Vigilance Test Research Articles

Influence of gender and quality of sleep in cognitive impairment: A cross-sectional pilot study from Kerala, India

Background: Cognitive decline, a natural aging process, can lead to geriatric neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, which progresses rapidly, with memory complaints and deficits being particularly risky. Sleep is crucial for psychological functions and cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the connection between the sleep quality and cognitive function like working memory, reaction time (simple and choice reaction time), and attention (sustained/vigilant attention and divided attention) in the south Indian youth population.
 Material and methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was carried out on the 30 participants. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep quality, NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery for adults was used to assess different neuro-cognitive domains and Computerized test of reaction time to assess the simple reaction time and choice reaction time.
 Results: Participants with poor sleep quality showed impaired performance in the tests of attention (Sustained attention and Divided attention). No significant differences were observed between participants of good sleep quality and poor sleep quality in the test of working memory, N Back 1 test (t=0.539, p>0.05) and N Back 2 test of working memory (t=0.306, p>0.05).
 ConclusionL Participants with poor sleep quality significantly differed from those with good sleep quality and committed more mistakes in the triad test of divided attention, spend longer time, and committed errors in the completion of the digit vigilance test of sustained attention. Sleep patterns are associated with cognitive test performance, and optimising sleep duration and quality should be an important consideration for cognitive functions.

Evaluation of cognitive and psychomotor faculties in relation to mood-related symptoms under the conditions of sleep deprivation.

Deprivation of sleep (DS) has been associated with changes in mood and cognitive function, rapidly but transiently improving the severity of depression symptoms. However, it remains unclear whether there are differences in performance between DS responders and non-responders. The relationship between DS, mood, cognitive, and psychomotor function is also poorly understood. Participants (n = 77) underwent a baseline assessment of sleep under the control of polysomnography (PSG). Later they were subjected to DS with actigraphy monitoring. Evaluation of mood as well as completing a battery of tests assessing cognitive functions and eye-hand coordination was conducted four times, pre/post PSG and DS. Participants were further divided into respondents (RE, n = 48) and non-respondents (NR, n = 29) depending on alleviation of depression symptoms severity following DS. All participants exhibited increased response speed to visual triggers after DS compared to baseline (p = 0.024). Psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) results remained intact in the RE, whereas it was increased in the NR (p = 0.008). Exposure time in the eye-hand coordination test improved in both groups, but total error duration was reduced only in RE individuals (p < 0.001, p = 0.009 for RE and NR, respectively). All subjects were more proficient at trail-making test (p ≤ 0.001 for Part 1 and 2 in all, NR, RE). Stroop test also improved regardless of mood changes after DS (p = 0.007, p = 0.008 for Part 1 and 2, respectively); cognitive interference remained at a similar level within groups (p = 0.059, p = 0.057 for NR and RE, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between the difference in PSG morning/DS morning depression severity and vigilance (R = 0.37, p = 0.001, R = 0.33, p = 0.005, for error duration eye-hand coordination test and PVT total average score, respectively). RE tend to maintain or improve cognitive function after DS, oppositely to NR. Vigilance in particular might be tightly associated with changes in depression symptoms after DS. Future studies should examine the biological basis behind the response to sleep loss.

ASSOCIATION OF RAPID EYE MOVEMENT SLEEP AND APOE PROTEOTYPE TO COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Exploring the multifaceted interaction of sleep, disease-related biomarkers and cognitive decline is of particular importance for aging populations. Sleep quality and the APOE E3/E4 allele has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This study aims to examine relationships between older adults’ level of cognitive performance, proportion of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and APOE proteotype. Analysis of sleep study data collected in an active lifestyle retirement community - The Villages, Florida was conducted using a subset of markers collected as part of a larger cognitive health study. Polysomnography, cognitive battery (Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA), Trail Making Tests(TMT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test(SDMT), Psychomotor Vigilance Test(PVT)), and APOE blood-biomarker (E2/E3,E3/E3,E3/E4) data were obtained from healthy participants (n=33) aged 55-65. Descriptive statistics, multilinear regression, and ANOVA were used. Participants’ mean age was 61.9 years, with 55% being male. Cognitive test scores did not show a significant relationship with REM sleep percentage (p=0.3096). No consistent dispersion or skew was shown in box plot analysis of APOE proteotype across cognitive performance measures. Unexpectedly, although not statistically significant (p=0.396), average REM sleep percentage was higher in the APOE E3/E4 group (20.04%, Mean:75.44 minutes) as compared to the E3/E3 group (15.99%,Mean: 59.07 minutes). Proteotype E3/E4 was examined specifically due to its potential association with Alzheimer’s disease. The REM sleep proportion was lower than the average experienced on a typical night at home, possibly due to study conditions. Further research is needed examining the relationship between older adults with REM sleep insufficiency and cognitive impairment.

