Improved Mood State Research Articles

The Effectiveness of a Specific Exercise Program in Alleviating Work-Related Neck and Upper Back Pain and Improving Mood State in Various Occupational Populations—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges across governmental, industrial, and social systems. Additionally, numerous studies have reported a sharp increase in both mental health issues and musculoskeletal disorders worldwide. This study aimed to investigate whether a specific exercise program could alleviate neck and upper back pain symptoms and improve mood state among healthcare and office employees during the post-COVID-19 period. Materials and Methods: This was an unblinded (open label) randomized controlled trial (both the participants and the researchers knew which treatment or intervention was being administered). In total, 40 healthcare employees from a public hospital and 98 remote office employees, all of whom reported neck and upper back pain, were randomly assigned to an experimental (EG) and control group (CG). The experimental groups underwent the same exercise protocol, while their corresponding control groups underwent the assessments only. Pain assessment using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and mood state using the Feeling Scale (FS) questionnaires of the participants were recorded at baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately following the exercise intervention period of 6 weeks (post-intervention). The intervention consisted of 18 exercise sessions conducted over a 6-week period, with remote office workers participating online and healthcare workers attending exercise sessions on site (at the hospital). Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests, as appropriate. Results: Following the six-week intervention, the percentage of workers in the EG reporting pain decreased significantly (from 75% to 45% for healthcare workers and from 54% to 25% for office employees), whereas no change was observed for their corresponding control groups. Similarly, the mood state of the EGs significantly improved compared with the control groups, as measured between pre- and post-intervention sessions. Conclusions: The COVID-19 period exacerbated stress and musculoskeletal strain, particularly for workers in demanding occupational roles. To mitigate these effects, exercise programs that can be applied while at work should be implemented, as they are effective in enhancing mood and managing neck pain in employees with physical exertion.

Psychobiological responses to choir singing and creative arts activities in children and adolescents with mental disorders: results of apilot study.

Children and adolescents living with mental health problems often experience stress and poor mood states, which may influence their quality of life and well-being. Arts interventions may improve mood and well-being and reduce physiological stress in this vulnerable population. Acohort of patients in child and adolescent psychiatry (N = 42; age range: 12-18years) participated in one of four arts activities including choir singing (n = 11), textile design (n = 9), drama (n = 16), and clownery (n = 6). They were led by professional artists and delivered through five consecutive 90-min daily afternoon sessions over the course of 1week. Questionnaires of mood and saliva samples before and after each session served to assess short-term psychobiological changes. In addition, patients reported their quality of life and well-being at the beginning and at the end of the 1‑week program. Results showed that alertness was significantly enhanced after textile design (∆post-pre = 4.08, 95% CI [0.77, 7.39]) and after singing (∆post-pre = 2.20, 95% CI [-0.55, 4.94]). Moreover, mood tended to be positively affected by textile design (∆post-pre = 2.89, 95% CI [-0.39, 6.18]). Quality of life increased significantly after singing (∆post-pre = 5.49, 95% CI [1.05, 9.92]). Arts participation except singing was associated with significant reductions in salivary cortisol (sCort) (textile design ∆post-pre = -0.81 ng/mL, 95% CI [-1.48, -0.14]; drama ∆post-pre = -0.76 ng/mL, 95% CI [-1.28, -0.24]; clownery ∆post-pre = -0.74 ng/mL, 95% CI [-1.47, -0.01]). No significant changes were observed for well-being over the whole program and salivary immunoglobulinA (sIgA) after any of the arts activities. These results suggest that arts participation can improve mood state and reduce stress in young people with mental disorders, but there is aneed for further studies.

