timer bar turns red, signaling the mistake. |
Time Penalty for Errors | An error adds 15 seconds to the task duration. Consecutive mistakes during this penalty phase lead to additional time penalties, enforcing increased focus and precision in decision-making. |
Soma Analytics | Monitor the number of CSQs applied to the task. Tracking these over time provides insights into the effectiveness of this approach. |
DRT Mode
DRT mode is designed to evaluate the cognitive effort and attentional resources a task demands.
Interpreting DRT Results: Using Soma Analytics, you can compare an individual's reaction time in DRT to that of the primary task. If the DRT reaction time is slower than the primary task's reaction time, it indicates that the task had a high cognitive load. On the other hand, if the DRT reaction time is faster, it suggests that the primary cognitive task had a lower cognitive load, meaning it demanded fewer attentional resources.
Example 1:
Primary Task Reaction Time: 450 milliseconds
DRT Reaction Time: 600 milliseconds
Interpretation: In this scenario, the DRT reaction time is longer than the reaction time for the primary task. This indicates that the primary task was highly cognitively demanding, absorbing a substantial amount of the user's attentional resources. Consequently, their ability to respond quickly in the DRT was compromised, signifying a high cognitive load for the primary task.
Example 2:
Primary Task Reaction Time: 500 milliseconds
DRT Reaction Time: 400 milliseconds
Interpretation: Here, the DRT reaction time is shorter than the primary task's reaction time. This suggests that the primary task was less demanding in terms of cognitive resources. The user had enough attentional capacity left to perform better on the DRT, indicating that the primary cognitive task had a lower cognitive load and required fewer cognitive resources.
These examples show how comparing reaction times between a primary task and the Detection Response Task can offer valuable insights into the cognitive load involved in different tasks, helping to gauge the level of mental effort and attention they require.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Cognitive Effort & Attentional Resources Evaluation | Evaluates the cognitive effort and attentional resources demanded by a task. |
Interpreting DRT Results | Using Soma Analytics, compare an individual's DRT reaction time with that of the primary task. A slower DRT reaction time indicates a high cognitive load, while a faster DRT reaction time suggests a lower cognitive load or fewer attentional resources needed. |
Soma Analytics | Monitor both the primary task's reaction time and the DRT reaction time to understand the attentional resources used by the task. |
Attentional Resource Consumption | If the DRT reaction time is slower than the primary task's reaction time, it suggests that the task is consuming more attentional resources, indicating a high cognitive load for the individual. |
TTE Mode
Time to Exhaustion (TTE) mode is designed to significantly increase the cognitive challenge by pushing individuals to their cognitive limits over extended periods. This mode is ideal for training endurance in cognitive performance and enhancing the ability to maintain focus and accuracy under prolonged stress.
The Mechanics of TTE Mode:
Initial Assessment:
The TTE mode starts with a three-minute test to measure the individual's baseline reaction time. This initial phase is crucial for setting personalized performance benchmarks.
Setting the Target Reaction Time:
Based on the individual's peak performance during the initial test, a target reaction time is established. This target is the optimal reaction time that the individual should strive to maintain throughout the task.
Establishing the Threshold Reaction Time:
Alongside the target, an additional threshold reaction time is set, which is 20% longer than the target reaction time. This threshold represents the upper limit of acceptable performance.
Task Completion Criteria:
The task continues as long as the individual maintains their reaction time within the target and threshold limits. If the individual's reaction time exceeds the threshold, the task ends. This mechanism ensures that the task is sustained only while cognitive performance is within the set parameters.
Goal of TTE Mode:
The objective of Cognitive Time to Exhaustion mode is to challenge and train the individual's ability to sustain high cognitive performance over time. By creating a scenario where the individual must constantly operate near their cognitive peak, TTE mode effectively enhances mental stamina and resilience. This mode is particularly beneficial for scenarios where sustained attention and quick decision-making are crucial.
Example of Cognitive Time to Exhaustion (TTE) Mode:
Initial 3-Minute Test:
An individual completes a 3-minute reaction time test.
Average Reaction Time: 400 milliseconds.
Setting the Target and Threshold Reaction Times:
Target Reaction Time: Set at the average peak, 400 milliseconds.
Threshold Reaction Time: Set at 20% longer than the peak, which is 480 milliseconds (400 ms + 20%).
TTE Task Execution:
The individual starts the TTE task, aiming to maintain the reaction time at or below 400 milliseconds.
