Improvement In Psychomotor Speed Research Articles

Novel Energy Drink Improves Cognitive Function and Gaming Performance in Young Adult Gamers: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Crossover Trial

AbstractNootropics are compounds or formulae that are reported to improve memory, learning, and attention (e.g., cognitive function). The consumption of energy drinks and nootropics are increasing rapidly in the United States alongside growing interest in improving mental performance. Ingredients such as caffeine, citicoline, tyrosine, B‐vitamins, and carboxylic acids have each been suggested to affect cognitive function by enhancing or supporting dopaminergic‐ and catecholaminergic‐induced neurotransmission.ObjectiveWe conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial to investigate whether acute consumption of a non‐caloric, novel energy drink (NED) improves cognition and video game performance in young adults who routinely play video games.HypothesisWe hypothesized that NED would improve cognitive function and gaming performance compared to placebo.MethodsForty‐five healthy young adults (37M, 8F; mean ± SD, age = 25 ± 6 y) each completed two experimental study visits in randomized order where they consumed either NED or a placebo matched for volume, calories, taste, appearance, and mouthfeel. Sixty minutes after consumption, participants completed a validated battery of computer‐based neurocognitive tests to examine cognitive function across 15 domains (CNS Vital Signs) and then played a cognitively demanding, tablet‐based video game (Tetris). There were no sex‐specific effects, so analyses were performed independent of sex and paired samples t‐tests or Wilcoxon signed ranked tests (for non‐normally distributed data) were used to examine between‐condition differences in cognitive function and gaming performance. Single‐tailed Spearman correlations were used to examine relationships among the between‐condition changes in select cognitive parameters and gaming performance.ResultsChange scores are presented as mean absolute change ± 95% confidence interval [relative change]. Acute NED consumption improved cognitive flexibility (+4.7 ± 6.9 a.u. [+10%]; p < 0.001), executive function (+4.7 ± 6.5 a.u. [+9.7%]; p < 0.001), sustained attention (+2.6 ± 5.6 a.u. [+9.9%]; p = 0.01), motor speed (+2.9 ± 6.8 a.u. [+2.7%]; p = 0.001), psychomotor speed (+4.2 ± 12.6 a.u. [+2.4%]; p= 0.04), and working memory (+1.0 ± 2.9 a.u. [+16%]; p= 0.04), and may improve complex attention (‐1.2 ± 4.2 errors [‐2.2%]; p = 0.07). NED also improved Tetris scores (+1,049 ± 3,678 a.u. [+47%]; p= 0.049). Improvements in gaming scores from placebo to NED were related to improvements in psychomotor speed (ρ = 0.28; p = 0.035).ConclusionAcute NED consumption improved cognitive function and gaming performance in young adult gamers, providing evidence that NED produces nootropic effects that may translate to improved performance in cognitively demanding tasks. Further, NED‐related improvements in gaming performance appear to be, at least partially, a function of improved psychomotor speed.

Bidirectional associations between cognitive functions and walking performance among middle-aged women.

Objective:This study investigated whether (1) cognitive functions change after the transition from the perimenopausal to the postmenopausal stage, (2) cognitive functions and walking are associated in middle-aged women, and (3) cognitive functions assessed in perimenopause are associated with walking after reaching the postmenopause or vice versa.Methods:In total, 342 women, categorized as early (n = 158) or late perimenopausal (n = 184), were included in the study and followed up until postmenopausal. Psychomotor speed, executive functions related to set-shifting and updating, working memory, and visual memory were assessed. Walking was assessed with walking speed, walking distance, and dual-task cost in walking speed. Data was analyzed using the paired-samples t test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, multiple linear regression analysis, and structural equation modeling.Results:We found small but significant improvements in psychomotor speed (P = 0.01) and working memory (P < 0.001) among early perimenopausal and in psychomotor speed (P = 0.001), set-shifting (P = 0.02), visual memory (P = 0.002), and working memory (P < 0.001) among late perimenopausal women after the transition from peri- to postmenopause. Walking speed (β = 0.264, P = 0.001) and dual-task cost (β = 0.160, P = 0.03) were associated with updating, and walking distance was associated with updating and set-shifting (β = 0.198, P = 0.02, β=−0.178 P = 0.04 respectively) among the late perimenopausal women. We found no longitudinal associations between cognitive functions and walking.Conclusion:Cognitive performance remained unchanged or improved after reaching postmenopause. Cognitive functions and walking were associated during the late perimenopause, but the association depended on the cognitive process and nature of the physical task. Cognitive performance was not associated with walking after reaching postmenopause or vice versa.