Effects of replacing sedentary time with alterations in physical activity or sleep on mood states in Chinese young adults during the pandemic

BackgroundPoor mood states pose the most frequent mental health, creating a considerable burden to global public health. Sedentary behavior is an essential factor affecting mood states, however, previous measures to reduce sedentary time in Chinese young adults have focused only on increasing physical activity (PA). Sedentary, PA, and sleep make up a person’s day from the standpoint of time use. It is not known whether reallocating sedentary time to different types of PA (e.g. daily PA and structured PA) or sleep during an epidemic has an effect on mood states. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between replacing sedentary time with different types of PA or sleep during the pandemic and the mood states of Chinese young adults and to further examine whether this association varies across sleep populations and units of replacement time.Method3,579 young adults aged 18 to 25 years living in China and self-isolating at home during the COVID-19 outbreak were invited to complete an online questionnaire between February from 23 to 29, 2020. Subjects’ PA, sedentary time, and mood states were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Profile of Mood States, respectively. Participants also reported sleep duration and some sociodemographic characteristics. Participants were divided into short sleepers (< 7 h/d), normal sleepers (7–9 h/d), and long sleepers (> 9 h/d) based upon their reported sleep duration. Relevant data were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and isotemporal substitution model (ISM).ResultsSedentary time was negatively associated with mood states in Chinese young adults during the pandemic (r = 0.140) and correlated strongest among short sleepers (r = 0.203). Substitution of sedentary time with structured PA was associated with good mood states (β=-0.28, 95% CI: -0.49, -0.08). Additionally, substituting sedentary time with daily PA (e.g. occupational PA, household PA) was also associated with good mood states among normal sleepers (β=-0.24, 95% CI: -0.46, -0.02). The substitution of sedentary time with sleep could bring mood benefits (β=-0.35, 95% CI: -0.47, -0.23). This benefit was particularly prominent among short sleepers. Furthermore, for long sleepers, replacing sedentary time with sleep time also resulted in significant mood benefits (β=-0.41, 95% CI: -0.69, -0.12). The longer the duration of replacing sedentary behavior with different types of PA or sleep, the greater the mood benefits.ConclusionsA reallocation of as little as 10 min/day of sedentary time to different types of PA or sleep is beneficial for the mood states of young adults. The longer the reallocation, the greater the benefit. Our results demonstrate a feasible and practical behavior alternative for improving mood states of Chinese young adults.

Everyday forgetfulness and memory complaints: A randomized controlled cognitive intervention study

ABSTRACT The results of Cognitive Intervention (CI) programs vary considerably; thus, it is helpful to assess the characteristics that enhance the effectiveness of these programs. Our objectives were to analyze the effectiveness of a multicomponent CI program called UMAM on cognitive performance, subjective memory, daily forgetfulness, and mood of individuals with memory complaints. Older adults with no cognitive impairment were separated into two groups by simple random assignment, a control (n = 111) and a parallel experimental (n = 115) group. They were assessed with an extended neuropsychological protocol and the Memory Failures of Everyday Questionnaire (MFE); evaluation pre and post intervention (at six months). We performed a multifactorial cognitive intervention (30 sessions) based on memory strategies, stimulation of cognitive processes, instruction in basic concepts about memory, interventions for everyday memory failures, and Metamemory. The Results showed improvements in objective measures, including logical memory (Cohen’s d = .30); processing speed (d = .26); phonological (d = .33) and semantic verbal fluency (d = .27); and general cognitive performance (d = .82) (all, p < .05). In subjective measures, we found improvements in mood state (d = .25) and everyday memory failures (MFE: d = .29) (all, p < .05). Several everyday failures improve: ‘Forgetting where you have put something,’ “finding a word that is on the ‘tip of the tongue,’ and ‘checking again if something has been done’ (all, p < .05). We found positive results when a cognitive process was directly trained intensely using exercises that focus on real life, with adaptive activities that aim to resolve everyday memory failures. This program has proved effective in promoting health and well-being and preventing cognitive impairment. Trial registration: Trial retrospectively registered on January 29, 2020; (ClinicalTrials.gov -NCT04245579).

