Recieved: 02/10/2024
Accepted: 09/16/2024
Published: 12/02/2024
Keywords: cognitive training; mobile application; memory and attention training
p.: 176-188
DOI: 10.11621/npj.2024.0412
Available online: 02.12.2024
Marchenko, E.V., Issar, A.D.. Use of Mobile Applications for Memory and Attention Training in Extreme Profile Specialists (Firefighters as an Example). // National Psychological Journal 2024. 4. p.176-188. doi: 10.11621/npj.2024.0412
Copied to Clipboard
CopyRelevance. Cognitive functions are professionally important qualities, which are an essential part of professional requirements to specialists of extreme profile. Firefighters have to remember building plans of protected objects and their characteristics, focus on incoming information, work in multi-tasking mode, etc. These functions can be reduced under the influence of a professional stress and age-related changes. Thus, it is important for specialists to maintain and develop them.
Objective. The aim is to explore possibilities for training certain attention properties of extreme profile specialists by means of mobile applications.
Study Participants. 80 specialists of Federal Firefighting Service, EMERCOM of Russia, who perform the duties of inspection and provide fire protection of Government buildings, took part in the research. Their age ranged from 24 to 37 years (М = 30, ơ = 3.53); work experience was more than three years; 26 women and 64 men participated.
Methods. The forming experiment as well as methods “Landolt Ring”, “Numerical Square”, “Münsterberg’s Test”, “Memory for Numbers”, “Methods of Studying Spatial Visual Memory” (Diagnostics of Cognition, 2020) were used to assess the effectiveness of a mobile application and change in indicators of attention and memory.
Results. Certain indicators of attention and memory increased for those who practiced using a mobile application (the scope of attention, its sustainability, distribution, and selectiveness; the scope of short-term memory and spatial visual memory) and for those who perform their usual duty (the scope of attention, its sustainability, distribution, and selectiveness). However, the comparison of improvements in both groups showed more significant difference in the indicators for the scope of attention, its span, sustainability, distribution and selectiveness, the scope of short-term memory, and the level of visual-spatial memory.
Conclusions. Regular cognitive training with a mobile application proved effective. However, performing professional duty by firefighters also helps maintain those processes.
Practical application. The results of the research were used as a part of psychological training for EMERCOM of Russia specialists. They may also be used as an effective instrument for cognitive training.
Alekseeva, N.D., Zinov’ev, A.N., Kupreev, M.V., Davydov, M.V. (2018). Training of visual memory in the training process of skiers. Uchenye zapiski universiteta Lesgafta = Scientific notes of Lesgaft University, 159(5), 14–16. (In Russ.)
Anisimov, V.N., Shurupova, M.A., Latanov, A.V., Kasatkin, V.N. (2017). Dynamics of working memory indicators during training on a neurocognitive simulator in the practice of rehabilitation of patients with neoplasms of the posterior cranial fossa. In: Cognitive science in Moscow: new research. Materials of the conference on 06.15.2017. In: E.V. Pechenkova, M.V. Falikman (eds.). (pp. 29–33). Moscow: BukiVedi Publ., IPPiP Publ. (In Russ.)
Arestova, O.N., Babanin, L.N., Voyskunskiy, A.E. (1995). Specificity of psychological methods in computer use. (pp. 36–41). Moscow: Moscow Univ. Press. (In Russ.)
Avetisova, A.A. (2011). Psychological characteristics of computer game players. Psikhologiya, zhurnal Vysshey Shkoly Ekonomiki = Psychology, Journal of the Higher School of Economics, 8(4), 35–58. (In Russ.)
Batdyeva, A.Kh., Umarova, F.N. (2018). Determination of the effectiveness of the UseClark memory training method by Mark Tigelaar. Bulletin of Medical Internet Conferences, (9), 440–441. (In Russ.)
Benso, F., Moretti, S., Bellazzini, V., Benso, E., Ardu, E., Gazzellini S. (2021). Principles of Integrated Cognitive Training for Executive Attention: Application to an Instrumental Skill. Frontiers in Psychology, 12(20). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647749
Bonnechère, B., Klass, M., Langley, C., Sahakian, B. (2021). Brain Training Using Cognitive Apps Can Improve Cognitive Performance and Processing Speed in Older Adults. Scientific Reports, (11).https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91867-z
Chernov, N.N., Stepanov, P.A. (2000). The influence of computer games on individual psychophysiological functions of a person. Zhurnal Izvestiya Yuzhnogo federal’nogo universiteta. Tekhnicheskie nauki = The Journal News of the Southern Federal University. Technical Sciences, (Thematic issue), 181–182. (In Russ.)
Kirk, H.E., Spencer-Smith, M., Wiley, J.F., Cornish, K.M. (2021). Gamified Attention Training in the Primary School Classroom: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Attention Disorders, 1146–1159. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054719887435
Kochetkov, M.V. (2016). Professionally important qualities that ensure the reliability of the activities of extreme specialists. Chrezvychaynye situatsii: promyshlennaya i ekologicheskaya bezopasnost’ = Extreme Situations: Industrial and Environmental Safety, 2627(2–3), 11–14. (In Russ.)