The quest for synergy between physical exercise and cognitive stimulation via exergaming in people with dementia: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundExercise is often proposed as a non-pharmacological intervention to delay cognitive decline in people with dementia, but evidence remains inconclusive. Previous studies suggest that combining physical exercise with cognitive stimulation may be more successful in this respect. Exergaming is a promising intervention in which physical exercise is combined with cognitively challenging tasks in a single session. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exergame training and aerobic training on cognitive functioning in older adults with dementia.MethodsA three-armed randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared exergame training, aerobic training and an active control intervention consisting of relaxation and flexibility exercises. Individuals with dementia were randomized and individually trained three times a week during 12 weeks. Cognitive functioning was measured at baseline, after the 12-week intervention period and at 24-week follow-up by neuropsychological assessment. The domains of executive function, episodic memory, working memory and psychomotor speed were evaluated. Test scores were converted into standardized z-scores that were averaged per domain. Between-group differences were analysed with analysis of covariance.ResultsData from 115 people with dementia (mean (SD) age = 79.2 (6.9) years; mean (SD) MMSE score = 22.9 (3.4)) were analysed. There was a significant improvement in psychomotor speed in the aerobic and exergame groups compared to the active control group (mean difference domain score (95% CI) aerobic versus control 0.370 (0.103–0.637), p = 0.007; exergame versus control 0.326 (0.081–0.571), p = 0.009). The effect size was moderate (partial η2 = 0.102). No significant differences between the intervention and control groups were found for executive functioning, episodic memory and working memory.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first RCT evaluating the effects of exergame training and aerobic training on cognitive functioning in people with dementia. We found that both exergame training and aerobic training improve psychomotor speed, compared to an active control group. This finding may be clinically relevant as psychomotor speed is an important predictor for functional decline. No effects were found on executive function, episodic memory and working memory.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register, NTR5581. Registered on 7 October 2015.

Longitudinal Changes in Regional Cerebral Perfusion and Cognition After Cardiac Operation

Cardiac operation has been associated with increased risk of postoperative cognitive decline, as well as dementia risk in the general population. Few studies, however, have examined the impact of coronary revascularization or valve replacement or repair operation on longitudinal cerebral perfusion changes or their association with cognitive function. We examined longitudinal changes in cerebral perfusion among 54 individuals with cardiac disease; 27 undergoing cardiac operation and 27 matched control patients. Arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance perfusion imaging was used to quantify cerebral blood flow within the anterior communicating artery, middle cerebral artery (MCA), and posterior communicating artery vascular territories before operation and postoperatively at 6 weeks and 1 year. Cognitive performance was examined during the same intervals by using a battery of tests that tapped memory, executive, information processing and upper extremity motor functions. Repeated measures, mixed models were used to examine for perfusion changes and theassociation between perfusion changes and cognition. Significant postoperative increases in perfusion were observed at 6 weeks within the MCA vascular territory after cardiac operation (p= 0.035 for interaction). Perfusion changes were most notable in distal territories of the MCA and posterior communicating artery at 6 weeks, with no additional changes at 1 year. Postoperative increases in MCA perfusion at 6 weeks were associated with improved psychomotor speed (β= 0.35, p= 0.016), whereas no important differences were found between the groups in vascular territory perfusion and cognition at 1 year. Cardiac operation is associated with important short-term increases in MCA perfusion with associated improvements in psychomotor speed.

