Improved Reaction Time Research Articles

Impact of yoga on the cognitive function among desk‐based workers

IntroductionProlonged sitting negatively impacts cognitive functions, such as working memory and inhibitory control. As sedentary behaviour rises in workplaces, interventions like yoga breaks, which combine physical activity and mindfulness, may mitigate these effects. While specific research on yoga breaks is limited, related studies suggest potential cognitive benefits. MethodsThis prospective, single-centre crossover trial took place from September 2022 to January 2023 at the Radiology Lab, KMC Manipal. Participants experienced three sessions: uninterrupted sitting, pranayama breaks, and yoga breaks, each lasting four hours. Executive functions were assessed hourly using computer-based tests (Eriksen’s Flanker Test and N-Back Test). Statistical analyses included repeated measures ANOVA and Friedman’s test. ResultsParticipants, with a mean age of 30.24 years, showed fastest reaction times during the yoga intervention in the Flanker Test, followed by pranayama and sitting. However, accuracy did not significantly differ between groups in both tests.Reaction times decreased significantly from the 0th to the 2nd and 4th hours in the Flanker Test, but not between the 2nd and 4th hours. In the N-Back test, accuracy declined over time for all interventions, without significant group differences. ConclusionYoga and pranayama breaks potentially improve reaction times during prolonged sitting but do not significantly impact accuracy in cognitive tasks. These findings suggest that while activity breaks can enhance certain cognitive functions, further research is needed to optimize interventions for cognitive health in sedentary work environments.

Caffeine Gum Improves Reaction Time but Reduces Composure Versus Placebo During the Extra-Time Period of Simulated Soccer Match-Play in Male Semiprofessional Players.

This study aimed to determine whether caffeine gum influenced perceptual-cognitive and physical performance during the extra-time period of simulated soccer match-play. Semiprofessional male soccer players (n = 12, age: 22 ± 3years, stature: 1.78 ± 0.06m, mass: 75 ± 9kg) performed 120-min soccer-specific exercise on two occasions. In a triple-blind, randomized, crossover design, players chewed caffeinated (200mg; caffeine) or control (0mg; placebo) gum for 5min following 90min of soccer-specific exercise. Perceptual-cognitive skills (i.e.,passing accuracy, reaction time, composure, and adaptability) were assessed using a soccer-specific virtual reality simulator, collected pre- and posttrial. Neuromuscular performance (reactive-strength index, vertical jump height, absolute and relative peak power output, and negative vertical displacement) and sprint performance (15 and 30m) were measured at pretrial, half-time, 90min, and posttrial. Caffeine gum attenuated declines in reaction time (pre: 90.8 ± 0.8AU to post: 90.7 ± 0.8AU) by a further 4.2% than placebo (pre: 92.1 ± 0.8AU to post: 88.2 ± 0.8AU; p < .01). Caffeine gum reduced composure by 4.7% (pre: 69.1 ± 0.8AU to post: 65.9 ± 0.8AU) versus placebo (pre: 68.8 ± 0.8AU to post: 68.3 ± 0.8AU; p < .01). Caffeine gum did not influence any other variables (p > .05). Where caffeine gum is consumed by players prior to extra-time, reaction time increases but composure may be compromised, and neuromuscular and sprint performance remain unchanged. Future work should assess caffeine gum mixes with substances like L-theanine that promote a relaxed state under stressful conditions.

Effects of Concurrent Training on Resuscitation and Cognitive Performance in Paramedics-A Pilot Study.

