Arousal Scale Research Articles

An On-Chip Processor for Chronic Neurological Disorders Assistance Using Negative Affectivity Classification

Chronic neurological disorders (CND's) are lifelong diseases and cannot be eradicated, but their severe effects can be alleviated by early preemptive measures. CND's, such as Alzheimer's, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), are the chronic ailment of the central nervous system that causes the degradation of emotional and cognitive abilities. Long term continuous monitoring with neuro-feedback of human emotions for patients with CND's is crucial in mitigating its harmful effect. This paper presents hardware efficient and dedicated human emotion classification processor for CND's. Scalp EEG is used for the emotion's classification using the valence and arousal scales. A linear support vector machine classifier is used with power spectral density, logarithmic interhemispheric power spectral ratio, and the interhemispheric power spectral difference of eight EEG channel locations suitable for a wearable non-invasive classification system. A look-up-table based logarithmic division unit (LDU) is to represent the division features in machine learning (ML) applications. The implemented LDU minimizes the cost of integer division by 34% for ML applications. The implemented emotion's classification processor achieved an accuracy of 72.96% and 73.14%, respectively, for the valence and arousal classification on multiple publicly available datasets. The 2 x 3mm2 processor is fabricated using a 0.18μm 1P6M CMOS process with power and energy utilization of 2.04 mW and 16μJ/classification, respectively, for 8-channel operation.

Dissimilar perceptual response between trained women and men in resistance training to concentric failure: A quasi-experimental study

PurposeThis study compared sex-related affective responses during resistance training performed to concentric failure. MethodsThe study was a non-randomized trial (quasi-experimental study). Well-trained young participants were allocated into two groups according to sex (Women, n = 7, 21.1 ± 6.0 years, 57.6 ± 5.0 kg; and Men, n = 7, 28.3 ± 5.7 years, 88.3 ± 11.4 kg). Participants visited the laboratory three times: 1) 12-repetition maximum; 2–3) resistance training to concentric failure sessions. Perceptual measures were assessed before, during, and immediately after the resistance training sessions. The following were assessed: a) rating of perceived exertion for effort (RPE-E) and discomfort (RPE-D), b) feeling scale, c) physical activity affect scale (PAAS), d) felt arousal scale, and e) physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES). ResultsHigh levels of RPE-E and RPE-D were reported without between-groups differences (p > 0.218). Women reported a reduction in the feeling scale (p = 0.001) whereas men did not (p > 0.680). Larger effect sizes were observed for women compared to men in the felt arousal scale and PAAS (negative affect and fatigue). Feeling scale and felt arousal scale data plotted in a circumplex model of affect indicated a transition to high-activation and unpleasant-affect only for the women. There was good reliability between results from sessions 1 and 2. ConclusionsTraining to concentric failure resulted in negative changes in affective perceptual responses only for women. This type of training should be used with caution since it may change the affect perception and reduce training adherence in women. Further studies are needed using larger sample sizes, different resistance-training exercises, and diverse training methods.

Psychological Responses To Acute Exercise: A Comparison Of Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill And Cycling

