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 to reduce anxiety/stress levels while increasing mental vigour, hinting at the potential of such new technologies for neurocognitive empowerment.