Paramedics work under physically and cognitively demanding conditions to provide emergency care. As physical fitness could positively impact the quality of patient care, we investigated within a pilot study whether concurrent training (CT) affects work-related performance parameters in paramedics. At baseline (T1), 16 paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation whereby resuscitation performance (RP; total resuscitation quality, compressions with correct frequency, and correct ventilation), cognitive performance (CP; reaction time, divided attention, and working memory), and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed (pre-exertion). Then, participants climbed seven floors carrying 20 kg of gear before completing the same assessments again (post-exertion). The baseline testing was followed by a CT intervention (12 weeks, three sessions/week). After the intervention (T2), the two-stage testing was repeated. We analyzed whether the pre-exertion and post-exertion values, as well as the difference between the pre-exertion and post-exertion values, changed from T1 to T2. Nine paramedics (male: N = 7; age = 26.3 (SD = 8.17) years) took part in the study. The comparison of the pre-exertion values showed significantly better reaction times (p = 0.001) and divided attention (p = 0.02) and a trend toward greater working memory and RP parameters at T2. Regarding the post-exertion values, significant improvements in working memory (p = 0.03) and a trend toward improved reaction time, divided attention, and RP occurred at T2. The difference between the pre- and post-exertion values did not change for any parameter from T1 to T2. HRV decreased significantly from pre- to post-exertion (T1: p = 0.01, T2: p = 0.01). These results indicate that CT is a promising training concept to improve RP and CP in paramedics and should therefore be investigated further to increase patient care quality.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise versus Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation on Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In this study, we investigated the effects of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) and exercise on cognition in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). A literature search was performed using the Cochrane Library, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science. The time interval used for database construction was up to February 2024; the collected trials were subsequently screened, and the data were extracted. We identified 12 studies with 208 pwMS treated with noninvasive brain stimulation. Seven of the twelve studies concluded that NIBS was effective in improving reaction time, attention and processing speed. Additionally, 26 articles investigated the effect of various types of exercise on cognition among 708 pwMS. Twelve studies used aerobic exercise only, three studies used resistance only, one used yoga, and ten studies used mixed forms of exercise, such as Pilates, resistance and Frenkel coordination. Aerobic exercise was effective in improving at least one cognitive domain in ten studies. Resistance exercise was found to improve cognition in three studies. Yoga failed to show any improvement in one study. NIBS might be an effective intervention for cognition improvement among pwMS. Aerobic exercise and combined forms of exercise are the most frequently investigated and applied and found to be effective. Further studies are needed, especially for resistance, balance and stretching exercises.

The impact of the Dynavision Device on Increasing Pupils' Reaction Times (responses) During the Commencement of Backstroke Among the Yarmouk University Swimming Team

This study aimed to identify the effect of the Dynavision device in improving the reaction time (response ) when performing the start of backstrocke swimming students swimming team - Yarmouk University . The researcher used the semi-experimental approach to fit the nature of the study and its objectives, and the study's sample was carefully chosen from among the Faculty of Physical Education students enrolled in the swimming course during the summer semester of 2023–2024 .The swimming team at the university taught six female students in specific excersises that used the Dynavision device to assess response time. Each encounter consisted of three and lasted 30 minutes, and the training period lasted six weeks. Standard deviations and computational averages were employed, together with a test (the T-Test) The results showed that utilizing the Dynavision device improved reaction time (response) when completing the commencement of a Backstroke swimming in the distance tests in the research sample. In light of the outcomes and findings, a number of recommendations were made, the most important of which was the importance of using the exercises—particularly with the Dynavision device—because of their influence on improving the capacity to begin other swimming types.

Perspectives of Language-Major Students at a Higher Education Institution on the Activities of Foreign Language Clubs in Improving Their Speaking Skills

Beyond classroom learning, extracurricular activities also hold significant weight in strengthening students' knowledge and abilities. For language majors, extracurricular involvement, particularly in university clubs, can significantly enhance their language skills through practice. A quantitative research method was employed using a questionnaire distributed to a university's English and Chinese language majors. The findings emphasized the importance of language clubs in supporting students' development in speaking English and Chinese. Informed by relevant theory and survey data, the research team observed that these clubs operate effectively, offering many benefits such as improved reaction time for language learners, increased motivation for studying the language, opportunities for practical application, and a boost in both initiative and confidence during communication. Utilizing student feedback, the authors delve into a discussion on the role and effectiveness of language clubs for participants. This discussion then paves the way for recommendations to further enhance the effectiveness of these clubs in the future.

