Welcome to MindSparke, the most sophisticated and effective brain training program available. This Help Guide will set you on the right path to a productive training experience.
Begin at Stage One by clicking on the Go! arrow. The training system will adjust to your current capability within a single session. Over time, the system moves you through the Stages from Stage One to Stage Four. You can also choose to stay at a stage or skip a stage.
Stage 1 observe and match until you have reached n=5 or completed ten full sessions.
Stage 2reverse and match until n=6 or ten full sessions.
Stage 3 Gapmatch (also known as "n-back" training), forty training sessions.
Various exercises. Stage Four loops through a series of advanced exercises.
Stages One and Two are designed for relatively rapid progress. Some people will complete Stage One in a single session. For others it may take a while. But whether you sail through the levels of difficulty or take a little longer is unimportant for your cognitive development. Research has shown that the intensity of focus you bring to the training determines the degree of benefit you enjoy.
It is also important to remember that since the training works by stimulating the production of new brain cells and integrating these brain cells into existing neural structures, it generally takes at least ten to fifteen days before you begin to notice changes in your thinking power.
At MindSparke we're interested in learning about your experience with the program. We encourage you to participate in the training blog (with direct access through the 'Blog' button) and post about your training sessions. The blog is also a great place to seek advice from other trainees, or for tips and moral support. If you take any "before" and "after" tests (standardized tests, IQ tests, etc.) please send us your scores.
Whether your training regime includes two sequences -- visual and aural -- or just a visual sequence is determined by your answers to the training type questionnaire. Studies have shown that some people get more out of the training if they work with two training sequences at once (visual and aural together) while other people derive more benefit from exercises with a single sequence. You can revisit your responses to the questionnaire through the 'Account' panel. (Click on the 'Account' button.)
Stage 1 presents items in specific sequences that you must try to remember and repeat. If you match the sequences correctly you will have the opportunity to increase the number of items. Unless you think your success was a fluke, we recommend that you move up when given the chance.
The visual item sequence appears randomly on a three-by-three grid. If you're also working with an aural sequence the aural items will be selected randomly from the eight letters B, F, G, H, K, M, P and Q.
At the end of each sequence, the program will display the Pattern match window:
In the Pattern match try to match the sequences.
Input the visual sequence by clicking on the squares in the grid. Your choices will appear in the panel to the right. You can change a choice by clicking on it (in the right hand panel) and re-entering it (in the left hand grid).
For aural sequences type the letters you heard in the text box provided.
Each Stage 1 session delivers 20 training blocks. A Stage 1 session will last approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
Once you reach n=5, or complete ten sessions, the system will move on to Stage 2.
Training Tip: We recommend that you reach n=5 at Stage 1 before you begin training at Stage 2.
Stage 2 presents sequences just as you found in Stage 1. BUT at Stage 2 you must remember the sequences and then try to match them in reverse.
If you match correctly, you will be given the option to move up to the next level (increasing the length of the sequence by one item). Again, unless you were guessing, we recommend that you move up when given the option.
Stage 2 displays the visual sequence on a three-by-three grid. If you're training with visual and aural the aural items will be selected randomly from the eight letters B, F, G, H, K, M, P and Q.
At the conclusion of each sequence, the program will display the Pattern match window:
In the Pattern match window you must try input the sequences in reverse (i.e., backwards).
Enter the reverse of visual sequence you saw by clicking on the squares in the grid. Your choices will appear in the panel to the right. You can change a choice by clicking on it (in the right hand panel) and re-entering it (in the left hand grid).
For aural sequences enter the reverse of the aural sequence you heard by typing the letters into the text box provided.
Each Stage 2 session delivers 20 sets of items for you to try to echo. A Stage 2 session will last approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
We recommend that you stick with Stage 2 until you've reached n=6, or complete ten sessions, then move on to Stage 3.
Training Tip: We recommend that you reach n=6 on the Stage 2 exercise before you begin training with Stage 3.
Stage 3 uses a training protocol called "n-back" training. Independent research has shown that if you train using the n-back protocol for as little as 19 days you will increase your fluid intelligence (problem-solving ability) by more than 40%. The single n-back and dual n-back exercises can be tricky to grasp. We highly recommend that before you begin training you watch the training video below, read and digest the accompanying description, and then use the Practice mode selecting the option Display All Matches.
