Measure Of Sustained Attention Research Articles

Gray matter volume abnormalities were associated with sustained attention in unmedicated major depression

BackgroundImpaired sustained attention seems to be a core feature of depression while the anatomical alteration of brain was widely reported in depression patients. The authors aimed to identify the relationship between anatomical brain changes and sustained attention deficits in unmedicated patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). MethodsA total of 51 medication-free MDD patients and 51 matched healthy controls (HC) underwent high-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging scanning, and optimized voxel-based morphometry method was performed to analyze the changes of gray matter volume (GMV). We employed a computerized neurocognitive task from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Tests Automated Battery (CANTAB) – Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVP) task – as a measurement of sustained attention. Based on clinical symptoms, 40 patients who had completed CANTAB-RVP test were divided into MDDa (mild depression patients) and MDDb (severe depression patients) groups. Then the relationships among sustained attention, GMV of different regions and clinical symptoms were explored separately. ResultsMDD patients showed significant GMV increase in left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) (p<0.001, uncorrected), and significant GMV decrease in medial/superior frontal gyrus (MFG/SFG) and lingual gyrus (p<0.001, uncorrected). Structure–cognition correlation analyses revealed that in MDD patients, GMV alterations of the IFG were significantly correlated with sustained attention as measured by the CANTAB-RVP. ConclusionsIncreased GMV values of IFG were associated with sustained attention which may underlie the pathophysiology of MDD or be part of the cognition circuit. In the severe depression patients, sustained attention deficits were positively correlated with clinical symptoms.

The Role of Sustained Attention in the Production of Conjoined Noun Phrases: An Individual Differences Study.

It has previously been shown that language production, performed simultaneously with a nonlinguistic task, involves sustained attention. Sustained attention concerns the ability to maintain alertness over time. Here, we aimed to replicate the previous finding by showing that individuals call upon sustained attention when they plan single noun phrases (e.g., "the carrot") and perform a manual arrow categorization task. In addition, we investigated whether speakers also recruit sustained attention when they produce conjoined noun phrases (e.g., "the carrot and the bucket") describing two pictures, that is, when both the first and second task are linguistic. We found that sustained attention correlated with the proportion of abnormally slow phrase-production responses. Individuals with poor sustained attention displayed a greater number of very slow responses than individuals with better sustained attention. Importantly, this relationship was obtained both for the production of single phrases while performing a nonlinguistic manual task, and the production of noun phrase conjunctions in referring to two spatially separated objects. Inhibition and updating abilities were also measured. These scores did not correlate with our measure of sustained attention, suggesting that sustained attention and executive control are distinct. Overall, the results suggest that planning conjoined noun phrases involves sustained attention, and that language production happens less automatically than has often been assumed.

Executive Function in SLI: Recent Advances and Future Directions.

This paper provides a review of recent research on executive function abilities in children with specific language impairment (SLI). Across several studies, children with SLI are reported to perform worse than typically developing peers on measures of sustained attention, working memory, inhibition, and attention shifting. However, few studies have considered multiple executive function components simultaneously and even fewer have examined the underlying relationship between executive function deficits and impaired language acquisition. We argue that in order to fully understand the nature of executive function deficits in SLI, the field must move past simply identifying weaknesses to instead test models of executive function development and explore the nature of the relationship between executive function and language. Future research directions are recommended in order to achieve these goals.

Relating Intrinsic Low-Frequency BOLD Cortical Oscillations to Cognition in Schizophrenia.