As the task progresses, the individual's reaction time fluctuates.
Task Progression:
For the first 10 minutes, the individual maintains a reaction time between 390 and 450 milliseconds, occasionally exceeding the target but staying within the threshold.
After 15 minutes, the individual's reaction time begins to average around 470 milliseconds, approaching the threshold limit.
Task Conclusion:
At the 18-minute mark, the individual's reaction time exceeds 480 milliseconds.
The task automatically ends as the reaction time surpasses the set threshold.
Interpretation:
In this example, the individual was able to sustain cognitive performance near the peak level for about 18 minutes before exceeding the threshold reaction time. This indicates the point of cognitive exhaustion. The TTE mode effectively pushed the individual to maintain high cognitive performance, providing a clear metric of their cognitive endurance limit.
Over time and with repeated training, the individual can aim to extend the duration for which they can maintain their reaction time within the target range, effectively increasing their cognitive stamina and resilience. This method is particularly useful for training in scenarios that require sustained concentration and rapid decision-making over long periods.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Cognitive Challenge Enhancement | Increases cognitive challenge by pushing individuals to their cognitive limits for extended durations. |
Mechanics of TTE | The mode starts with a three-minute test to measure the individual's reaction time. A target reaction time, reflecting peak performance, is set. An additional threshold reaction time, which is 20% longer than the target, is also set. The task concludes if the individual surpasses this threshold. |
Soma Analytics | Monitor the length of time the user was able to complete the task before being terminated due to surpassing the threshold. |
VPF Mode
VPF is designed to improve an individual's reaction time, concentration, and consistency through real-time feedback on stimulus variation. Ideal for those aiming to enhance their response time and consistency, this mode encourages aiming for a variation of -/+ 10% for every correct response.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Aims to enhance an individual's reaction time, concentration, and consistency via real-time feedback on stimulus variation. |
Target Audience | Ideal for those seeking to improve their response time and consistency. |
Mechanics | Encourages aiming for a variation of -/+ 10% for each correct response. |
ADM Mode
Adaptive Mode is designed to adjust the cognitive load based on a user's performance. It's perfect for tasks that need to be aligned with an individual's current cognitive capacity, constantly adjusting to ensure harmony between task difficulty and the individual's cognitive state.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Adjusts the cognitive challenge according to a user's performance. |
Target Audience | Suitable for tasks that need to align with an individual's current cognitive capacity. |
Mechanics | Continuously adjusts to maintain a balance between task difficulty and the individual's cognitive state. |
HRZ Mode
HRZ Mode ensures individuals stay within a specific heart rate zone during cognitive training. If the heart rate deviates from the desired zone, the cognitive task is paused until the correct zone is reestablished.
This mode requires the use of a Polar H10 heart rate strap.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Ensure individuals remain within a designated heart rate zone during cognitive training. |
Mechanics | If the heart rate strays from the desired zone, the cognitive task is halted until the correct heart rate zone is regained. |
Heart Rate Zones |
|
Zone 1 | Very light: 50–60% of HRmax |
Zone 2 | Light: 60–70% of HRmax |
Zone 3 | Moderate: 70–80% of HRmax |
Zone 4 | Hard: 80–90% of HRmax |
Zone 5 | Maximum: 90–100% of HRmax |
CEM Mode
CEM mode integrates an individual's heart rate into the cognitive task. The user must physically exert themselves to answer the task, aiming to reach the target heart rate for at least three seconds. As the task progresses it becomes more challenging and requires greater mental and physical effort.
This mode requires the use of a Polar H10 heart rate strap.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Integrates heart rate into the cognitive task, requiring physical exertion alongside cognitive effort. |
Mechanics | To answer the task, the user must reach the target heart rate for at least three seconds. As the task progresses, it becomes more challenging and requires more mental and physical effort. |
AHR Mode
AHR mode is designed to guide users through various heart rate zones during cognitive training. If the heart rate deviates from the desired zone, the cognitive task is paused until the correct zone is reestablished.
This mode requires the use of a Polar H10 heart rate strap.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Guides users through different heart rate zones during cognitive training. |
Mechanics | If the heart rate deviates from the desired zone, the cognitive task is paused until the correct heart rate zone is regained. |
Heart Rate Zones |
|
Zone 1 | Very light: 50–60% of HRmax |
Zone 2 | Light: 60–70% of HRmax |
Zone 3 | Moderate: 70–80% of HRmax |
Zone 4 | Hard: 80–90% of HRmax |
Zone 5 | Maximum: 90–100% of HRmax |
AHV Mode
AHV mode is designed to track and modify cognitive load based on an individual's heart rate variability (HRV) in real time. The cognitive challenge rises with increasing HRV and decreases as HRV drops.