Effects of Composite Supplement Containing Astaxanthin and Sesamin on Cognitive Functions in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background:Dementia and its first or transitional stage, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), is a major concern for the aging Japanese society. Thus, the use of dietary supplements to improve or maintain cognitive function has become a topic of public interest.Objective:In this study, we evaluated the effects of a composite supplement containing food-derived antioxidants, specifically astaxanthin and sesamin (AS), on cognitive function in people with MCI.Method:Twenty-one healthy participants with MCI were recruited in our double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study. They were assigned to either an AS group, who received ingestible capsules containing AS, or a placebo group, who received identical placebo capsules. To assess cognitive functions, we performed the Japanese version of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNSVS) test and the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cog test at baseline, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks of dietary supplementation.Results:The CNSVS test revealed significant improvements in psychomotor speed and processing speed in the AS group compared with the placebo group, suggesting that the daily supplementation of AS improved cognitive functions related to the ability to comprehend, and perform complex tasks quickly and accurately.Conclusion:Our results provide support for the use of AS as a dietary supplementation for improving cognitive functions.

A pilot, open-label, 8-week study evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of adjunctive minocycline for the treatment of bipolar I/II depression.

The objectives of the study were to determine if adjunctive minocycline mitigates depressive symptom severity and improves cognitive function in individuals with bipolar I/II disorder (BD). The study also aimed to determine if changes in depressive and/or cognitive symptoms over the course of treatment were associated with changes in circulating inflammatory cytokine levels. A total of 29 (intention-to-treat: n=27) adults meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for a major depressive episode as part of bipolar I or II disorder (i.e. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17-item [HAMD-17] ≥20) were enrolled in an 8-week, open-label study with adjunctive minocycline (100mg bid). The primary outcome measure was the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). The HAMD-17, Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), cognitive test composite scores and plasma cytokines were secondary outcome measures. Plasma cytokines were measured with the 30V-Plex Immunoassay from Meso Scale Discovery. Adjunctive minocycline was associated with a reduction in depressive symptom severity from baseline to week 8 on the MADRS (P<.001, d=0.835), HAMD-17 (P<.001, d=0.949) and CGI-S (P<.001, d=1.09). Improvement in psychomotor speed, but not verbal memory or executive function, was observed only amongst individuals exhibiting a reduction in depression severity (P=.007, d=0.826). Levels of interleukin (IL)-12/23p40 (P=.002) were increased, while levels of IL-12p70 (P=.001) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 26 (CCL26) (P<.001) were reduced from baseline to week 8. A reduction in CCL26 levels was associated with a less favourable treatment response (P<.001). Results from the pilot study suggest that adjunctive minocycline may exert antidepressant effects in individuals with bipolar depression, possibly by targeting inflammatory cytokines.

WHO Recommended Structured Physical Activity Intervention Improves Psychomotor Speed And Neuro-cognitive Functions In Adolescent Students.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of six months of structured and unstructured physical activity interventions on psychomotor speed and neuro-cognitive functions in adolescents. METHODS: In our randomized, single blinded, parallel group, active controlled trial (CTRI/2013/08/003897) the recruited healthy school student volunteers, aged 12 - 17 years (n = 439), were allocated into Structured Physical Activity (SPA) and Unstructured Physical Activity (USPA) intervention groups by age and gender stratified block randomization. SPA designed as per World Health Organization (WHO) Physical Activity Guidelines for children and youth, and USPA which included any indoor or outdoor recreational activity of the participant’s choice, were administered by physical education instructors for two hours a day, six times a week, for six months. Auditory and visual reaction times (ART and VRT), Letter Cancellation test (LCT), Trail Making test A and B (TTA and TTB), Ruff Figural Fluency test (RFFT) were recorded pre and post intervention that was successfully completed by 347 participants. Data analysis was done by an investigator blinded to the allocation sequence using student ‘t’ tests by following per-protocol analysis (SPA n = 172 and USPA n = 175). RESULTS: LCT and TTB times (seconds) were significantly reduced in structured physical activity group [(LCT - USPA: 105.33 ± 19.54 vs. 104.61 ± 15.22, p = 0.528; SPA: 107.08 ± 21.87 vs. 100.03 ± 18.12, p = < 0.001) (TTB - USPA: 93.19 ± 21.88 vs. 88.50 ± 18.29, p = < 0.001, SPA: 94.31 ± 26.61 vs. 87.44 ± 20.27, p = < 0.001)]. TTA time was not significantly altered in both the groups. VRT and ART (milliseconds) were significantly reduced in both the groups however the improvement was better in structured physical activity group [(VRT - USPA: 212.54 ± 29.88 vs. 192.10 ± 25.26, p = < 0.001, effect size = 0.76; SPA: 214.36 ± 31.09 vs. 187.23 ± 28.31, p = < 0.001, effect size = 0.87) (ART - USPA: 187.65 ± 19.29 vs. 175.15 ± 19.31, p = < 0.001, effect size = 0.65; SPA: 188.54 ± 23.71 vs. 169.61 ± 22.79, p = < 0.001, effect size = 0.79)]. CONCLUSION: Structuring the physical training intervention (as per WHO guidelines) in a cognitively engaging manner leads to greater improvements in psychomotor speed and neuro-cognitive executive functions of adolescents, probably due to cognitive loading and contextual interference.