The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal during resting-state fMRI reflects the magnitude of local low-frequency BOLD oscillations, rather than interregional connectivity. ALFF is of interest to studies of cognition because fluctuations in spontaneous intrinsic brain activity relate to, and possibly even constrain, task-evoked brain responses in healthy people. Lower ALFF has been reported in schizophrenia, but the cognitive correlates of these reductions remain unknown. Here, we assess relationships between ALFF and attention and working memory in order to establish the functional relevance of intrinsic BOLD oscillatory power alterations with respect to specific cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. As part of the multisite FBIRN study, resting-state fMRI data were collected from schizophrenia subjects (SZ; n=168) and healthy controls (HC; n=166). Voxelwise fractional ALFF (fALFF), a normalized ALFF measure, was regressed on neuropsychological measures of sustained attention and working memory in SZ and HC to identify regions showing either common slopes across groups or slope differences between groups (all findings p<0.01 height, p<0.05 family-wise error cluster corrected). Poorer sustained attention was associated with smaller fALFF in the left superior frontal cortex and bilateral temporoparietal junction in both groups, with additional relationships in bilateral posterior parietal, posterior cingulate, dorsal anterior cingulate (ACC), and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) evident only in SZ. Poorer working memory was associated with smaller fALFF in bilateral ACC/mPFC, DLPFC, and posterior parietal cortex in both groups. Our findings indicate that smaller amplitudes of low-frequency BOLD oscillations during rest, measured by fALFF, were significantly associated with poorer cognitive performance, sometimes similarly in both groups and sometimes only in SZ, in regions known to subserve sustained attention and working memory. Taken together, these data suggest that the magnitude of resting-state BOLD oscillations shows promise as a biomarker of cognitive function in health and disease.

Exercise and caffeine improve sustained attention following fatigue independent of fitness status

Background: Exercise improves cognition, but whether fitness status and caffeine modulate this effect remains unclear. Purpose: To determine if sustained attention is improved following exercise with and without caffeine in endurance-trained vs. sedentary adults. Methods: A continuous performance task (CPT), that is, a 20 min measure of sustained attention to assess accuracy and precision, was used to induce mental fatigue. Following the 20 min CPT, trained (n = 12) and sedentary (n = 12) participants completed either 30-min rest or 30-min moderate-intensity cycling below lactate threshold. Exercise trials were completed with placebo and caffeine (3 mg/kg) followed by cycling to volitional fatigue. Results: Exercise, as compared to rest, improved (p < .05) accuracy and precision after a mentally fatiguing task (CPT) and was not different between endurance-trained and sedentary groups. During the CPT, accuracy and precision declined (p < .05) with placebo, but both were maintained with caffeine following both exercise and cycling to volitional fatigue. Mental energy declined (p < .05) after the CPT with placebo but not caffeine. Cycling to volitional fatigue resulted in lower mental energy/greater mental fatigue as compared to baseline and following moderate intensity exercise, for both caffeine and placebo (p < .05). Conclusions: Exercise improved sustained attention following a mentally fatiguing attentional task independent of fitness status; and, when coupled with caffeine, provided greater benefit on the attentional task for accuracy, precision, and mental energy. Although caffeine's beneficial effect on sustained attention persisted after cycling to volitional fatigue, it did not prevent a decline in mental energy/increase in mental fatigue.

Sustained attention abnormalities in breast cancer survivors with cognitive deficits post chemotherapy: An electrophysiological study

ObjectiveMany breast cancer survivors (BCS) report cognitive problems following chemotherapy, yet controversy remains concerning which cognitive domains are affected. This study investigated a domain crucial to daily function: the ability to maintain attention over time. MethodsWe examined whether BCS who self-reported cognitive problems up to 3years following cancer treatment (n=19) performed differently from healthy controls (HC, n=12) in a task that required sustained attention. Participants performed a target detection task while periodically being asked to report their attentional state. Electroencephalogram was recorded during this task and at rest. ResultsBCS were less likely to maintain sustained attention during the task compared to HC. Further, the P3 event-related potential component elicited by visual targets during the task was smaller in BCS relative to HC. BCS also displayed greater neural activity at rest. ConclusionsBCS demonstrated an abnormal pattern of sustained attention and resource allocation compared to HC, suggesting that attentional deficits can be objectively observed in breast cancer survivors who self-report concentration problems. SignificanceThese data underscore the value of EEG combined with a less traditional measure of sustained attention, or attentional states, as objective laboratory tools that are sensitive to subjective complaints of chemotherapy-related attentional impairments.

