High Training Group Research Articles

An Investigation of Computer-based Brain Training on the Cognitive and EEG Performance of Employees.

Neurocognitive skills (e.g., processing speed, attention and memory) were hypothesized to be critical for workplace performance and by extension for the work-life balance of employees. Twenty-one employee volunteers underwent a neurocognitive training program - which consisted of an initial pre-test assessment, a six week "boost" or intervention period, and then a re-assessment to track the progress of each participant. A median split of the group created two training groups: a long-training group that averaged 30 hours of total training during the boost period; and a short-training group that averaged 7 hours of training. On pre-training measures of neurocognitive performance, group differences in performance did not reach statistical significance. Following training participants experienced a positive impact from the program as measured in three ways: standardized higher behavioral metrics, improved cognitive state metrics using EEG and positive self-reported data. From a quantitative perspective, participants' cognitive efficiency increased by 12% for the high-training group and 5% for the low-training group (cognitive efficiency refers to a behavioral measure which combines accuracy and speed). Qualitatively, study participants reported improvements in their productivity and mental performance post-study.

Effect of lifetime endurance training on left atrial mechanical function and on the risk of atrial fibrillation

BackgroundLeft atrium (LA) dilation and P-wave duration are linked to the amount of endurance training and are risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of LA anatomical and electrical remodeling on its conduit and pump function measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). MethodAmateur male runners >30years were recruited. Study participants (n=95) were stratified in 3 groups according to lifetime training hours: low (<1500h, n=33), intermediate (1500 to 4500h, n=32) and high training group (>4500h, n=30). ResultsNo differences were found, between the groups, in terms of age, blood pressure, and diastolic function. LA maximal volume (30±5, 33±5 vs. 37±6ml/m2, p<0.001), and conduit volume index (9±3, 11±3 vs. 12±3ml/m2, p<0.001) increased significantly from the low to the high training group, unlike the STE parameters: pump strain −15.0±2.8, −14.7±2.7 vs. −14.9±2.6%, p=0.927; conduit strain 23.3±3.9, 22.1±5.3 vs. 23.7±5.7%, p=0.455. Independent predictors of LA strain conduit function were age, maximal early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus, heart rate and peak early diastolic filling velocity. The signal-averaged P-wave (135±11, 139±10 vs. 148±14ms, p<0.001) increased from the low to the high training group. Four episodes of non-sustained AF were recorded in one runner of the high training group. ConclusionThe LA anatomical and electrical remodeling does not have a negative impact on atrial mechanical function. Hence, a possible link between these risk factors for AF and its actual, rare occurrence in this athlete population, could not be uncovered in the present study.

Olfactory training is helpful in postinfectious olfactory loss: A randomized, controlled, multicenter study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of olfactory training (OT) on olfactory function in patients with persistent postinfectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD). Randomized, single-blind, controlled, multicenter crossover study. Twelve tertiary university medical centers participated. Investigations were performed at three visits (baseline, after 18 weeks, and after 36 weeks), including only subjects with PIOD of <24-months duration. At each visit, participants received detailed assessment of olfactory function. Seventy subjects trained with high concentrations of four odors for 18 weeks; the other half (n = 74) trained with low concentrations of odors. For the following 18 weeks this regimen was switched. After 18 weeks, olfactory function improved in the high-training group in 18 of 70 participants (26%), whereas only 11/74 improved in the low-training group (15%). In subjects with a duration of olfactory dysfunction of <12 months, olfactory function improved in 15/24 participants (63%) of the high-training group and in 6/31 participants (19%) of the low-training group (P = .03). OT improves PIOD, and the use of odors at higher concentrations is beneficial to improvement. OT is a safe procedure and appears to be particularly useful in patients who start OT within 12 months after the onset of the disorder. OT is the first successful therapy regime in patients with PIOD. 1b.