Acute aerobic exercise has been shown to improve mood and affect in active adults. Lower body positive pressure treadmills (LBPPT) have been utilized to reduce loading on the musculoskeletal system and to provide an alternative to running and cross-training. While the biomechanical and physiological responses to the LBPPTs have been well-researched, little is known about psychological responses and how this compares to other forms of exercise. PURPOSE: To investigate mood, affect, and self-efficacy, following an acute, hard-intensity exercise session and compare these responses between three modalities: cycling, LBPPT running and treadmill running (NT). METHODS: 10 active adults (average age = 30 years, SD = 10.4 years) completed a 30min, high-intensity exercise session on each of three modalities in a randomized order: bike, LBPPT, and NT. Intensity was determined as 85% age-predicted maximum heart rate. Before and after each session, feeling, arousal, affect and self-efficacy were determined using the Feeling and Arousal scale (FAS), Activation-Deactivation Adjective Checklist (ADACL), and Generalized Self-efficacy survey (GSE). RESULTS: From baseline to post-exercise, there was a significant increase in feeling (2.4 ± 0.31 vs. 3.33 ± 0.29, p=0.021), arousal (3.23 ± 0.23 vs. 4.07 ± 0.31, p=0.006), and self-efficacy (31.83± 0.83 vs. 33.97± 1.16, p= 0.013) across all three modalities. However, when compared among the three modalities, there was no observed significant change in self-efficacy values from baseline to post-exercise (p=0.708). For affect (ADACL), there was an observed significant increase in energetic arousal (25.9 ± 1.12 vs. 29.43 ± 1.36, p= 0.023) and a decrease in state anxiety (20.93± 1.73 vs. 17.367± 1.08, p= 0.041) from baseline to post-exercise across all modalities, however, this did not significantly differ among the modalities. There were no other significant changes in affect observed. CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy, feeling, energetic arousal, and anxiety improves following acute, hard intensity exercise sessions; however, these changes do not differ based on exercise modality. Psychological responses to acute exercise differs between runners and non-runners. Future research should investigate how these responses may differ between the two groups based on modality.

Psychometric Properties of the Concise Associated Symptom Tracking Scale and Validation of Clinical Utility in the EMBARC Study.

ObjectiveThe authors aimed to evaluate psychometric properties of the Concise Associated Symptom Tracking (CAST) Scale and validate the clinical utility of measuring irritability by updating and replicating a previously published outcome calculator from the Combining Medications to Enhance Depression Outcomes (CO‐MED) trial.MethodsParticipants were 292 adults from the Establishing Moderators and Biosignatures of Antidepressant Response in Clinical Care (EMBARC) study who had completed the CAST scale at baseline. The scale's five‐domain (irritability, anxiety, mania, insomnia, and panic) structure was evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis. Correlations with other clinical measures were used to confirm convergent and divergent validity. Logistic regression analyses from CO‐MED were used to estimate individual outcomes in EMBARC.ResultsCronbach's alpha for the CAST scale was 0.78. Model fit for the five‐domain structure was adequate (goodness of fit index=0.93, comparative fit index=0.92, root mean square error of approximation=0.06). Scores on irritability, anxiety, panic, insomnia, and mania were correlated with scores on the Anger Attack Questionnaire irritability item (rs=0.50), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression anxiety subscale (rs=0.24), Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire anxious arousal scale (rs=0.44), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self‐Report insomnia items (rs=0.38), and Altman Self‐Rating Mania Scale (rs=0.39), respectively. Individual outcomes of remission (area under the curve [AUC]=0.805) and no meaningful benefit (AUC=0.779) were predicted with high accuracy among EMBARC participants using their baseline and week 4 scores for depression and irritability and model estimates from CO‐MED.ConclusionsMeasuring irritability may help predict clinical course. The CAST scale is a valid measure of depression‐associated symptoms, including irritability.

