Objective:To examine audiovisual (AV) sentence recognition performance in adults with moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss who are cochlear implant (CI) candidates, and to identify the demographic, audiologic, and cognitive-linguistic abilities that explain individual differences in AV performance.Study Design:Cross-sectional observational study.Setting:Tertiary referral center.Patients:Twenty-four postlingually deafened adults (mean age = 70.3 years, SD = 11.2) meeting clinical CI candidacy criteria in both ears, with no known history of cognitive or neurological disorders.Intervention(s):Participants completed the Multimodal Lexical Sentence Test (MLST) for Adults for AV sentence recognition and a battery of cognitive-linguistic tasks measuring short-term memory, working memory, inhibition-concentration, nonverbal reasoning, and speed of lexical/phonological access.Main Outcome Measure(s):AV sentence recognition accuracy on the MLST.Results:MLST performance varied broadly across participants (range = 11%–98%, mean = 67.6, SD = 29.7) and was strongly correlated with auditory-only sentence recognition abilities (rho = 0.85, P < 0.001). Otherwise, AV sentence recognition was not significantly correlated with demographic or additional audiological variables. Short-term memory capacity, measured using visual Forward Digit Span, significantly explained MLST performance (partial rho = 0.44, P = 0.02), after controlling for auditory-only sentence recognition in quiet. Other cognitive-linguistic measures were not significantly associated with MLST scores.Conclusions:AV sentence recognition in adult CI candidates is partially explained by short-term memory capacity. Ecologically valid AV assessments may help identify cognitively mediated barriers to real-world communication that are not captured using conventional auditory-only speech recognition tests.

BackgroundTai Chi integrates multisensory stimuli, including olfactory cues, to enhance cognitive functions such as working memory. This study evaluated the effects of eight-form Tai Chi combined with olfactory stimulation on working memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsThis study used a 2 (time) × 3 (group) mixed design. Of 267 screened patients with MCI, 93 were deemed eligible and randomly assigned to one of three groups: Tai Chi group (TCG), Tai Chi combined with olfactory stimulation group (TCOG), or control group (CG). The TCG and TCOG participated in three weekly 60 min sessions for 26 weeks. The TCOG was exposed to four fragrances. Primary outcomes were the N-back task and the digit span test (DST). Secondary outcomes included the MoCA, MMSE, CSIT, GDS, SAS, and PSQI.ResultsPost-intervention, both intervention groups outperformed the CG in 0-back accuracy (TCG: +0.118, 95% CI: 0.048–0.188, p < 0.001; TCOG: +0.118, 95% CI: 0.048–0.187, p < 0.001) and total DST scores (TCG: +1.321, 95% CI: 0.250–2.393, p = 0.009; TCOG: +1.535, 95% CI: 0.602–2.467, p < 0.001). They also exhibited significant improvements in MoCA (TCG: +3.07, 95% CI: 0.89–5.25, p = 0.002; TCOG: +3.42, 95% CI: 1.22–5.62, p = 0.001) and CSIT scores (TCG: +3.29, 95% CI: 1.56–5.01, p < 0.001; TCOG: +3.86, 95% CI: 2.28–5.44, p < 0.001) compared with the CG. Furthermore, the TCOG showed superior gains over the TCG in 1-back accuracy (+0.156, 95% CI: 0.044–0.269, p = 0.003), forward digit span (+0.613, 95% CI: 0.156–1.070, p = 0.004), and backward digit span (+0.921, 95% CI: 0.117–1.726, p = 0.018). It likewise showed significantly greater reductions in GDS (−1.46, 95% CI: −2.78 to −0.15, p = 0.024) and PSQI scores (−2.04, 95% CI: −3.89 to −0.19, p = 0.008) compared with the other groups, with the TCOG versus TCG in PSQI being significant (−1.47, 95% CI: −2.98 to −0.04, p = 0.020).ConclusionTai Chi improved working memory and global cognition in older adults with MCI. Combining Tai Chi with olfactory stimulation yielded additional benefits, demonstrating superior efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms and enhancing sleep quality.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400083424).

