Mental Performance Research Articles

The Effect of Self-Monitoring on Mental Effort and Problem-Solving Performance: A Mixed-Methods Study

Self-regulated learning (SRL) has become increasingly important for learners in the 21st century as they engage more frequently in student-centered education. Accurate self-monitoring of one’s learning process is central to SRL. However, research has shown that learners often struggle with monitoring accuracy. One possible explanation is that the process of self-monitoring itself may add cognitive load, potentially reducing both self-monitoring accuracy and overall performance. In the current study, we investigated the effects of self-monitoring on perceived mental effort and performance during problem-solving tasks of increasing complexity. Participants in the experimental condition were instructed to think aloud while problem-solving, while those in the control condition did not receive such instructions. Our findings indicate no interaction effect between the requirement for explicit and continuous self-monitoring and task complexity on perceived mental effort and performance. However, task complexity significantly impacted the perceived mental effort and performance in both conditions, while it affected monitoring accuracy exclusively in the experimental condition. Furthermore, qualitative analyses showed that the participants in the experimental conditions engaged in self-monitoring during 21.2 % of their think-aloud protocols. Contrary to previous research, self-monitoring did not appear to increase cognitive load, although the experimental participants took significantly longer to complete all the tasks. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.

National Collegiate Athletic Association Athletic Trainers’, Head Coaches’, and Student-Athletes’ Perceptions of Professional Titles Used in Sport PsychologyA

The purpose of this convergent mixed-methods study was to explore National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletic trainer (AT), head coach, and student-athlete perceptions of three commonly used sport psychology professional titles in the United States: Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), mental conditioning coach, and sport psychologist. Participants included 73 ATs, 79 head coaches, and 76 student-athletes. Participants completed an online questionnaire that assessed their previous exposure to these professionals, the services they believed these professionals could provide, their confidence in sport psychology consultation from these professionals, and their stigma tolerance of these professionals. A series of Friedman tests found that ATs and student-athletes perceived significantly more confidence in the services of a sport psychologist compared to a CMPC and a mental conditioning coach. A series of Kruskal-Wallis tests revealed that student-athletes perceived significantly more stigma in using services from all three professionals than head coaches and ATs. Participants reported that sport psychologists could provide mental performance and mental health services, while CMPCs and mental conditioning coaches primarily provided mental performance services. However, short answer responses from many ATs and head coaches about CMPCs demonstrated some doubt and misunderstanding of this professional title.

Enhancing Cognitive Fit: Exploring the Potential of Mixed Reality for Developing Mental Rotation Skills

Mixed Reality is a promising venue for spatial ability training, allowing participants to engage in problem-solving through gesture-based interactions with holographic objects. 3-D measurement of learning in Mixed Reality environments may result in a better cognitive fit than 2-D. This mixed-method study measures and enhances mental rotation ability and investigates user experience in Mixed Reality. To assess mental rotation ability, we adapted the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test:Rotation for Microsoft HoloLens 2, creating a measurement tool for our Mixed Reality-based training program, Holomental. Comparing 2-D and 3-D tests, we explored how stimulus dimensionality influences accuracy and cognitive load. Our findings indicate that Holomental enhances mental rotation performance, both in 2-D and 3-D. Cognitive load in the 3-D test was lower than in the 2-D test. Semi-structured interviews revealed participants’ appreciation for the representational and interactional affordances of the training environment. This study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of 3-D spatial training, with implications and suggestions for future design considerations.

Health impact of environmental and industrial noise - a narrative review.

Industrial noise sources are among the environmental noise sources that are ranked second among the causes of ill health in Europe by the World Health Organization. The aim of this paper is to summarize and review of published information focusing on noise annoyance from industrial activities and mining. A search for articles was performed using the bibliographic databases platforms. The epidemiological evidence shows that environmental noise may be associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, impaired cognitive development in children, mental health, post-irritability, and sleep disturbances. As a result of efforts to minimize the effects of industrial noise on human health, the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority published A Guide to the Noise Policy for Industry in 2017, which sets out recommended noise levels, methods, and procedures for noise management based on the latest scientific evidence. Social networks can be used to assess the population's noise annoyance and to verify the effectiveness of the measures. The industrial noise sources are typically defined by low-frequency noise. Low-frequency noise has very low attenuation and is only slightly affected by obstacles, therefore it can be a major cause of night noise annoyance. An association was confirmed between exposure to low-frequency noise and sleep disturbance, psychological problems, cognitive impairment, increased social conflicts, anxiety, emotional instability, nervousness, and reduced mental performance - concentration, and visual perception. In view of the long tradition of mining and industry, the assessment of noise from these activities from the perspective of its impacts on human health is an inherent part of legislative processes. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5).