0145 Pre-Sleep Cognitive Arousal Decreases Following a 4-Week Introductory Mindfulness Course

Abstract Introduction Mindfulness-based training has shown potential in reducing anxious and ruminative thoughts before sleep, and improving sleep quality. However, traditional 8-week programs have limited acceptability and uptake. In this study, we aimed to test the effects of a short introductory mindfulness training course on pre-sleep arousal and sleep quality. Methods Enrollees in a 4-week Mindfulness Foundation Course were invited to participate in the study and were allocated to one of two groups: intervention (N = 57) and waitlist control (N = 39). 101 participants enrolled in the experiment and 96 completed the protocol (mean(sd) age = 49.5(1.5), 56 female). Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) and the pre-sleep arousal scale (PSAS), and were monitored by actigraphy for a week at baseline and post-intervention. To test the effect of the intervention, outcome variables were subjected to repeated-measures ANCOVA with group as a between-subject variable, and age, gender, and years of education as covariates using intent-to-treat analysis. Results PSQI scores improved across both groups (treatment: t56=4.25, p<.001, mean(sd) = 6.93(3.25)); waitlist: t38=3.27, p=.002, mean(sd) = 7.15(3.55)); however, there was no significant interaction between group and time. There was a significant group by time interaction in the cognitive arousal subscale of the PSAS (F1,90=4.71, p=.03), Post-hoc tests revealed a significant decrease in the treatment but not the waitlist group (treatment: t50=3.17, p=.001; waitlist: t30=0.20, p=.84). The decrease in cognitive arousal correlated with the decrease in PSQI scores in the treatment group only (r =.3, p=.007). Finally, a statistically significant interaction favoring the treatment group was also observed in actigraphically measured WASO (F1,82=6.18, p=0.015). Conclusion The study suggests that a 4-week introductory mindfulness course has moderate effects on reducing cognitive arousal prior to sleep, and that these effects are correlated with improvements in subjective sleep quality. Support This study was funded from a STaR investigator grant (NMRC/STaR/0015/2013) and the National Research Foundation (Singapore) Science of Learning Grant (NRF2016-SOL002-001).

0165 The Relationship Between Anxiety Symptoms and Sleep Quality: Mediating and Moderating Factors of Pre-Sleep Arousal and Anxiety Sensitivity

Abstract Introduction The relationship between anxiety and sleep has been well-established, with many studies demonstrating the relationship between anxiety and reduced REM time, increased sleep latency, and reduced sleep efficiency. Anxiety sensitivity, or the fear of experiencing anxiety-related sensations, has also been associated with increased sleep latency and sleep dysfunction. This delay in sleep onset may be explained by increased arousal, both physical and cognitive, immediately before sleep related to worry or anxiety. The current study examined the relationship between anxiety and subjective sleep quality through pre-sleep arousal and investigated the moderating effect of anxiety sensitivity. Methods Participants (n=322) were recruited from Amazon’s MTurk site, with most identifying as female (58.5%) and White/Caucasian (84.4%) and with an average age of 37.51 (SD = 12.12). Participants completed the Daily Assessment of Symptoms - Anxiety Scale (DAS-A), the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), the Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS) and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A moderated mediation analysis was conducted using Model 58 in PROCESS for SPSS. Results Results indicated that pre-sleep arousal partially mediated the relationship between anxiety and the dichotomous sleep quality variable while controlling for the covariates of age, and therapy participation, (a1= .186, p<.001, b1= .113, p<.001, c’= .038, p<.001). Additionally, the conditional effects and interactions of the moderating anxiety sensitivity variable were significant in both pathways (a1: F=24.702, p<.001; b1: χ 2 = 5.255, p=0.22). Conclusion These results help to identify potential mechanisms and conditions of the relationship between anxiety and sleep quality and contribute to the development of evidence-based interventions for sleep disturbance or other sleep complaints in individuals experiencing anxiety and anxiety symptoms. Support N/A

0470 A Randomized Controlled Trial of Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Pregnant Women

Abstract Introduction Over half of pregnant women experience clinical insomnia, which is linked to perinatal depression and cognitive-emotional dysregulation. Despite high rates of prenatal insomnia and known maternal consequences, efficacious insomnia treatment options for this population are woefully scant. Early evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) support the efficacy of face-to-face cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) for prenatal insomnia. Yet, as many patients are unable to access this specialist-driven care, a critical need exists to increase its accessibility. This RCT examined the efficacy digital CBTI via mobile health app in pregnant women with insomnia. Methods Single-site RCT. Ninety-one pregnant women (29.03±4.16 years) nearing/entering the third trimester who screened positive for clinical insomnia on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were randomized to digital CBTI or digital sleep education control. Blinded assessments were performed before treatment, after treatment (during pregnancy), and 6 weeks after childbirth. The ISI, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale’s Cognitive factor (PSAS-C) served as study outcomes. Results From pre to posttreatment, CBTI patients reported reductions in ISI (-4.91 points, p<.001) and PSQI (-2.98 points, p<.001) and increases in nightly sleep duration by 32 minutes. Sleep symptoms did not change during pregnancy in the control group. After childbirth, CBTI patients, relative to controls, slept longer by 40 minutes per night (p=.01) and reported better sleep maintenance. No pre or postnatal treatment effects on depression or cognitive arousal were observed. Conclusion Digital CBTI improves sleep quality and increases sleep duration during pregnancy and after childbirth. Digitally delivered interventions have potential to improve the health of new and expectant mothers, but CBTI likely needs to be tailored for perinatal patients to optimize outcomes. Support This study was funded by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (198-FP-18, PI: Kalmbach).

