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  5. /Operation Span

Clinical trials data

Operation Span in clinical trials: 24 registered studies

Every registered study on ClinicalTrials.gov that names Operation Span in an outcome measure: the conditions it is used in, how often it is a primary outcome, the tests it is named with, and how large the studies are.

Registered studies name it in an outcome measure
24
Name it in a primary outcome, 50%
12 of 24
Against similar tests
Of studies started 2021 to 2025 name it, against 0.3% in 2016 to 2020
0.1%
By year
Median participants per study
41
By phase
Try Operation Span

The conditions it is used in

Each study counted once in each condition group it falls in.
  1. Depression and bipolar disorder3 studies, 2 as a primary outcome

  2. Anxiety, PTSD and OCD3 studies, 1 as a primary outcome

  3. Brain injury and concussion2 studies, 1 as a primary outcome

  4. Aging, frailty and exercise2 studies, 2 as a primary outcome

  5. Sleep and sleep disorders2 studies, 1 as a primary outcome

  6. Dementia and Alzheimer's1 study, 1 as a primary outcome

  7. Stroke1 study, 1 as a primary outcome

  8. Parkinson's disease1 study, 1 as a primary outcome

  9. Schizophrenia and psychosis1 study, 0 as a primary outcome

  10. Cancer1 study, 1 as a primary outcome

  11. Healthy volunteers1 study, 1 as a primary outcome

  12. Obesity and diabetes1 study, 0 as a primary outcome

  13. Hearing loss1 study, 0 as a primary outcome

  14. Pain and fatigue1 study, 1 as a primary outcome

  15. Other conditions10 studies, 4 as a primary outcome

A test as a primary outcomeOnly in secondary or other outcomes

How often it is a primary outcome

Operation Span is a primary outcome in 50% of its studies. Across the 10 working memory tests with a page here, the median is 45%.
  1. Sternberg Memory Scanning50% of 38 studies

  2. Operation Span50% of 24 studies

  3. Mental Rotation48% of 64 studies

  4. N-Back Task48% of 790 studies

  5. Spatial Working Memory46% of 78 studies

  6. Letter-Number Sequencing Task43% of 184 studies

  7. Corsi Block-Tapping Test43% of 181 studies

  8. Digit Span Test37% of 1,629 studies

  9. Reading Span Task36% of 22 studies

  10. Size Order Memory Test35% of 162 studies

Studies by start year

0.1% of the registered studies that started in 2021 to 2025 name it, against 0.3% of those that started in 2016 to 2020. 2026 is partly planned starts.
02000: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome20002001: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2002: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2003: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2004: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2005: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome20052006: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2007: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2008: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2009: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2010: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome20102011: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2012: 1 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2013: 3 studies, 1 with a test as a primary outcome2014: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2015: 2 studies, 2 with a test as a primary outcome20152016: 2 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2017: 2 studies, 1 with a test as a primary outcome2018: 3 studies, 1 with a test as a primary outcome2019: 4 studies, 2 with a test as a primary outcome2020: 2 studies, 2 with a test as a primary outcome20202021: 2 studies, 1 with a test as a primary outcome2022: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2023: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome2024: 1 studies, 1 with a test as a primary outcome2025: 2 studies, 1 with a test as a primary outcome20252026: 0 studies, 0 with a test as a primary outcome

A test as a primary outcomeOnly in secondary or other outcomes

Show as a table
Registered studies by start year
Start yearStudiesA test as a primary outcome
200000
200100
200200
200300
200400
200500
200600
200700
200800
200900
201000
201100
201210
201331
201400
201522
201620
201721
201831
201942
202022
202121
202200
202300
202411
202521
202600

Phases and study sizes

By phase

  • Phase 41 studies, 1 as a primary outcome
  • Not applicable23 studies, 11 as a primary outcome

Participants per study

102050100
  • Not applicable41 median, 31 to 89
Participants per study. The bar spans the middle half of the studies in each phase, the mark is the median, and the axis is logarithmic. Phases with fewer than 10 studies that give a size are left out.
Show as a table
Participants per study that names Operation Span, by phase
PhaseStudies with a sizeMedianMiddle half
Not applicable224131 to 89

When trials measure it

Half of the primary outcomes that name Operation Span are measured within 4 weeks of the start, and the middle half from the first day to 11 weeks. 12 primary outcomes give a duration.