As with Stage 1 and Stage 2, Stage 3 delivers the now familiar visual (and aural) sequences via a grid. However, at Stage 3 you must observe an extended sequence while trying to identify matching pairs of items. At the initial level of difficulty (n=2) you must identify item pairs that are two positions apart in the sequence.
For a demonstration of Stage 3, watch the video below:
Your goal: Follow the sequences and try to find matching pairs that are two positions apart.
When you see the white square appear in the same place after an interim space (e.g., top left, bottom right, top left) press any key on the left side of the keyboard.
If you're also listening to an aural sequence then when you hear the same letter repeated after an interim letter (e.g., F, G, F) press any key on the right side of the keyboard.
The sequences keep coming even as you register a match; you need to stay focused. Keep looking for matches until the end of the sequence. At the first level of difficulty each training sequence, or block, consists of 22 items. Each block contains a total of 6 visual (and 6 aural). You score a "hit" by correctly identifying a match. You score a "miss" when you don't register a match, or when you incorrectly register a match.
The following sequence shows a visual symbol match for the first and third positions:
Here is a longer series with matching block positions indicated by the colored arrows:
So...
When you see a visual match two positions apart, press any key on the left side on your computer keyboard.
When you hear an aural match two positions apart, press any key on the right side on your computer keyboard.
There are 6 visual matches and 6 aural matches during each training block.
The visual/aural matches can occur at the same point in the sequence; just press both keys before the next symbol appears.
(Note: There'll be other matches, too, that aren't two positions apart; these matches you ignore.)
After each training block the program will tell you how many "Hits" and "Misses" you scored. A "Hit" is a correct identification of a match. A "Miss" is either a match that you didn't register, or a non-match that you accidentally registered.
If you score fewer than three misses on a training block, the program will automatically move you up to the next degree of difficulty -- instead of looking for matches two positions apart, you'll be looking for matches that are three positions apart.
As your training continues, the program will continuously monitor and adjust the degree of difficulty -- known as the "n-back" value (so called because it represents the number of positions back in the series that you need to match with the current position). If you score 2 or fewer misses on a training block, the program will increase the n-back value for the next block. If you score 6 or more misses on a training block, the n-back value will drop by 1 for the next block.
You should aim to complete one training session each day, five days per week. We highly recommend that you continue training in this way for 40 training sessions or more.
Each daily training session consists of 20 training blocks. The program will pause after each training block, show your scores for the last block, and adjust the degree of difficulty for the coming block.
Once you've reached a high level of comfort with Stage 3 (at least 40 sessions) you can challenge and stimulate your brain further, if you wish, by trying Nines.
Training Tip: We recommend that you complete at least 40 sessions of the Stage 3 exercise before you begin Stage 4.
Many of the "n-back" variations we've designed for Stage 4 demand an even greater level of executive working memory management than the classic "n-back" exercise. These variations also call upon different kinds of short term memory, demanding greater mental flexibility and providing a comprehensive mental workout. Once you have spent some time training with Stage 3, you will find that Stage 4 will help you expand your cognitive ability and reach even higher levels.
At Stage 4 the exercises follow the n-back pattern with which you are already familiar. When training with shapes, for instance, you should try to identify matching pairs of shapes that are "n" places apart in the sequence. So, at n=2 for instance the sequence: Square, Triangle, Hexagon, Triangle contains a match -- the Triangle in position 4 matches the triangle in position 2.
If you're also training with aural sequences, one exercise in particular -- Nines -- requires a little explanation. The concept of Nines is deceptively simple. Instead of an aural sequence of spoken letters, you will hear an aural sequence of spoken numbers -- One through Eight. But rather than listen for simple matching pairs, you must register an aural match when the two numbers sum to "9" (hence the name of the exercise).
Therefore, in Nines the aural matches are 1 and 8, 7 and 2, 3 and 6, and 5 and 4.
Good luck!