0824 Improving Subjective Sleep Quality Measures Through Mindfulness Training in the Elderly: Preliminary Data from the Mindfulness Sleep Therapy (MIST) Study

Abstract Introduction Poor sleep is a modifiable risk factor for multiple chronic disorders. Mindfulness-based therapies potentially improve sleep by enhancing awareness and acceptance of internal and external experiences, thus reducing pre-sleep hyper-arousal. In this pre-registered, randomized controlled trial, we tested the effect of mindfulness-based treatment for insomnia (MBTI) on subjective sleep quality measures (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire, PSQI) in the elderly. Methods Participants above 50 years old with sleep difficulties (PSQI ≥ 5) (mean (sd) age = 62.0 (6.35), 44 female) attended either an 8-week MBTI (N = 34) or sleep hygiene education and exercise program (SHEEP; N = 35). Before and after the interventions, we collected PSQI, insomnia symptoms and features measures (Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale, PSAS; Insomnia Severity Index, ISI; Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep, DBAS-30), mindfulness (Five-Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire, FFMQ), and mood and anxiety (Back Depression Inventory, BDI; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI). PSQI and PSAS (N = 26 to date) were collected at 6-month follow-up. Data were analysed with repeated-measures ANCOVA with group as a between-subject variable for the first 69 participants who completed the study. Results We observed significant improvement across both groups for sleep measures (PSQI: F1,67=36.442, p<.01; PSAS-Cognitive: F1,67=12.664, p<.01; ISI: F1,67=36.442, p<.0; DBAS: F1,67=28.749, p<.01) and mood (BDI: F1,67=26.393, p<.01; STAI-State: F1,67=4.608, p=.04; STAI-Trait: F1,67=7.687, p<.01), but not for Mindfulness (F1,67=2.256, p=.14) nor PSAS-somatic. No significant group by time interactions were found. We observed a correlation between PSQI decreases and FFMQ increases in MBTI (r=-.53, p<.01), but not in SHEEP (r=-.07, p=.70) participants. ANCOVA of 6-month PSQI data revealed a significant group by time interaction (F1,24=19.525, p=.03), with reduction from baseline in MBTI (t12=4.769, p<.01), but not in SHEEP group (t12=3.813, p=.08). Conclusion Preliminary results support MBTI as an accessible but effective behavioural intervention with potential long-term benefits for improving sleep and mood, and reducing cognitive-emotional arousal in the elderly. Support This study was supported by an award from the 7th grant call of the Singapore Millennium Foundation Research Grant Programme

