Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency Research Articles

A new horizon into the central effect of quercetin on human vigilance in normal healthy volunteers

Background: Quercetin is one of the dietary flavonoids found in citrus fruits and leafy vegetables as well as seeds and green tea. Its name comes from Quercetum and belongs to flavonol class which is not synthesized in the human body. Many studies revealed a significant effect of quercetin in advancing psychomotor/cognitive performances and reversing the neurotoxin-induced neuronal damage. Therefore, the present study aimed to illustrate the central effect of quercetin on human vigilance and in normal healthy volunteers. Subjects and Methods: A total of fifty healthy volunteers with a mean age of 23 years were enrolled in this experimental study; they were divided into two groups: Group I: twenty healthy volunteers treated with placebo (500 mg/day starch capsule) for 2 weeks and Group II: thirty healthy volunteers treated with quercetin 500 mg/day for 2 weeks. Each volunteer in each group was subjected to vigilance-psychomotor testing by Leeds psychomotor performance tester which measures Psychomotor-vigilance test (PVT) and Cortical arousal activity (CAA). Results: Quercetin produced a more significant effect on total reaction time, recognition reaction time, movement reaction time, fusion index, % fusion (P < 0.01), and flicker percentage (P < 0.05) compared to control, but quercetin produced an insignificant effect on CFFd, critical flicker-fusion frequency, and flicker index. Conclusion: Quercetin improves psychomotor performance and CAA in normal healthy volunteers.

Evaluation of Critical Flicker-Fusion Frequency Measurement Methods for the Investigation of Visual Temporal Resolution

Recent studies highlight the importance of the temporal domain in visual processing. Critical Flicker-Fusion Frequency (CFF), the frequency at which a flickering light is perceived as continuous, is widely used for evaluating visual temporal processing. However, substantial variability in the psychophysical paradigms, used for measuring CFF, leads to substantial variability in the reported results. Here, we report on a comprehensive comparison of CFF measurements through three different psychophysical paradigms: methods of limits; method of constant stimuli, and staircase method. Our results demonstrate that the CFF can be reliably measured with high repeatability by all three psychophysics methods. However, correlations (r = 0.92, p≪0.001) and agreement (Bland Altman test indicated 95% confidence limit variation of ±3.6 Hz), were highest between the staircase and the constant stimuli methods. The time required to complete the test was significantly longer for the constant stimuli method as compared to other methods (p < 0.001). Our results highlight the suitability of the adaptive paradigm for efficiently measuring temporal resolution in the visual system.

Evaluation of a Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect using the RAPDx® Device Before and After Treatment in Patients with Optic Nerve Disease

ABSTRACTWe evaluated the amplitude and latency scores in the RAPDx® device together with other ophthalmic examinations, before and after treatment in four patients with optic nerve disease. In all patients, the visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF) after treatment was resolved. Both scores after treatment were lower, with reduced laterality-based differences in VA and critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF). Even after treatment, 3 patients had laterality-based differences in circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (cpRFNLT). Both scores for evaluation of RAPD by RAPDx® correlated with subjective examinations and were useful for evaluation of the efficacy of treatment.

Seeing is believing: a demonstration of critical fusion frequency and its multidimensional nature.

critical fusion frequency (CFF), or the flicker fusion threshold, is defined as the critical frequency above which a flickering light source appears steady to the observer (see [Fig. 1][1]). It is known to depend on a number of parameters, namely, intensity of the light source ([5][2], [15][3]),

Olfaction Warps Visual Time Perception.

Our perception of the world builds upon dynamic inputs from multiple senses with different temporal resolutions, and is threaded with the passing of subjective time. How time is extracted from multisensory inputs is scantly known. Utilizing psychophysical testing and electroencephalography, we show in healthy human adults that odors modulate object visibility around critical flicker-fusion frequency (CFF)-the limit at which chromatic flickers become perceived as a stable color-and effectively alter CFF in a congruency-based manner, despite that they afford no clear environmental temporal information. The behavioral gain produced by a congruent relative to an incongruent odor is accompanied by elevated neural oscillatory power around the object's flicker frequency in the right temporal region ~150-300 ms after object onset, and is not mediated by visual awareness. In parallel, odors bias the subjective duration of visual objects without affecting one's temporal sensitivity. These findings point to a neuronal network in the right temporal cortex that executes flexible temporal filtering of upstream visual inputs based on olfactory information. Moreover, they collectively indicate that the very process of sensory integration at the stage of object processing twists time perception, hence casting new insights into the neural timing of multisensory events.