The effect of methylphenidate on sustained attention among adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Twenty-seven adolescents diagnosed as having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were tested twice with a computerized MATH-CPT (mathematics continuous performance test). In one administration, the participants took medication (methylphenidate, MPH) 1.5 hr before being tested. In another administration, the MATH-CPT was administered without the medication. Treatment with MPH improved the “overall attention level” and in measures of “reaction time” and “impulsivity.” MPH did not improve the performance in the four measures of sustained attention. Knowing that treatment with MPH does not improve sustained attention can be helpful in reaching a decision of whether or not a child should be treated with MPH.

Investigating the Effects of Mild Induced Hypothermia on Cognition using a Measure of Sustained Attention

Mild Induced hypothermia has come to be recognised as a successful method of providing neuro-protective treatment for patients suffering ischemic stroke, cardiac arrest and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Anti-inflammatory responses and the lowering of cerebral metabolic rates, leading to a reduction in neuronal apoptosis, are considered to be the main mechanisms by which this process benefits patients. Assessment of a new hydro based cooling device, which could potentially be used by emergency service units, provided the impetus for the current research. Neurologically normal participants underwent two treatments: a cooling procedure where the temperature of water circulating in a cooling helmet was maintained at 4∘C and a non-cooling/sham procedure where the temperature was set at 18∘C. During treatment participants were required to perform a computer-based task that measured sustained attention/vigilance via participant response times during target detection. Electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings were also acquired before and after each treatment condition. Participants' core temperature (recorded via tympanic membrane) was monitored throughout the process. The findings revealed a statistically reliable 0.62 ∘C decrease in temperature as a result of cooling after controlling for participants' body mass index (BMI). However, there were no reliable cognitive or EEG spectral changes induced by the decrease in temperature.

The Effect of Online Cognitive Training on Sustained Attention Measures for Electric Power Line Installers

This research builds on previous studies that identify inattentiveness as a causal factor of accidents. Cognitive training exercises were used to determine if attentiveness of electric power line installers could be increased. Participants, selected from two electric utilities and two electric power contractors, were randomly placed in either a control or a treatment group. Only the treatment group completed cognitive training, with both groups participating in pre- and posttests of sustained attention using the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). A significant trade-off between response accuracy and reaction time on SART was obtained for both groups. A multivariate analysis of covariance revealed a significant effect of cognitive training on performance, with the effect dominated by the change in reaction time rather than response accuracy. The results of this experiment followed the trend of previous research demonstrating that cognitive training can increase sustained attention ability.

The effects of warning cues and attention-capturing stimuli on the sustained attention to response task.

Performance on the sustained attention to response task (SART) is often characterized by a speed-accuracy trade-off, and SART performance may be influenced by strategic factors (Head and Helton Conscious Cogn 22: 913-919, 2013). Previous research indicates a significant difference between reliable and unreliable warning cues on response times and errors (commission and omission), suggesting that SART tasks are influenced by strategic factors (Helton et al. Conscious Cogn 20: 1732-1737, 2011; Exp Brain Res 209: 401-407, 2011). With regards to warning stimuli, we chose to use cute images (exhibiting infantile features) during a SART, as previous literature indicates cute images cause participants to engage attention. If viewing cute things makes the viewer exert more attention than normal, then exposure to cute stimuli during the SART should improve performance if SART performance is a measure of perceptual coupling. Reliable warning cues were shown to reduce both response time and errors of commission, and increase errors of omission, relative to unreliable warning cues. Cuteness of the warning stimuli, however, had no significant effect on SART performance. These results suggest the importance of strategic factors in SART performance, not increased attention, and add to the growing literature which suggests the SART is not a good measure of sustained attention, vigilance or perceptual coupling.