0926 Examining Sleep In Parents And Children With Behavioral Or Clinical Sleep Disturbances

Abstract Introduction Sleep problems, such as insomnia are frequently reported in children. These sleep disturbances have either a behavioral (e.g. difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep) or clinical etiology (e.g. autism, asthma and T1 diabetes). Unlike clinical populations, outcomes in parents of children with behavioral sleep problems are underexamined. This study aimed to examine sleep in parents and children with behavioral or clinical sleep disturbances. Methods 290 parents (parents Mage = 35.9±5.2y, children Mage = 4.1± 2.3y) were recruited. Child’s sleep was reported using Child’s sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ). Parent sleep was assessed using Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Pre-sleep arousal scale (PSAS), and Glasgow sleep effort scale (GSES). A demographic question on the nature of child’s sleep disturbance was used to categorize parents into a) behavioral (n=206) or b) clinical group (n=84). Results Overall, 71% of parents and 67% of children had clinically significant sleep disturbance (PSQI ≥ 5 and CSHQ ≥ 41 respectively). Significant associations were observed between CSHQ and a) PSQI (r=0.47, p<.001), b) GSES (r=0.21, p<.001), and c) PSAS (r=0.46, p<.001). Step-wise regression reported that CSHQ was the strongest predictor of PSQI, accounting for 22% variance in scores (p<.001), followed by PSAS (7%). Independent groups t-tests found no differences in parents’ sleep quality (p=.06) and pre-sleep arousal (p=.38) between clinical and behavioral groups. However, 47% of parents in the clinical group took longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep, as opposed to 30% of parents in behavioral group (t(289)=-2.39, p=.01). Conclusion Parents report having poor sleep irrespective of the nature of child’s sleep difficulties. It is possible that parents in the clinical group may underreport their sleep problems due to increased attention towards child’s symptoms and diagnosis. Nevertheless, if any sleep related issues occur in children, the impact on parental sleep should be considered during assessment. Support N/A

Database for an emotion recognition system based on EEG signals and various computer games – GAMEEMO

In this study, electroencephalography-based data for emotion recognition analysis are introduced. EEG signals were collected from 28 different subjects with a wearable and portable EEG device called the 14-channel EMOTIV EPOC+. Subjects played 4 different computer games that captured emotions (boring, calm, horror and funny) for 5 min, and the EEG data available for each subject consisted of 20 min in total. The subjects rated each computer game based on the scale of arousal and valence by applying the SAM form. We provide both raw and preprocessed EEG data with.csv and. mat format in our data repository. Each subject's rating score and SAM form are also available. With this work, we aim to provide an emotion dataset based on computer games, which is a new method in terms of collecting brain signals. Additionally, we want to determine the success of the portable EEG device and compare the success of this device with classical EEG devices. Finally, we perform pattern recognition and signal-processing methods to observe the performance of our dataset and to classify EEG signals based on the arousal-valence emotion dimension and positive/negative emotions. The database will be publicly available, and researchers can use the dataset for analyzing signals for their own proposed method in the literature.

Is Robotic Gait Training Feasible in Adults With Disorders of Consciousness?

To investigate the feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) in adults with disorders of consciousness (DoC). Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Four adult male patients with traumatic brain injury and DoC. Subjects participated in RAGT with body weight support for 5 to 20 minutes, over 1- to 2-week periods. Primary measures included vital signs, walking parameters, pain, arousal, and Agitation Behavior Scale scores. Additional data included Modified Ashworth Scale, Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, and Rancho Los Amigos Scale scores. All participants safely completed at least one session of RAGT with body weight support with safe vital signs and low agitation levels. Two adverse events occurred (increased somnolence and pain due to harness placement), which were not considered severe. All subjects emerged out of DoC at which point research protocol was stopped. Findings suggest inpatient-based RAGT may be safe and feasible to consider when developing a therapy plan of care in adults with DoC.

Emotion Recognition Based on Multiple Physiological Signals

Emotion is a series of reactions triggered by a specific object or situation that affects a person's physiological state and can, therefore, be identified by physiological signals. This paper proposes an emotion recognition model. Extracted the features of physiological signals such as photoplethysmography, galvanic skin response, respiration amplitude, and skin temperature. The SVM-RFE-CBR(Recursive Feature Elimination-Correlation Bias Reduction-Support Vector Machine) algorithm was performed to select features and support vector machines for classification. Finally, the model was implemented on the DEAP dataset for an emotion recognition experiment. In the rating scale of valence, arousal, and dominance, the accuracy rates of 73.5%, 81.3%, and 76.1% were obtained respectively. The result shows that emotional recognition can be effectively performed by combining a variety of physiological signals.