Derivation of Decision Algorithms for the Diagnosis of Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Cirrhosis

Introduction: The presence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), whether minimal or overt has a significant detrimental effect on patients’ quality of life, safety and survival. Current diagnostic tests are poorly validated or else are not generally applicable or practical for use in the clinical setting. This aim of this study was to identify simple, accurate algorithms for the diagnosis of HE in patients with cirrhosis that can be used in both clinical and research settings. Methods: Fifty-one patients with cirrhosis (30 men, 21 women; mean [range] age of 57.1 [24–81] years) were classified using clinical, psychometric and electroencephalographic variables, as either neuropsychiatrically unimpaired (n = 24), or as having minimal (n = 18) or overt (n = 9) HE. Patients’ neuropsychiatric status was further assessed using a series of alternative tests including: animal naming, Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency (CFF); Inhibitory Control Test (ICT); the SCAN package, and the Stroop test. Reference data were obtained from 61 healthy individuals (21 men, 40 women; mean age 46.4 [20–70] years). Thresholds for the diagnosis of any degree of HE were identified using receiver operating curve characteristics analysis. Diagnostic algorithms for use in clinical and research settings were then constructed using a Classification and Regression Tree growing method. Results: The Stroop test performed best overall; 80% of its generated variables separated healthy controls from patients with both minimal and overt HE. The single best variable was a combined score of the multiple variables from the SCAN package: sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity of 70.1%. An algorithmic construct, consisting of the ICT, SCAN package, and Stroop test, classified patients with a sensitivity of 92.6% and a specificity of 89.4% (Figure 1A). A modified algorithm, utilizing the Stroop test and the EEG, which would be more applicable in the clinical setting, had a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 94.7% (Figure 1B). Discussion: The derived algorithms have significantly better diagnostic performance than the individual tests currently used. They can be used in the clinical setting for: (i) the initial assessment of patients with cirrhosis to ensure they receive a diagnosis that may otherwise be overlooked thereby allowing them to receive treatment, if required; (ii) confirming the diagnosis of HE where this is in dispute; and, (iii) evaluating suitability for a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure. In a research setting the derived algorithms will provide a diagnostic standard that is universally applicable. Further validation in independent cohorts of patients is clearly required. The authors have none to declare.

Short-Wavelength Light-Blocking Eyeglasses Attenuate Symptoms of Eye Fatigue

The purpose of this study was to determine whether subjects who wear short wavelength-blocking eyeglasses during computer tasks exhibit less visual fatigue and report fewer symptoms of visual discomfort than subjects wearing eyeglasses with clear lenses. A total of 36 healthy subjects (20 male; 16 female) was randomized to wearing no-block, low-blocking, or high-blocking eyeglasses while performing a 2-hour computer task. A masked grader measured critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) as a metric of eye fatigue and evaluated symptoms of eye strain with a 15-item questionnaire before and after computer use. We found that the change in CFF after the computer task was significantly more positive (i.e., less eye fatigue) in the high-block versus the no-block (P = 0.027) and low-block (P = 0.008) groups. Moreover, random assignment to the high-block group but not to the low-block group predicted a more positive change in CFF (i.e., less eye fatigue) following the computer task (adjusted β = 2.310; P = 0.002). Additionally, subjects wearing high-blocking eyeglasses reported significantly less feeling pain around/inside the eye (P = 0.0063), less feeling that the eyes were heavy (P = 0.0189), and less feeling that the eyes were itchy (P = 0.0043) following the computer task, when compared to subjects not wearing high-blocking lenses. Our results support the hypothesis that short-wavelength light-blocking eyeglasses may reduce eye strain associated with computer use based on a physiologic correlate of eye fatigue and on subjects' reporting of symptoms typically associated with eye strain.

Comparative evaluation of atorvastatin and simvastatin on critical fusion frequency in healthy volunteers

Background: Atorvastatin and simvastatin are the most frequently prescribed among statins to reduce high lipid levels. Statins are reported to alter cognitive functions. However, the results are equivocal as numbers of studies have shown improvement in the cognitive function, while others have documented impairment. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to compare the effects of atorvastatin and simvastatin on critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) which is a most sensitive indicator of cortical arousal. Hence, that outcome of the trial provides evidence of the alterations in cognition in unambiguous terms. Materials and Methods: A single-dose, open-label, crossover study was conducted in 15 healthy volunteers. They were familiarized on CFFF test apparatus till they attained plateau level in their values. Predrug score was recorded before giving test drug on the trial day. Volunteers were then given oral single dose of either of drug (atorvastatin 10 mg or simvastatin 10 mg) and then crossed over with 10 days washout period between both treatments. In each arm, volunteers were followed up to 6 h for the postdrug score. Results: Both atorvastatin and simvastatin decreased the CFFF significantly during the entire study period (P = 0.0001) from their respective predrug values. On comparison, both these drugs produced identical CFFF decline (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Result of current study highlights the impairment of CFFF with both of these drugs in similar manner in healthy volunteers. However, the trials with long-term treatment in patients are advised to clearly define their role in cognitive function.

