Focus Pocus was designed to deliver a neurocognitive training program for children with attention problems or ADHD. The mini-games deliver neurofeedback, inhibitory control, and working memory training in a fun "wizard in training" environment.
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Focus Pocus 1.0
Programming Language: Flash/Actionscript 3.0 EEG input: Neurosky Mindwave Mobile II Designer: Professor Stuart Johnstone Developers: Neurocog Solutions, Australia; Roll7, England; Philip Roxas, Phillipines. |
Focus Pocus 1.5
Programming Language: Unity EEG input: Neurosky Mindwave Mobile II Designer: Professor Stuart Johnstone Developers: Bio Search Pty Ltd, Japan |
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How does Focus Pocus help?
Focus Pocus is powered by the Neurocognitive Training Engine (NCT Engine). The NCT Engine allows delivery of systematic concurrent training in three domains: Working Memory, Impulse Control, and Neurofeedback. The NCT Engine drives beneficial behavioural outcomes by promoting improved ability in these domains, and is supported by published research. There are specified parameters in regard to:
- Training frequency
- Sequencing and proportions of training in each domain within each training session
- Task types within each domain
- Brain activity targets and tasks in the Neurofeedback domain
- Performance-based task difficulty level adjustments
- Task performance feedback
Peer-reviewed published research on Focus Pocus
- Jiang, H., Johnstone, S. J., Li, Y., Lu, J., Mao, B-B. Neurocognitive Academic Training to Improve Symptoms, Executive Functions, and Handwriting Quality in Children with ADHD. Science of Learning, accepted 12/03/2026.
- Jiang, H., Johnstone, S. J., Sun, L., Zhang, D., Cheng, J. (2024). The effect of neurocognitive-academic training to improve Chinese handwriting in children with AD/HD. International Journal of Special Education, 39(2), 87-101. https://doi.org/10.52291/ijse.2024.39.24
- Krell, J., Dolecki, P., Todd, A. (2023). School-Based Neurofeedback Training for Sustained Attention. Journal of Attention Disorders, (2023), 108705472311684.
- Luo, X., Guo, X., Zhao, Q., Zhu, Y., Chen, Y., Wang, Y., Johnstone, S. J., Sun, L. (in press). A randomized controlled study of remote computerized cognitive, neurofeedback, and combined training in the treatment of children with AD/HD. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Accepted 5/02/2022.
- Jiang, H., Johnstone, S. J., Sun, L., Zhang, D. (2021). Effect of neurocognitive training for children with AD/HD at improving academic engagement in two learning settings. Journal of Attention Disorders, 25, 414-431.
- Zhang, D., Johnstone, S. J., Li, H., Luo, X., Sun, L. (2021). Comparing the transfer effects of three neurocognitive training protocols in children with AD/HD: a single-case experimental design. Behaviour Change, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1017/bec.2021.26
- Johnstone, S. J., Roodenrys, S.J., Johnson, K., Bonfield, R., Bennett, S. J. (2017). Game-based combined cognitive and neurofeedback training using Focus Pocus reduces symptom severity in children with diagnosed AD/HD and subclinical AD/HD. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 116, 32-44.
- Jiang, H., and Johnstone, S. J. (2015). A preliminary multiple case study report of neurocognitive training for children with ADHD in China. Sage Open, 5 (2), 1-13.
- Johnstone, S. J., Roodenrys, S., Blackman, R., Johnston, E., Loveday, K., Mantz, S., Barratt, M. (2012). Neurocognitive training for children with and without AD/HD. ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 4, 11-23.
- Johnstone, S. J., Roodenrys, S., Phillips, E., Watt, A. J. & Mantz, S. (2010). A pilot study of combined working memory and inhibition training for children with AD/HD. ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 2, 31-42.