Sleep onset (mis)perception in relation to sleep fragmentation, time estimation and pre-sleep arousal

Study objectiveTo elucidate the contribution of time estimation and pre sleep arousal to the component of sleep onset misperception not explained by sleep fragmentation. MethodsAt-home ambulatory polysomnograms (PSGs) of 31 people with insomnia were recorded. Participants performed a time estimation task and completed the Pre Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS). Based on previous modelling of the relationship between objectively measured sleep fragmentation and sleep onset misperception, the subjective sleep onset was estimated for each participant as the start of the first uninterrupted sleep bout longer than 30 min. Subsequently, the component of misperception not explained by sleep fragmentation was calculated as the residual error between estimated sleep onset and perceived sleep onset. This residual error was correlated with individual time estimation task results and PSAS scores. ResultsA negative correlation between time estimation task results and the residual error of the sleep onset model was found, indicating that participants who overestimated a time interval during the day also overestimated their sleep onset latency (SOL). No correlation was found between PSAS scores and residual error. ConclusionsInterindividual variations of sleep architecture possibly obscure the correlation of sleep onset misperception with time estimation and pre sleep arousal, especially in small groups. Therefore, we used a previously proposed model to account for the influence of sleep fragmentation. Results indicate that time estimation is associated with sleep onset misperception. Since sleep onset misperception appears to be a general characteristic of insomnia, understanding the underlying mechanisms is probably important for understanding and treating insomnia.

A randomized controlled trial of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in pregnant women

ObjectiveDespite high rates of prenatal insomnia, efficacious treatment options for this population are quite limited. Early evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) support the efficacy of face-to-face cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) for prenatal insomnia. Yet, as many patients are unable to access this specialist-driven care, a critical need exists to increase its accessibility. This RCT examined the efficacy internet-based digital CBTI in pregnant women with insomnia. MethodsSingle-site RCT. A total of 91 pregnant women (29.03 ± 4.16 years) nearing/entering the third trimester who screened positive for clinical insomnia on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were randomized to digital CBTI or digital sleep education control. The ISI, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale's Cognitive factor (PSAS-C) served as study outcomes, which were collected before treatment and after treatment during pregnancy, then six weeks after childbirth. ResultsFrom pre to posttreatment, CBTI patients reported reductions in ISI (−4.91 points, p < 0.001) and PSQI (−2.98 points, p < 0.001) and increases in nightly sleep duration by 32 min (p = 0.008). Sleep symptoms did not change during pregnancy in the control group. After childbirth, CBTI patients, relative to controls, slept longer by 40 min per night (p = 0.01) and reported better sleep maintenance. No pre or postnatal treatment effects on depression or cognitive arousal were observed. ConclusionsDigital CBTI improves sleep quality and sleep duration during pregnancy and after childbirth. To better optimize outcomes, CBTI should be tailored to meet the changing needs of women as the progress through pregnancy and early parenting. NameInsomnia and Rumination in Late Pregnancy and the Risk for Postpartum Depression. URLclinicaltrials.gov. Registration: NCT03596879.

A citizen science study of short physical activity breaks at school: improvements in cognition and wellbeing with self-paced activity

BackgroundSchool-based physical activity and running programmes, such as The Daily Mile™, are increasing in popularity globally. The aim of this research was to examine the acute impact of such classroom physical activity breaks on cognition and affective wellbeing.MethodsA total of 5463 school pupils from 332 schools took part in a citizen science project with a repeated measures design. They completed tasks of cognition (inhibition, verbal, and visuo-spatial working memory) and the Children’s Feeling Scale and Felt Arousal Scale before and after three different outdoor activities: a classroom break of 15 min of self-paced activity, a near maximal exhaustion activity (the bleep test), and a no-exercise control group where pupils sat or stood outside. Wellbeing and fitness were examined as mediators of the relationship between outdoor activity and cognition.ResultsFifteen minutes of self-paced outdoor activity was beneficial for pupils’ cognition and wellbeing in comparison to both other activities (Cohen’s d effect sizes ranging from 0.04 to 0.22; small). The relationship with cognition was not mediated by participants’ fitness level and was only partially mediated by wellbeing. Change scores for alertness were higher after the bleep test compared to the control activity but similar for all other outcomes.ConclusionsTaking a break from the classroom to complete 15 min of self-paced physical activity should be considered a worthwhile activity by class teachers, school management, and policymakers. Additionally, more intense physical activity should not be considered to be detrimental.

