Soma: Where Customization is the Norm
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.
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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | These modes provide real-time performance feedback to users, aiming to influence a user's decision-making behavior. |
Usage Recommendation | Use this mode when seeking to provide feedback or impact a user's decision-making in reaction to stimuli. |
Soma Analytics | Track visual feedback count for symbols '-', '+', and '-+' to assess user responses. |
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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Error Detection Mode | Designed to enhance error detection and monitor an athlete's behavior in response to incorrect answers. |
EDM Reaction Time | Measures the duration an individual takes to correctly respond after an error. Gives insight into cognitive decision-making. |
Strategic Error Correction | If the EDM reaction time is longer than the primary task reaction time, the individual might be intentionally slowing down, possibly to prevent the same error in the future. |
Progress Indication | As individuals improve in processing and rectifying mistakes, the gap between their standard reaction times and the EDM reaction time should decrease. A diminishing gap suggests quicker post-error responses. |
Soma Analytics | Monitor both the primary task's reaction time and the EDM reaction time. This offers insights into decision-making behavior. A slower EDM reaction time compared to the primary task suggests that the user is taking more time after errors to avoid future mistakes. |
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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Mental Resilience Mode | Aims to enhance mental resilience by extending the task duration after incorrect answers. |
Error Indication | If an error occurs during the task, the timer bar turns red, signaling the mistake. |
Time Penalty for Errors | An error adds 15 seconds to the task duration. Consecutive mistakes during this penalty phase lead to additional time penalties, enforcing increased focus and precision in decision-making. |
Soma Analytics | Monitor the number of CSQs applied to the task. Tracking these over time provides insights into the effectiveness of this approach. |
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.
Effects of Cognitive Load on Response Time
A broader application of the detection response task
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Cognitive Effort & Attentional Resources Evaluation | Evaluates the cognitive effort and attentional resources demanded by a task. |
Interpreting DRT Results | Using Soma Analytics, compare an individual's DRT reaction time with that of the primary task. A slower DRT reaction time indicates a high cognitive load, while a faster DRT reaction time suggests a lower cognitive load or fewer attentional resources needed. |
Soma Analytics | Monitor both the primary task's reaction time and the DRT reaction time to understand the attentional resources used by the task. |
Attentional Resource Consumption | If the DRT reaction time is slower than the primary task's reaction time, it suggests that the task is consuming more attentional resources, indicating a high cognitive load for the individual. |
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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Cognitive Challenge Enhancement | Increases cognitive challenge by pushing individuals to their cognitive limits for extended durations. |
Mechanics of TTE | The mode starts with a three-minute test to measure the individual's reaction time. A target reaction time, reflecting peak performance, is set. An additional threshold reaction time, which is 20% longer than the target, is also set. The task concludes if the individual surpasses this threshold. |
Soma Analytics | Monitor the length of time the user was able to complete the task before being terminated due to surpassing the 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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Aims to enhance an individual's reaction time, concentration, and consistency via real-time feedback on stimulus variation. |
Target Audience | Ideal for those seeking to improve their response time and consistency. |
Mechanics | Encourages aiming for a variation of -/+ 10% for each 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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Adjusts the cognitive challenge according to a user's performance. |
Target Audience | Suitable for tasks that need to align with an individual's current cognitive capacity. |
Mechanics | Continuously adjusts to maintain a balance 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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Ensure individuals remain within a designated heart rate zone during cognitive training. |
Mechanics | If the heart rate strays from the desired zone, the cognitive task is halted until the correct heart rate zone is regained. |
Heart Rate Zones | |
Zone 1 | Very light: 50–60% of HRmax |
Zone 2 | Light: 60–70% of HRmax |
Zone 3 | Moderate: 70–80% of HRmax |
Zone 4 | Hard: 80–90% of HRmax |
Zone 5 | Maximum: 90–100% of HRmax |
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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Integrates heart rate into the cognitive task, requiring physical exertion alongside cognitive effort. |
Mechanics | To answer the task, the user must reach the target heart rate for at least three seconds. As the task advances, its complexity and intensity grow, necessitating 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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Guides users through different heart rate zones during cognitive training. |
Mechanics | If the heart rate deviates from the desired zone, the cognitive task is paused until the correct heart rate zone is regained. |
Heart Rate Zones | |