Augmented-reality-based multi-person exercise has more beneficial effects on mood state and oxytocin secretion than standard solitary exercise

BackgroundExercise has positive effects on psychological well-being, with team sports often associated with superior mental health compared to individual sports. Augmented reality (AR) technology has the potential to convert solitary exercise into multi-person exercise. Given the role of oxytocin in mediating the psychological benefits of exercise and sports, this study aimed to investigate the impact of AR-based multi-person exercise on mood and salivary oxytocin levels. MethodsFourteen participants underwent three distinct regimens: non-exercise (Rest), standard solitary cycling exercise (Ex), and AR-based multi-person cycling exercise (Ex+AR). In both Ex and Ex+AR conditions, participants engaged in cycling at a self-regulated pace to maintain a Rating of Perceived Exertion of 10. In the Ex+AR condition, participants' avatars were projected onto a tablet screen, allowing them to cycle alongside ten other virtual avatars in an AR environment. Mood states and saliva samples were collected before and immediately after each 10-minute regimen. Subsequently, salivary oxytocin levels were measured. ResultsNotably, only the Ex+AR condition significantly improved mood states associated with depression-dejection and exhibited a non-significant trend toward suppressing anger-hostility in participants. Moreover, the Ex+AR condition led to a significant elevation in salivary oxytocin levels, while the Ex condition showed a non-significant trend toward an increase. However, changes in salivary oxytocin did not show a significant correlation with changes in mood states. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that Ex+AR enhances mood states and promotes oxytocin release. AR-based multi-person exercise may offer greater psychological benefits compared to standard solitary exercise, although the relationship between oxytocin and mood changes remains inconclusive.

Effect of Volitional Modification of Breath Frequency on Attention and Mood States: An Exploratory Randomized Crossover Study.

Previously, yoga breathing improved mood states and attention but the effect of varying breath frequency on mood and attention was not clear. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of changes in breath frequency on attention, mood, vigor, and affect states. Thirty participants (mean age ± standard deviation, 27.3 ± 4.2 years) were assessed on 2 separate days practicing either high-frequency yoga breathing (HFYB, breath frequency 54.23/min) or bumblebee yoga breathing (BBYB, breath frequency 3.97/min) in random order. Assessments included blood pressure (BP), cancellation test scores, Nijmegen (to check for hyperventilation), respiration (rate, height of the breath wave [depth], and duration of inhalation relative to exhalation), mood states, vigor, and affect states. Diastolic BP increased after HFYB, whereas systolic BP decreased after BBYB, after both sessions scores in a cancellation test increased (changes in cancellation test performance suggest alertness and test-directed attention), also global vigor (signifying mental energy) and global affect (related to being "happy" and "calm") scores increased, whereas negative mood decreased after HFYB session (P < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Both HFYB and BBYB increased attention test scores, possibly due to cortical activation (HFYB) or relaxation (BBYB). In HFYB, breath frequency and inspiration duration increased suggestive of increased sympathetic activity, accounting for increased vigor, positive affect, and diastolic BP. In contrast in BBYB, low breath frequency, higher breath amplitude, and prolonged expiration suggestive of parasympathetic activity may account for the decreased systolic BP after BBYB.

Effects of Biofeedback Training on HRV, Mood State and Shooting Performance of Shooters

This study examines how biofeedback training affects athletes' HRV, emotional states, and shooting performance. Findings reveal substantial improvements in HRV indices (p &lt; 0.05) and reductions in negative emotions such as tension and anger (p &lt; 0.05). There were increases in vitality and positivity, although changes in fatigue and self-emotional state were not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). Shooting performance showed significant enhancement following the training (p &lt; 0.01). These results indicate that biofeedback training positively influences autonomic nervous system function, emotional stability, and shooting performance. By enhancing HRV, improving mood states, biofeedback training markedly improves shooting performance.

A feasibility study on indoor therapeutic horticulture to alleviate sleep and anxiety problems: The impact of plants and activity choice on its therapeutic effect