Effect of lifetime endurance training on left atrial mechanical function and on the risk of atrial fibrillation

Background: Left atrial (LA) dilation and prolongation of the signal-averaged P-wave duration (SAPWD) are linked to the amount and intensity of training. There is growing evidence that this atrial anatomical and electrical remodeling could be the substrate for the increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) observed in retrospective cohort studies of athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of LA anatomical and electrical remodeling, in the context of lifetime exercise endurance training, on its passive (conduit) and active (pump) function measured by 2-D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), and to find a link between LA functional adaptation and AF. Methods: Amateur male runners ≥30 years old were recruited (n=109) and, after exclusion of subjects having an office blood pressure >140/90mmHg or other cardiovascular risk factors, stratified in 3 groups according to lifetime training hours: low ( 4'500 h, n=30). Baseline examination consisted of an ECG with analysis of the SAPWD, Doppler echocardiography including STE, 24-hour ambulatory ECG and BP monitoring. Results: No differences were found, between the groups, in terms of age, BP, and diastolic function. LA maximal volume index (30±5, 33±5 vs. 37±6ml/m2, p<0.001), and conduit volume index (9±3, 11±3 vs. 12±3ml/m2, p<0.001) increased significantly from the low to the high training group, unlike the STE parameters which were comparable between the groups: strain pump -15.0±2.8, -14.7±2.7 vs. -14.9±2.6%, p=0.927; strain conduit 23.3±3.9, 22.1±5.3 vs. 23.7±5.7%, p=0.455. Independent predictors of LA strain conduit function were age, maximal early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus, heart rate and peak early diastolic filling velocity. Left ventricular end diastolic volume index and stroke volume index both increased significantly with lifetime training hours. SAPWD (135±11, 139±10 vs. 148±14ms, p<0.001) and the number of premature atrial contractions (3 [1-7], 6 [2-12], 9 [3-26], p=0.008) increased from the low to the high training group. In one runner of the high training group 4 episodes of non-sustained AF were recorded. Conclusions: The LA anatomical and electrical remodeling does not have a negative impact on atrial mechanical function. LA enlargement may be an adaptation to volume overload, which permits a greater volume delivery to the simultaneously dilating left ventricle. A possible link between these risk factors for AF and its actual, rare occurrence in this athlete population, could not be uncovered in the present study.

Atrial Remodeling, Autonomic Tone, and Lifetime Training Hours in Nonelite Athletes

Endurance athletes have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) at 40 to 50 years of age. Signal-averaged P-wave analysis has been used for identifying patients at risk for AF. We evaluated the impact of lifetime training hours on signal-averaged P-wave duration and modifying factors. Nonelite men athletes scheduled to participate in the 2010 Grand Prix of Bern, a 10-mile race, were invited. Four hundred ninety-two marathon and nonmarathon runners applied for participation, 70 were randomly selected, and 60 entered the final analysis. Subjects were stratified according to their lifetime training hours (average endurance and strength training hours per week × 52 × training years) in low (<1,500 hours), medium (1,500 to 4,500 hours), and high (>4,500 hours) training groups. Mean age was 42 ± 7 years. From low to high training groups signal-averaged P-wave duration increased from 131 ± 6 to 142 ± 13 ms (p = 0.026), and left atrial volume increased from 24.8 ± 4.6 to 33.1 ± 6.2 ml/m(2) (p = 0.001). Parasympathetic tone expressed as root of the mean squared differences of successive normal-to-normal intervals increased from 34 ± 13 to 47 ± 16 ms (p = 0.002), and premature atrial contractions increased from 6.1 ± 7.4 to 10.8 ± 7.7 per 24 hours (p = 0.026). Left ventricular mass increased from 100.7 ± 9.0 to 117.1 ± 18.2 g/m(2) (p = 0.002). Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and blood pressure at rest were normal in all athletes and showed no differences among training groups. Four athletes (6.7%) had a history of paroxysmal AF, as did 1 athlete in the medium training group and 3 athletes in the high training group (p = 0.252). In conclusion, in nonelite men athletes lifetime training hours are associated with prolongation of signal-averaged P-wave duration and an increase in left atrial volume. The altered left atrial substrate may facilitate occurrence of AF. Increased vagal tone and atrial ectopy may serve as modifying and triggering factors.