The Relationship Between Mental Fatigue and Shooting Performance Over the Course of a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Basketball Season.

Daub, BD, McLean, BD, Heishman, AD, Peak, KM, and Coutts, AJ. The relationship between mental fatigue and shooting performance over the course of a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball season. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 334-341, 2024-The aim of this investigation was to examine the presence of mental fatigue and concurrent changes in shooting performance across various experimental weeks throughout a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball season. Fifteen elite male NCAA Division I collegiate basketball players (age 20.2 ± 1.2 years, height 199.3 ± 7.1 cm, and body mass 93.1 ± 8.6 kg) volunteered for this study. Mental fatigue and basketball shooting performance was evaluated at 4 timepoints with varying seasonal demands: high game volume (GAME), high academic load (ACADEMIC), no games and no academic load (PRACTICE), and standard number of games and academic requirements (TYPICAL). Subjective mental fatigue increased significantly ( p ≤ 0.05) from Pre to Post brief psychomotor vigilance test (PVT-B) measurements at the end of the ACADEMIC week ( p = 0.002, d = 1.51) and from beginning to end of the ACADEMIC week ( p < 0.001, d = 2.21). Ratings of mental effort were significantly increased during the ACADEMIC week ( p < 0.001, d = 1.67). Recovery stress questionnaire (REST-Q) showed significant differences between week GAME and ACADEMIC with an increase in Social Stress ( p = 0.001, d = 0.84), Fatigue ( p = 0.021, d = 1.12), Disturbed Breaks ( p = 0.024, d = 0.57), and Emotional Exhaustion ( p = 0.035, d = 0.75). Lower shooting performance was observed during the ACADEMIC week from Pre to Post ( p = 0.009, d = 0.35) and higher scores Pre to Post in the TYPICAL week ( p = 0.008, d = 0.25). Basketball shooting performance was significantly reduced after increased levels of mental fatigue stemming from added academic stress. In addition, an increase in sport-specific training or games had no effect on subsequent basketball shooting performance. Special consideration should be given by coaches around examination periods because the existence of academic stressors can influence basketball shooting performance.

Glymphatic function maintains sleep‐sensitive cognitive performance and predicts overnight changes in plasma amyloid β in humans

AbstractBackgroundDuring sleep, the glymphatic system facilitates rapid exchange of fluid through brain tissues, clearing solutes, including amyloid β (Aβ), tau, and α synuclein that accumulate through the course of waking activity. Glymphatic clearance is widely believed to underlie the restorative effects of sleep on cognition, and its impairment is proposed to reflect the biological basis for the corrosive effects of sleep disruption. We sought to determine if glymphatic function or sleep EEG predicted changes in cognitive performance and overnight differences in Aβ biomarker levels using a new non‐invasive investigational medical device (IMD) to measure glymphatic function by dynamic impedance spectro‐tomography.MethodEighteen healthy 50‐65 y/o participants were enrolled in a cross‐over randomized control clinical trial encompassing one night of sleep and one night of sleep deprivation. Participants were instrumented with the IMD and overnight change in brain parenchymal resistance to flow, R, was measured. Sleep EEG powerbands, slow (0.4‐1Hz), delta (1‐4Hz), beta (15‐30Hz), and time spent in N2, N3 and REM sleep were derived from the device EEG. In both sleep and sleep deprivation interventions, cognitive tests (symbol digit modality test, SDMT; psychomotor vigilance test, PVT) were administered at 7am and blood Aβ biomarkers (Aβ40; Aβ42) were taken at 10pm and 7am.ResultOvernight parenchymal resistance R predicted intraindividual paired differences (sleep – sleep deprivation) in cognitive test scores (A SDMT ρ = ‐0.65, p = 0.003; B PVT STD RT, ρ = 0.41, p = 0.095) and Aβ42 blood amyloid biomarker changes (C Aβ42 ρ = ‐0.53, p = 0.03; D Aβ40 ρ = ‐0.33, p = 0.21). Sleep EEG powerbands and time spent in N2, N3, and REM sleep were not predictive of sleep‐related changes in cognition or plasma Aβ biomarker levels.ConclusionGlymphatic function, measured continuously by dynamic impedance spectro‐tomography, predicted changes in the restorative effect of sleep on cognition and plasma Ab biomarker levels as hypothesized, but not previously demonstrated. In contrast, sleep EEG powerbands and time spent in N2, N3 and REM were not predictive. Detection of glymphatic impairment in real‐world settings may permit (i) early identification of individuals at‐risk for developing sleep‐related Alzheimer’s disease pathology, and (ii) enable precision targeted enhancement of glymphatic function to enhance glymphatic function and pathological protein clearance.