Abstract Our research investigated how L2 and L1 reading, L1 low‐level skills and working memory are related to ratings and the linguistic characteristics (productivity, cohesion, lexical sophistication and diversity, syntactic complexity, and accuracy) of argumentative and narrative texts. The research was conducted in Hungary with 95 secondary school students whose proficiency ranged from pre‐intermediate to high upper intermediate. Participants’ L1 reading and L1 low‐level skills were assessed with validated instruments in Hungarian and working memory with the backward digit span test. We administered three L2 reading comprehension tasks from the Cambridge English First for Schools test. Participants wrote a narrative and an argumentative essay. L2 reading scores were significantly associated with raters’ perceptions of writing quality and measures of linguistic performance. The relationship between L1 reading on L2 writing was mediated by L2 reading. L2 reading scores were significantly related to productivity, grammatical accuracy, lexical diversity and sophistication and the organization of the written texts highlighting the substantial role of shared L2 grammatical and lexical resources and importance of reading skills for monitoring and revising L2 written output. Participants with higher L1 reading ability and L1 low‐level skills scored higher on spelling and mechanics and organization in the narrative text and used fewer connectives in the argumentative text. The narrative texts of students with lower L1 low‐level skills contained more spelling errors. Working memory played a limited role in L2 writing. Implications of findings for researching and teaching L2 reading and writing are discussed.

Objective.To determine whether the perceptual intensity of speech signals-manipulated via loudness and dynamically adjusted through a brain state-dependent stimulation (BSDS) paradigm-modulates neural speech tracking and short-term memory.Approach.We implemented an EEG brain state-dependent design in which real-time variations in alpha power were used to modulate the loudness of pre-recorded digits during a task modelled on the digit span test. Speech tracking was quantified using lagged Gaussian copula mutual information (2-10 Hz), and behavioural performance was assessed through recall accuracy.Main results.Contrary to our initial hypothesis that higher loudness would enhance speech tracking and memory via bottom-up attention, digit recall accuracy was stable across loudness conditions. Speech tracking revealed an unexpected pattern: louder stimuli presented during high alpha power (low attention) elicited reduced tracking magnitudes and shorter peak latencies, whereas quieter stimuli delivered during low alpha power (high attention) produced stronger and more temporally extended tracking responses.Significance.These findings may suggest that internal attentional state, rather than external stimulus salience, plays a dominant role in shaping speech encoding. The study provides proof-of-concept evidence for BSDS in auditory paradigms, showing the importance of attentional fluctuations and stimulus loudness in determining the strength and timing of neural speech tracking, with implications for the design of adaptive speech-enhancement strategies.

ObjectivesThe aim of the explorative study was to evaluate the effect of Square-Stepping Exercise (SSE) on cognitive function compared to conventional physiotherapy (cPT) in early geriatric rehabilitation. A training effect of SSE on cognitive function particularly on executive functions was expected.MethodsThis explorative study was conducted in the department of early geriatric rehabilitation in a general hospital. Fifty-eight inpatients (27 female), with a median age of 79.1 (range: 63–90) were randomized to the control group (CG, n = 29) or the intervention group (IG, n = 29). CG received cPT five days per week during their hospital stay. For the IG, SSE replaced cPT for at least six sessions throughout the hospital stay, alternating with cPT. Executive function was assessed via the test battery for attentional performance (TAP), memory function was evaluated using the digit span test.ResultsBoth groups improved in the divided attention task (total pre 9.9 missing items; total post 7.5 missing items, p = 0.011), and in the flexibility task (total pre 2034.49 ms; total post 1680.60 ms, p = 0.004). There was no specific training effect of SSE on executive functions measured with the TAP. No improvement in memory function was noted in either group.ConclusionInpatients receiving SSE combined with cPT improved similarly in cognitive domains during early geriatric rehabilitation compared with inpatients offered cPT alone. SSE can be used as an additional component in early geriatric rehabilitation, which due to its playful characteristics might be more motivational or intriguing for some inpatients.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov DRKS00026191