Mindfulness and nocturnal rumination are independently associated with symptoms of insomnia and depression during pregnancy

BackgroundInsomnia and depression are highly prevalent perinatal complications. Ruminating on stress is etiologically implicated in both disorders, and ruminating while trying to fall asleep has been linked to insomnia and depression during pregnancy. Incompatible with rumination is everyday mindfulness, i.e., living with intentional and nonjudgmental awareness of internal and external experiences in the present moment. Responding to stress mindfully may protect against stress-related perinatal complications such as insomnia and depression. The present study described the association between everyday mindfulness and nocturnal rumination, and examined whether these trait characteristics were independently related to perinatal insomnia and depression. MethodsCross-sectional and secondary analysis of existing data from 65 pregnant women recruited from a multisite hospital in Metro Detroit, MI, USA. Subjects completed online surveys including the Insomnia Severity Index, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Presleep Arousal Scale, and the revised Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale. ResultsOver half (53.8%) of women screened positive for clinical insomnia and 12.3% screened positive for major depression. Women high in mindfulness, relative to those low in mindfulness, reported less nocturnal rumination (Cohen's d=1.16), insomnia symptoms (Cohen's d=1.24), and depressive symptoms (Cohen's d=1.35). Multivariate linear regression revealed that both mindfulness (β=-.24, p=.03) and rumination (β=.38, p<.01) were independently associated with insomnia. Similarly, a multivariate model showed that mindfulness (β=-.41, p<.001) and rumination (β=.35, p<.01) were independently associated with depression. ConclusionsRuminating in bed at night is strongly associated with insomnia and depression during pregnancy, whereas mindfulness may potentially protect against these stress-related perinatal complications.

Effect of restricting bedtime mobile phone use on sleep, arousal, mood, and working memory: A randomized pilot trial.

This study aimed to assess the effects of restricting mobile phone use before bedtime on sleep, pre-sleep arousal, mood, and working memory. Thirty-eight participants were randomized to either an intervention group (n = 19), where members were instructed to avoid using their mobile phone 30 minutes before bedtime, or a control group (n = 19), where the participants were given no such instructions. Sleep habit, sleep quality, pre-sleep arousal and mood were measured using the sleep diary, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, the Pre-sleep Arousal Scale and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule respectively. Working memory was tested by using the 0-,1-,2-back task (n-back task). Restricting mobile phone use before bedtime for four weeks was effective in reducing sleep latency, increasing sleep duration, improving sleep quality, reducing pre-sleep arousal, and improving positive affect and working memory. Restricting mobile phone use close to bedtime reduced sleep latency and pre-sleep arousal and increased sleep duration and working memory. This simple change to moderate usage was recommended to individuals with sleep disturbances.

Affective and Enjoyment Responses to Short-Term High-Intensity Interval Training with Low-Carbohydrate Diet in Overweight Young Women.

Low-carbohydrate diets (LCs) seem effective on weight reduction and maintenance. However, the affect and enjoyment of exercise during LCs is not clear. The purpose of the present study was to compare the psychological responses to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) during the consumption of a 4-week LC diet in overweight young women. With LCs (~10% carbohydrate, 65%–70% fat, 20%–25% protein), forty-three eligible women (age: 20.9 ± 3.1 years; body weight: 65.8 ± 8.2 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: HIIT (10 sets of 6 s all-out cycling interspersed with 9 s of rest), MICT (30 min cycling at 50%–60% of peak oxygen consumption, V̇O2peak) or no-exercise controls (CON). Anthropometric indices and V̇O2peak were measured pre- and post-training. Feeling Scale (FS), Felt Arousal Scale (FAS), Exercise Enjoyment Scale (EES), and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) scores were collected before and immediately after each training session throughout the study. After intervention, all three groups reduced by more than 2.5 kg of body weight whereas both exercise groups improved ~15% V̇O2peak. Participants in the HIIT and MICT group exhibited similar affect points as indicated by FS and FAS. Post-exercise enjoyment scores in PACES were lower in HIIT (73–78 points) than MICT (83–87 points) despite similarly positive responses being observed in EES (corresponding to ~4 points of a 7-point scale). Short-term LCs were effective in weight loss and exercise training had an additive improvement on cardiorespiratory fitness. The overweight young women had similar affect valence, arousal levels, and comparable pleasurable feelings to HIIT and MICT with LCs. Furthermore, as indicated by PACES, MICT was more enjoyable which may elicit better adherence, whereas HIIT with LCs seems to be more arduous despite its time-efficiency.