Impact of an exergame intervention on cognitive-motor functions and training experience in young team sports athletes: a non-randomized controlled trial

IntroductionTeam sports athletes need excellent perceptual-cognitive skills, particularly executive functions (EF) to strategically perform on the field. The transfer effect of cognitive training might be accomplished by the inclusion of cognitive stimuli into a physically active environment as these couplings are required in real game situations. A training approach that combines both components is exergaming. The primary objective of this study was to gain preliminary insights into the effects of exergaming on cognitive-motor functions in young team sports athletes. The secondary objective was to investigate participants' training experience and well-being over time.MethodsParticipants were assigned to the intervention or control group. In the intervention group, participants trained with the ExerCube—a mixed reality exergame. The training was planned for 10 weeks (two sessions per week à 25 min) but had to be shortened by 2 weeks due to COVID-19 restrictions. The control group had no additional training. Outcomes included a computer-based alertness test and a cognitive-motor test battery to assess different EF (flexibility, divided attention, and inhibition) via a FitLight Trainer setup.ResultsTwenty-four athletes [mean age (±SD) 15.0 ± 0.7 years], evenly split into the intervention group (N = 12; male N = 6; female N = 6; 14.7 ± 0.5 years) and the control group (N = 12; male N = 7; female N = 5; 15.3 ± 0.8 years), participated in the study. Participants in the intervention group performed on average 9.4 ± 3.3 training sessions over 8 weeks. Significant time x group interaction effects were evident for the cognitive-motor sub-tests flexibility (F = 12.176, p &amp;lt; 0.001, d = 1.488) and divided attention for auditive stimuli (F = 9.776, p = 0.002, d = 1.404) in favour of the intervention group. For the alertness test, a medium effect size (time x group interaction) was seen for the variability of the reaction time (F = 2.196, p = 0.138, d = 0.632) in favour of the intervention group. Training experience and well-being were consistently at medium to high levels.ConclusionThe ExerCube training yielded positive effects on concentration, flexibility, and divided attention indicating that exergaming can be an innovative training approach for team sports athletes.

A Ketone Monoester with Carbohydrate Improves Cognitive Measures Postexercise, but Not Performance in Trained Females.

The acute ingestion of a ketone monoester with the coingestion of a carbohydrate (KME + CHO) compared with carbohydrate (CHO) was investigated on cycling performance and cognitive performance in trained females. Using a two condition, placebo-controlled, double-blinded and crossover design, 12 trained females (mean ± SD: age, 23 ± 3 yr; height, 1.64 ± 0.08 m; mass, 65.2 ± 12.7 kg) completed a baseline assessment of cognitive performance (psychomotor vigilance testing (PVT), task switching, and incongruent flanker), followed by 6 × 5-min intervals at 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65% of their maximal power output (W max ) and then a 10-km time trial, concluding with the same assessments of cognitive performance. Participants consumed either 375 mg·kg -1 body mass of KME with a 6% CHO solution (1 g·min -1 of exercise) or CHO alone, across three boluses (50:25:25). Blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations averaged 1.80 ± 0.07 and 0.13 ± 0.01 mM during exercise in KME + CHO and CHO, respectively. Blood glucose decreased after drink 1 of KME + CHO (~15%; P = 0.01) but not CHO, and lactate concentrations were lower in KME + CHO at 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65% W max (all P < 0.05) compared with CHO. Despite these changes, no differences were found between conditions for time trial finishing times (KME + CHO, 29.7 ± 5.7 min; CHO, 29.6 ± 5.7 min; P = 0.92). However, only KME + CHO resulted in increases in psychomotor vigilance testing speed (~4%; P = 0.01) and faster reaction times (~14%; P < 0.01), speed (~15%; P < 0.01), and correct responses (~13%; P = 0.03) in the incongruent flanker during posttesting compared with CHO. The acute ingestion of a KME + CHO elevated blood β-hydroxybutyrate and lowered glucose and lactate across multiple time points during exercise compared with CHO. Although these changes did not affect physical performance, several markers of cognitive performance were improved by the addition of a KME in trained females.