The aim of the explorative study was to evaluate the effect of Square-Stepping Exercise (SSE) on cognitive function compared to conventional physiotherapy (cPT) in early geriatric rehabilitation. A training effect of SSE on cognitive function particularly on executive functions was expected. This explorative study was conducted in the department of early geriatric rehabilitation in a general hospital. Fifty-eight inpatients (27 female), with a median age of 79.1 (range: 63-90) were randomized to the control group (CG, n = 29) or the intervention group (IG, n = 29). CG received cPT five days per week during their hospital stay. For the IG, SSE replaced cPT for at least six sessions throughout the hospital stay, alternating with cPT. Executive function was assessed via the test battery for attentional performance (TAP), memory function was evaluated using the digit span test. Both groups improved in the divided attention task (total pre 9.9 missing items; total post 7.5 missing items, p = 0.011), and in the flexibility task (total pre 2034.49 ms; total post 1680.60 ms, p = 0.004). There was no specific training effect of SSE on executive functions measured with the TAP. No improvement in memory function was noted in either group. Inpatients receiving SSE combined with cPT improved similarly in cognitive domains during early geriatric rehabilitation compared with inpatients offered cPT alone. SSE can be used as an additional component in early geriatric rehabilitation, which due to its playful characteristics might be more motivational or intriguing for some inpatients. ClinicalTrials.gov DRKS00026191.

Cognitive decline, particularly in short-term and working memory, is a major concern in aging populations. Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that may support brain health, but the association between mushroom consumption and specific memory functions remains unclear. This study investigated the association between mushroom intake and digit span performance among 3162 Japanese adults (mean age 57.9 ± 13.1 years; mean follow-up duration 10.5 ± 6.1 years) from the National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging (2002-2022). Mushroom consumption (g/day) at baseline was assessed using 3-day dietary records. Short-term and working memory, which are fundamental components of general cognitive ability, were evaluated using forward and reverse digit span scores (range: 0-14 points for each) from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised. Mixed-effects models with splines, adjusted for demographic, dietary, health, and socioeconomic factors, revealed significant non-linear associations: higher mushroom consumption was linked to better performance on forward digit span (full-adjusted spline terms β1 = 1.192, p = 0.0117; β2 = 2.549, p = 0.0235) and reverse digit span (full-adjusted spline terms β1 = 0.974, p = 0.0352; β2 = 2.209, p = 0.0447) tests, with benefits most pronounced at moderate to high intake levels. These findings suggest that regular mushroom consumption, measured in grams per day, may enhance short-term and working memory in middle-aged and older adults, highlighting a potentially simple dietary approach to support cognitive function during aging.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social interaction, communication, and executive functions such as inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. These deficits hinder daily functioning and learning outcomes in children. Exercise-based interventions improve executive function; however, most previous studies have focused on single-modality programs with limited generalizability. This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured, five-component multimodal intervention-comprising yoga, aerobic, strengthening, neurocognitive, and music-based mindfulness activities-on improving executive functioning in children with ASD. This assessor-blinded, double-center randomized controlled trial will enroll 130 children aged 4-18 years diagnosed with ASD in Bangladesh. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to either the experimental group receiving the multimodal intervention or a wait-list control group receiving healthy lifestyle guidelines. The intervention will include five supervised sessions per week for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week follow-up. An additional group of 65 typically developing children will serve as healthy controls. Primary outcomes will assess executive function domains: inhibitory control (Go/No-Go Task), cognitive flexibility (Trail Making Test A-B), and working memory (Corsi Block Tapping Task; Forward and Backward Digit Span). Secondary outcomes include social responsiveness (Social Responsiveness Scale-2) and ASD-related behaviors (Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist). Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks by blinded assessors. Data will be analyzed using SPSS following the intention-to-treat principle. This trial will address an important evidence gap by evaluating a comprehensive, low-cost, non-pharmacological multimodal intervention targeting multiple domains of executive function in children with ASD. The findings may help clinicians, educators, and policymakers adopt structured exercise-based programs within rehabilitation, school, and community settings. Although limited to two centers, the results could guide future large-scale studies and support the development of standardized multimodal intervention guidelines for ASD. This trial is prospectively registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India: CTRI/2025/11/096943 [Registered on: 06/11/2025]. Link: https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?EncHid=MTQ1NDEy&Enc=&userName=.