IntroductionTherapeutic horticulture (TH) is increasingly being applied for sub-health or patient mental health care. Whether plant and activity type will affect TH’s effectiveness is unclear. AimTo evaluate the feasibility of an indoor TH for alleviating the anxiety symptoms and sleeping problems of people with poor sleep quality, and explore the potential affection of plant and activity type on health benefits. MethodThirty subjects (all with sleep problems and half with anxiety problems) were randomly assigned to three groups to do horticultural activities with ornamental plants, general aromatic plants, or aromatic plants with reported mental health functions, respectively. Six indoor TH activities were then held sequentially within two weeks. Psychological scales, subjective feedback questionnaires, and physiological indicators were used as evaluation indexes before and after horticulture activities. ResultsThe TH relieved subjects' sleep and anxiety problems and was particularly effective in alleviating anxiety among people with high anxiety levels. Using ornamental plants was more effective in relieving stress while functional aromatic plants performed better in sleep improvement and satisfaction to TH. Each horticultural activity could improve mood state but showed different effects on the vitality of the participants. ConclusionThe above findings provided some basis for the potential benefits of selecting plants and activities based on psychological care needs in the development of TH plans. Future research that expands upon the current project is warranted. A larger sample size is beneficial for obtaining more powerful statistical results.

Optimizing performance and mood state in competitive swimmers through tapering strategies.

Tapering is a concept that is of great importance in relation to performance, due of its great effect on the psychological and physical condition of the swimmer. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of two-week of tapering characterized by a progressive training volume reduction on mood state and swimming performance in competitive swimmers. Twenty-four competitive male swimmers were randomly assigned into two groups. Experimental group (age = 16.9 ± 0.5 years) and control group (16.1 ± 0.4 years). The mood subscales (tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion and vigor), total mood disturbance and swimming performance (50-m front crawl) were measured in pre and posttest. Our findings revealed a significant improvement in mood subscales (20.8 to 47.8%), total mood disturbance (14.4%) and in swimming performance (3.5%) after 2 weeks of tapering training. A significant correlation was observed between the total mood disturbance and the 50 m front crawl (r = -0.63) only in the experimental group. It was concluded that a progressive reduction in training volume with a maintain of intensity could improve mood state and swimming performance. In addition, a change in total mood disturbance could affect swimming performance. Swimming coaches are advised to include tapering period according to the standards we mentioned earlier before competitive swimming to improve mental state, which helps the swimmers to overcome the negative influences of overtraining and therefore they can promote sprint-swimming performance.

Mood states of active and insufficiently active adolescents related to sleep quality, gender, academic performance and guidelines for the post-COVID-19 scenario.

To evaluate the impact of physical activity on the mood states of active and insufficiently active Italian adolescents and the relationships with sleep quality, sex, and academic performance, analyzing guidelines for the post-COVID-19 scenario. This is a cross-sectional, quantitative, and descriptive study. Data collection was carried out through an electronic questionnaire via Google Forms. Adolescent students from schools in the Lazio region, Italy, were evaluated. In total, 437 Italian adolescents were included, with a mean age of 15.9 ± 1.37 years. The average time of exercise reported by the students was 277 min per week. Physical activity appears to be positively correlated with improved mood states, particularly in adolescents who engage in 150 min or more of physical activity per week, who exhibited notably higher levels of vigor. It was found that female adolescents presented a worse mood state, greater tension, depression, anger, fatigue, and mental confusion, and worse vigor when compared to boys and that adolescents who had poor sleep quality presented significantly worse mood state. Adolescents with an insufficient perception of academic performance demonstrated a significantly worse mood state, tension, depression, anger, and mental confusion, with a submerged mood profile when compared to adolescents who perceived themselves as excellent, with an iceberg profile. In the regression analysis, it was found that for each minute of physical activity practiced, the score in the state of vigor of the adolescents increased by 0.02 and mental confusion decreased by 0.002. From the present findings, we conclude that recommendations on PA practices for adolescents should be strengthened, as a way to mitigate possible damage to mood states, especially in the post-COVID-19 scenario. Future studies need to deepen the relationships between the mental health, sex, and academic performance of adolescents to strengthen positive mood states and elucidate information on the type, intensity, and dosage of physical activity to achieve mood benefits.