Post-Lunch Napping as a Strategy to Enhance Physiological Performance and Cognitive Function in Elite Volleyball Players

Background and Objectives: Volleyball demands high levels of anaerobic strength, flexibility, agility, and mental focus. Adequate sleep has been shown to enhance athletic performance and cognitive function. This study investigates the impact of post-lunch naps of varying durations (25 and 45 min) on the physiological performance and cognitive focus of elite volleyball players. Materials and Methods: Sixteen elite volleyball players (8 male, 8 female) with at least 7 years of competitive experience participated in a randomized crossover study. They underwent three experimental conditions: no nap (No-Nap), a 25-min nap (N25), and a 45-min nap (N45). Physical performance was measured through counter-movement jumps (CMJ) and volleyball agility tests, while cognitive function was assessed using the D2 attention test. Statistical analysis included repeated measures ANOVA to examine the differences between nap conditions and gender-specific responses. Results: Significant improvements in both physical performance and cognitive focus were observed in the N25 and N45 conditions compared to the No-Nap condition (indicating the effectiveness of short naps in enhancing both physical and mental performance). Males outperformed females in most physical metrics, while females scored higher on the D2 attention test (suggesting possible gender-specific responses to napping). The 25-min nap showed slightly better results in terms of sleep quality and subsequent performance (confirming that shorter naps may be more beneficial). Conclusions: Post-lunch naps, especially of 25 or 45 min, enhance both physiological and cognitive performance in elite volleyball players. These findings suggest that integrating short naps into athletes’ training regimens can improve performance and focus, with potential gender-specific benefits. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and variations across other sports.

Impact of obesity on allergic respiratory diseases and on mental and cognitive performance

Summary Background Obesity and allergies are among the most common diseases of our civilization. Given the simultaneous rise in the prevalence of these diseases in recent years, a potential causal link between the two has been proposed. In particular, obese patients are at an increased risk of developing bronchial asthma, likely due to mechanical restrictions but also to metabolic changes that adversely affect immune function. Neuroscience studies have also shown that obesity can lead to impaired brain function and mental health. In the following review, we will take a closer look at our studies that focus on the influence of obesity on allergic diseases and cognitive performance. Results Both human studies and animal models (mice) have shown that obesity leads to increased allergic responses in the airways. Our studies in a mouse model of obesity confirm that an obese phenotype is associated with increased allergic sensitization and manifestation. These changes are associated with significant shifts in the composition of the gut microbial flora. The microbiome changes are further associated with allergic airway inflammation and an increased incidence of T helper 1 (Th1) type pulmonary macrophages. Interestingly, despite the changes in the microbiome, it is possible to effectively prevent allergy development by inducing oral tolerance. Furthermore, it was observed that obese mice show increased signs of anxiety and depression, as well as reduced cognitive performance. Conclusion Obesity is a complex metabolic disease that significantly impacts our body’s gut microbiome and immune system, resulting in an increased incidence of allergic asthma and neurological/psychological changes. Attention should be given to both the prophylactic and therapeutic measures to mitigate the impact of obesity, including oral tolerance for managing existing allergic diseases.

Dealing with Mental Health Problems and Work Performance Among Frontline Healthcare Workers Through the Influence of Digital Platform in Malaysian Private Hospitals: A conceptual analysis

The purpose of this study to examine mental health problems of frontline healthcare workers and their impact on work performance through exploring the influence of digital platforms in Malaysian private hospitals. This research is essential in addressing previous knowledge and theoretical gaps on the antecedents that denote to mental health problems and how digital platforms are used to improve mental health wellbeing. Basically, this study discusses the impact of four independent variables which are categorized as depression, anxiety, insomnia and distress factors whereas dependent variable is work performance. This study also will discuss problems concerning work performance of frontline healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, medical assistance, pharmacists and HR Management), specifically on poor service quality, turnover intention, work-related burnout, and exhaustion in Malaysian private hospitals. Hence, this study explores new solutions on the employees’ work performance related issues to create awareness for the Malaysian private hospitals in improving mental health issues among front-line healthcare workers to enhance their work performance through the influence of digital platforms. Private hospitals in Malaysia are experiencing critical situations related to poor employees’ performance which indirectly influence the overall productivity. Thus, private hospitals need to provide serious attention towards these related issues. A conceptual framework was formulated based on identified research gaps through the literature review. It is expected that this study will enhance the awareness for the management in Malaysian private hospitals on dealing with mental health problems which impacts work performance by exploring digital platforms as a solution.