Mango, rich in gallotannins with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may enhance cognitive performance in overweight/obese individuals. However, bioavailability of mango polyphenol metabolites is reduced in this population. Probiotics may improve bioavailability by hydrolyzing parent compounds into smaller molecules. Main objective of this double-blind, randomized, controlled pilot study was to evaluate whether 8 weeks of mango and probiotic intake would enhance microbial gallotannin-metabolite levels, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function in overweight/obese individuals. Fifty lean participants (BMI 18-23 kg m-2) and 44 overweight/obese participants (BMI 27-35 kg m-2) aged 18-65 consumed 400 g of fresh mango with one placebo/probiotics capsule for 8 weeks. Cognitive function tests and blood collections occurred on days 1 and 54, with additional visual cognitive tests between days 43-54. Mango plus probiotics significantly reduced plasma Δ TNF-α in overweight/obese participants but had no effect in lean participants. Lean individuals showed improved cognitive performance (Trail Making Test A and Digit Span scores), while overweight/obese participants improved only in Digit Span Backward. Gallotannin-metabolites increased in lean participants regardless of treatment but increased only with probiotic intake in overweight/obese participants. Microbiota analysis identified enrichment of Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae in the mango-probiotics group, while Clostridium and Streptococcus decreased. Overweight/obese participants with higher systemic exposure to gallotannin-metabolites showed improved Δ IL-1β, Δ total ghrelin, and Δ PYY. Despite probiotic supplementation, low metabolite producers had increased Firmicutes and Clostridiaceae. Overall, probiotics enhanced cognitive performance in lean participants, while attenuated inflammation and improved cognitive function in overweight/obese participants, likely due to increased systemic exposure to gallotannin-metabolites.

BackgroundSubcortical ischemic vascular cognitive impairment (SIVCI) is characterized by white matter hyperintensities (WMH) that contribute to executive dysfunction and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive reserve (CR) is the brain's ability to maintain cognitive performance despite pathology. Resting-state functional connectivity (FC) of default mode network (DMN), fronto-executive network (FEN), and fronto-parietal network (FPN) may support CR. Whether WMH and FC interact on executive functions in SIVCI remains unknown.ObjectiveTo examine whether WMH volume interacts with resting-state FC within DMN, FEN, or FPN on executive functions in SIVCI.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of 38 community-dwelling older adults with SIVCI enrolled in a 12-month randomized controlled trial. Three executive processes were assessed: set-shifting by Trail Making Test (B-A), working memory by Digit Span Forward and Backward, and response inhibition by Stroop Colour-Word Test. WMH volume was quantified via T2-weighted and proton-density-weighted MRI and log-transformed. Resting-state FC was computed from resting-state functional MRI using region-of-interest masks. We assessed bivariate associations between WMH volume and each executive process; for significant bivariate associations, we then assessed interactions of WMH × FC on executive functions.ResultsLog-transformed WMH volume was significantly associated with set-shifting (p = 0.006). There were significant WMH × FC interactions for set-shifting. Specifically, higher within-network FC of DMN (b = -2914.10, p < 0.001), lower within-network FC of FEN (b = 1706.23, p = 0.019), and lower within-network FC of FPN (b = 1806.43, p = 0.003) were associated with better set-shifting at high WMH volume.ConclusionsWithin-network FC of DMN, FEN, and FPN interacts with WMH on set-shifting, suggesting a potential neural basis for CR in SIVCI.Trial registry name: Reshaping the Path of Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI)Registration ID: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02669394URL:https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02669394

Typical and atypical declines in cognitive function, as well as increases in chronic, low-grade inflammation and impaired vascular function are all impacted by the ageing process. Flavonoid-rich foods/beverages have been extensively shown to impact human cognition and to modulate immune and/or vascular function, although the cause-and-effect relationship between these factors is unclear. Here, we examine the acute (2 hours) and short-term (8 days) effects of anthocyanin-rich black rice on cognition, inflammation, and vascular function in older adults. Twenty-four older adults (65 ± 7 years) participated in a randomized, single-blind, crossover trial with one-week washout periods. Participants consumed either 210 g of anthocyanin-rich black rice (208 mg of anthocyanins) or the brown rice control (0 mg of anthocyanins) daily for 9 days. Acute effects were assessed 2 hours after consumption on days 1 and 9, and short-term effects were evaluated after completing 8 days of intake. Cognitive performance (RAVLT, digit span, Stroop, and digit symbol substitution), microvascular blood flow, and blood pressure were measured for both acute and short-term interventions, while serum inflammatory biomarkers were assessed for the short-term intervention. Anthocyanins and phenolic acids in rice were identified by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Data were analyzed using linear mixed models with Bonferroni-corrected comparisons. Eight days of black rice intake significantly improved verbal memory (RAVLT final recall: 12.64 vs. 11.92, p = 0.04; total recall: 52.57 vs. 49.54, p = 0.02) and enhanced digit span backward (change from baseline (CFB) = 0.83, p = 0.03) compared with brown rice. In parallel, black rice significantly reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (CFB: -0.67, p = 0.03), an effect not seen with the control. Acute black rice consumption attenuated declines in delayed recall (CFB: -1.17, p = 0.09) and recognition (CFB: -0.67, p = 0.19), while significant reductions were observed following brown rice intake. No significant treatment effects were observed for microvascular blood flow or blood pressure. Consumption of anthocyanin-rich black rice for 8 days improved verbal memory and reduced blood IL-6 in older adults. These data suggest for the first time that cognitive benefits induced by anthocyanin-rich black rice may be mediated by anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The clinical trial registry number is NCT06583785 (https://clinicaltrials.gov).