A Single-Case Study Examining the Impact of Psychological Skills Training on a Student Baseball Player

This single-case study explored the impact of eight sessions of psychological skills training to improve the performance of a student basketball player struggling with high negative emotions and underperforming due to limited psychological skills. The study participant underwent three baseline assessments of mood state, sports performance strategies (test of performance strategies), and perceived performance (perceived performance inventory and interview) before embarking on the A-B design intervention. Following the eight-week training program, consisting of 50-60 minute sessions encompassing MBTI/self-analysis, goal setting, relaxation/imagery training, self-talk training, concentration training, and routine training, assessments were repeated at four and eight weeks post-intervention. The quantitative data gathered from inventory scores were analyzed using Excel, and presented in a table. Qualitative data from interviews produced further insights into the patient’s experience. This study suggests that eight sessions of psychological skills training can effectively improve mood state, sports performance strategies, and perceived performance in student baseball players. This highlights the potential of such interventions to enhance athletic performance and well-being in individuals struggling with psychological barriers.

EFFECTIVENESS OF AUTOGENIC TRAINING ON REDUCING ANXIETY DISORDERS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Autogenic training (AT) is a relaxation technique that has garnered attention for its potential to reduce anxiety and improve psychological well-being. &lt;strong&gt;Objectives&lt;/strong&gt;: This study aims to synthesize the findings from a diverse range of studies investigating the relationship between autogenic training and anxiety disorder across different populations and settings. &lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A comprehensive review of 162 studies, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized controlled trials (N-RCTs), surveys, and meta-analysis, was conducted out of these 29 studies were selected which is directly related to the objectives of the studies. Participants in the studies had conditions such as cancer patients, bulimia nervosa, stroke survivors, coronary angioplasty, nursing students, healthy volunteers, athletes, and so on. Anxiety levels were measured before and after the AT intervention using a variety of anxiety assessment scales, including the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The formats, duration, and delivery of the interventions varied, with some studies utilising guided sessions by professionals and other self-administered practises. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The combined findings of these studies revealed consistent trends in the beneficial effects of autogenic training on anxiety reduction. AT was found to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms across a wide range of populations and settings. Following AT interventions, participants reported reduced anxiety, improved mood states, and improved coping mechanisms. AT was found to be superior to no treatment or a comparable intervention in a number of cases. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; The body of evidence supports autogenic training as a non-pharmacological approach to reducing anxiety and improving psychological well-being. Despite differences in methodology and participant profiles, the studies show that AT has a positive impact on a wide range of populations. The findings merit further investigation and highlight AT's potential contribution to anxiety management strategies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0071/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Tai Chi Improved Mood State Better Than Walking Among Healthy Middle-aged Adults

Tai Chi Improved Mood State Better Than Walking Among Healthy Middle-aged Adults

Inulin-type fructans and 2’fucosyllactose alter both microbial composition and appear to alleviate stress-induced mood state in a working population compared to placebo (maltodextrin): the EFFICAD Trial, a randomized, controlled trial

BackgroundThere is increasing interest in the bidirectional relationship existing between the gut and brain and the effects of both oligofructose and 2’fucosyllactose to alter microbial composition and mood state. Yet, much remains unknown about the ability of oligofructose and 2’fucosyllactose to improve mood state via targeted manipulation of the gut microbiota. ObjectivesWe aimed to compare the effects of oligofructose and 2’fucosyllactose alone and in combination against maltodextrin (comparator) on microbial composition and mood state in a working population. MethodsWe conducted a 5-wk, 4-arm, parallel, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 92 healthy adults with mild-to-moderate levels of anxiety and depression. Subjects were randomized to oligofructose 8 g/d (plus 2 g/d maltodextrin); maltodextrin 10 g/d; oligofructose 8 g/d plus 2’fucosyllactose (2 g/d) or 2’fucosyllactose 2 g/d (plus 8 g/d maltodextrin). Changes in microbial load (fluorescence in situ hybridization-flow cytometry) and composition (16S ribosomal RNA sequencing) were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included gastrointestinal sensations, bowel habits, and mood state parameters. ResultsThere were significant increases in several bacterial taxa including Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Roseburia, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in both the oligofructose and oligofructose/2’fucosyllactose interventions (all P ≤ 0.05). Changes in bacterial taxa were highly heterogenous upon 2’fuscoyllactose supplementation. Significant improvements in Beck Depression Inventory, State Trait Anxiety Inventory Y1 and Y2, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scores and cortisol awakening response were detected across oligofructose, 2’fucosyllactose, and oligofructose/2’fucosyllactose combination interventions (all P ≤ 0.05). Both sole oligofructose and oligofructose/2’fuscosyllactose combination interventions outperformed both sole 2’fucosyllactose and maltodextrin in improvements in several mood state parameters (all P ≤ 0.05). ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that oligofructose and combination of oligofructose/2’fucosyllactose can beneficially alter microbial composition along with improving mood state parameters. Future work is needed to understand key microbial differences separating individual responses to 2’fucosyllactose supplementation.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05212545.