Kozlova, N.V., Tsekhmeystruk, E.A. (2018). Cognitive training as a method of correction of cognitive functions in child athletes. Vestnik Baltiyskogo federal’nogo universiteta im. I. Kanta. Seriya: Filologiya, pedagogika, psikhologiya = Bulletin of the Baltic Federal University named after I. Kant. Series: Philology, Pedagogy, Psychology, (1), 97–103. (In Russ.)
Marchenko, E.V. (2018). Investigation of the effectiveness of memory and attention training using professionally oriented computer games. In: Digital society as a cultural and historical context of human development: collection of scientific papers, articles and materials of the conference. (pp. 229–233). Kolomna: GSU Publ. (In Russ.)
Oh, S.J., Seo, S., Lee, J.H., Song, M.J., Shin, M.S. (2018). Effects of Smartphone-based Memory Training for Older Adults with Subjective Memory Complaints: a Randomized Controlled Trial. Aging & Mental Health, 22(4), 526–534. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2016.1274373
Olfers, K.J.F., Band, G.P.H. (2018). Game-based Training of Flexibility and Attention Improves Task-switch Performance: Near and Far Transfer of Cognitive Training in an EEG Study. Psychological Research, 186–202. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-017-0933-z
Prokopenko, S.V., Mozheyko, E.Yu., Koryagina, T.D. (2014). The possibilities of cognitive training using specialized computer programs in stroke patients. Nevrologicheskiy zhurnal = Neuropsychological Journal, (1), 20–24. (In Russ.)
Raushanova, A.M., Aimbetova, G.E., Kashafutdinova, G.T. (2015). The effect of working memory training on memory performance in medical university students. Zhurnal Vestnik Kazakhskogo Natsional’nogo meditsinskogo universiteta = Journal Bulletin of the Kazakh National Medical University, (3), 364–366. (In Russ.)
Savulich, G., Thorp, E., Piercy, T., Peterson, K.A., Pickard, J.D., Sahakian, B.J. (2019). Improvements in Attention Following Cognitive Training with the Novel “Decoder” Game on an iPad. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, (13). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00002
Shadrikov, V.D. (2020). Diagnosis of cognitive abilities: Methods and tests: A textbook. Moscow: Akademicheskiy proekt Publ. (In Russ.)
Shahmoradi, L., Mohammadian, F., Katigari, M.R. (2022). A Systematic Review on Serious Games in Attention Rehabilitation and Their Effects. Behavioural Neurology, (32). https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2017975
Shapkin, S.A. (1999). Computer game: a new field of psychological research. Psikhologicheskiy zhurnal = Psychological Journal, (20), 86–102. (In Russ.)
Shin, M.S., Oh, S.J., Seo, S., Lee, J.H., Song, M.J. (2017). Effects of Smartphone-based Memory Training for Older Adults with Subjective Memory Complaints. European Psychiatry, (4), 526–534. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.2075
Strel’nikova, G.V., Strel’nikova, I.V., Yankin, E.L. (2016). Features of the sensorimotor and cognitive spheres of esports athletes competing in different disciplines. Nauka i sport: sovremennye tendentsii = Science and Sport: Current Trends, 3(12), 64–69. (In Russ.)
Velichkovskiy, B.B. (2009). The possibilities of cognitive training as a means of correcting age-related changes in cognitive control. Eksperimental’naya psikhologiya = Experimental Psychology, 2(4), 67–91. (In Russ.)
Velichkovskiy, B.B., Kozlovskiy, S.A., Vartanov, A.V. (2010). Training of cognitive functions: promising research in Russia. National Psychology Journal, 3(1), 122–127. (In Russ.)
Vergani, L., Marton, G., Pizzoli, S.F.M., Monzani, D., Mazzocco, K., Pravettoni, G. (2019). Training Cognitive Functions Using Mobile Apps in Breast Cancer Patients: Systematic Review. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 7(3). https://doi.org/10.2196/10855
Voyskunskiy, A.E. (2013). Cyberpsychology as a branch of psychological science and practice. Universum: Vestnik Gertsenovskogo universiteta = Universum: Bulletin of the Herzen University, (4), 3. (In Russ.)
Wiest, G.M., Rosales, K.P., Looney, L., Wong, E.H., Wiest, D.J. (2022). Utilizing Cognitive Training to Improve Working Memory, Attention, and Impulsivity in School-Aged Children with ADHD and SLD. Brain Sciences, 12(2), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020141
Zharkova, O.G., Barbolina, S.A., Afonina, N.M., Volkova, V.N. (2020). Research of gaming activity on smartphones. Modelirovanie i analiz dannykh = Data Modeling and Analysis, 10(1), 75–85. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/mda.2020100104
Marchenko, E.V., Issar, A.D.. Use of Mobile Applications for Memory and Attention Training in Extreme Profile Specialists (Firefighters as an Example). // National Psychological Journal 2024. 4. p.176-188. doi: 10.11621/npj.2024.0412
Copied to Clipboard
Copy