• Quantile regression reveals differential effects of children’s executive function. • Self-regulation and working memory show stable links to mathematics. • Working memory predicts vocabulary mainly at low proficiency levels. • Predictive power for phonological awareness shifts across grades and quantiles. • Findings support targeted executive function interventions for low-skill children. This study uses residualized quantile regression modeling to investigate how aspects of executive function (self-regulation and working memory) differentially predict mathematics, vocabulary, and phonological awareness for children with various levels of these skills. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional linear regression, which overlooks variations in associations at different points in the skill distribution. The study utilized longitudinal data from 243 children (M age = 5.79, 49% female), assessed in kindergarten and first grade. Self-regulation was measured with the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task, and working memory with the Digit Span. The quantile regression findings indicate rather stable associations between self-regulation/working memory and mathematics for children across the mathematics proficiency distribution, largely reflecting traditional linear coefficients. However, traditional linear regression misses out on important associations with vocabulary and phonological awareness. That is, working memory predicted vocabulary specifically at the low end of the distribution across kindergarten and first grade, while both working memory and self-regulation’s predictive power for phonological awareness shifted from the high end of the distribution in kindergarten to the low end in first grade. The study highlights the importance of considering that executive function’s involvement in academic skills may fluctuate depending on the specific aspect of executive function, the child's developmental stage, and the type of academic skill. Quantile regression provides a nuanced understanding of these relationships, revealing that traditional linear regression may miss critical information. The findings suggest that interventions targeting executive function may be specifically beneficial for children who struggle with language and literacy skills, particularly in first grade.

Background: Dancers integrate auditory, visual, and motor systems, potentially enhancing their sensory and cognitive abilities. This study investigates whether dance training influences auditory processing and cognitive abilities, focusing on masking level difference (MLD), speech perception in noise (SPIN), and visual working memory (VWM). Materials and Methods: Sixty female participants, including 30 trained dancers and 30 non-dancers, were evaluated. MLD was measured at 500 Hz in homophasic and antiphasic conditions. SPIN was tested across varying signal-to-noise ratios (+5, 0, −5, −10 dB). VWM was assessed using digit span and sequencing tasks. Result and Discussion: Dancers exhibited significantly lower thresholds in both homophasic (SoNo) and antiphasic (SπNo) listening conditions, indicating enhanced signal-in-noise perception, although overall MLD scores did not differ significantly between groups. SPIN performance was superior among dancers across all SNRs except +5 dB, reflecting enhanced efferent system functioning and auditory attention. In VWM tasks, dancers showed significantly better digit span performance, attributed to neuroplastic changes in brain regions associated with visual processing, while no differences were observed in digit sequencing, likely due to task complexity. Conclusion: Dance expertise positively influences auditory processing and VWM. These results underscore the role of neuroplasticity in trained performers and suggest its potential applications for auditory and cognitive training programs.

BackgroundSchool-based mindfulness education has been increasingly implemented to support children’s socio-emotional development; however, the cognitive mechanisms underlying its effects on emotion regulation remain insufficiently clarified. This study examined whether mindfulness-based education improves children’s emotion regulation and whether executive function mediates this association.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial, 150 children aged 8–10 years were assigned to either a mindfulness education group or a waitlist control group. The 8-week program assessed emotion regulation (ERC, Emotion Management Scale, Disappointing Gift Task) and executive function (Hearts and Flowers, Digit Span, WCST).ResultsThe mindfulness group showed significantly greater improvements in emotion regulation strategies (F = 15.37, p < 0.001) and all executive function components. Mediation analysis revealed significant indirect effects through inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, accounting for 53.8% of the total effect.ConclusionMindfulness education enhances children’s emotion regulation, both directly and through improvements in executive function, supporting its implementation in school mental health programs.