Blended teaching to improve the mood state and motor performance skills of student-athletes in softball: A randomized-controlled trial

The implementation of blended teaching in physical education has increased significantly, but there was a lack of evidence about its effectiveness in improving mood state and motor performance skills in student-athletes, which became a gap in this study. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of blended teaching as an effort to improve mood state and motor performance skills of student-athletes both males and females in softball subject matter. Participants in this study were student-athletes from Mancak 1 junior high school (Indonesia). There was 41 participants had been allocated in control group (n = 21) and blended teaching (n = 20). The profile of mood state scale was used to measure the level of mood while the test of gross motor development-2 function was used to measure the motor performance skills of student-athletes. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to test the difference in values for each variable. Based on the study results, we observed that there was no difference in the scores of mood state and motor performance skills in male and female between control group and blended teaching group at the baseline (p ≥ 0.05). However, the second finding found contrasting differences between the control and blended teaching groups in male and female in terms of mood state scores and motor performance skills at the post-intervention stage (p ≤ 0.05). The third finding shows that blended teaching has a much larger effect size compared to the control group (full-online). Thus, we emphasize that blended teaching is an innovation in teaching softball in physical education classes that has proven to be effective in replacing full-online teaching.

Physiological Effects of Visual Stimulation by a Japanese Low Wooden Table: A Crossover Field Experiment.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological effects of visual stimulation by a unique Japanese low wooden table on the prefrontal cortex and autonomic nervous activities. A within-participants experiment with 26 male university students was conducted in a Japanese-style room. The visual stimuli were a low wooden table (WT) made of Japanese cypress and a low cloth-covered table (control) for an exposure time of 90 s. Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure the prefrontal cortex activity in the left and right prefrontal cortices as an indicator of oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentration. Autonomic nervous activity was measured as an indicator of sympathetic (low-frequency/high-frequency component ratio, LF/HF), and parasympathetic (high-frequency components, HF) nervous activities were assessed by heart rate variability. Furthermore, the modified semantic differential method and the Profile of Mood States 2nd edition were used to measure psychological responses. Physiologically, the oxy-Hb concentration in the left prefrontal cortex and ln (LF/HF) were significantly lower during visual exposure to the WT than to the control. Psychologically, more comfortable, relaxed, and natural impressions, as well as improved mood states, were reported during visual stimulation to the WT than to the control. This study demonstrated that viewing a WT led to physiological relaxation and had a positive psychological effect on the participants.

State-specific modulation of mood using intracranial electrical stimulation of the orbitofrontal cortex

BackgroundOrbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is a promising target for intracranial electrical stimulation (iES) aimed at improving mood states. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the underlying neural mechanisms of iES effects, such as the effect of the OFC target in comparison with other emotional network targets, the impact of brain state at the time of stimulation, and the neural response induced by iES at both local and network scales. ObjectiveOur study aims to address the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of iES in improving mood states. MethodsWe conducted a study in 24 epilepsy patients who received iES through implanted electrodes in the emotional network and compared the effects of iES on multiple targets in the emotional network. ResultsWe found that only iES applied to the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) led to mood improvement and changes in neural activity. We also observed that iES to the OFC suppressed the delta-theta power when the brain was in a low mood state. Moreover, the iES to the OFC decreased delta-theta power and increased gamma power at local regions within the emotional network, and enhanced the information flow through the frequency domain among regions within the emotional network. ConclusionsThese findings provide insight into the neural correlates of iES-induced mood improvement and support the potential of iES as a therapeutic intervention for mood disorders.