Response Time of Elite Female Wrestlers

Abstract Introduction. Response time is a crucial factor influencing performance effectiveness in wrestling. A short time of response enables athletes to engage in more effective technical and tactical actions. Despite numerous scientific studies on psychomotor abilities in combat sports, there is a lack of scientific reports on women’s wrestling, especially at the highest level of performance. The aim of this study was to determine the response time of female wrestlers with different levels of sports advancement and weight classes. Material and Methods. Female wrestlers aged 19.08 ± 0.86 years with a training experience of 7.03 ± 1.33 years participated in the study, along with women not involved in sports training, aged 19.23 ± 0.70 years. Due to body weight, athletes were divided into two groups: lightweight and heavyweight, and based on sports achievements into medalists and non-medalist participants in the Polish Championships. Response time (including reaction time and movement time) was assessed. Results. The research results revealed differences in response time between wrestlers and untrained women. Wrestlers exhibited shorter response times in both reaction time and movement time. No significant differences in response time were noted between wrestlers based on weight class and sports result. Conclusions. Specialized wrestling training improves the response time of women, both in sensory and motor aspects. Body weight and sports results do not differentiate athletes based on response time. Further research should focus on determining different types of response time, including choice reaction, and their changes under the influence of training and competitive loads in wrestlers with varying levels of sports expertise. Additionally, effective training methods for improving reaction time should be explored.

Paraxanthine provides greater improvement in cognitive function than caffeine after performing a 10-km run.

Intense exercise promotes fatigue and can impair cognitive function, particularly toward the end of competition when decision-making is often critical for success. For this reason, athletes often ingest caffeinated energy drinks prior to or during exercise to help them maintain focus, reaction time, and cognitive function during competition. However, caffeine habituation and genetic sensitivity to caffeine (CA) limit efficacy. Paraxanthine (PX) is a metabolite of caffeine reported to possess nootropic properties. This study examined whether ingestion of PX with and without CA affects pre- or post-exercise cognitive function. 12 trained runners were randomly assigned to consume in a double-blind, randomized, and crossover manner 400 mg of a placebo (PL); 200 mg of PL + 200 mg of CA; 200 mg of PL + 200 mg of PX (ENFINITY®, Ingenious Ingredients); or 200 mg PX + 200 mg of CA (PX+CA) with a 7-14-day washout between treatments. Participants donated fasting blood samples and completed pre-supplementation (PRE) side effects questionnaires, the Berg-Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (BCST), and the Psychomotor Vigilance Task Test (PVTT). Participants then ingested the assigned treatment and rested for 60 minutes, repeated tests (PRE-EX), performed a 10-km run on a treadmill at a competition pace, and then repeated tests (POST-EX). Data were analyzed using General Linear Model (GLM) univariate analyses with repeated measures and percent changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals. BCST correct responses in the PX treatment increased from PRE-EX to POST-EX (6.8% [1.5, 12.1], p = 0.012). The error rate in the PL (23.5 [-2.8, 49.8] %, p = 0.078) and CA treatment (31.5 [5.2, 57.8] %, p = 0.02) increased from PRE-EX values with POST-EX errors tending to be lower with PX treatment compared to CA (-35.7 [-72.9, 1.4] %, p = 0.059). POST-EX perseverative errors with PAR rules were significantly lower with PX treatment than with CA (-26.9 [-50.5, -3.4] %, p = 0.026). Vigilance analysis revealed a significant interaction effect in Trial #2 mean reaction time values (p = 0.049, = 0.134, moderate to large effect) with POST-EX reaction times tending to be faster with PX and CA treatment. POST-EX mean reaction time of all trials with PX treatment was significantly faster than PL (-23.2 [-43.4, -2.4] %, p = 0.029) and PX+CA (-29.6 [-50.3, -8.80] %, p = 0.006) treatments. There was no evidence that PX ingestion adversely affected ratings of side effects associated with stimulant intake or clinical blood markers. Results provide some evidence that pre-exercise PX ingestion improves prefrontal cortex function, attenuates attentional decline, mitigates cognitive fatigue, and improves reaction time and vigilance. Adding CA to PX did not provide additional benefits. Therefore, PX ingestion may serve as a nootropic alternative to CA.

Organic polymer/inorganic heterostructure coupled with efficient allosteric bicycle strand displacement for photochemical sensing

In this work, a high-performance conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) decorated with BiOBr (Tr(PhXOD)3-CMP/BiOBr) is synthesized to application in construction of ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor for sensing miRNA-122, by firstly coupling with efficient clip toehold-mediated allosteric bicycle strand displacement (ABSD). Notably, the Tr(PhXOD)3-CMP/BiOBr not only owns self-enhanced D-A-D structure that extremely shortens migration distance of photo-generated electron, but also forms Z-type heterostructure for accelerating electron-hole separation, thereby significantly enhancing the photocurrent with 10-fold higher than commonly used methods. Meanwhile, the clip toehold-mediated ABSD based on ternary linkage structure transformation avoids the attrition of invading strand, endowing the conservation of high concentration for undergoing rapid reaction with high-efficiency DNA amplification, which dramatically improves reaction time and superior target conversion. The experimental results indicate that proposed PEC biosensor had a high sensitivity to miRNA-122 with a detection limit of 0.49 fM, which provides a newly organic/inorganic photosensitive nanomaterials and efficient DNA strand displacement in bioanalytical and early clinical disease diagnosis.