Dysphagia frequently co-occurs with cognitive impairment, suggesting that swallowing may involve cognitive processes. However, the relationship between cognitive load and swallowing performance remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of different levels of cognitive load on swallowing performance under dual-task conditions in healthy adults. Forty-three graduate students (mean age: 24.49 ± 1.63 years, male/female: 22/21) were recruited and performed five tasks: swallowing single task (SST), low-load cognitive single task (STlow), high-load cognitive single task (SThigh), low-load cognitive-swallowing dual task (DTlow), and high-load cognitive-swallowing dual task (DThigh). Here, a dual-task refers to the concurrent execution of a swallowing task and a cognitive task, designed to evaluate the competition for attentional resources and performance trade-offs. The low-load cognitive task consisted of a digit forward-span task, while the high-load cognitive task involved a digit backward-span task, which demands greater cognitive processing complexity and working memory load. Swallowing measures (e.g., swallowing volume) and cognitive task accuracy were recorded, and dual-task cost (DTC) was calculated to evaluate performance changes under dual-task conditions. Swallowing volume differed significantly among SST, DTlow, and DThigh (p < 0.05), with lower volume in DThigh compared to SST (p < 0.05). Cognitive accuracy was significantly lower in DThigh than in DTlow (p < 0.05), indicating greater interference under high cognitive load. The findings confirm that swallowing engages executive function and attentional resources, and suggest that participants prioritize swallowing performance during dual-task conditions by adjusting prefrontal activation patterns rather than increasing overall cortical activation to manage interference. This study provides preliminary evidence for the cognitive involvement in swallowing and highlights the need to consider cognitive load in dysphagia assessment and rehabilitation.

This study aimed to translate the Moss Attention Rating Scale (MARS) into Korean and to validate the psychometric properties of the Korean version (K-MARS) in inpatients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI). A prospective, single-center study was conducted, recruiting 51 patients with traumatic brain injury between 2023 and 2024. The K-MARS was translated using a standardized cross-cultural adaptation method. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were also evaluated. Additional assessments of cognitive function, sleep quality, and mood were conducted to examine the convergent validity. The K-MARS demonstrated strong internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity. Cronbach's alpha for the total score was 0.870, and intra-class correlation coefficients for test-retest reliability exceeded 0.90 for both the total score and all subscales. Significant correlations were observed between the K-MARS total score and overall cognitive performance, as well as with several attention-related measures, including the Trail Making Test and Digit Span Test. The K-MARS is a psychometrically reliable and valid tool for assessing attention-related behaviors in Korean inpatients with msTBI. By capturing behaviorally observable attention deficits, the K-MARS helps identify individual attentional problems and guides the development of tailored cognitive rehabilitation plans.

The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased globally, posing a significant public health concern owing to its impact on chronic illnesses, warranting effective mitigation strategies. Studies highlight a negative correlation between a higher body mass index and both executive function and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This study aimed to assess the effects of a contemporary dance program on executive function, BDNF levels, and cardiovascular fitness in children with obesity. Overall, 35 children with obesity aged 9-12years were randomly divided into a dance (n = 17) or control (n = 18) group. Each participant underwent 60-minute moderate-intensity training sessions 3 times weekly for 10weeks. Before and after training, 3-mL blood samples were collected to measure BDNF levels, and peak oxygen consumption evaluations were conducted. Furthermore, executive function was assessed using the digit span test to evaluate working memory and gauge cognitive changes. BDNF levels positively correlated with VO2peak (r = .356). Contemporary dance training significantly elevated BDNF levels (P = .005) and VO2peak in the dance group compared with those in the control group (P = .004). The program markedly improved working memory, as evidenced by enhanced test scores (P = .022). This study highlighted the potential benefits of dance programs for children with obesity, emphasizing improved BDNF levels, cardiorespiratory fitness, and working memory. Although evidence supports the cognitive and physical benefits of dancing, further research is warranted to optimize protocols and evaluate how dancing compares with other physical activity types regarding enhancing cognitive function.