Attention Test Assessment from a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of Caregiver Training for Ugandan Preschool Children Living with Perinatal HIV

ABSTRACTFifty-six Ugandan mothers/caregivers received Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers (MISC) biweekly for one year; 46 mothers received treatment-as-usual. Preschool PHIV child attention was measured by proportion of time viewing a 7-min animation (early childhood vigilance test or ECVT) at enrollment, 6 and 12 months. Analysis of covariance compared ECVT outcomes for the two intervention groups, controlling for baseline ECVT performance, age and weight-for-age z scores. Differences by trial arm were not significant at any of the three time points. MISC trial-arm children on combination ART during the study period displayed more stable ECVT scores across time points compared to controls.

Macronutrient intake and alertness during night shifts - the time interval matters.

Working night shifts is associated with higher safety risks due to shift work-related fatigue. Nutrition, especially certain (macro) nutrient compositions, has been suggested to reduce fatigue, however, results of studies are contradictory. This could be explained by differences in the time interval investigated between the consumption of a meal and measurement of cognitive performance. Therefore, this observational study investigated the association between macronutrient intake and objective alertness at different time intervals during the night shift in nurses. 128 nurses, aged 20-61 years, completed an alertness test (Psychomotor Vigilance Task) during the night shift and a 24-h dietary recall after the night shift. This was repeated three times, always on the first night shift in a night shift series. The associations between macronutrient intake 0 to 1, 1 to 2, and 2 to 3 h before the PVT with alertness during the night shift were analyzed through Linear Mixed Models. The basic model was adjusted for age and gender and the adjusted model additionally for BMI, start time of PVT and energy and caffeine intake during the relevant time interval. Protein intake was not associated with objective alertness levels, while fat and carbohydrates intake had opposite associations with objective alertness levels over similar time intervals. Fat intake up to 1 h prior to the PVT was borderline associated with a longer median reaction time (RT) (ß = 9.00 ms/10 g fat, 95% CI: -0.21, 18.20), while a higher carbohydrate intake up to 1 h prior to the PVT was borderline associated with shorter median RTs (ß = -3.89, 95% CI: -7.85, 0.06). A higher fat intake 2 to 3 h prior to the PVT was associated with less lapses (log transformed ß = -0.16; 95% CI: -0.31, -0.02), while a higher carbohydrate intake 2 to 3 h prior to the PVT was associated with more lapses (ß = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.12). Our results contribute to understanding the association between macronutrient intake, as part of a mixed meal, and alertness levels. Conflicting results from previous studies may probably be due to time differences between macronutrient intake and alertness testing.

Can we rely on wearable sleep-tracker devices for fatigue management?

