Wearable neurotechnologies for neurocognitive empowerment in applied contexts

Recently, the use of wearable devices and neurotechnologies for well-being and neurocognitive empowerment has increased, allowing users to achieve better awareness and control of their mindset and mood states. We present an overview of main results from a research line on the effectiveness of an intensive training protocol supported by wearable neurofeedback devices in the field of neurocognitive empowerment and stress management. Specifically, the potential of such neurotechnology-supported training was tested by collecting behavioural, psychometric, neuropsychological, and physiological outcomes and comparing experimental and active control groups. The protocol was tested in different experimental and applied contexts - including sports, workplace, and healthy aging. Based on the multi-level assessment of training outcomes, results highlighted the effectiveness of using intensive neurotechnology-mediated protocols to enhance focusing and attention regulation skills, and reduce anxiety/stress levels while increasing mental vigour, hinting at the potential of such new technologies for neurocognitive empowerment.