Soma: Where Customization is the Norm

In this blog post, we will be covering the dynamic world of specialized training modes by Soma, where cognitive enhancement meets personalization. Each mode is a unique tool, 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.

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.

EDM Mode:?

This 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.

Neural mechanisms involved in error processing: A comparison of errors made with and without awareness

CSQ Mode:?

This 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.

DRT Mode:?

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.

Soma Analytics:?

Monitor the reaction time of the primary task and the DRT reaction time to gain insights into the amount of attentional resources being consumed by the task.

If the DRT reaction time is slower than the reaction time of the primary task, it indicates that more attentional resources are being consumed by the task, implying a high cognitive load for the user.

Detection-Response Task

Effects of Cognitive Load on Response Time

A broader application of the detection response task

TTE Mode:?

Increases cognitive challenge by pushing individuals to their cognitive limits for extended periods.

The Mechanics of TTE: The mode begins with a three-minute test measuring the individual's reaction time. A target reaction time, based on peak performance, is set. An additional threshold reaction time, 20% longer than the target, is also established. The task ends if the individual exceeds this threshold.

VPF Mode:?

Aims 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.

ADM Mode:?

Adaptive Mode adjusts the cognitive challenge 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.

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.

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, complexity and intensity increase, demanding both cognitive and physical coordination.

AHR Mode:?

Guides 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.

AHV Mode:?

Monitors and adjusts to an individual's heart rate variability (HRV) in real time. The cognitive challenge rises with increasing HRV and decreases as HRV drops.

TSM Mode:?

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.

DPM Mode:?

Aims 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 feedback 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.

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.

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.

Soma Technologies

Soma Technologies