Wearable sleep-tracker devices are ubiquitously used to measure sleep; however, the estimated sleep parameters often differ from the gold-standard polysomnography (PSG). It is unclear to what extent we can tolerate these errors within the context of a particular clinical or operational application. Here, we sought to develop a method to quantitatively determine whether a sleep tracker yields acceptable sleep-parameter estimates for assessing alertness impairment. Using literature data, we characterized sleep-measurement errors of 18 unique sleep-tracker devices with respect to PSG. Then, using predictions based on the unified model of performance, we compared the temporal variation of alertness in terms of the psychomotor vigilance test mean response time for simulations with and without added PSG-device sleep-measurement errors, for nominal schedules of 5, 8, or 9 hours of sleep/night or an irregular sleep schedule each night for 30 consecutive days. Finally, we deemed a device error acceptable when the predicted differences were smaller than the within-subject variability of 30 milliseconds. We also established the capability to estimate the extent to which a specific sleep-tracker device meets this acceptance criterion. On average, the 18 sleep-tracker devices overestimated sleep duration by 19 (standard deviation = 44) minutes. Using these errors for 30 consecutive days, we found that, regardless of sleep schedule, in nearly 80% of the time the resulting predicted alertness differences were smaller than 30 milliseconds. We provide a method to quantitatively determine whether a sleep-tracker device produces sleep measurements that are operationally acceptable for fatigue management.

Silver Lining Study: Missileer Fatigue Mitigation During 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic.

The U.S. Air Force's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) force stands ready to launch weapons 365 days per year. Since its inception, missileers vigilantly operate launch consoles on a 3-day cycle: minimum 24-hour alert-shift/24-hour travel-admin/24-hour off, leading to concerns that health, morale, and alertness are chronically impacted. In 2020, a Missileer Occupational Health Assessment (OHA) revealed 76% of respondents struggle with being rested for duty and 29% of respondents never feel adequately rested for duty. Later that year, 20th Air Force initiated long-duration operations to safeguard from the SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) Pandemic, resulting in increased operations tempo, and exacerbating crew fatigue.341st Operations Group and 341st Medical Group at Malmstrom Air Force Base enacted interventions to mitigate crew fatigue and support continued readiness during pandemic operations. They recorded, analyzed, and compiled findings in this report, including recommendations for long-term ICBM operations at Missile Wings. All participants were Nuclear and Missile Operations Officers, or missileers, were continuously evaluated with qualitative and quantitative measures to ensure safety of the force during a period of unprecedented change. Interventions implemented and evaluated during the 9-month period included: environmental modifications, scheduling changes, and crew education on fatigue management, nutrition, anticipatory sleep preparation, and fitness. Most notably, the 341st Operations Group examined various 3-person and 4-person shift-length and alert duration schedules. Psychomotor vigilance testing results validated safety of operators and delta between pre- and post-shift measurements. Crew force readiness trends were analyzed for force-health awareness. Pre- and post-OHA results were compared for subjective changes. Fatigue and health-related outcomes were collected from a safety monitoring effort during standard and COVID-19 operations at 341st Missile Wing. Findings from qualitative and quantitative data indicate the optimal schedule is a 3-week cycle:7-day alert/7-day recovery/7-day training-administrative utilizing 4-member or 3-member crews for low tempo operations. Crews experimented with shift-lengths of 24hrs-on/24hrs-off, 16hrs-on/8hrs-off, and 12hrs-on/12hrs-off. Maximum safe alert duration is 7 days due to task fatigue onset between 8 and 10 days. Short and long duration Duties Not to Include Flight (DNIF) (also known as Duties Not to Include Alert (DNIA) among missileers) rates decreased from the first to last month of the period by 74.6% and 79.2%, respectively. The number of alerts missed per month decreased 86% from baseline. The 2021 OHA found a 7% decline in members seeking separation, and absence of sleep, fatigue, and physical or mental health as missileer concerns. This analysis has identified a sustainable alert rotation of 7/7/7 with emphasis on protected recovery and training time and has been continued after concluding pandemic operations, creating consistent schedule stability where there once was none. If executed properly, this alert rotation, regardless of shift-length selected, has potential to improve trust between crews and leadership, provides adequate recovery time between alerts to maintain health, and improves wellness, family stability, morale, unit cohesion, and crew force retention. Notably, all Air Force Global Strike Missile Operations Groups adjusted scheduling practices to align with these findings.