The Impact of Sustained Attention on Labor Market Outcomes: The Case of Ghana

In this paper, we go beyond traditional measures of cognitive abilities (IQ) in explaining labor market and social outcomes in developing countries. We exploit a rich dataset from Ghana that provides information on demographics, labor market outcomes, and a direct measure of cognitive ability along with other test scores to construct a measure of sustained attention. Our work is therefore related to the broader literature in Psychology on the importance of executive function on individual behavior and outcomes. We find that, at least for the case of Ghana, after controlling for IQ and other covariates, higher levels of sustained attention are associated with higher annual income, higher educational attainment, and a higher likelihood of being employed in a white collar job.

The impact of dialogic book-sharing training on infant language and attention: a randomized controlled trial in a deprived South African community.

Dialogic book-sharing is an interactive form of shared reading. It has been shown in high income countries (HICs) to be of significant benefit to child cognitive development. Evidence for such benefit in low and middle income countries (LMICs) is scarce, although a feasibility study of our own produced encouraging findings. Accordingly, we aimed to establish the impact on child language and attention of providing training in dialogic booksharing to carers of infants in an impoverished South African community. We conducted a randomized controlled trial in Khayelitsha, an informal settlement in South Africa. Mothers of infants aged between 14 and 16months were recruited and randomized to either 8weeks of manualized training in dialogic book-sharing or a no-intervention control group. Independent assessments were made of infant language and attention at baseline and following training. The trial was registered (ISRCTN39953901). Ninety one carer-infant dyads were recruited and randomized to the intervention group (n=49) or the control group (n=42), 82 (90%) of whom were available for follow-up assessments. On a standardized carer report of infant vocabulary, compared to those in the control group, carers who received the intervention reported a significantly greater increase in the number of words understood by their infants as well as a larger increase in the number of words that their infant understood and could vocalize. Intervention group children also showed substantially greater gains on a measure of sustained attention. In line with evidence from HICs, a dialogic book-sharing programme delivered to an impoverished South African sample was shown to be of considerable benefit to the development of child language and focussed attention. The training programme, which is simple and inexpensive to deliver, has the potential to benefit child cognitive development in LMIC contexts where such development is commonly compromised.

Children born with very low birth weight show difficulties with sustained attention but not response inhibition

Children born with very low birth weight perform poorly on executive function and attention measures. Any difficulties with sustained attention may underpin impairments in performance on tasks measuring higher order cognitive control. Previous sustained attention research in very low birth weight cohorts has used tasks that involve arousing stimuli, potentially spoiling the measure of sustained attention. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of very low birth weight and normal birth weight children on a well-controlled task of sustained attention. The Fixed and Random versions of the Sustained Attention to Response Task were given to 17 very low birth weight and 18 normal birth weight children. The very low birth weight group performed the Fixed and Random Sustained Attention to Response Tasks in a similar manner as the normal birth weight group on all measures except for the omission error and Slow Frequency Area under the Spectra variables on the Fixed Sustained Attention to Response Task. These measures index lapses in sustained attention that may be underpinned by declining arousal. The very low birth weight group showed no response inhibition deficits. Omission errors and slow-timescale response-time variability on predictable tasks may thus present sensitive indices of difficulties with sustained attention and arousal associated with premature birth and low birth weight.

Media multitasking and behavioral measures of sustained attention.

In a series of four studies, self-reported media multitasking (using the media multitasking index; MMI) and general sustained-attention ability, through performance on three sustained-attention tasks: the metronome response task (MRT), the sustained-attention-to-response task (SART), and a vigilance task (here, a modified version of the SART). In Study1, we found that higher reports of media multitasking were associated with increased response variability (i.e., poor performance) on the MRT. However, in Study2, no association between reported media multitasking and performance on the SART was observed. These findings were replicated in Studies 3a and3b, in which we again assessed the relation between media multitasking and performance on both the MRT and SART in two large online samples. Finally, in Study4, using a large online sample, we tested whether media multitasking was associated with performance on a vigilance task. Although standard vigilance decrements were observed in both sensitivity (A') and response times, media multitasking was not associated with the size of these decrements, nor was media multitasking associated with overall performance, in terms of either sensitivity or response times. Taken together, the results of the studies reported here failed to demonstrate a relation between habitual engagement in media multitasking in everyday life and a general deficit in sustained-attention processes.