Effect of Cellular Mobile Phone Use and Cetrizine on Hand-Eye Coordination and Visual Acuity.

Cellular mobile phones are a major cause of distraction especially while driving. The aggressive and inappropriate use of cellular mobile phones has increased the risk of accidents. Similar alerts are available in literature for certain substances and drugs (e.g. second generation anti H1 drug -Cetirizine) which also derange psychomotor performance and parameters of alertness. This study measured variations in hand-eye coordination and visual acuity due to use of cellular mobile phone in comparison to that of commonly used antihistaminic drug viz., single dose Cetirizine 10 mg. It was a single blind, single dose, interventional study, 100 healthy human volunteers divided into two groups. Baseline readings of all volunteers were noted. Group-I (n=50) was Cetirizine group (10mg orally stat), Group -II (n=50) Cellular mobile phone user group. Alertness was tested on hand- steadiness tester (Reaction Time Index = RTI) and on Flicker-fusion apparatus (visual acuity - Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency per second= CFFF/sec). Baseline readings of all volunteers were noted before intervention. Baseline was compared with readings at three hour post-intervention and was analysed by paired t-test. Inter-group comparison of parameters was also done and was analysed by unpaired t-test. The baseline RTI (95.46±41.74, 85.11±39.05) and CFF low and high (40.07±9.970, 40.76±9.309 and 40.42±9.035, 40.48±9.863) respectively, in Cetirizine group and Mobile user group were comparable. The RTI increased significantly (116.4±51.46, 102.8±49.26) in both the groups after intervention. However, there is no significant change in CFF intensity from baseline in either group post-intervention. Concurrent use of mobile phone while performing tasks, showed significant impairment of hand-steadiness which was comparable to that produced by single dose Cetirizine 10 mg and this may be one of the factors contributing to their close association with road traffic accidents.

Retinal temporal resolution and contrast sensitivity in the parasitic lamprey Mordacia mordax and its non-parasitic derivative Mordacia praecox.

Lampreys and hagfishes are the sole extant representatives of the early agnathan (jawless) vertebrates. We compared retinal function of fully metamorphosed, immature Mordacia mordax (which are about to commence parasitic feeding) with those of sexually mature individuals of its non-parasitic derivative Mpraecox We focused on elucidating the retinal adaptations to dim-light environments in these nocturnally active lampreys, using electroretinography to determine the temporal resolution (flicker fusion frequency, FFF) and temporal contrast sensitivity of enucleated eyecups at different temperatures and light intensities. FFF was significantly affected by temperature and light intensity. Critical flicker fusion frequency (cFFF, the highest FFF recorded) of M. praecox and M. mordax increased from 15.1 and 21.8 Hz at 9°C to 31.1 and 36.9 Hz at 24°C, respectively. Contrast sensitivity of both species increased by an order of magnitude between 9 and 24°C, but remained comparatively constant across all light intensities. Although FFF values for Mordacia spp. are relatively low, retinal responses showed a particularly high contrast sensitivity of 625 in M. praecox and 710 in M. mordax at 24°C. This suggests selective pressures favour low temporal resolution and high contrast sensitivity in both species, thereby enhancing the capture of photons and increasing sensitivity in their light-limited environments. FFF indicated all retinal photoreceptors exhibit the same temporal response. Although the slow response kinetics (i.e. low FFF) and saturation of the response at bright light intensities characterise the photoreceptors of both species as rod-like, it is unusual for such a photoreceptor to be functional under scotopic and photopic conditions.

Central Beneficial Effects of Trimetazidine on Psychomotor Performance in Normal Healthy Volunteers.