Recommended Training Schedule
MindSparke uses a four stage training method. Begin at Stage 1, completing one training session each day, and the system will let you know when you should move on to Stage 2. Whatever your current capacity for short term memory and attention, the training monitor will be able to accurately adjust within a single session. The system automatically guides you from one training stage to the next. Unless you're already familiar with MindSparke's "dual n-back" training, we highly recommend that you permit the training monitor to guide you through the training stages.
Stage One Four or five sessions per week until you reach an n-level of 5, then move on to Stage 2.
Target n of 5 or higher
Stage Two Four or five sessions per week until you reach an n-level of 6, then move on to Stage 3.
Target n of 6 or higher
Stage Three Four or five sessions per week for at least 40 sessions. Then choose to keep training regularly and move on to Stage 4, or switch to an intermittent training schedule. If you take a long break or train infrequently, we recommend a intensive "booster" period of 20 to 40 sessions, four or five sessions per week, once each year.
40 sessions or more
Stage Four After training at Stage Three for 40 sessions, the training monitor will move you on to Stage Four. We have designed and orchestrated a number of challenging variations to the "n-back" training method that will further increase the overall flexibility and power of your mental capabilities.
Indefinite
If you feel underchallenged or overchallenged, adjust accordingly. Ultimately, your brain should be the guide. But remember that the training works by keeping you just at the edge of your current ability.
By the time you reach Stage 3 training sessions will last about twenty to thirty minutes and the program will let you know when you're done. You should aim to complete one session per training day; train in a single sitting, if possible. Training more intensively is fine so long as you don't overtire your brain. Results may come a little more quickly.
You can train at Stage Four indefinitely. We recommend that you integrate the training into your weekly routine, much like physical exercise, training three to five times per week. Alternatively, you can put the program aside for a while and return for an intensive "booster" training period of a few weeks once every six to twelve months.
Daily Update Panel
Brain Fitness Index
The Daily Update panel displays your high-level training statistics. MindSparke's Brain Fitness Index or "BFI"
gives you a sense of the overall cognitive benefits that you have derived from the training. You can also see the averaged scores for all trainees, your training peers, and those in your age range.
The program calculates your Original BFI by analyzing your progress on the first few training sessions (using data from stages 1, 2, or 3 as it is available). After several sessions your Original BFI will resolve to a static number. This number usually falls in the range 100 to 300, and can vary according to a number of factors -- for instance, if you've suffered a brain injury or adverse reaction to medication, or if you have some kind of attention deficit disorder your score will probably be on the lower side of the range. The important thing is the progress that you make.
Your Current BFI give you a sense of the overall benefits you've derived from the training so far. The system calculates Current BFI by analyzing all of your session data and applying an algorithm that takes into account the number of sessions you've completed, your n-levels attained, and the frequency with which you've trained.
Statistics & Progress Charts
Brain Fitness Pro displays daily and historical Progress or History Charts.
The daily statistics allow you to review your progress in a session or adjust your training approach during a session. The historical charts provide a record of your overall progress on an exercise. Very often while we may feel we're not improving, the history chart shows otherwise.
Daily Update
The Daily Update panel displays your high-level training statistics. MindSparke's Brain Fitness Index or "BFI"
gives you a sense of the overall cognitive benefits that you have derived from the training. The program calculates your Original BFI by analyzing your progress on the first few training sessions. After several sessions this will resolve to a static number. Original BFI usually falls in the range 100 to 300, but will vary according to a number of factors -- for instance, if you've suffered a brain injury or adverse reaction to medication, or if you have some kind of attention deficit disorder your score will probably be on the lower side of the range. The important thing is the progress that you make.
Your Current BFI give you a sense of the overall benefits you've derived from the training so far. The system calculates Current BFI by analyzing all of your session data and applying an algorithm that takes into account the number of sessions you've completed, your n-levels attained, and the frequency with which you've trained.
N-level Progress Chart
The N-level Progress Chart for a session shows the absolute value of n for each block.
The historical N-level Progress Chart for an exercise shows the average value of n achieved for each session so far. (The program uses the value of n achieved at the completion of a block to calculate the average.)
Success Factor
The Success Factor progress charts for a session display the number of correctly matched items - visual, aural, and combined - for each block.
The historical Success Factor progress charts for an exercise shows the average Success Factor achieved by session for each session so far.
