This meta-analytic review evaluates the effectiveness of working memory training programs in improving cognitive abilities in children and adults. The study analyzed 23 studies with 30 group comparisons, including both clinical and typically developing samples. The results indicate that working memory training produces reliable short-term improvements in working memory skills, particularly in visuospatial tasks, but these effects do not persist at follow-up. There is no convincing evidence that working memory training generalizes to other skills such as verbal ability, inhibitory processes, word decoding, or arithmetic. The authors conclude that training programs produce specific, short-term effects that do not transfer to broader cognitive functions. The review notes limitations, including age differences and varied clinical conditions, but highlights that current findings question the clinical relevance and utility of working memory training for enhancing cognitive functioning in typically developing children and adults. The study emphasizes the need for further research to determine the long-term benefits of working memory training.This meta-analytic review evaluates the effectiveness of working memory training programs in improving cognitive abilities in children and adults. The study analyzed 23 studies with 30 group comparisons, including both clinical and typically developing samples. The results indicate that working memory training produces reliable short-term improvements in working memory skills, particularly in visuospatial tasks, but these effects do not persist at follow-up. There is no convincing evidence that working memory training generalizes to other skills such as verbal ability, inhibitory processes, word decoding, or arithmetic. The authors conclude that training programs produce specific, short-term effects that do not transfer to broader cognitive functions. The review notes limitations, including age differences and varied clinical conditions, but highlights that current findings question the clinical relevance and utility of working memory training for enhancing cognitive functioning in typically developing children and adults. The study emphasizes the need for further research to determine the long-term benefits of working memory training.