Fatigue risk assessment of a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service crew working a 24/7 shift pattern: results of a prospective service evaluation

BackgroundThe work of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) teams crosses the boundaries of several high-risk occupations including medicine, aviation, and transport. Working conditions can be challenging and operational demands requires a 24-h rota, resulting in disruption of the normal circadian rhythm. HEMS crews are therefore prone to both mental and physical fatigue. As fatigue in medical providers is linked to poor cognitive performance, degradation of psychomotor skills and error, this study aimed to explore the existence of predictable patterns of crew-fatigue in a HEMS service.MethodsHEMS medical crew members working a 3-on 3-off forward rotating rota with a 5-week shift cycle were asked to do psychomotor vigilance tests (PVT) as an objective measure of fatigue. PVT testing was undertaken at the start, mid- and at the end of every shift during a full 5-week shift cycle. In addition, they were asked to score subjective tiredness with the Samn-Perelli Fatigue Scale (SPFS), and to keep a Transport Fatigue Assessment shift log, wherein they noted shift characteristics potentially related to fatigue. Primary outcome of interest was defined as the change in PVT and SPFS scores over time.ResultsMean baseline resting PVT in milliseconds at the start of the study period was 427 [390–464]. There was an overall trend towards higher PVT-scores with shift progression mean [95% CI] PVT at the start of shifts 447 [433–460]; halfway through the shift 452 [440–463]; end of the shift 459 [444–475], p = 0.10), whereas SPFS scores remained constant. Within a 5 week forward-rotating cycle, an overall trend towards a gradual increase in both average PVT (from 436 [238–454] to 460 [371–527, p = 0.68] ms;) and SPFS (from 2.9 [2.6–3.2] to 3.6 [3.1–4.0], p = 0.38) was observed, although significant interindividual variation was present. Reported SPFS scores ≥ 4 (moderate fatigue) were mainly related to workload (number of jobs) and transport mode (car-based shifts).ConclusionAn overall trend towards a decline in psychomotor vigilance and an increase in self-reported tiredness was found for HEMS crew over a 5-week shift cycle. Using a bespoke predictive fatigue tool on a day-to-day basis could increase fatigue awareness and provide a framework to which relevant mitigating options can be applied.

Field-based longitudinal evaluation of multimodal worker fatigue assessments in offshore shiftwork

Fatigue in offshore environments is a critical safety hazard, yet the utility of daily fatigue assessments has not been longitudinally examined in these environments. The aim of this exploratory longitudinal field study across two drillships in the Gulf of Mexico was to determine the changes in subjective, performance-based, and physiological fatigue measures over time across different shift types (day, night, and swing) and to identify correlations between these multimodal fatigue assessments. Repeated measures correlation analyses of daily fatigue data from seventy offshore workers revealed that while total sleep time remained unaffected by time on rig, workers’ performances on the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) deteriorated over time across all shift types. Several correlations between the various multimodal measures were consistent with the extant literature on worker fatigue symptoms and perceptual and physiological manifestations. These findings emphasize the utility of PVT and single item self-reports to capture worker fatigue in offshore shiftwork.

Mental fatigue impairs repeated sprint and jump performance in team sport athletes

ObjectivesWe tested whether mental fatigue (MF), induced by a cognitively-demanding task, would impair repeated sprint ability (RSA) and repeated jump ability (RJA) performance, and whether physical fatigue and MF would impair psychomotor vigilance. DesignRandomized within-participant design. MethodsAfter establishing baseline peak countermovement jump (CMJ), 18 male participants performed 12 maximal 20-m (10-m linear + 10-m directional) repeated sprints (RSA random test) followed by 12 maximal repeated CMJs (RJA test) subsequent to 30-min Stroop task (MF) or a documentary (Control). Peak and mean running time and height, percent decrement score (Sdec), blood lactate, heart rate and RPE were measured for CMJ, RSA, and RJA tests. MF (M-VAS) and psychomotor vigilance [psychomotor vigilance test (PVT)] were measured at baseline, after each condition, and after the RSA/RJA tests. ResultsCompared to Control, the Stroop task elevated MF (p = .001), RPE ratings (all p < .031), and mean and Sdec performance in directional (but not linear) RSA (all p < .032) and RJA tests (all p < .034). PVT score worsened after Stroop task (p = .011) but not Control, declined after RSA/RJA tests in both conditions (all p < .023) and was lower in the MF condition (p = .029). No condition differences were noted for peak (CMJ, RSA and RJA tests) performance, blood lactate, and heart rate. ConclusionsMF impairs directional RSA, and RJA performance. This impairment was linked with increased RPE and without physiological changes. The progressive impairment in PVT score suggests a cumulatively negative effect of mental and physical fatigue on psychomotor vigilance.