Differential impacts of high and low-intensity physical exercise on brain wave activity and functional connectivity in professional athletes: a systematic review

Introduction: This systematic review explores the differential impacts of high and low-intensity physical exercise on brain wave activity and functional connectivity in professional athletes. The study aims to elucidate how varying exercise intensities influence cognitive and emotional responses, brain connectivity, and overall mental health. Additionally, it examines the potential synergistic effects of integrating neurofeedback training with physical exercise. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Keywords included "high-intensity exercise," "low-intensity exercise," "brain wave activity," "functional connectivity," "professional athletes," and "cognitive performance." Inclusion criteria were studies published in peer-reviewed journals involving professional athletes and examining the impact of exercise intensity on brain wave activity and functional connectivity. Data extraction focused on study design, sample size, exercise intensity, neuroimaging techniques, brain wave activity, and functional connectivity outcomes. Results: High-intensity physical exercise was found to induce significant changes in functional connectivity within affect and reward networks, enhance mood, and improve cognitive performance through increased brain wave coherence and synchronization. Low-intensity exercise primarily enhanced cognitive and attentional processing by increasing resting-state functional connectivity in the fronto-parietal network. Neurofeedback training was shown to enhance brain wave activity, reduce stress levels, and increase self-control over physiological factors. The combined approach of neurofeedback and physical exercise demonstrated potential for optimizing both mental and physical performance in athletes. Conclusion: The findings indicate that high-intensity exercise leads to significant and prolonged changes in brain connectivity and cognitive performance, while low-intensity exercise benefits cognitive and attentional processing. The discussion introduces the Neurofeedback and Physical Fitness Synergy Theory, which posits that integrating neurofeedback with physical exercise can lead to optimal improvements in both physical fitness and mental health. This combined approach suggests a promising strategy for enhancing overall athletic performance and mental well-being. Future research should focus on standardized measures and long-term studies to further validate these findings and explore the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. Keywords: Brain, Emotions, Physical Fitness, Cognition, Athletes, Self-Control

Robotic-Assisted Navigation in Single-Level Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Reduces Surgeons’ Mental Workload Compared With Fluoroscopic and Computed Tomographic Techniques: A Nonrandomized Prospective Controlled Trial

Background: Pedicle screw placement during spine fusion is physically and mentally demanding for surgeons. Consequently, spine surgeons can become fatigued, which has implications for both patient safety and surgeon well-being. Purpose: We sought to assess the cognitive workload of surgeons placing pedicle screws using robotic-assisted navigation compared with fluoroscopic and computed tomography (CT)-assisted placement. Methods: We performed a nonrandomized prospective controlled trial to compare the cognitive workload of 3 surgeons performing single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) using robotic, CT, or fluoroscopic navigation on 25 patients (15 in the robotic navigation group and 10 in the nonrobotic group). Immediately after each procedure, surgeons submitted the National Aeronautics and Space Administration–Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), which has 6 subscales: mental demands, physical demands, temporal demands, performance, effort, and frustration. Four tasks associated with pedicle screw placement were assessed independently: (1) screw planning, (2) calibrating robot/obtaining imaging/registration, (3) pedicle cannulation, and (4) screw placement. Patient demographics and surgical characteristics were obtained and reviewed. Results: Surgeons’ self-reported cognitive workload was significantly reduced when using robotic-assisted navigation versus CT/fluoroscopic navigation. Workload was reduced for screw planning, pedicle cannulation, and screw placement. In addition, there were significant reductions in each subdomain for these 3 tasks, encompassing mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, effort, and frustration with improved task performance. Conclusions: This study found significant reductions in mental workload with improved perceived performance for robotic-assisted pedicle screw placement compared with fluoroscopic and CT-navigation techniques. Lowering the cognitive burden associated with screw placement may allow surgeons to address the remainder of the operative case with less decision fatigue, prevent complications, and increase surgeon wellness.