Hit & Miss Factors
The Hit & Miss Factor progress charts for a session provide a sense of the number of correctly or incorrectly matched pairs in the course of a Stage 3 or Nines exercise by block.
The Hit Factor provides an n-weighted measure of your success at correctly identifying the matches in a sequence.
The Miss Factor provides an n-weighted measure of your success at avoiding errors in a sequence.
An upward rise in either or both of these factors indicates an improvement in your performance.
The historical Hit & Miss Factor progress chart for an exercise displays the average Hit & Miss Factors achieved by session for each session so far.
Precision
The Precision measure for a session gives feedback on your success at identifying matches with as few errors as possible. If your Precision score drops it could mean that you're guessing too much; you may want to invest extra focus into avoiding identifying a match unless you are sure it is correct.
Confidence
The Confidence measure for a session gives feedback on your success at identifying matches. If your Confidence score drops it could mean that you're being too cautious.
Hints & Tips
This section brings together some of the best training advice we can muster.
We fully expect that there will be new suggestions and questions relating to getting the most out of the MindSparke program.
If you can't find an item of information here, or if you have a tip for other users,
please post an item on the Training Blog by clicking on the 'Blog' button.
Take A Pre-Test!
No doubt you're eager to start training, but now is a good time to think about whether you want to measure you progress with some kind of before and after test. If you're looking to use the training to help boost your score on a particular kind of test (the SAT, or a graduate entrance test, for instance), take a sample test first and keep a record of your score.
If you have no particular test in mind, or if you are training as a way of increasing your general intelligence, the Training Blog is a good place to look for the latest advice on free or low cost IQ Tests that provide a reasonably good measure of fluid intelligence. Here is a list we've compiled:
Also, be sure to check the MindSparke site. We're working on our own test and hope to offer it to customers soon.
We're always keen to hear about your experiences with the program, so if you do take a test please post a blog entry or send us an e-mail letting us know your before and after scores and what kind of test.
Create A Serene Training Environment
The training requires absolute focus. Try to sit somewhere quiet and peaceful when you train. Wearing headphones will probably help you focus on the aural sequences.
Turn off e-mail alerts, shut off your phone, and close other computer programs that may make noises.
Train While Alert
Take the training when you feel alert and focused, ideally when you're not tired or hungry, and not right after eating.
Rest After Training
Research shows that the brain makes the most of mental exercise if we sleep afterwards. If you can't sleep or take a nap, a brief rest or meditation session will help consolidate your training gains.
Meditate Before Training
(Note: We recommend that SE subscribers make use of MindSparke's guided meditation audio recordings.)
Meditation can be a great adjunct to training with Brain Fitness Pro. Meditation promotes deeper levels of focus and attention. Meditate for ten to fifteen minutes before you train. If possible, break half way through training for another period of meditation.
If you're not accustomed to meditation you may want to try a guided meditation CD. Or you can use the directions below to create your own meditation practice:
Sit in a comfortable upgright position and close your eyes.
Bring your attention to your breath.
Be mindful of your breath as it enters and leaves your body.
If your attention wanders, bring it back to your breath.
Deepen your breath, pausing briefly before the inhale and exhale.
As you begin to relax, start to bring your mind to each part of your body in turn.
Starting at the top of your head work your attention slowly down to your face, neck, shoulders, chest, back, stomach, etc., all the way to your toes and out to your fingers.
Pause as you bring each muscle, bone, and organ to mind, letting it relax, letting go of any tension or pain.
Again, if your mind wanders, notice this and let it return.
After you have slowly, methodically, and mindfully relaxed your entire body, return your attention to your breath.
As concerns or thoughts enter your mind, acknowledge them and let them go.
End your meditation practice with a positive affirmation of your deeper level of awareness.
Pause between training blocks
Sit back, take a deep breath. Orient yourself to the next n-value. In particular, if the n-value has changed since the last training block, make sure to get your mind around the n-back value for the next block before pressing "Go!"
Try to complete the full daily session in one sitting
You will gain the most benefit from the training if you can complete a full session at one sitting. If this is not possible, split the training into no more than two sets.
Training for a full session without a long break gradually strengthens our extended focus.