The Impact of Different Color Temperatures and Sources of Light on Mood and Vision: Acuity and Color Recognition

Background: Light is a physical factor that can influence the mood and vision of people during work and study. According to the importance of these physical factors, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of the source and color temperature on the mood and vision (acuity and color recognition) of students of TUMS and USWR medical universities. Methods: The present study is an applied study, and the research method is quasi-experimental. Twenty subjects were determined by first-type error (0.05) and test power (0.08). The mood was measured using the profile of mood states (POMS), visual acuity in different lighting conditions based on Snellen and FrACT methods, and color recognition by Ishihara’s test. Data were analyzed by SPSS 22, one-way ANOVA, and Greenhouse-Geisser. Results: The results of investigating six subscales of the POMS scale in sunlight, LED, and fluorescent with color temperatures of 4000 K and 3000 K indicated improvement in mood states (P &lt; 0.001). Color recognition under different lighting conditions showed no significant difference (P &lt; 0.05). However, visual acuity with the FrACT method under sunlight showed a significant difference in other lighting conditions (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Light sources can influence mood and vision states (acuity and color recognition) under different lighting conditions. Therefore, using sunlight in educational environments can improve the mood and state of students.

The effect of intervention using an emotional recognition coaching companion robot on the elderly people with depression

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, care for the elderly in the community was greatly limited. Accordingly, the demand for alternative community care have increased to cope with changing situations.ObjectivesIn this study, we tried to find out whether the companion robot improved mood state and related problem in depressive or isolated community dwelling elderlyMethodsFor 186 community dwelling elderly who have received social welfare service due to depression or social isolation, we provided companion robot that could support their daily living. The robot was equipped with special program that could recognize and respond to the participant’s own emotion. It was part of behavioral activation techniques which is one of powerful treatment for depression. The self-report questionnaires were used to measure changes in cognitive function, depression, suicidality, loneliness, resilience and satisfaction of life. Outcomes were measured before using companion robot and after 3 months, and we compared them.ResultsThe elderly using companion robot for 3 months showed improved cognitive function (45.7% to 30.1%), depression (p&lt;0.001), suicidality(p&lt;0.001), and loneliness (p=0.033) in the self-report questionnaire. Resilience(p=0.749) and satisfaction of life (p=0.246) were also improved but not reached significance.Image:Image 2:Image 3:ConclusionsThese findings showed that the use of companion robot with emotional recognition coaching program could help improve depression, cognitive function, loneliness and suicidal ideation. In particular, this effect was also useful for those who were diagnosed with depression. Also if we can put more techniques of behavioral activation programs into robot, it could be useful in community care for depressive and isolated elderly.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Thermal Comfort and Human Responses according to Tree Density in Forest Environments during and after Physical Activities in the Summer

This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the thermal comfort and physiological and psychological effects according to tree density in forest environments during rest and during and after physical activities in the summer. Participants consisted of 18 male university students (average age: 24.0 ± 1.6 years old), and a within-subjects experimental design was used. Participants sat on a chair for 5 min to rest, performed a step-box exercise for 8 min, and then sat on the chair again, and rested for 10 min in a forest with high tree density (85.6%) and one with low tree density (12.2% as a control). Thermal comfort (predicted mean vote; PMV and percentage of dissatisfied; PPD) and physiological and psychological responses were measured. We investigated and analyzed the changes in “rest”, “during exercise”, and “after exercise”. As a result, a forest with high tree density showed a statistically significant decrease in PMV and PPD values; an increase in parasympathetic nervous activity; a decrease in respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, and pulse rate; an improvement in mood state; an increase in comfortable, relaxed, and natural feelings; and more of an increase in personal thermal sensation during the recovery period after physical activities than in a forest with low tree density. In conclusion, a forest with high tree density during recovery after physical activities in the summer has higher thermal comfort and physiological and psychological relaxation effects on humans, as compared to one with low tree density.