This mode requires the use of a Polar H10 heart rate strap.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Monitors and adapts to an individual's heart rate variability (HRV) in real time. |
Mechanics | The cognitive challenge intensifies with an increase in HRV and diminishes as HRV decreases. |
TSM Mode
TSM Mode is designed to enhance an athlete's cognitive skills by introducing a secondary cognitive task.
Task Switching Mode is an innovative cognitive training approach designed to amplify an individual's cognitive capabilities. This mode adds a secondary cognitive task to the primary exercise, intensifying the individual's attentional focus and resilience to cognitive stress.
In the secondary task:
If the number in the top right corner is white and between 0 and 5, or if it's an odd number in red, the athlete should press the left button.
If the number is white and between 6 and 9, or if it's an even number in red, the athlete should press the right button.
This task, separate from the primary one, introduces a 'task-switching' challenge to evaluate an individual's cognitive agility. Using Soma Analytics, you can compare the reaction time in TSM to that of the primary task. A slower TSM reaction time indicates a higher cognitive load. In contrast, a quicker TSM reaction time suggests the task and mode demand less cognitive effort and attention.
Example 1: Slower TSM Reaction Time
Primary Task Reaction Time: 450 milliseconds
TSM Reaction Time: 600 milliseconds
Interpretation: In this case, the TSM reaction time is significantly slower than the primary task's reaction time. This suggests that the addition of the secondary task in TSM has introduced a considerable cognitive load. The athlete is taking more time to process and respond to the dual tasks, indicating a need for further training to improve cognitive flexibility and task-switching efficiency.
Example 2: Faster TSM Reaction Time
Primary Task Reaction Time: 500 milliseconds
TSM Reaction Time: 480 milliseconds
Interpretation: Here, the TSM reaction time is surprisingly faster than the primary task's reaction time. This could suggest that the athlete is more engaged or stimulated by the dual-task environment, leading to a heightened state of cognitive arousal and efficiency. It may also indicate that the athlete has a strong ability to handle multiple cognitive demands simultaneously.
In both examples, the difference in reaction times between the primary task and TSM provides insights into how the athlete handles the cognitive load of managing two tasks at once. A slower TSM reaction time typically points to a higher cognitive load and the need for improved multitasking skills, while a faster TSM reaction time can indicate effective cognitive processing in a dual-task setting.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Designed to boost an athlete's cognitive abilities by introducing a secondary cognitive task. |
Description of Mode | Task Switching Mode (TSM) is an innovative cognitive training strategy that augments an individual's cognitive skills. By adding a secondary cognitive task to the primary one, it intensifies attentional focus and resilience to cognitive stress. |
Secondary Task Mechanics | Depending on the color and number displayed in the top right corner, the athlete has to press either the left or right button. Specific conditions: - White number between 0 and 5 or odd number in red: Press left button. - White number between 6 and 9 or even number in red: Press right button. |
Purpose of Secondary Task | Introduces a 'task-switching' challenge to assess cognitive agility. |
Interpreting TSM Results | Using Soma Analytics, compare the TSM reaction time to that of the primary task. A slower TSM reaction time indicates more cognitive load, while a faster TSM reaction time suggests the task and mode demand less cognitive effort and attention. |
Soma Analytics | Monitor the reaction time of the primary task and the TSM reaction time. Insights can be drawn about the attentional resources consumed by the secondary task. A slower TSM reaction time in relation to the primary cognitive task indicates a high cognitive load. |
DPM Mode
DPM mode is designed to monitor shifts in an individual's performance, providing immediate feedback upon a decline in cognitive performance.
The feedback's intensity matches the extent of the performance drop—the more significant the deviation, the longer the timer bar remains pink. This visual cue serves both as an informative instrument and a motivational trigger, urging individuals to push their cognitive boundaries and maintain sharp focus.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Monitors shifts in an individual's performance and provides immediate feedback upon a decline in cognitive performance. |
Mechanics | The feedback's intensity corresponds to the extent of the performance drop. |
Feedback Visualization | The longer the timer bar stays pink, the more significant the deviation from optimal performance. |
Purpose of Feedback | This visual cue acts both as an informative tool and a motivational trigger, prompting individuals to push their cognitive limits and maintain intense focus. |
PCM Mode
PCM mode encourages greater mental resilience by requiring a quick sprint following each incorrect response.
