Fig. 3

Training steps of the Verbal Working Memory (VWM) and VWM-Balance (VWM-B) programs. a Encoding step that is similar in both programs. b In the maintenance step, the target box decomposes to component boxes. The center of pressure (CoP) marker and start position button are displayed on the monitor only in the VWM-B program. In the VWM-program, a subject observes the monitor and attempts to maintain targets in the memory. However, in the VWM-B program, the maintenance step is performed in two forms: passive and active balance. In the passive state, the component box automatically hit by the CoP marker; however, in the active state, the subject actively moves the CoP marker to hit the component boxes. c For the retrieval step in the VWM-program, the target is shown and the user should accept or reject recalling the target. d In the VWM-B program’s retrieval step, the subject has to move his CoP to select the target