Fatigue among Air crews on (Ultra)-Long-Range flights – A comparison of subjective fatigue with objective concentration ability

IntroductionLong duty times are common in the aviation industry, especially with the introduction of ultra long range flights (ULR). This article aims to compare the subjective fatigue assessment and concentration ability of flight crews with objective concentration and alertness tests during (U)LR-flights. MethodThe study examined different (U)LR-flights. Before, during and after the flights subjective fatigue and concentration ability of the flight crew was examined with visual analog scale and objective attention and concentration ability with the FAIR-2 test respectively the 3-min Psychomotor Vigilance Test. For statistical analysis we used a repeated ANOVA with a post-hoc-analysis and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test for connected samples. ResultsIn total 28 crew members were examined. Subjective concentration ability declined and fatigue increased significantly over the course of flights. However, no significant changes were observed in the objective concentration tests performed before and after the flights. ConclusionsThe study found that fatigue significantly increased with flight time, particularly during night hours at the window of circadian low of the crews. However, objective concentration performance showed no significant deterioration over time. The study's results were consistent with previous research, except for the finding that objective concentration was still stable. The study also compared the findings to another profession and found similar results regarding the performance of complex tasks after long working hours while experiencing fatigue. Pratical applicationsThis study helps to understand the effects of ultra long-range flight on fatigue and concentration of the air crew and can help to improve safety issues on such flights.

26 Cognitive Correlates of Functional Assessment Tool in Veterans with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective:Limitations of traditional neuropsychological assessment include testing in a highly controlled environment designed to minimize distraction. While informative, it may not fully capture real-world cognitive functioning. This may be particularly important for individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), a subset of whom report subtle challenges with complex cognitive functioning that are not consistently captured by neuropsychological assessment. The objective of this study was to extend previous work examining cognitive correlates of performance on functional assessment tool, the Goal Processing Sale (GPS), in a larger sample of Veterans with mTBI.Participants and Methods:46 Veterans with chronic mTBI completed GPS and neuropsychological measures (mean age = 43.5; education = 15 years; 89% male). 93% of participants had clinically significant PTSD (PCL-M &gt; 31). The GPS is an ecologically valid assessment in which participants plan and execute a complex task following specified rules under a time constraint. Performance is rated on a 0 (not able) to 10 (absolutely not a problem) scale in 8 domains: 1) Planning, 2) Initiation, 3) Self-Monitoring, 4) Maintenance of Attention, 5) Sequencing and Switching of Attention, 6) Flexible Problem Solving, 7) Task Execution, and 8) Learning and Memory. The GPS Overall Performance is average of 8 domain scores. Neuropsychological assessment data were scored using standardized norms and transformed into z-scores. Scores were averaged into 2 domains: 1) Overall Attention/Executive Function (4 subdomains: Working Memory [Auditory Consonant Trigrams, WAIS-III Letter Number Sequencing], Sustained Attention [Digit Vigilance Test], Inhibition [D-KEFS Stroop Inhibition], Mental Flexibility [Trail Making Test B, D-KEFS Stroop Inhibition Switching, Design Fluency Switching, Verbal Fluency Switching]) and 2) Overall Memory (2 subdomains: Total Recall [HVLT-R, BVMT-R], and Delayed Recall [HVLT-R, BVMT-R]).Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine relation between overall GPS and overall executive function performance, as well as 8 GPS subdomain and 8 neuropsychological domain/subdomain scores. To adjust for multiple comparisons, p &lt; .01 was used.Results:Overall GPS performance was statistically significantly related to Overall Attention/Executive Functioning and Overall Memory. Investigating further, multiple significant subdomain relations emerged. GPS Planning was related to Inhibition. GPS Self-Monitoring and GPS Task Execution were related to Mental Flexibility. GPS Maintenance of Attention and GPS Flexible Problem Solving were related to Mental Flexibility and Inhibition. GPS Sequencing and Switching of Attention was related to Mental Flexibility and Total Recall.GPS Learning and Memory was related to Working Memory, Mental Flexibility, and Inhibition. GPS Initiation was not related to neuropsychological measures.Conclusions:Current findings build upon prior work establishing validity of GPS functional assessment measure (Novakovic-Agopian et al., 2012). Seven of 8 GPS subdomains were related to at least one aspect of executive functioning assessed with neuropsychological measures, with the majority related to mental flexibility. Taken together, findings suggest that the GPS converges with traditional measures, offering a method to capture multiple aspects of executive functioning applied together. Further, it may also be useful tool capturing aspects of executive functioning in complex, ecologically-valid settings often not captured with traditional neuropsychological assessment.