Upon committing an error, the individual's heart rate must climb from Zone 2 to Zone 4 and remain there for 5 seconds. With every subsequent mistake, this high-intensity duration extends by an added 5 seconds, maxing out at a challenging 20 seconds. This method motivates users to concentrate, minimize errors, and subsequently enhances their overall performance.
This mode requires the use of a Polar H10 heart rate strap.
Example of Physical Consequence Mode:
Scenario:
An athlete is engaged in a cognitive task with the Physical Consequence Mode activated.
Execution and Response:
First Error:
The athlete makes an error.
Physical Response: They increase their heart rate from Zone 2 to Zone 4.
Duration: The heart rate is maintained at Zone 4 for 5 seconds.
Second Error:
Another error occurs.
Physical Response: The athlete again raises their heart rate to Zone 4.
Duration: This time, they maintain it for 10 seconds (5 seconds for each error).
Outcome:
The athlete experiences progressive physical challenges following each error, reinforcing the need for concentration and accuracy.
The mode effectively trains both cognitive focus and physical endurance, enhancing overall performance.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Encourages enhanced mental resilience by mandating a quick sprint following each incorrect response. |
Mechanics | After making an error, the individual's heart rate should rise from Zone 2 to Zone 4 and stay there for 5 seconds. Each additional mistake increases this high-intensity duration by 5 seconds, with a maximum limit set at a challenging 20 seconds. |
Purpose of Method | This approach motivates users to focus, reduce errors, and thereby improve their overall performance. |
Soma Analytics | Track the number of PCMs applied to the task over time to gain insights into the intervention's effectiveness. |
TPM Mode
TPM mode introduces time constraints to an individual's responses.
Time Pressure Mode consistently tracks a user's response times throughout a task and imposes time pressure through a secondary timer bar. As the user's reaction time improves, the time pressure escalates, exerting more cognitive strain on the user and pushing them to maintain fast responses.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Introduces time constraints to an individual's responses. |
Description of Mode | Time Pressure Mode consistently tracks a user's response times and imposes time pressure through a secondary timer bar. |
Mechanics | As the user's reaction time improves, the time pressure intensifies, exerting more cognitive stress on the user and urging them to keep up with swift responses. |
Soma Analytics | Track the number of TPMs applied to the task over time to gain insights into the intervention's effectiveness. |
Training Modes Overview
Mode | Description | Key Points |
Audiovisual Modes | Offers real-time feedback on performance. | Shapes decision-making behavior. Use for feedback or influencing decision-making. |
EDM Mode | Enhances error detection and monitoring. | Measures reaction time post-error.
Longer EDM reaction time suggests deliberate error correction.
Reducing gap between regular and EDM reaction time indicates improvement. |
CSQ Mode | Enhances mental resilience. | Red timer bar indicates an error, adding 15s penalty. Further errors add more penalties. |
DRT Mode | Evaluates cognitive effort and attentional resources. | Slower DRT reaction time indicates high cognitive load, while faster indicates low load. |
TTE Mode | Increases cognitive challenge over time. | Begins with a 3-min test. Task ends if reaction time exceeds a set threshold. |
VPF Mode | Enhances reaction time, concentration, and consistency. | Encourages a response time variation of -/+ 10% for correct responses. |
ADM Mode | Adjusts cognitive challenge based on performance. | Aligns tasks with current cognitive capacity. |
HRZ Mode | Maintains a specific heart rate zone during training. | Pauses task if heart rate deviates from the zone. |
CEM Mode | Integrates heart rate into the cognitive task. | Requires physical exertion to reach a target heart rate. |
AHR Mode | Guides users through heart rate zones during training. | Pauses task if heart rate deviates from the zone. |
AHV Mode | Adjusts based on heart rate variability (HRV). | Challenge rises with increasing HRV and decreases as HRV drops. |
TSM Mode | Introduces a secondary cognitive task. | 'Task-switching' challenge that evaluates cognitive agility. |
DPM Mode | Monitors shifts in performance, providing feedback on declines. | Pink feedback bar indicates a performance drop; its length varies with the degree of decline. |
PCM Mode | Requires a sprint after each incorrect response. | Heart rate must reach Zone 4 and stay for 5s+ after each error. |
TPM Mode | Introduces time constraints to responses. | Imposes time pressure. Increases pressure as user improves. |