Background:Trimetazidine is a fatty oxidation inhibitor, leading to shifting of energy substrate from fatty acid oxidation toward glucose oxidation that leads to the reduction of oxygen requirement. The aims of the present study were to elucidate the effects of trimetazidine on psychomotor performance and vigilance on normal healthy volunteers.Materials and Methods:A total of 234 subjects (age 22–25 years) were recruited in this study. The volunteers were randomizing into two groups with 117 volunteers in each group. Group I received an inert starch capsule served as a control, and Group II received trimetazidine tablet 15 mg/day. The duration of therapy was 5 days. Test procedure was done at 9.00 a.m. on the psychomotor tester. Before the drug administration, prescore values were recorded and then after 5 days of therapy, the postscore values were recorded.Results:The placebo did not demonstrate a significant effect on all psychomotor performances and flicker-fusion elements (P > 0.05). Trimetazidine therapy produced a highly significant effect on all components of psychomotor performances and flicker-fusion parameters (P < 0.001) compared with pretreatment era.Conclusion:We conclude that trimetazidine improves psychomotor performance and vigilance in normal healthy volunteers through advancing total reaction time and critical flicker-fusion frequency.

Visual function and retinal vessel diameters during hyperthermia in man.

To assess the effect of elevated core body temperature on temporal and spatial contrast sensitivity and retinal vessel diameters. The study included 13 healthy volunteers aged 20-37years. Core body temperature elevation (target +1.1°C) was induced by wrapping the participants in cling film, tinfoil and warming blankets. Subsequent cooling was achieved by undressing. Flicker sensitivity (critical flicker fusion frequency) was chosen to assess temporal resolution, while the Freiburg Vision Test was used to determine spatial contrast sensitivity at 1.5 cycles per degree. Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy was used to measure retinal trunk vessel diameters. Assessment was made at baseline, during hyperthermia and after cooling. The induction of a mean increase in core body temperature of 1.02°C was associated with a 7.15-mmHg mean reduction in systolic blood pressure (p<0.01), a 10.6-mmHg mean reduction in diastolic blood pressure (p<0.01), a mean increase in pulse rate of 36.3bpm (p<0.0001), a 2.66% improvement in flicker sensitivity (CI95 1.37-3.94, p<0.001), a 2.80% increase in retinal artery diameters (CI95 1.09-4.51, p<0.01) and a 2.95% increase in retinal vein diameters (CI95 0.96-4.94, p<0.01). There was no detectable effect of temperature on spatial contrast sensitivity. All ocular test parameters returned to baseline levels after cooling. Increased core body temperature was accompanied by improved temporal visual resolution and retinal trunk vessel dilation. The results suggest that hyperthermia is associated with enhanced retinal function and increased retinal metabolism.

Responsive upper limb and cognitive fatigue measures during light precision work: an 8-hour simulated micro-pipetting study

Many contemporary occupations are characterised by long periods of low loads. These lower force levels, which are relevant to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, are usually not the focus of fatigue studies. In studies that did measure fatigue in light manual or precision work, within and between measurement responses were inconsistent. The aim of this study was to identify fatigue measures that were responsive at lower force levels (<10% MVC) over the course of an 8-h period. A complementary set of fatigue measures, reflecting both neuromuscular and cognitive mechanisms, was measured during a light precision micro-pipetting task performed by 11 participants. Nine measures were found to be significantly responsive over the 8-h period, including: ratings of perceived fatigue, postural tremor, blink frequency and critical flicker fusion frequency threshold. Common field measures, specifically electromyography RMS amplitude and maximum voluntary contractions, did not lead to extraordinary time effects.Practitioner summary: The findings provide insight towards the responsiveness of a complementary set of field usable fatigue measures at low work intensities Although commonly used measures did not reveal significant increases in fatigue, nine alternative measures were significantly responsive over the 8-h period.

Do Environmental Conditions Contribute to Narcosis Onset and Symptom Severity?

Although many factors contributing to inert gas narcosis onset and severity have been put forward, the available evidence is not particularly strong. Using objective criteria, we have assessed brain impairment associated with narcosis under various environmental diving conditions. 40 volunteers performed a no-decompression dive (33 m for 20 min) either in a dry chamber, a pool or open sea. They were assessed by critical flicker fusion frequency before the dive, upon arriving at depth, 5 min before ascent, on surfacing and 30 min post-dive. Compared to the pre-dive value, the mean value of each measurement was significantly different. An increase of flicker fusion to 105.00±0.69% when arriving at depth is followed by a decrease to 94.05±0.65%. This impairment persists when surfacing and 30 min post-dive, decreasing further to 96.36±0.73% and 96.24±0.73%, respectively. Intragroup comparison failed to demonstrate any statistical difference. When objectively measured narcosis may not be influenced by external factors other than pressure and gas. This might be of importance for training to avoid any over- or underestimation of the severity of narcosis based only on subjective symptoms.

FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF ATHLETS ANALYSIS UNDER THE ADAPTATION TO THE CYCLIC KIND OF SPORTS TRAINING LOADS

Непрерывное повышение спортивной результативности предъявляет всевозрастающие требования к качеству тренировочного процесса. Его совершенствование зависит от наличия устойчивой обратной связи между тренировочными воздействиями и адекватной реакцией на них организма спортсмена. В статье рассматриваются подходы комплексного исследования функционального состояния, на основе изучения его отдельных компонентов, в процессе подготовки юных лыжников и конькобежцев. Цель. Статья посвящена актуальному вопросу в работе тренеров – оценка функционального состояния организма юных спортсменов на основе изучения психического, нейродинамического, энергетического и двигательного компонентов. Метод и методология проведения работы. Основу исследования составляют: – тест «Простая зрительно-моторная реакция» (ПЗМР) до физической нагрузки и после нагрузки, характеризующий уровень возбудимости ЦНС и скорости распространения возбуждения по нервным цепям; – тест «Критическая частота слияния мельканий» (КЧСМ) до физической нагрузки и после нагрузки, – тест «Устойчивость корковых процессов» (УКП), Изучение функционального состояния ЦНС осуществлялось с помощью аппаратно-программного комплекса «НС-психотест», включающего программное обеспечение для IBM PC под управлением Windows и внешний высокоточный контроллер. Для оценки психического компонента исследовалось логическое мышление, внимание (таблица Шульта-Платонова) и память. Энергетический компонент исследовался с помощью теста Руфье. Результаты. Результат работы заключается в том, что выбор указанных методик определения функционального состояния спортсменов является оправданным, так как выявлены различия в исследуемых компонентов функционального состояния лыжников и конькобежцев. Это обусловлено различием спортивных специализаций, в каждой из которых механизмы энергетического обеспечения двигательных режимов различаются. Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования важны для организаторов тренировочного процесса молодых атлетов в циклических видах спорта. Данное исследование может послужить дальнейшему совершенствованию тренировочного процесса в циклических видах спорта.

Reproducibility of measurements using the IMEA ADR III critical flicker-fusion frequency measuring device

Measurement of central critical flicker-fusion frequency is a common screening test for eye diseases and additionally it can serve as a useful diagnostic test in numerous neurological and internal diseases. The test might also be used for monitoring purposes. The aim of the authors was to evaluate a digital central critical flicker-fusion frequency measuring device (IMEA ADR III) in 30 young, healthy Hungarian subjects. After a general ophthalmological screening examination, monocular central critical flicker-fusion frequency was measured with four colours. Measurements were carried out on two separate days in three sessions under standardized conditions. Intrasession, intersession and intervisit variabilities, differences in central critical flicker-fusion frequency using the four colours and the effect of certain other influencing factors were determined. There were no statistically significant differences between sessions in the mean and standard deviation of the measurement sets. The central critical flicker-fusion frequency threshold for red colour was significantly lower than for other colours, and the threshold for blue colour was significantly lower than for green. There were no significant differences regarding sex, age, iris colour, and smoking indicating that these factors did not influence the central critical flicker-fusion frequency threshold in these subjects. Measurement results with the device are reliable and reproducible in healthy, young population in separate sessions.

Ergonomic evaluation of video game playing

This study investigated the effect of display type, play-rest schedule and game type on visual fatigue, heart rate and mental workload for both genders during 1 h of Wii game playing. Twenty subjects participated in the experiment. Two display types (a 32-in CRT display and a 32-in plasma display), two different play-rest schedules (10 min play with 5 min rest, repeated four times; 20 min play with 10 min rest, repeated two times) and two Nintendo “Wii Sports” games (boxing and tennis) were used for evaluation. The study results showed that the display and game type had a significant effect on all the measurements. The use of a plasma display to play video games improved the critical flicker fusion (CFF) frequency threshold; however, it also caused a greater subjective eye-fatigue rating, increased heart rate, as well as higher mental workload. Subjects with a 5-min break for every 10 min played had a lower subjective eye-fatigue rating, heart rate and mental workload than with a 10-min break for every 20 min played. The gender effect was not significant on any of the measurements. Implications of the results regarding video-game playing are discussed in terms of display and game type. Playing video games with frequent short breaks is suggested for reducing visual fatigue, especially for intensive video games.