Effects of Brief Training on Use of Automated External Defibrillators by People Without Medical Expertise

This study examined the effect of three types of brief training on the use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) by 43 lay users. Because AEDs were recently approved for home use, brief training for nonprofessional users needs investigation. During training, the exposure training group read an article about AEDs that provided no information on how to operate them; the low-training group inspected the AED and read the operating instructions in the paper-based manual but was not allowed to use the device; and the high-training group watched a training video and performed a mock resuscitation using the AED but no manikin. All participants returned 2 weeks later and performed a surprise simulated AED resuscitation on a manikin. Most participants in each training group met criteria of minimally acceptable performance during the simulated manikin resuscitation, as measured by time to first shock, pad placement accuracy, and safety check performance. All participants who committed errors were able to successfully recover from them to complete the resuscitation. Compared with exposure training, the low and high training had a beneficial effect on time to first shock and errors. Untrained users were able to adequately use this AED, demonstrating walk-up-and-use usability, but additional brief training improved user performance. This study demonstrated the importance of providing high-quality but brief training for home AED users. In conjunction with other findings, the current study helps demonstrate the need for well-designed training for consumer medical devices.

Influence of Training Volume and Acute Physical Exercise on the Homocysteine Levels in Endurance-Trained Men: Interactions with Plasma Folate and Vitamin B12

The interrelation between physical exercise and plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B₁₂, and folic acid has not been examined. Therefore, we investigated the influence of extensive endurance training and acute intense exercise on plasma concentrations of total Hcy, vitamin B₁₂, and folic acid in 42 well-trained male triathletes. Examinations and blood sampling took place before and after a 30-day endurance training period as well as before and 1 and 24 h after a competitive exercise (sprint triathlon). Following the training period, no significant change in Hcy levels could be detected for the whole group. Subgroup analysis in quartiles of training volume revealed that – as compared with the lowest quartile (low-training group: 9.1 h training/week) – athletes in the highest training quartile (high-training group: 14.9 h training/week) exhibited a significant decrease in Hcy levels (from 12.7 ± 2.3 to 11.7 ± 2.4 µmol/l as compared with levels of 12.5 ± 1.5 and 12.86 ± 1.5 µmol/l in the low-training group; p < 0.05). The plasma folate levels were significantly higher in the high-training group at all points of examination (p < 0.05). 1 h and 24 h after competition, the Hcy concentration increased in all athletes independent of the previous training volume (24 h: 12.3 ± 1.8 vs. 13.5 ± 2.6 µmol/l; p < 0.001), although the increase was decisively stronger in the low-training group. 1 h after competition, the plasma folate concentration increased (7.03 ± 2.1 vs. 8.33 ± 2.1 ng/ml; p < 0.05) in all athletes. Multivariate analysis showed that the exercise-induced increase in the Hcy levels was dependent on baselines levels of folate and training volume, but not on the vitamin B₁₂ levels. In conclusion, although intense exercise acutely increased the Hcy levels, chronic endurance exercise was not associated with higher Hcy concentrations. Moreover, athletes with the highest training volume, exhibiting also the highest plasma folate levels, showed a decrease in Hcy levels following the training period as well as a much lower increase of the Hcy concentration after acute intense exercise. The combined effect of training and higher plasma folate levels to reduce Hcy should be investigated in future studies.

Effect of Training Level at the Time of Introduction of Delay on Runway Performance

Three intra-runway delay durations (0, 15, and 45 sec.) were combined factorially with three training levels (0, 15, and 75 trials) to determine the effect of the level of training at the time of delay introduction on performance. Three models, each with different predictions concerning the effect of training on performance after delay introduction, were evaluated. First, the frustration-drive model was unable to account for either the decremental effects of delay, or the fact that high training groups were more affected by delay and recovered more slowly. Second, delay of reinforcement theory while predicting decremental effects was unable to account for their temporal course and spatial distribution in the runway. Especially detrimental to this theory was complete recovery from the effects of delay in spite of continued delay. Third, the novelty-reactions model, while failing to account for the specific nature of the decremental effects of delay and training level on performance, was able to handle the fact that decrements did take place and recovery did occur and was less rapid for high training groups. Of the three models this latter was considered to be most compatible with the results.