Anticipating Future Risks of Climate-Driven Wildfires in Boreal Forests

Extreme forest fires have historically been a significant concern in Canada, the Russian Federation, the USA, and now pose an increasing threat in boreal Europe. This paper deals with application of the wildFire cLimate impacts and Adaptation Model (FLAM) in boreal forests. FLAM operates on a daily time step and utilizes mechanistic algorithms to quantify the impact of climate, human activities, and fuel availability on wildfire probabilities, frequencies, and burned areas. In our paper, we calibrate the model using historical remote sensing data and explore future projections of burned areas under different climate change scenarios. The study consists of the following steps: (i) analysis of the historical burned areas over 2001–2020; (ii) analysis of temperature and precipitation changes in the future projections as compared to the historical period; (iii) analysis of the future burned areas projected by FLAM and driven by climate change scenarios until the year 2100; (iv) simulation of adaptation options under the worst-case scenario. The modeling results show an increase in burned areas under all Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios. Maintaining current temperatures (RCP 2.6) will still result in an increase in burned area (total and forest), but in the worst-case scenario (RCP 8.5), projected burned forest area will more than triple by 2100. Based on FLAM calibration, we identify hotspots for wildland fires in the boreal forest and suggest adaptation options such as increasing suppression efficiency at the hotspots. We model two scenarios of improved reaction times—stopping a fire within 4 days and within 24 h—which could reduce average burned forest areas by 48.6% and 79.2%, respectively, compared to projected burned areas without adaptation from 2021–2099.

Post-Stroke Impairments of Manual Dexterity and Finger Proprioception: Their Contribution to Upper Limb Activity Capacity

Background Knowing how impaired manual dexterity and finger proprioception affect upper limb activity capacity is important for delineating targeted post-stroke interventions for upper limb recovery. Objectives To investigate whether impaired manual dexterity and finger proprioception explain variance in post-stroke activity capacity, and whether they explain more variance than conventional clinical assessments of upper limb sensorimotor impairments. Methods Activity capacity and hand sensorimotor impairments were assessed using clinical measures in N = 42 late subacute/chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. Dexterity was evaluated using the Dextrain Manipulandum to quantify accuracy of visuomotor finger force-tracking (N = 36), timing of rhythmic tapping (N = 36), and finger individuation (N = 24), as well as proprioception (N = 27). Stepwise multivariate and hierarchical linear regression models were used to identify impairments best explaining activity capacity. Results Dexterity and proprioceptive components significantly increased the variance explained in activity capacity: (i) Box and Block Test was best explained by baseline tonic force during force-tracking and tapping frequency (adjusted R2 = .51); (ii) Motor Activity Log was best explained by success rate in finger individuation (adjusted R2 = .46); (iii) Action Research Arm Test was best explained by release of finger force and proprioceptive measures (improved reaction time related to use of proprioception; adjusted R2 = .52); and (iv) Moberg Pick-Up test was best explained by proprioceptive function (adjusted R2 = .18). Models excluding dexterity and proprioception variables explained up to 19% less variance. Conclusions Manual dexterity and finger proprioception explain unique variance in activity capacity not captured by conventional impairment measures and should be assessed when considering the underlying causes of post-stroke activity capacity limitations. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03934073.

Suppression on the basis of template for rejection is reactive: Evidence from human electrophysiology.

According to most theories of attention, the selection of task-relevant visual information can be enhanced by holding them in visual working memory (VWM). However, there has been a long-standing debate concerning whether similar optimization can also be achieved for task-irrelevant information, known as a "template for rejection". The present study aimed to explore this issue by examining the consequence of cue distractors before visual search tasks. For this endeavor, we manipulated the display heterogeneity by using two distractor conditions, salient and non-salient, to explore the extent to which holding the distractor color in VWM might affect attentional selection. We measured the reaction times of participants while their EEG activity was recorded. The results showed that WM-matched distractors did not improve reaction times but rather slowed them down in both tasks. Event-related potential (ERP) results showed that the display heterogeneity had no modulatory effect on the degree of distractor suppression. Even in the salient distractor condition, the WM-matched distractor received no greater suppression. Furthermore, the WM-matched distractor but not the neutral distractor elicited an N2pc before the PD in salient distractor conditions. This suggests that the template for rejection operates reactively since suppression occurs after extra attentional processes to the distractor. Moreover, the presence of WM-matched distractors led to a reduction of P3b, indicating a competition between target processing and WM-matched distractor rejection. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the optimization of attentional selection, and have implications for future studies aimed at understanding the role of VWM in cognition.