B-14 * Prediction of ADHD Diagnosis Using a Continuous Performance Task

Objective: To determine the extent to which scores on the Conners' Continuous Performance Task, 2nd edition (CCPT-II) predict classification of ADHD in a mixed clinical sample. Method: The sample contained 77 participants: 20 were diagnosed ADHD and 57 with either Major Depressive Disorder or an Anxiety Disorder (mean age = 9.67; 61.8% male; 88.8% right handed; average education = 3.95 years). Anxiety and depression were chosen because these disorders are known to affect attention and concentration. Clinical diagnoses were based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-IV-TR (DSM-IV-TR) criteria. T-scores obtained from the CCPT-II were used as measures of sustained attention, impulsivity, and response variability. Results: Analyses were conducted at the 0.01 significance level. A discriminant function analysis was conducted for ADHD group membership using CCPT-II T-scores as predictors. Univariate ANOVAs revealed that groups differed significantly on the Omissions, Hit Rate, Hit Rate Standard Error, and Variability scores. A single discriminant function was calculated and the value was significantly different for the groups (chi-square = 24.589, df = 4, p = .017). Correlations between predictor values and the discriminant function suggest that high Variability scores are the best predictor for ADHD group membership. Overall the discriminant function successfully predicted group membership for 80.5% of cases. Conclusion(s): Children with ADHD differed significantly from children with anxiety and depression on the CCPT-II. As these disorders often manifest with impairment in concentration, assessment of abilities is necessary. Although only 80.5% of cases were successfully predicted, scores from this test can provide objective evidence for an accurate diagnosis.

Cognitive dysfunction in postural tachycardia syndrome.

Mental clouding is an almost universal complaint among patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) but remains poorly understood. Thus, we have determined whether POTS patients exhibit deficits during neuropsychological testing relative to healthy subjects. A comprehensive battery of validated neuropsychological tests was administered to 28 female POTS patients and 24 healthy subjects in a semi-recumbent position. Healthy subjects were matched to POTS patients on age and gender. Selective attention, a primary outcome measure, and cognitive processing speed were reduced in POTS patients compared with healthy subjects (Ruff 2&7 Speed t-score: 40±9 compared with 49±8; P=0.009; Symbol Digit Modalities Test t-score: 45±12 compared with 51±8; P=0.011). Measures of executive function were also lower in POTS patients (Trails B t-score: 46±8 compared with 52±8; P=0.007; Stroop Word Color t-score: 45±10 compared with 56±8; P=0.001), suggesting difficulties in tracking and mental flexibility. Measures of sustained attention, psychomotor speed, memory function or verbal fluency were not significantly different between groups. The present study provides evidence for deficits in selective attention and cognitive processing in patients with POTS, in the seated position when orthostatic stress is minimized. In contrast, other measures of cognitive function, including memory assessments, were not impaired in these patients, suggesting selectivity in these deficits. These findings provide new insight into the profile of cognitive dysfunction in POTS and provide the basis for further studies to identify clinical strategies to better manage the mental clouding associated with this condition.

Multi-domain computerized cognitive training program improves performance of bookkeeping tasks: a matched-sampling active-controlled trial.

Cognitive skills are important predictors of job performance, but the extent to which computerized cognitive training (CCT) can improve job performance in healthy adults is unclear. We report, for the first time, that a CCT program aimed at attention, memory, reasoning and visuo-spatial abilities can enhance productivity in healthy younger adults on bookkeeping tasks with high relevance to real-world job performance. 44 business students (77.3% female, mean age 21.4 ± 2.6 years) were assigned to either (a) 20 h of CCT, or (b) 20 h of computerized arithmetic training (active control) by a matched sampling procedure. Both interventions were conducted over a period of 6 weeks, 3–4 1-h sessions per week. Transfer of skills to performance on a 60-min paper-based bookkeeping task was measured at three time points—baseline, after 10 h and after 20 h of training. Repeated measures ANOVA found a significant Group X Time effect on productivity (F = 7.033, df = 1.745; 73.273, p = 0.003) with a significant interaction at both the 10-h (Relative Cohen's effect size = 0.38, p = 0.014) and 20-h time points (Relative Cohen's effect size = 0.40, p = 0.003). No significant effects were found on accuracy or on Conners' Continuous Performance Test, a measure of sustained attention. The results are discussed in reference to previous findings on the relationship between brain plasticity and job performance. Generalization of results requires further study.