Neurocognitive impairments are a core feature of psychosis and impact long-term outcomes. While sex differences in neurocognition have been observed in first-episode psychosis (FEP), findings remain mixed, and little is known about differential responses to metacognitive interventions. This study examined sex differences in the effectiveness of Metacognitive Training (MCT) on neurocognitive outcomes in FEP. A total of 122 individuals with FEP were randomized to receive either MCT or psychoeducational intervention. Neurocognitive performance was assessed at baseline and at 6-month follow-up using a comprehensive battery (CPT-II, TMT, WCST, Stroop test, TAVEC, WAIS-III Digit Span). General Linear Models tested the effects of intervention, sex, and their interaction, both unadjusted and adjusted for covariates. MCT led to greater improvements than psychoeducation in immediate recall, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and attention. Improvements in immediate recall and Stroop Interference remained significant after adjustment, with Stroop performance also influenced by diagnosis. Across groups, men performed better in verbal memory, while women showed increased serial clustering in short-term recall, an effect that remained significant after adjustment. Notably, a group-by-sex interaction indicated that women receiving MCT experienced greater gains in short-term recall after controlling for covariates. MCT enhances specific neurocognitive functions in FEP and shows promising effects for women in verbal memory processes. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating sex and diagnostic factors when tailoring early interventions for psychosis and highlight the potential of MCT as a personalized cognitive strategy.

Background: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone across the menstrual cycle may influence cognitive and neuromuscular performance, yet previous findings have remained inconsistent because many studies have assessed isolated outcomes or relied solely on calendar-based phase estimation. Objective: To evaluate variations in cognitive performance, muscle strength, and endurance across menstrual cycle phases and examine their association with circulating estrogen and progesterone levels in healthy young women. Methods: This descriptive repeated-measures study was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, among 60 healthy women aged 18-30 years with regular menstrual cycles. Assessments were performed during the follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases. Serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Stroop Color-Word Test and Digit Span Test, while neuromuscular performance was evaluated using quadriceps maximal voluntary isometric contraction and plank endurance. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Pearson correlation tests. Results: Estrogen peaked during ovulation (187.5 ± 25.8 pg/mL), whereas progesterone was highest in the luteal phase (11.8 ± 2.7 ng/mL) (p &lt; 0.001 for both). Stroop reaction time improved significantly during ovulation (689 ± 78 ms) compared with the follicular phase (732 ± 84 ms) (p = 0.012). Quadriceps strength was highest during ovulation (317.9 ± 34.5 N) and differed significantly across phases (p = 0.021). Digit Span scores and plank endurance also showed their highest mean values during ovulation. Estrogen correlated positively with cognitive performance (r = 0.42, p &lt; 0.05), while progesterone correlated positively with muscular endurance (r = 0.39, p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Cognitive and neuromuscular performance varied across menstrual cycle phases, with the most favorable overall outcomes observed during ovulation. These findings support consideration of menstrual physiology as a relevant biological variable in female performance research and individualized training or workload planning.

Introduction: Attention plays a role in supporting productivity and safety in industrial environments, particularly among shift workers. Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD), experienced by those on rotating or night shifts, is characterized by insomnia and/or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), both of which can decrease attentional function. These prevalence rates reaches up to 76.4% and 60.7% respectively, higher than in the general population. Attention impairment in shift workers has been linked to an increased risk of occupational accidents. Objective: To analyze the effect of SWSD symptoms on attention function among factory workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2024 involving 51 factory workers in Jepara. The Insomnia Severity Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Digit Span Test were employed to assess insomnia, EDS, and attention, respectively. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to analyze associations. Results: SWSD was found in 29.4% of participants and was significantly associated with attention impairment (RR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.417–4.064; p = 0.002). Both insomnia (RR = 2.15; p = 0.016) and EDS (RR = 2.00; p = 0.019) increased the risk of impaired attention. Participants with both symptoms had the highest risk (RR = 2.17; p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis revealed that insomnia remained independently associated with impaired attention (AOR = 4.129; p = 0.018). Conclusion: EDS combined with insomnia increases the risk of attention impairment. Insomnia was found to be an independent predictor. These findings highlight the importance of sleep disorder screening to reduce the risk of attentional impairment and prevent occupational accidents in shift work.