Transfer of Computer-Based Training to Simulated Driving In Older Adults

Abstract

We evaluated the transfer of training on computer-based tasks that were specifically designed to tap cognitive abilities that are presumed to be used while driving, namely divided attention, visual monitoring and working memory. In particular, as older adults have been shown to suffer declines in cognitive abilities with advancing age, we asked whether some of these declines could be remediated with training. Using a driving simulator, participants’ driving performance was evaluated in several complex scenarios. Both computer-based training and driving tasks were presented individually and in combination with manual control tasks. We used regression analysis to examine the effects of the training on driving performance. Results revealed limited transfer of training from the computer-based training system to driving.