Vigilance on the move: video game-based measurement of sustained attention

Vigilance represents the capacity to sustain attention to any environmental source of information over prolonged periods on watch. Most stimuli used in vigilance research over the previous six decades have been relatively simple and often purport to represent important aspects of detection and discrimination tasks in real-world settings. Such displays are most frequently composed of single stimulus presentations in discrete trials against a uniform, often uncluttered background. The present experiment establishes a dynamic, first-person perspective vigilance task in motion using a video-game environment. ‘Vigilance on the move’ is thus a new paradigm for the study of sustained attention. We conclude that the stress of vigilance extends to the new paradigm, but whether the performance decrement emerges depends upon specific task parameters. The development of the task, the issues to be resolved and the pattern of performance, perceived workload and stress associated with performing such dynamic vigilance are reported.Practitioner Summary: The present experiment establishes a dynamic, first-person perspective movement-based vigilance task using a video-game environment. ‘Vigilance on the move’ is thus a new paradigm for the evaluation of sustained attention in operational environments in which individuals move as they monitor their environment. Issues addressed in task development are described.

Cognitive performance and quality of life early in the course of bipolar disorder

BackgroundSeveral studies have reported cognitive functioning as a significant predictor of quality of life (QoL) in patients with established bipolar disorder (BD), in addition to mood symptoms. However, it is unclear whether cognitive functioning predicts QoL early in the course of illness. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the relationship between mood and neuropsychological variables and self-reported QoL early in the course of BD. MethodsPatients with BD-I (n=54) completed a neuropsychological battery and clinical assessment within 3 months of resolution of their first manic episode. QoL was assessed 6 months later using the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q). Cognitive predictors of QoL were assessed through Pearson correlations and hierarchical multiple regression. ResultsAfter accounting for mood rating scores at the time of cognitive testing (ΔR²=.27, p<.001), measures of sustained attention (ΔR²=.08, p<.05), verbal memory (ΔR²=.09, p<.01), working memory (ΔR²=.06, p<.05), and executive functioning (ΔR²=.08, p<.05) each predicted QoL when entered independently in separate regression models. When entered simultaneously, the cognitive domains explained 15% (R2=.42, p<.05) of the variance in QoL beyond mood. LimitationsSome aspects of QoL that are particularly important in BD may be missing as a result of using the Q-LES-Q, because the measure was not specifically developed to assess QoL in BD. ConclusionsIn addition to mood symptoms, poorer cognitive functioning is a significant predictor of reduced QoL early in the course of BD. Recently diagnosed patients with BD may benefit from early cognitive-enhancing interventions to maintain or restore their QoL.

Traumatic brain injury-related attention deficits: Treatment outcomes with lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse)

Background and objectives: Attention deficits are often among the most persistent and debilitating impairments resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study examined the effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse) in treating attention deficits due to moderate-to-severe TBI. It was the first study of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate with this population and, in fact, was the first controlled trial in this area examining a stimulant medication option other than methylphenidate.Methods: This was a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. A total of 22 rigorously selected cases were enrolled, 13 of whom completed the trial. They were 16–42 years of age and had newly acquired attention deficits persisting for 6–34 months post-injury. They were assessed on a broad range of neuropsychological and behavioural measures at baseline, 6-weeks and at 12-weeks.Results and conclusions: Positive treatment effects were found involving selective measures of sustained attention, working memory, response speed stability and endurance and in aspects of executive functioning. No major problems with safety or tolerability were observed. Some moderating treatment effects were found from a broad range of pre-treatment subject characteristics and injury variables examined. Avenues for further research and treatment applications in this area are discussed.