Pengembangan Alat Pengukuran Kelelahan Mental Berbasis Uji Flicker

Previous studies have been conducted to measure fatigue using flicker test. However, the validity of the device is still unknown empirically. This study proposed a modification of fatigue measuring apparatus based on flicker test. The modifications were developed from the framework of human factors product design, with the stages including analysis of the existing condition, operational concept, user requirements, performance criteria, system requirements, design prototyping, usability testing and final testing. The proposed apparatus consists of two main parts: a stimulus source and a control device as input. The stimulus is given by three lights with adjustable position and orientation angle. A LCD screen was provided to display status and result of the measurement. The control device consists of three buttons to respond the stimulus accordingly. Product testings were done through 1) a laboratory experiment with activities of critical reading and arithmetic complex and 2) a field study on a night bus driver. All the tasks selected represent works with a dominant mental workload. The laboratory experiments showed the range of Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency (CFFF) at work of 14-40 HZ, with the average decline of CFFF values of 5.3 Hz in arithmetic complex and 4.8 Hz in critical reading activities. The study on the night bus driver resulted in CFFF value range of 18-40 Hz with the average delta CFFF of 8.97 Hz. Both testings suggest that flicker test with CFFF indicators can be used to measure mental fatigue. In addition, the proposed framework used in this design development can be used as a reference in designing various products by taking human factor aspects as the focus such as user needs and user limitations.

Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Rapidity Quality Development in Female Students Going in for Basketball and Volleyball at Sports Clubs

Using the “NS-Pshykho Test” certified software package (Ivanovo, Russia), we studied the measurements of Simple Hand-Eye Response time (SHER), tapping test frequency, time of Reaction To Moving Object (RMO), Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency (CFFF) in female students going and not going in for sports (volleyball, basketball) at sports clubs. The basis of neuromotor state is formed by variants of classical techniques of chronoreflexometry characterizing the overall tone, mobility, lability, strength of CNS (SHER, tapping test), balance of activation-inhibitory processes (RMO), Rapidity and Visual Perception Clarity (CFFF). Strategic processing of results was made by means of Statistica 6.0 software and Microsoft Excel’s built-in statistical function. In the process of training macro-cycles a higher level of reserves and rapidity quality develops and correction sensory level increases in female students going in for sports, especially when practicing basketball. However volleyball classes are more conducive to optimizing the balance of activation-inhibitory processes, which improves the possibility to regulate voluntarily manifestations of sensory and motor functions and enables to anticipate more effectively possible trajectory of the ball movement and speed up the response training. The independent sources present primarily fragmentary data on psychophysiological and psycho-emotional features of highly-qualified sportsmen. Several studies examine the properties of the Central Nervous System (CNS) as a limiting factor of sports activity that determines the functional and psychological preparedness of sportsmen, their model of motor abilities, especially in situational sports. There are no analogues of studying neuromotor characteristics of rapidity quality development in female students playing sports at specialized sports clubs and focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle rather than achieving high sports results. The obtained results differ from the results previously reported by us for highly qualified sportsmen. Higher qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the functional state of the central nervous system demonstrated by qualified athletes as a result of long-term morpho-functional specialization of the body in comparison to sportsmen, who did not have sports category, prove their prognostic significance in achieving a high level of physical performance. Used modern tools of neuromotor diagnosis can be effectively used in monitoring the CNS functional state during sports training and timely correction of the training process.

Evaluation of Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect Using RAPDx Device in Patients with Optic Nerve Disease

ABSTRACTWe previously reported the standard values of the amplitude and latency scores in the RAPDx device for evaluating relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD). Here, we evaluated RAPD in patients with optic nerve disease by using these standard values. Twenty-eight patients with current or previous optic nerve disease were enrolled in this study. Additionally, the data of 84 healthy subjects from our previous report were used as control data. We measured the amplitude and latency scores using RAPDx. We then compared their mean values and the percentages of individuals with standard values within a certain range between the optic nerve disease group and healthy group. Additionally, we evaluated their correlation with visual acuity and the critical flicker fusion frequency in the optic nerve disease group. Both parameters were significantly higher in the optic nerve disease group than in the control group (p < 0.0001). The detection rate of RAPD when using the standard value of amplitude score was 75%. Additionally, both parameters showed a significant correlation with laterality-based differences in visual acuity and critical flicker fusion frequency values in the optic nerve disease group (r = 0.59–0.75, p < 0.001). The amplitude and latency scores determined using RAPDx are useful in evaluating RAPD, particularly the standard value of the amplitude score.