Zone 1 | Very light: 50–60% of HRmax |
Zone 2 | Light: 60–70% of HRmax |
Zone 3 | Moderate: 70–80% of HRmax |
Zone 4 | Hard: 80–90% of HRmax |
Zone 5 | Maximum: 90–100% of HRmax |
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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Monitors and adapts to an individual's heart rate variability (HRV) in real time. |
Mechanics | The cognitive challenge intensifies with an increase in HRV and diminishes as HRV decreases. |
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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Designed to boost an athlete's cognitive abilities by introducing a secondary cognitive task. |
Description of Mode | Task Switching Mode (TSM) is an innovative cognitive training strategy that augments an individual's cognitive skills. By adding a secondary cognitive task to the primary one, it intensifies attentional focus and resilience to cognitive stress. |
Secondary Task Mechanics | Depending on the color and number displayed in the top right corner, the athlete has to press either the left or right button. Specific conditions: - White number between 0 and 5 or odd number in red: Press left button. - White number between 6 and 9 or even number in red: Press right button. |
Purpose of Secondary Task | Introduces a 'task-switching' challenge to assess cognitive agility. |
Interpreting TSM Results | Using Soma Analytics, compare the TSM reaction time to that of the primary task. A slower TSM reaction time indicates more cognitive load, while a faster TSM reaction time suggests the task and mode demand less cognitive effort and attention. |
Soma Analytics | Monitor the reaction time of the primary task and the TSM reaction time. Insights can be drawn about the attentional resources consumed by the secondary task. A slower TSM reaction time in relation to the primary cognitive task indicates a high cognitive load. |
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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Monitors shifts in an individual's performance and provides immediate feedback upon a decline in cognitive performance. |
Mechanics | The feedback's intensity corresponds to the extent of the performance drop. |
Feedback Visualization | The longer the feedback bar stays pink, the more significant the deviation from optimal performance. |
Purpose of Feedback | This visual cue acts both as an informative tool and a motivational trigger, prompting individuals to push their cognitive limits and maintain intense 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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Encourages enhanced mental resilience by mandating a quick sprint following each incorrect response. |
Mechanics | After making an error, the individual's heart rate should rise from Zone 2 to Zone 4 and stay there for 5 seconds. Each additional mistake increases this high-intensity duration by 5 seconds, with a maximum limit set at a challenging 20 seconds. |
Purpose of Method | This approach motivates users to focus, reduce errors, and thereby improve their overall performance. |
Soma Analytics | Track the number of PCMs applied to the task over time to gain insights into the intervention's effectiveness. |
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.
Feature/Aspect | Description |
Objective | Introduces time constraints to an individual's responses. |
Description of Mode | Time Pressure Mode consistently tracks a user's response times and imposes time pressure through a secondary timer bar. |
Mechanics | As the user's reaction time improves, the time pressure intensifies, exerting more cognitive stress on the user and urging them to keep up with swift responses. |
Soma Analytics | Track the number of TPMs applied to the task over time to gain insights into the intervention's effectiveness. |
Training Modes Overview
Mode | Description | Key Points |
Audiovisual Modes | Offers real-time feedback on performance. | Shapes decision-making behavior. Use for feedback or influencing decision-making. |
EDM Mode | Enhances error detection and monitoring. | Measures reaction time post-error. Longer EDM reaction time suggests deliberate error correction. Reducing gap between regular and EDM reaction time indicates improvement. |
CSQ Mode | Enhances mental resilience. | Red timer bar indicates an error, adding 15s penalty. Further errors add more penalties. |
DRT Mode | Evaluates cognitive effort and attentional resources. | Slower DRT reaction time indicates high cognitive load, while faster indicates low load. |
TTE Mode | Increases cognitive challenge over time. | Begins with a 3-min test. Task ends if reaction time exceeds a set threshold. |
VPF Mode | Enhances reaction time, concentration, and consistency. | Encourages a response time variation of -/+ 10% for correct responses. |
ADM Mode | Adjusts cognitive challenge based on performance. | Aligns tasks with current cognitive capacity. |
HRZ Mode | Maintains a specific heart rate zone during training. | Pauses task if heart rate deviates from the zone. |
CEM Mode | Integrates heart rate into the cognitive task. | Requires physical exertion to reach a target heart rate. |
AHR Mode | Guides users through heart rate zones during training. | Pauses task if heart rate deviates from the zone. |
AHV Mode | Adjusts based on heart rate variability (HRV). | Challenge rises with increasing HRV and decreases as HRV drops. |
TSM Mode | Introduces a secondary cognitive task. | 'Task-switching' challenge that evaluates cognitive agility. |
DPM Mode | Monitors shifts in performance, providing feedback on declines. | Pink feedback bar indicates a performance drop; its length varies with the degree of decline. |
PCM Mode | Requires a sprint after each incorrect response. | Heart rate must reach Zone 4 and stay for 5s+ after each error. |
TPM Mode | Introduces time constraints to responses. | Imposes time pressure. Increases pressure as user improves. |
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