Impact of One HF-rTMS Session on Fine Motor Function in Right-Handed Healthy Female Subjects: A Comparison of Stimulation over the Left versus the Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive tool to investigate neural conduction in motor processes. Most rTMS research has been conducted by targeting the primary motor cortex. Several studies have also found increased psychomotor speed after rTMS of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). However, these studies were mainly performed in psychiatric patients, only targeting the left DLPFC, and often without sham control. Moreover, psychomotor speed is mostly measured based on tasks that also require higher executive functions. Methods: Here, we examined the lateralized effect of one sham-controlled high-frequency rTMS session applied to the left or right DLPFC on fine motor function in 36 healthy right-handed females, using the Fitts’ paradigm. Results: We found a significant improvement in psychomotor speed only after actively stimulating the right DLPFC. Conclusion: Our results support the assumption of a right prefrontal neural network implicated in visuomotor behavior and performance processes, and that the improvement in psychomotor speed is not a secondary effect of decreased mood.

Prospective study of hippocampal volume and function in human subjects treated with corticosteroids

Purpose. – Decreased hippocampal volume reported in neuropsychiatric and endocrine disorders is considered a result of putative neuronal damage mediated by corticosteroids. This is the first prospective study of hippocampal volume and function in patients treated with corticosteroids. Methods. – 14 subjects treated systemically with prednisone or betamethasone for dermatological or rheumatic disorders underwent prospective neurocognitive testing (Auditory Verbal Learning Test—AVLT, Trail Making Test—TMT, Digit Span—DS) and nine of them also repeated magnetic resonance volumetry. Results. – The mean duration of treatment between the first and the second assessment was 73 ± 38 days with mean daily dose of 37 ± 17 mg prednisone and 193 ± 29 days, with mean daily dose of 24 ± 15 mg prednisone between the first and the third assessment. There was a trend towards decreases in total AVLT scores and an improvement in the TMT and DS, but no significant changes in the volumes of the right or the left hippocampi between the assessments. Prednisone dose did not correlate with the hippocampal volume change. Conclusion. – We observed a trend for decline in verbal memory despite improvement in psychomotor speed, attention/working memory and no macroscopic hippocampal volume changes during 36–238 days of treatment with therapeutic doses of corticosteroids.

Cognitive Improvement With Treatment of Depression Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

The authors examined the effect of antidepressant treatment on cognitive performances in people with mild traumatic brain injury. An 8-week nonrandomized, single-blind, placebo run-in trial of sertraline was completed and neuropsychological testing measures were compared before and after the treatment trial. Results showed improvements in psychomotor speed, recent verbal memory, recent visual memory, and general cognitive efficiency. Improvements were also seen in self-perception of cognitive symptomatology. It appears that successful depression treatment resulted in significant alleviation of cognitive impairments, which may not have been accounted for by natural recovery alone.

Genoptræning af personer med arbejdsbetingede hjerneskader efter opløsningsmiddel-eksponering

This study examines the effects of an intensive therapeutic and cognitive retraining program for brain impaired patients. The subjects consisted of 20 patients with chronic brain damage due to solvent exposure. Before the treatment all subjects completed an extensive neuropsychological evaluation. The patients were re-evaluated after three months of intensive treatment, and again three months and one year after the rehabilitation. The results of the intensive therapeutic and cognitive retraining showed significant improvement in some areas of cognitive functioning as determined by comparison of post-treatment neuropsychological data with initial evaluation results. The result of intensive treatment shows improvement in psychomotor speed and categorization. There was only minor change in personality function measured by MMPI, but a clear reduction in stress reaction.