Targeting the prefrontal-supplementary motor network in obsessive-compulsive disorder with intensified electrical stimulation in two dosages: a randomized, controlled trial

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with a high disease burden, and treatment options are limited. We used intensified electrical stimulation in two dosages to target a main circuitry associated with the pathophysiology of OCD, left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (l-DLPFC), and pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) and assessed clinical outcomes, neuropsychological performance, and brain physiology. In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, thirty-nine patients with OCD were randomly assigned to three groups of sham, 2-mA, or 1-mA transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the l-DLPFC (F3) and pre-SMA (FC2) with anodal and cathodal stimulation respectively. The treatment included 10 sessions of 20-minute stimulation delivered twice per day with 20-min between-session intervals. Outcome measures were reduction in OCD symptoms, anxiety, and depressive states, performance on a neuropsychological test battery (response inhibition, working memory, attention), oscillatory brain activities, and functional connectivity. All outcome measures except EEG were examined at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up times. The 2-mA protocol significantly reduced OCD symptoms, anxiety, and depression states and improved quality of life after the intervention up to 1-month follow-up compared to the sham group, while the 1-mA protocol reduced OCD symptoms only in the follow-up and depressive state immediately after and 1-month following the intervention. Both protocols partially improved response inhibition, and the 2-mA protocol reduced attention bias to OCD-related stimuli and improved reaction time in working memory performance. Both protocols increased alpha oscillatory power, and the 2-mA protocol decreased delta power as well. Both protocols increased connectivity in higher frequency bands at frontal-central areas compared to the sham. Modulation of the prefrontal-supplementary motor network with intensified tDCS ameliorates OCD clinical symptoms and results in beneficial cognitive effects. The 2-mA intensified stimulation resulted in larger symptom reduction and improved more converging outcome variables related to therapeutic efficacy. These results support applying the intensified prefrontal-SMA tDCS in larger trials.

Relationship between Fear-Avoidance Beliefs and Reaction Time Changes Prior to and following Exercise-Induced Muscle Fatigue in Chronic Low Back Pain.

Reaction time is a reliable indicator of the velocity and efficiency of neuromuscular control and may be associated with fear-avoidance beliefs. However, the effect of exercise-induced muscle fatigue on reaction time in chronic low back pain (cLBP) and its relationship with fear-avoidance beliefs remains poorly understood. This study aimed to reveal the relationship between fear-avoidance beliefs and reaction time changes before and after exercise-induced muscle fatigue in cLBP. Twenty-five patients with cLBP were tested by the Biering-Sorensen test (BST) to induce exhaustive muscle fatigue. Total reaction time (TRT), premotor time (PMT), and electromechanical delay (EMD) of dominated deltoid muscle were recorded by surface electromyography during the arm-raising task with visual cues before and after muscle fatigue. The mean difference (MD) of TRT (MDTRT), PMT (MDPMT), and EMD (MDEMD) was calculated from the changes before and after muscle fatigue. Fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) was applied to evaluate fear-avoidance beliefs before muscle fatigue. In addition, the duration time of BST was recorded for each subject. TRT and PMT of dominated deltoid muscle were prolonged after exercise-induced muscle fatigue (Z = 3.511, p < 0.001; t = 3.431, p = 0.001), while there was no statistical difference in EMD (Z = 1.029, p = 0.304). Correlation analysis showed that both the MDTRT and MDPMT were positively correlated with FABQ (r = 0.418, p = 0.042; r = 0.422, p = 0.040). These findings suggested that we should pay attention to both muscle fatigue-induced reaction time delay in cLBP management and the possible psychological mechanism involved in it. Furthermore, this study implied that FABQ-based psychotherapy might serve as a potential approach for cLBP treatment by improving reaction time delay. This trial is registered with ChiCTR2300074348.

Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality Environment on Reaction Time, Agility and Coordination among Collegiate Students

Background: Virtual reality is the sum of the hardware and software systems that seek to perfect an all-inclusive, sensory illusion of being present in another environment which is applied to a broad range of sports such as skiing, goalkeeping rugby union, baseball and basketball, pistol shooting and cycling speed. Reaction time is the elapsed time between stimulus onset and an individual’s response on elementary cognitive tasks. Coordination is the capability to perform a sequence of movements rhythmically smoothly and accurately. Agility refers to the capacity to quickly change the location of the entire body in space with quickness and accuracyObjectives: The main objective of this study was to see the effect of virtual reality table tennis on coordination, reaction time and agility among collegiate students.Material and Methods: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 60 collegiate students of age group 18-24 years were taken. The subjects were divided into two groups as group A and group B of 30 each. Group A played table tennis game in real environment and group B played table tennis in virtual environment. Pre and post score were taken for coordination, reaction time and agility using hand eye coordination test, plate tapping test and Davies test respectively. The data was collected, compiled and analyzed.Result:Descriptive statistics, paired &amp; unpaired ‘t’ test were used for the intra-group and intergroup comparison.Significant improvements were seen in post scores of coordination, reaction time and agility in both groups at 0.05 level in both real and virtual table tennis groups. However, when both groups were compared, non-significant differences were observed in all the variables.Conclusion:The study concluded that virtual reality table tennis is as effective as real table tennis in improving reaction time, coordination and agility among collegiate students.

Training using a commercial immersive virtual reality system on hand–eye coordination and reaction time in students: a randomized controlled trial

The implementation of VR games opens up a wide range of opportunities for the development of dexterity, speed and precision of movements among various professional groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a commercial immersive VR music game on hand–eye coordination and reaction time speed in students. This study enrolled 32 individuals, randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The intervention consisted of a 15-min training session of the immersive music game “Beat Saber”, once a day for 5 consecutive days. The primary outcomes included reaction time measurements: the plate tapping test and the ruler-drop test (Ditrich's test), trial making test (TMT) A and TMT B to assess coordination and visual attention, likewise VR sickness assessment by Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ). The secondary outcome included an energy expenditure assessment (SenseWear Armband). The data analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in hand–eye coordination in the experimental group, with no improvement in the control group. The results were similar in measurements of reaction time. Analysis of the VRSQ questionnaire results showed a statistically significant reduction in oculomotor domain symptoms and total score during successive training days. The immersive VR music game has the potential to improve reaction time and hand–eye coordination in students.Graphical abstract

The neuromodulatory role of dopamine in improved reaction time by acute cardiovascular exercise.

Acute cardiovascular physical exercise improves cognitive performance, as evidenced by a reduction in reaction time (RT). However, the mechanistic understanding of how this occurs is elusive and has not been rigorously investigated in humans. Here, using positron emission tomography (PET) with [11 C]raclopride, in a multi-experiment study we investigated whether acute exercise releases endogenous dopamine (DA) in the brain. We hypothesized that acute exercise augments the brain DA system, and that RT improvement is correlated with this endogenous DA release. The PET study (Experiment 1: n=16) demonstrated that acute physical exercise released endogenous DA, and that endogenous DA release was correlated with improvements in RT of the Go/No-Go task. Thereafter, using two electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) studies (Experiments 2 and 3: n=18 and 22 respectively), we investigated what triggers RT improvement. The EMS studies indicated that EMS with moderate arm cranking improved RT, but RT was not improved following EMS alone or EMS combined with no load arm cranking. The novel mechanistic findings from these experiments are: (1) endogenous DA appears to be an important neuromodulator for RT improvement and (2) RT is only altered when exercise is associated with central signals from higher brain centres. Our findings explain how humans rapidly alter their behaviour using neuromodulatory systems and have significant implications for promotion of cognitive health. KEY POINTS: Acute cardiovascular exercise improves cognitive performance, as evidenced by a reduction in reaction time (RT). However, the mechanistic understanding of how this occurs is elusive and has not been rigorously investigated in humans. Using the neurochemical specificity of [11 C]raclopride positron emission tomography, we demonstrated that acute supine cycling released endogenous dopamine (DA), and that this release was correlated with improved RT. Additional electrical muscle stimulation studies demonstrated that peripherally driven muscle contractions (i.e. exercise) were insufficient to improve RT. The current study suggests that endogenous DA is an important neuromodulator for RT improvement, and that RT is only altered when exercise is associated with central signals from higher brain centres.