Latest time point of each outcome

  • Within a day4 outcomes, 4 as a primary outcome
  • Up to 4 weeks7 outcomes, 3 as a primary outcome
  • 1 to 3 months9 outcomes, 3 as a primary outcome
  • 3 to 6 months2 outcomes, 1 as a primary outcome
  • 1 to 2 years1 outcomes, 1 as a primary outcome
  • No duration given1 outcomes, 0 as a primary outcome

A test as a primary outcomeOnly in secondary or other outcomes

23 of the 24 outcome measures give a duration. A single visit counts as within a day.

Status, results, interventions and countries

Status

  • Recruiting1 studies, 1 as a primary outcome
  • Not yet recruiting1 studies, 1 as a primary outcome
  • Completed18 studies, 7 as a primary outcome
  • Stopped early2 studies, 1 as a primary outcome
  • Status unknown2 studies, 2 as a primary outcome

What they test

  • Behavioral15 studies, 7 as a primary outcome
  • Drug3 studies, 1 as a primary outcome
  • Device2 studies, 1 as a primary outcome
  • Dietary supplement2 studies, 0 as a primary outcome
  • Other4 studies, 3 as a primary outcome

Intervention types as registered. A study can list several; observational studies often list none.

Where their sites are

  • United States7 studies, 4 as a primary outcome
  • Canada6 studies, 3 as a primary outcome
  • Iceland2 studies, 1 as a primary outcome
  • Netherlands2 studies, 0 as a primary outcome
  • Poland2 studies, 1 as a primary outcome
  • Ireland1 studies, 0 as a primary outcome
  • Israel1 studies, 1 as a primary outcome
  • Switzerland1 studies, 1 as a primary outcome

8 countries in all. A study with sites in several counts in each; 2 list no site.

Reported results

Completed studies with results posted on ClinicalTrials.gov, a results paper the registry links to the study, or both.

Completed studies that name Operation Span: 6 of 18, 33%

Every completed study with a cognitive outcome: 3,626 of 7,953, 46%

Completed studies that name Operation Span and every completed study, by how they reported results
ResultsCompleted studies that name Operation SpanEvery completed study
Results on ClinicalTrials.gov and a paper0, 0%776, 10%
Results on ClinicalTrials.gov only1, 6%1,139, 14%
A results paper only5, 28%1,711, 22%
Neither12, 67%4,327, 54%

Tests named in the same studies

The library tests that studies naming Operation Span name most often beside it.
  1. 1

    Digit Span Test9 studies, 3 as a primary outcome

  2. 2

    Symmetry Span Task8 studies, 5 as a primary outcome

  3. 3

    Matrix Reasoning7 studies, 3 as a primary outcome

  4. 4

    Stroop Color-Word Test6 studies, 4 as a primary outcome

  5. 5

    Trail Making Test4 studies, 2 as a primary outcome

  6. 6

    N-Back Task3 studies, 3 as a primary outcome

  7. 7

    Reading Span Task3 studies, 1 as a primary outcome

  8. 8

    Verbal Learning3 studies, 1 as a primary outcome

  9. 9

    Sternberg Memory Scanning2 studies, 2 as a primary outcome

  10. 10

    Cancellation Test2 studies, 1 as a primary outcome

A test as a primary outcomeOnly in secondary or other outcomes

Compared over time

Studies per start year for Operation Span and the tests named with it most. Add or remove tests to compare.
Operation Span24 studies, 2000 to 2026
01002002000201020202026
Digit Span Test1,619 studies, 2000 to 2026
01002002000201020202026
Matrix Reasoning269 studies, 2000 to 2026
01002002000201020202026
Stroop Color-Word Test1,922 studies, 2000 to 2026
01002002000201020202026

The panel's testThe other tests chosenEvery panel has the same scale. 2026 is partly planned starts.

Show as a table
Registered studies per start year that name each test
Start yearOperation SpanDigit Span TestMatrix ReasoningStroop Color-Word Test
20000303
20010203
20020115
20030412
20040418
200507111
20060406
2007014113
2008019215
2009022516
2010037429
2011026731
20121361032
20133441342
2014049564
20152791667
20162691085
20172821079
201838518103
2019411017119
20202901499
2021212226151
2022012121168
2023016419198
2024114120182
2025214729198
2026013718193

Explore the 24 studies

Filter by condition, phase, sponsor, status, country, intervention, outcome list, size and start year. Each study links to its record on ClinicalTrials.gov.
TestOperation Span

24 studies match. 12 name Operation Span in a primary outcome. Median size 41 participants. Median time to the primary outcome: 4 weeks.