Comparison of the Affective Responses to Continuous Training and High-Intensity Interval Training Protocols: Application of the Dual-Mode Model.

Alicea, SK, Parrott, AD, Manos, TM, and Kwon, YS. Comparison of the affective responses to continuous training and high-intensity interval training protocols: application of the dual-mode model. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3069-3075, 2021-High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is time-efficient and has physiological benefits similar to or greater than that of continuous training (CT); however, there are mixed results regarding how HIIT protocols influence affect. The purpose of this study was to compare acute affective responses between HIIT and CT protocols over time using the Dual-Mode Model (DMM) as a theoretical framework. Subjects included 12 healthy women (aged 19-28 years) who completed a HIIT protocol consisting of a 2-minute work interval (100% V̇o2max) followed by a 2-minute rest interval (∼55% V̇o2max), and a CT protocol set at the workrate corresponding to their respiratory compensation point (RCP; ∼80% V̇o2max). Protocols were matched for average intensity, total duration, and energy expenditure. After blood pressure, anthropometrics, body composition, and V̇o2max measurements were taken, responses were recorded for affect (Feeling Scale [FS]), arousal (Felt Arousal Scale [FAS]), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) before each protocol, during the last 10 seconds of every 2 minutes during the protocol, and at time points 2, 5, and 10 minutes after the protocol. Heart rate was also monitored continuously, and exercise enjoyment was measured before and after exercise. A repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in affect between CT (M = 2.5, SD = 2.1) and HIIT (M = 2.6, SD = 2.1) protocols over the duration of the exercise. There were no significant differences in mean RPE between CT (M = 12.9, SD = 2.7) and HIIT (M = 13.0, SD = 1.9) protocols (t = 0.333, p = 0.745) or in enjoyment between CT (M = 2.3, SD = 1.1) and HIIT (M = 2.0, SD = 0.9) protocols (t = -0.288, p = 0.492). In addition, based on visual inspection, the general patterning of the mean FS and FAS values between HIIT and CT was similar within the circumplex model, supporting the DMM. In conclusion, a HIIT protocol at V̇o2max and 1:1 exercise:rest interval did not result in a different affect response, perceived exertion, or enjoyment level when compared with a CT protocol at RCP.

Response interference by central foils is modulated by dimensions of depression and anxiety.

We used a maximum-likelihood-based model selection approach to investigate what aspects of affective traits influence flanker interference in a nonaffective task. A total of 153 undergraduates completed measures of anhedonic depression, anxious arousal, anxious apprehension, and a modified flanker task with two levels of perceptual load. For central foils, the most parsimonious model included load, depression, and anxious arousal. Participants scoring low on the depression and anxious arousal scales exhibited a typical perceptual load effect, with larger interference effects observed under low perceptual load compared with high perceptual load conditions. Increased depression symptoms were associated with a reduced perceptual load effect. However, the load effect reemerged in individuals who scored high on both depression and anxious arousal scales, but to a lesser extent than those scoring low on both. This pattern of results underscores the importance of studying co-occurring affective traits and their interactions in the same sample. For peripherally presented foils, the model that only included load as a factor was more parsimonious than any of the models incorporating affective traits. These findings suggest avenues for future research and highlight the role of diverse affective symptoms on various aspects of nonemotional attentional processing.