Don't feel stupid
The program is designed to stretch your brain. As you improve, it automatically makes things harder by increasing the degree of difficulty. Feeling stretched means that you're getting more intelligent.
Don't panic
If you lose your way during a training block, don't panic. Just pick up again from where you are. Or, if you lose focus completely or get interrupted, you can cancel the block and start over. (This is an excellent way to give yourself a break and bring your focus back.)
Expect setbacks
At some point during the training, most people's scores slip from one session to the next. Your mind is forging new pathways, gaining mastery. These setbacks may be accompanied by a sense that you're actually getting better at remembering the sequences.
Meditation
Guided Meditation
Eris
Martin
We recommend that you use headphones and close your eyes while listening to this guided meditation audio.
A few minutes of meditation before you train will increase your level of focus and attention. In turn this will induce greater gains during the training exercise, and faster progress.
Meditation has also been shown to reduce stress and increase mindfulness, making it an excellent brain training tool in its own right.
If you can't meditate every time you train, do it when you can.
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NeuroPro
Impulse Control
Caution:
This neuroPro audio recording uses sound pulses. Please exercise due care; if in doubt, avoid listening to the audio.
Do not listen if pregnant, epileptic, prone to seizures, wearing a pacemaker, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or under 18
Do not listen while driving, walking, operating machinery or other equipment
Consult with a physician if you are taking medication
What Is NeuroPro?
NeuroPro uses complex sound filters and modulations to alter your brainwave patterns as you listen. This approach, based on brainwave entrainment, has been studied extensively since the 1940s. In addition, NeuroPro delivers affirmative messages using the techniques of cognitive linguistics, visualization and self-hypnosis.
Suggested Use
Use headphones, sit comfortably without distraction, and close your eyes while listening to the NeuroPro audio. Ideally, choose a time of day when you feel relaxed for the NeuroPro therapy. If you listen when receptive the therapy will be most successful. And if you listen at the same time of day in the same place, this will help your mind relax.
You may wish to drink a glass of water prior to listening to the NeuroPro sound file.
Brain entrainment increases blood flow and metabolism, which can make you thirsty.
Suggested Frequency
Use at least 3 to 4 times per week for best results.
NeuroPro
Brain Sharpener
Caution:
This neuroPro audio recording uses sound pulses. Please exercise due care; if in doubt, avoid listening to the audio.
Do not listen if pregnant, epileptic, prone to seizures, wearing a pacemaker, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or under 18
Do not listen while driving, walking, operating machinery or other equipment
Consult with a physician if you are taking medication
What Is NeuroPro?
NeuroPro uses complex sound filters and modulations to alter your brainwave patterns as you listen. This approach, based on brainwave entrainment, has been studied extensively since the 1940s.
Suggested Use
Use headphones, sit comfortably without distraction, and close your eyes while listening to the NeuroPro audio. Ideally, choose a time of day when you feel relaxed for the NeuroPro therapy. If you listen when receptive the therapy will be most successful. And if you listen at the same time of day in the same place, this will help your mind relax.
You may wish to drink a glass of water prior to listening to the NeuroPro sound file.
Brain entrainment increases blood flow and metabolism, which can make you thirsty.
Suggested Frequency
Use at least 3 to 4 times per week for best results.
Download
You can train when not connected to the Internet by downloading MindSparke's computer-based training software.
The Settings panel allows you to change training settings and select a distinct visual theme. Click on the "cog" icon on the dashboard button bar to display the Settings panel.
Reverse Inputs: Stages 3 and 4
We recommend using the default key input settings (left for visual matching, right for aural matching) unless you have a particular
need or desire to reverse them.
One particular reason would be to operate the keyboard with your left hand only.
The default setting permits you to easily use your right hand for both inputs (since the space bar is allocated to the left side of the keyboard).
When you reverse the key input settings, the space bar is allocated to the right side of the keyboard making it easier to operate both inputs
with the left hand.
Control Training Speed
We recommend that you do not change the training speed unless you have a particular need or desire to train at another speed.
If you have practiced at the regular speed and find it too demanding, you might select the "Slow" option and train more slowly for a while.
