Brain Test Britain trial to gauge whether brain training games really work

As part of its science TV show, Bang Goes The Theory, BBC1 has launched a research project to test whether or not brain training games really work.

Brain Test Britain is asking the nation to get involved and take part in a trial to see whether or not this popular new gaming system does indeed have any effect on the player's mental capacity, and, if it does, which aspects of brain training are more successful.

The results of the project will be announced in a one-off TV special of Bang Goes the Theory due to air in early 2010, which promises to be the largest computer based investigation of brain training ever carried out.

The show also hopes to use the data as an audit of our national brainpower, and take a look at whether men or women did better, whether exercise affects cerebral performance, and whether or not it's possible to actually improve brainpower.

Brain Test Britain has partnered with scientists from Cambridge University, Kings College London and the Alzheimer's Society to establish an experiment that will collect the relevant data from volunteers being asked to train their brains for ten minutes a day, three times a week for at least six weeks.

So far, almost 25,000 people have signed up to take part in the experiment. Registration closes on October 5th, and participants can sign up to take part at www.bbc.co.uk/bang.