Poor sleep is associated with deficits of attention in COPD patients

BackgroundPoor sleep and attention deficits are common in COPD. ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between self-reported poor sleep and attention deficits in COPD. We also studied the association between self-reported sleep and the attention tests with the objective characteristics of sleep. MethodsFifty-nine COPD patients were prospectively studied. Self-reported sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Objective characteristics of sleep were assessed by actigraphy and polysomnography. Attention was evaluated with the Oxford sleep resistance test (OSLER) and the Psychomotor vigilance test (PVT). Results28 (47 %) patients referred poor sleep (PSQI >5). In the OSLER test they showed earlier sleep onset than patients with good sleep, median (Interquartil range): 31.2 min (25.4–40) vs 40 min (28.5–40), p: 0.048. They also spent more time making errors: 4.5 % (0.6–7.6) of total test time vs 0.7 % (0.2–5.3), p: 0.048. In PVT, patients with poor sleep presented a greater dispersion of the reaction time values with a higher value in the slowest 10 % of the reactions, 828 (609–1667) msec. vs 708 (601–993) msec, p: 0.028. No association was found between self-reported poor sleep and objective sleep variables. We found no correlation between OSLER and PVT results and polysomnographic variables except between sleep efficiency and PVT response speed (β: 0.309, p: 0.018). ConclusionSelf-reported poor sleep in COPD is associated with attention deficits. Sleep quality should be included in future studies of this facet of cognition in COPD, as well as to assess its potential usefulness as a therapeutic target.

Effects of work-related electronic communication during non-working hours after work from home and office on fatigue, psychomotor vigilance performance and actigraphic sleep: observational study on information technology workers

ObjectivesThis study examined the effects of work-related electronic communication (WREC) during non-working hours in the work from home or office setting on health.MethodsThe study recruited 98 information technology workers in...

Gamma Power as an Index of Sustained Attention in Simulated Vigilance Tasks.

Performance on the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT; Dinges & Powell, 1985)-a common index of sustained attention-is affected by the opposing forces of fatigue and sustained effort, where reaction times and error rates typically increase across trials and are sometimes offset by additional efforts deployed toward the end of the task (i.e., an "end-spurt"; cf. Bergum & Klein, 1961). In ACT-R (Adaptive Control of Thought-Rational; Anderson etal., 2004), these influences on task performance have been modeled as latent variables that are inferred from performance (e.g., Jongman, 1998; Veksler & Gunzelmann, 2018) without connections to directly observable variables. We propose the use of frontal gamma (γ) spectral power as a direct measure of vigilant effort and demonstrate its efficacy in modeling performance on the PVT in both the aggregate and inindividuals.

Implementation of a psychomotor vigilance test to investigate the effects of driving fatigue on oil and gas truck drivers' performance.

Driving fatigue has been shown to increase the risk of accidents and potentially fatal crashes. Fatigue is a serious risk that some drivers do not take seriously. Previous studies investigated the effects of driving fatigue in the Malaysian oil and gas transportation industry by employing survey questionnaires. However, they did not explain the behavior of fatigue. Besides, these results required validation by a more reliable method that can describe how fatigue occurs. Thus, in this study, we used the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT-192) and a short survey to address driving fatigue behavior and identify the influences of driving fatigue on driving performance in real life (on the road) with actual oil and gas tanker drivers. The total participants in the experimental study were 58 drivers. For the analysis, a Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, Z value and Spearman's rho were used to measure the significant difference between the pre and post-tests of PVT and the correlation between the fatigue variables and driving performance. During the experiment's first and second days, this study's results indicated that driving fatigue gradually escalated. Likewise, there was a negative correlation based on the test of the relationship between the PVT data and the driving performance survey data. Additionally, the drivers suffer from accumulative fatigue, which requires more effort from the transportation company management to promote the drivers awareness of fatigue consequences.