If you regularly train at higher n levels the "Fast" speed setting will allow you to complete a session more quickly; but may also slightly reduce
the benefit to your focus. And if you wish to challenge your processing speed, the "Very Fast" setting might be an option to try.
Select A Theme
If you'd like a change from simple white squares, you can select a custom "theme."
And if you want to train with a personalized set of squares, send us nine pictures or images (preferably 130px square "png" files) and we will load them into your profile.
In the Settings panel you can
change training settings and personalize the visual theme.
Training Settings
Reverse Inputs: Stages 3 and 4
We recommend using the default key input settings (left for visual matching, right for aural matching) unless you have a particular
need or desire to reverse them.
One particular reason would be to operate the keyboard with your left hand only.
The default setting permits you to easily use your right hand for both inputs (since the space bar is allocated to the left side of the keyboard).
When you reverse the key input settings, the space bar is allocated to the right side of the keyboard making it easier to operate both inputs
with the left hand.
Control Training Speed
We recommend that you do not change the training speed unless you have a particular need or desire to train at another speed.
If you have practiced at the regular speed and find it too demanding, you might select the "Slow" option and train more slowly for a while.
If you regularly train at higher n levels the "Fast" speed setting will allow you to complete a session more quickly; but may also slightly reduce
the benefit to your focus. And if you wish to challenge your processing speed, the "Very Fast" setting might be an option to try.
Themes
If you'd like a change from simple white squares, you can select a custom "theme."
And if you want to train with a personalized set of squares, send us nine pictures or images (preferably 130px square "png" files) and we will load them into your profile.
Use 'Practice' mode to familiarize with an exercise or level of difficulty. Use 'Train' mode for day-to-day training. Practice scores do not become part of your training history.
Stage One - Introduction
Session Duration: 20 sets of items (10 to 20 minutes)
Stage Completion: N-level of 5 or greater, or ten full sessions
Double Ahead presents a sequence of squares on a 3x3 grid at the same time as a sequence of spoken letters.
Remember the two sequences and try to match them in the Pattern match window:
Enter the visual sequence you saw by clicking on the squares in the grid.
Enter the aural sequence you heard by typing the letters in the space provided.
Stage Two - Introduction
Session Duration: 20 sets of items (10 to 20 minutes)
Stage Completion: N-level of 6 or greater, or ten full sessions
Double Switchback presents a sequence of squares on a 3x3 grid at the same time as a sequence of spoken letters.
Remember the two sequences and try to match them in reverse in the Pattern match window:
Enter the reverse of visual sequence you saw by clicking on the squares in the grid.
Enter the reverse of aural sequence you heard by typing the letters in the space provided.
Stage Three - Introduction
Session Duration: 20 training blocks
Stage Completion: 40 sessions
The Double Gapmatch (dual n-back) exercise can be tricky to grasp at first.
Before you start to train we recommend that you watch the demo below and run through at least one block in
Practice mode with the option Display All Matches selected.
In Double Gapmatch you must identify matching pairs in the visual and aural sequences.
At N=2 the matching pairs are two positions apart.
When you see the grid square appear in the same place after an interim space (e.g., top left, bottom right, top left)
press any key on the left side of the keyboard.
When you hear the same letter repeated after an interim letter (e.g., F, G, F)
press any key on the right side of the keyboard.
The visual and aural sequences continue even after you register a match.
You score "hits" by correctly identifying a match. You score a "miss" when you don't register a match, or when you incorrectly register a match.
Each training block consists of 20 + N items and contains a total of 6 visual and 6 aural matches.
The following sequence shows a visual symbol match for the first and third positions: Level of Difficulty: If you score fewer than three misses during a training block,
the program will automatically move you up to the next N-level, increasing the distance between matching pairs by one.
If you score 6 or more misses at a higher level, the system will move you back down again.
Stage Four - Introduction
Session Duration: 20 training blocks
Stage Completion: Unlimited Training
Stage 4 deepens and broadens the training with several aural and visual training variations.
These variations call upon different aspects of short term memory, demanding greater mental flexibility and providing a comprehensive mental workout.
We have pre-programmed the delivery of the training variations to maximize the training benefits.
The system moves you through this pre-programmed sequence automatically.
