Date of Completion

5-3-2018

Degree Type

Honors Thesis

Discipline

Health & Human Sciences (HHSC)

First Advisor

Dr. William McCormack

Second Advisor

Sarah Strand

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: The NeuroTracker system is a training tool used to enhance one’s cognitive abilities. It has been previously tested to improve athletic performance and core cognitive abilities in a variety of populations, but it has yet to be used as a cognitive test to examine its ability to distinguish academic ability in college students. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between a student’s grade point average (GPA), major, minutes exercised, and visual tracking speed utilizing the NeuroTracker System.

Methods: Forty-five students volunteered for the study (20 male and 25 female, 20.2±1.09years, ht=170.44±9.48cm, wt=70.98±15.66kg) and were tested with the NeuroTracker system to obtain a baseline visual tracking speed. Each participant performed 1 session of 20, 8-second trials where they had to track 4 of 8 balls in a 3-dimensional queue. If they succeeded, the speed would increase, and if they failed, the speed would decrease. Their final score was calculated by averaging variable trial successes and failures dependent on performance throughout the session.

Results: There was no correlation found between tracking speed and GPA, major, and minutes exercised. Moderate correlations were found between age and tracking speed (r=0.378; p=0.011), sex and tracking speed (r=-0.448; p=0.002).

Discussion: The results suggests that there was no correlation between GPA, college major, minutes exercised, and cognitive tracking speed, but older students did better and men had faster tracking scores. Additional testing is warranted to determine if cognitive tracking speed is related to athletic ability and academic success.

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