Impact of cognitive training exercises on cognitive flexibility and anxiety symptoms in young adults – A randomized control study

Anxiety, a prevalent mental health issue, impairs cognitive flexibility, which is essential for situational adaptability. Improving cognitive flexibility through cognitive training may reduce anxiety through neuroplastic changes in brain networks. This study evaluated the efficacy of cognitive training exercises in improving cognitive flexibility and reducing anxiety symptoms in young adults. Thirty-four young adults (18-25 years) with HAM-A score > 17, were randomly divided equally into intervention group and nonintervention group. The intervention group underwent a three-week cognitive training module focusing on working memory, psychomotor skills, and cognitive flexibility, while the nonintervention group received no such training. Cognitive flexibility and anxiety levels were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Change in HAM-A scores was analyzed using linear regression controlling for other factors. Participants in the intervention group showed significantly greater reduction in HAM-A scores as compared to the nonintervention group (11.35 + 6.93 vs 3.35 + 5.56; <i>p</i> < 0.001). There was also a significant improvement in cognitive flexibility in intervention group as compared to nonintervention group. These preliminary findings suggest the role of cognitive training exercises in effectively improving cognitive flexibility and reducing anxiety symptoms in young adults, supporting its potential use as an adjunct to the standard clinical management of anxiety.