However, before you start a session you can choose to "Skip Ahead" to the next sequence,
using the Skip ahead button. (Note: This option becomes unavailable once you've
started a session and is available again once you've completed a session.)
One particular aural variation -- Nines -- requires a little explanation.
Nines uses a sequence of spoken numbers -- one through eight. But rather than listen for simple matching pairs,
you must register an aural match when the two numbers sum to "9" (hence the name of the exercise).
For Nines the aural matches are 1 and 8, 2 and 7, 3 and 6, and 4 and 5.
Stage One - Introduction
Session Duration: 20 sets of items (10 to 20 minutes)
Stage Completion: N-level of 5 or greater, or ten full sessions
Straightahead presents a sequence of squares on a 3x3 grid.
Remember the sequence and try to match it in the Pattern match window:
Press Start and watch the visual sequence.
Enter the visual sequence you saw by clicking on the squares in the grid.
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Stage Two - Introduction
Session Duration: 20 sets of items (10 to 20 minutes)
Stage Completion: N-level of 6 or greater, or ten full sessions
Switchback presents a sequence of squares on a 3x3 grid.
Remember the sequence and try to match it in reverse in the Pattern match window:
Press Start and watch the visual sequence.
Enter the reverse of visual sequence you saw by clicking on the squares in the grid.
Stage Three - Introduction
Session Duration: 20 training blocks
Stage Completion: 40 sessions
The Gapmatch (n-back) exercise can be tricky to grasp at first.
Before you start to train we recommend that you watch the demo below in the Help guide and run through at least one block in
Practice mode with the option Display All Matches selected.
In Gapmatch you must identify matching pairs in the visual sequences.
At N=2 the matching pairs are two positions apart.
When you see the grid square appear in the same place after an interim space (e.g., top left, bottom right, top left)
press any key on the left side of the keyboard.
The visual sequence continues even after you register a match; matches can overlap.
You score "hits" by correctly identifying a match. You score a "miss" when you don't register a match, or when you incorrectly register a match.
Each training block consists of 20 + N items and contains a total of 6 matches.
The following sequence shows a visual symbol match for the first and third positions: Level of Difficulty: If you score fewer than three misses during a training block,
the program will automatically move you up to the next N-level, increasing the distance between matching pairs by one.
If you score 6 or more misses at a higher level, the system will move you back down again.
Stage Four - Introduction
Session Duration: 20 training blocks
Stage Completion: Unlimited Training
Stage 4 deepens and broadens the training with several training variations.
These variations call upon different aspects of short term memory, demanding greater mental flexibility and providing a comprehensive mental workout.
The exercises at Stage 4 follow the same general n-back training method you're familiar with from Stage 3.
We have pre-programmed the delivery of the training variations to maximize the training benefits.
The system moves you through this pre-programmed sequence automatically.
However, before you start a session you can choose to "Skip Ahead" to the next sequence,
using the Skip ahead button. (Note: This option becomes unavailable once you've
started a session and is available again once you've completed a session.)
We're delighted to welcome you to your first day of training. Please refer to the Help guide for information about the training process and the MindSparke training suite. Click here for an introductory presentation.
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toolbar button (right of the Welcome message).
toolbar button.
Welcome to MindSparke, the most sophisticated and effective brain training program available. This Help Guide will set you on the right path to a productive training experience.
Begin at Stage One by clicking on the Go! arrow. The training system will adjust to your current capability within a single session. Over time, the system moves you through the Stages from Stage One to Stage Four. You can also choose to stay at a stage or skip a stage.
icon on the dashboard button bar to display the Settings panel.
We have pre-programmed the delivery of the training variations to maximize the training benefits.
The system moves you through this pre-programmed sequence automatically.
However, before you start a session you can choose to "Skip Ahead" to the next sequence,
using the Skip ahead button. (Note: This option becomes unavailable once you've
started a session and is available again once you've completed a session.)
guide for information about the training process and the MindSparke training suite. Click here for an introductory presentation.
You can further improve brain function and overall health by eliminating harmful toxins and delivering key nutrients. Use the access code MindSparke at Zortho.com for discounts on the MindSparke+, MindSparke Advanced, and MindSparke Complete supplement packages.