Ab. No. 84 Athlete Mindful Skills Associated With Reaction Time Among Recreational Football Players: An Analytical Study

Introduction: To examined the association between mindful skills and reaction time on sports performance among recreational football players. There has been less attention, to mindful skills and sports performance within an adolescent population. Mindful skills have been important factors in the area of sports with a focus on improved performance across recreational populations. Methods: 69 football players age between 10-16years old, minimum playing football as last 2 years and 8-10 hours per week were included. History of fall in last month, any surgery performed by last 3 months, diagnosis with psychometric disorders, upper limb injury due to which reaction drop test cannot be performed were excluded. An observational analytical study was conducted at different sports academy in Ahmedabad using purposive sampling. Written consent was taken from parents of players. Each individual performed reaction drop test to assess the reaction time and mindfulness sport inventory was taken to assess the athlete mindful skills. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20 and Microsoft excel 2007. Prior to statistical tests, the data was screened for normality. Sample size was &gt;50 in Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to check normality. Spearman correlation was used between reaction drop test and mindfulness sport inventory. Results: Total 69 participants, completed the study. Mean age of participants was 13.58±2.58 years. Moderate negative association between mindful skill and reaction time in recreational football players (r=-0.596, p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Present study concluded that fast reaction time; brain reacts more quickly in players. That is helpful for the adolescents while playing football as well as increased playing capacity and also can be prevent injury and become more resilient against potential damage in the players. Implication: Mindful skills intervention programmed in the curriculum may be a feasible approach to improve reaction time and performance level in recreational football players.

An Open-label Exploratory Study Investigating BDNF Essentials® on Cognition in Healthy Adults with Self-reported Memory Complaints

Background:: An open-label, exploratory study has been conducted to investigate the ef-ficacy of BDNF Essentials® for cognitive function and neurological health. Methods:: Twenty healthy adults ≥45 years of age, with a score ≥24 on the Mini-Mental State Ex-amination (MMSE-2) and self-reported memory complaints were supplemented with BDNF Es-sentials® for 84 days. Computerized Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS) tests for memory, attention, and processing speed were conducted, and change in plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Profile of Mood States (POMS), the Healthy People Sleep Quality Index (HPSQI), perceived stress scale (PSS), and salivary cortisol, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were assessed at baseline and days 28, 56, and 84. Results:: Supplementation with BDNF Essentials® significantly increased COMPASS tests for memory, attention, and processing speed (all P&lt;0.05). Salivary cortisol was found to be signifi-cantly decreased at days 56 and 84, and IL-6 at day 84 (P&lt;0.05). A reduction in depression-dejection at day 56 and in confusion-bewilderment at day 84, and an improvement in sleep satis-faction at day 56 (all p&lt;0.05) were reported. Conclusion:: BDNF Essentials® improved reaction time in measures of working memory, episodic memory, and attention, reduced biomarkers of stress and inflammation, and improved mood and sleep. BDNF Essentials® has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in adults with self-reported memory complaints.

Meta-analysis of influence of yoga activities on reaction time as a component of skill related fitness

Introduction: Yoga practices are known to have beneficial effect on cognitive functions. Reaction is a purposeful voluntary response to external stimuli. Reaction time is a component of skill related fitness. Humans gives response to different external environmental stimuli with different speed. Majority of daily work is done in response to visual and auditory stimuli. Yoga practices may improve reaction time. Objectives: To study influence of yoga practices on auditory reaction time and visual reaction time. Methods: Researchers used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Researchers searched articles on PubMed, Google scholar and by manual search. Searched articles were screened for relevancy. By use of inclusion and exclusion criteria potential articles were selected. Results: Out of 287articles, finally 5 studies included in current meta-analysis. Yoga activities has effect on visual reaction time (VRT): SMD = 3.06, 95% CI = –0.66–6.78, P &lt; 0.01 and auditory reaction time (ART): SMD = 2.86, 95% CI = –0.37–6.09. Conclusion: Yogic activities can provide beneficial effect on reaction time. Improved reaction time is important for reactive activity like sports. Yoga can be useful as a part of training in skill related work. There is wide scope for further studies to evaluate beneficial effects of yoga activities.