Loading 24 studies; the filters turn on when they arrive.

By start year
012342000: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome20002001: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2002: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2003: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2004: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2005: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome20052006: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2007: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2008: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2009: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2010: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome20102011: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2012: 1 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2013: 3 studies, 1 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2014: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2015: 2 studies, 2 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome20152016: 2 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2017: 2 studies, 1 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2018: 3 studies, 1 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2019: 4 studies, 2 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2020: 2 studies, 2 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome20202021: 2 studies, 1 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2022: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2023: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2024: 1 studies, 1 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome2025: 2 studies, 1 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome20252026: 0 studies, 0 naming Operation Span in a primary outcome

2026 is partly planned starts.

Show as a table
Matching studies by start year
Start yearStudiesAs a primary outcome
200000
200100
200200
200300
200400
200500
200600
200700
200800
200900
201000
201100
201210
201331
201400
201522
201620
201721
201831
201942
202022
202121
202200
202300
202411
202521
202600

Library tests named most

  • Operation Span24 studies, 12 as a primary outcome
  • Digit Span Test9 studies, 3 as a primary outcome
  • Symmetry Span Task8 studies, 5 as a primary outcome
  • Matrix Reasoning7 studies, 3 as a primary outcome
  • Stroop Color-Word Test6 studies, 4 as a primary outcome
  • Trail Making Test4 studies, 2 as a primary outcome
  • N-Back Task3 studies, 3 as a primary outcome
  • Reading Span Task3 studies, 1 as a primary outcome
  • Verbal Learning3 studies, 1 as a primary outcome
  • Sternberg Memory Scanning2 studies, 2 as a primary outcome

Largest condition groups

Phases

Participants

Lead sponsor: industry 1, other 23. Interventional 24.

As a primary outcomeSecondary or other outcomeOperation Span

The studies, newest registration first

Each number opens the study's record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Registered studies that match the filters, newest registration first, with the library tests each one names and the outcome list that names them.
StudyStartPhaseConditionsParticipantsLead sponsorStatusLibrary tests named, with the latest time point
NCT07659171Start2019PhaseNot applicableConditionsDepression and bipolar disorder, Sleep and sleep disorders, Anxiety, PTSD and OCDParticipants39Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompletedLibrary tests named
  • Digit Span TestSecondary3 weeks
  • Operation SpanSecondary3 weeks
NCT07405632Start2025PhaseNot applicableConditionsOther conditionsParticipants85Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompletedLibrary tests named
  • Verbal LearningPrimary8 weeks
  • Digit Span TestSecondary8 weeks
  • Symbol CodingSecondary8 weeks
  • Matrix ReasoningOther outcomesame day
  • Cancellation TestPrimary8 weeks
  • Recognition Memory TestPrimary8 weeks
  • Operation SpanSecondary8 weeks
  • Posner CueingPrimary8 weeks
NCT06874387Start2025PhaseNot applicableConditionsOther conditionsParticipants176Lead sponsorOtherStatusNot yet recruitingLibrary tests named
  • Trail Making TestPrimary4 months
  • Stroop Color-Word TestPrimary4 months
  • N-Back TaskPrimary4 months
  • Task Switching TestPrimary4 months
  • Operation SpanPrimary4 months
NCT06235840Start2018PhaseNot applicableConditionsDementia and Alzheimer's, Aging, frailty and exerciseParticipants117Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompleted

Paper

Library tests named
  • Stroop Color-Word TestPrimary4 weeks
  • Digit Span TestSecondary4 weeks
  • Symbol CodingSecondary4 weeks
  • N-Back TaskPrimary4 weeks
  • Matrix ReasoningSecondary4 weeks
  • Operation SpanPrimary4 weeks
NCT05884671Start2021PhaseNot applicableConditionsOther conditionsParticipants47Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompletedLibrary tests named
  • Digit Span TestSecondary
  • Simon TaskPrimary8 months
  • Operation SpanSecondary
  • Retro-Cue TaskPrimary16 weeks
NCT05672771Start2020PhaseNot applicableConditionsAging, frailty and exerciseParticipants90Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompleted

Results

Library tests named
  • Operation SpanPrimary6 weeks
  • Lexical Decision TaskPrimary6 weeks
  • Reading Span TaskPrimary6 weeks
NCT05298189Start2021PhaseNot applicableConditionsOther conditionsParticipants100Lead sponsorIndustryStatusStatus unknownLibrary tests named
  • Operation SpanPrimarysame day
  • Symmetry Span TaskPrimarysame day
NCT05272397Start2019PhaseNot applicableConditionsOther conditionsParticipants36Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompletedLibrary tests named
  • Go/No-Go TaskSecondary
  • Vocabulary TestOther outcome
  • Operation SpanOther outcome4 weeks
  • Reading Span TaskOther outcome4 weeks
NCT04698577Start2018PhaseNot applicableConditionsOther conditionsParticipants36Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompletedLibrary tests named
  • Digit Span TestSecondary12 weeks
  • Sustained Attention to ResponsePrimary12 weeks
  • Operation SpanSecondary12 weeks
  • Symmetry Span TaskSecondary12 weeks
NCT04418856Start2020PhaseNot applicableConditionsDepression and bipolar disorder, Cancer, Sleep and sleep disorders, Pain and fatigueParticipants260Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompleted

Paper

Library tests named
  • Trail Making TestPrimary14 months
  • Stroop Color-Word TestPrimary14 months
  • Verbal FluencyPrimary14 months
  • Digit Span TestPrimary14 months
  • Category FluencyPrimary14 months
  • Psychomotor Vigilance TaskPrimary14 months
  • Operation SpanPrimary14 months
NCT04109027Start2024PhaseNot applicableConditionsBrain injury and concussionParticipants20Lead sponsorOtherStatusRecruitingLibrary tests named
  • Operation SpanPrimary2 weeks
NCT04042779Start2019PhaseNot applicableConditionsOther conditionsParticipants131Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompletedLibrary tests named
  • Trail Making TestSecondary12 weeks
  • Verbal LearningSecondary12 weeks
  • Complex Figure Copy and RecallSecondary12 weeks
  • Matrix ReasoningSecondary12 weeks
  • Operation SpanPrimary3 weeks
  • Symmetry Span TaskPrimary3 weeks
  • Rotation Span TaskPrimary3 weeks
NCT03951883Start2019PhaseNot applicableConditionsOther conditionsParticipants18Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompletedLibrary tests named
  • Picture Naming TestPrimary12 weeks
  • Eriksen Flanker TaskPrimary12 weeks
  • Stop-Signal TaskPrimary12 weeks
  • Matrix ReasoningPrimary12 weeks
  • Operation SpanPrimary12 weeks
NCT03670186Start2018PhaseNot applicableConditionsOther conditionsParticipants18Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompletedLibrary tests named
  • Operation SpanSecondary8 weeks
NCT03103243Start2017PhaseNot applicableConditionsOther conditionsParticipants30Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompletedLibrary tests named
  • Emoji Emotion RecognitionSecondary2 weeks
  • Balloon RiskSecondary2 weeks
  • Operation SpanSecondary2 weeks
NCT02862236Start2017PhasePhase 4ConditionsHealthy volunteers, Anxiety, PTSD and OCDParticipants104Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompleted

Paper

Library tests named
  • Digit Span TestPrimarysame day
  • Go/No-Go TaskPrimarysame day
  • Operation SpanPrimarysame day
  • Symmetry Span TaskPrimarysame day
NCT02766296Start2016PhaseNot applicableConditionsAnxiety, PTSD and OCDParticipants33Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompletedLibrary tests named
  • Operation SpanSecondary5 weeks
  • Reading Span TaskSecondary5 weeks
  • Symmetry Span TaskSecondary5 weeks
NCT02476331Start2015PhaseNot applicableConditionsDepression and bipolar disorderParticipantsNot givenLead sponsorOtherStatusStopped earlyLibrary tests named
  • Stroop Color-Word TestPrimary10 weeks
  • Digit Span TestPrimary10 weeks
  • N-Back TaskPrimary10 weeks
  • Matrix ReasoningPrimary10 weeks
  • Delay DiscountingOther outcome10 weeks
  • Emotional Stroop TaskPrimary10 weeks
  • Indirect Hints TaskOther outcome10 weeks
  • Operation SpanPrimary10 weeks
NCT02405351Start2015PhaseNot applicableConditionsStrokeParticipants7Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompletedLibrary tests named
  • Trail Making TestSecondarysame day
  • Stroop Color-Word TestSecondarysame day
  • Verbal LearningSecondarysame day
  • Verbal FluencySecondarysame day
  • Digit Span TestSecondarysame day
  • Short Story RecallSecondarysame day
  • Cancellation TestSecondarysame day
  • Sternberg Memory ScanningPrimarysame day
  • Operation SpanPrimarysame day
  • Symmetry Span TaskPrimarysame day
NCT02399293Start2013PhaseNot applicableConditionsBrain injury and concussionParticipants78Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompletedLibrary tests named
  • Stroop Color-Word TestSecondary6 weeks
  • Matrix ReasoningPrimary6 weeks
  • Operation SpanSecondary6 weeks
NCT02294812Start2016PhaseNot applicableConditionsHearing lossParticipants42Lead sponsorOtherStatusStopped earlyLibrary tests named
  • Eriksen Flanker TaskSecondary4 months
  • Simon TaskSecondary4 months
  • Operation SpanSecondary4 months
NCT01897064Start2012PhaseNot applicableConditionsSchizophrenia and psychosisParticipants41Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompleted

Paper

Library tests named
  • Continuous Performance TestWording unclear
  • AX Continuous Performance TestSecondary12 weeks
  • Probabilistic Reward TaskSecondary12 weeks
  • Operation SpanSecondary12 weeks
  • Symmetry Span TaskSecondary12 weeks
NCT01776359Start2013PhaseNot applicableConditionsObesity and diabetesParticipants40Lead sponsorOtherStatusCompleted

Paper

Library tests named
  • Operation SpanSecondary4 weeks
NCT01647698Start2013PhaseNot applicableConditionsParkinson's diseaseParticipants30Lead sponsorOtherStatusStatus unknownLibrary tests named
  • Matrix ReasoningSecondarysame day
  • Sternberg Memory ScanningPrimarysame day
  • Operation SpanPrimarysame day
  • Symmetry Span TaskPrimarysame day

Page 1 of 1

Questions, answered from the data

How many clinical trials use Operation Span?

24 registered studies on ClinicalTrials.gov name it in an outcome measure, 12 of them in a primary outcome.

In which conditions do trials use Operation Span?

Most often in depression and bipolar disorder (3), anxiety, PTSD and OCD (3) and brain injury and concussion (2).

Do new trials use Operation Span more or less?

0.1% of the studies that started in 2021 to 2025 name it, against 0.3% of those that started in 2016 to 2020: a share 76% smaller.

Which tests do trials use with Operation Span?

The Digit Span Test (9 studies), the Symmetry Span Task (8 studies) and Matrix Reasoning (7 studies).

When do trials measure Operation Span?

Half of the primary outcomes that name Operation Span are measured within 4 weeks of the start, and the middle half from the first day to 11 weeks. 12 primary outcomes give a duration.

How many completed trials that use Operation Span have reported results?

6 of the 18 completed studies that name it, 33%, have reported results: 1 posted them on ClinicalTrials.gov, 5 have a results paper linked to the registry record, and 0 did both. The other 12 show neither. Of all completed studies with a cognitive outcome, 46% have reported results.

More on tests in clinical trials

  • Operation Span: what it measures, its scores, and a version to try
  • All 101 tests in clinical trials
  • Cognitive tests by condition
  • Every registered study, by test, condition, phase and year

How the studies are counted

For each test family, the census runs ClinicalTrials.gov's own outcome search for the family's names and reads every study first posted by the day the family was counted. These studies were read on 10 November 2026. A study counts once on a page, however many tests it names. Counts for a test cover every version of the task under any of its names, so a page can count studies that used a commercial version.

The census adds two things to each record and changes nothing in it: which outcome list names the test (primary, then secondary, then other), and the condition groups, matched on the study's condition names and MeSH terms. A study can fall in several groups; one whose only condition is cognitive impairment or decline falls in “Cognitive impairment and decline”. Studies that name only instruments outside the library count in every total and share but are not listed.

A second read on 10 November 2026 added each study's overall status, whether results are posted, its intervention types, the countries of its sites and the time frame of the outcome that names each test. A time frame counts by the latest time point it names: “Baseline, 12 and 24 weeks” is 24 weeks, a single visit is within a day, and one that names no duration, such as “end of treatment”, is left out of the timings.

A third read on 10 November 2026 added the papers the registry links to each study: those its sponsor lists as reporting results, and those PubMed links to it through the study's NCT number. A study has a results paper when one of them came out in or after the month of its primary completion and PubMed does not class it as a protocol, review or comment. A paper that never gives the NCT number is not linked, so some studies counted as reporting neither did publish.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, which does not endorse these pages. Every study line is in the data release 2.1.0, and the explorer's own file is clinical-trials-studies.json.

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