8731 Glucose homeostasis remains normal across a range of adiposity in fit men and women

Abstract Disclosure: A.W. Potter: None. G.C. Chin: None. J.I. Jacques: None. L.J. Nindl: None. D.P. Looney: None. W.J. Tharion: None. C.L. Chapman: None. E.N. Halford: None. K.E. Friedl: None. Introduction. Glucose dysregulation is a major obesity-related comorbidity, affecting mental and physical performance. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a validated and stable biomarker representing glucose regulation over 2-3 months. Nearly half of American adults (41%) have elevated HbA1c concentrations representing prediabetes (≥5.7%). In a large cross-sectional sampling of the American population, HbA1c becomes elevated in 33% of individuals at >24% body fat (BF) (men) and >38%BF (women). However, daily physical activity is an important moderator of metabolic health and adiposity - the “fit fat” concept. We evaluated this effect in physically active men and women. Methods. Body composition and metabolic health data were obtained from 36,392 adults (18,130 men and 18,262 women) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999-2018, for comparison of %BF and HbA1c relationships. Body composition and HbA1c data were obtained from 220 healthy and physically fit active-duty military men and women (188 men, mean ± SD (range): age 25.7 ± 5.9 (18-53) years; height 176.3 ± 7.7 (154.0-201.1) cm; body mass 85.3 ± 11.9 (55.7-134.7) kg, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) 49.1 ± 11.9 (33.8-62.5) ml/kg/min; 32 women, age 26.5 ± 7.0 (19-45) years; height 161.4 ± 5.9 (147.1-172.8) cm; body mass 63.9 ± 8.3 (46.7-86.6) kg, VO2max 42.5 ± 8.3 (29.1-52.6) ml/kg/min). Body composition was measured using DXA (iDXA, General Electric Healthcare, Madison, WI) and HbA1c was measured from capillary blood samples using a validated point-of-care analyzer (DCA Vantage Analyzer, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc, Malvern, PA). Results. HbA1c remained within the normal range (<5.7%) for 98% (216/220) of a relatively wide range of %BF in a group of men (9-36%) and women (21-46%) who engaged in daily physical activity. This sample included 64 men (34%) and 4 women (12.5%) that exceeded the 24 and 38%BF thresholds where clinically high HbA1c concentrations have been observed in the civilian population. From this subset, none of the assessed women had HbA1c ≥5.7%. Three men had HbA1c 5.7-5.8% and also high measured physical fitness (VO2max, 50.1-62.5 ml/kg/min) and low %BF (15-17%); while one had lower physical fitness (VO2max 43.87 ml/kg/min) and higher body fat (26%) (HbA1c 6%). Conclusion. Glucose homeostasis remains within normal values across a range of adiposity in fit men and women. These data support the importance of daily physical activity in mitigating elevations in HbA1c, even in individuals with increased relative body fat. Physical activity appears to have a protective effect for metabolism. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Prospects for increasing the functionality of milk-containing products through the use of non-traditional plant raw materials

It is an undeniable fact that nutrition is an important and integral part of human life. Unfortunately, nutrition is not always complete and balanced. It has been established that only rational nutrition is the lever by which it is possible to ensure normal growth and development of the body. Food industry enterprises are trying to create exactly such conditions for adequate human adaptation to the regalia of the surrounding world, namely, they develop and produce specialized products that contribute not only to disease prevention, but also to a stable increase in mental and physical performance. Moreover, these activities do not contradict the state policy in terms of improving the health of the population, through the introduction of healthy nutrition products into the retail network, through various assistance to manufacturing enterprises (subsidies, grant support). Regarding manufacturers of milk-containing food products, the importance of which is undeniable, they quite actively promote product lines for certain segments of the population, for example, children, pregnant and lactating women and the elderly. The main objective of the research is to develop a technology for a milk-containing product (drinking yoghurt) that includes several functions important for humans, namely, functional, diabetic, probiotic ones. The product is given the specified functions by including scientifically substantiated components in the recipe, including those from non-traditional raw materials. Standard and individual research methods have been used to confirm the quality indicators of the finished product. The main results of the research include determining the type of plant material that meets the specified requirements and characteristics and contributes to giving the finished product additional properties (prebiotic, functional, diabetic). The final result of the research is obtaining a product that helps increase the body resistance to the negative environmental effects. The use of secondary plant materials for food purposes, which contributes to the design of a food product with a certain quality composition and specified consumer properties, in comparison with existing analogues, can be considered the novelty of the research.

The Effects of Mindfulness-Focused Mental Performance Coaching on a General Surgery Residency Program

The Effects of Mindfulness-Focused Mental Performance Coaching on a General Surgery Residency Program

Gaze communicates both cue direction and agent mental states.

Although it is well established that humans spontaneously attend to where others are looking, it remains debated whether this gaze following behavior occurs because gaze communicates directional information (i.e., where an agent is looking) or because gaze communicates an agent's inferred mental content (i.e., what an agent perceives), both of which rely on the processes involved in the general Theory of Mind ability. To address this question, in two Experiments we used a novel task to measure how spatially dissociated and spatially combined effects of an agent's gaze direction and perceived mental content influence target performance. We also contrasted performance for social directional cues and nonsocial arrows. Our data revealed that performance was compromised when cue direction and mental content dissociated relative to when they combined. Performance for dissociated components was especially prominent when a social avatar served as a cue relative to a comparison arrow. Together, these data show that a typical gaze signal communicates information about both where an agent is attending and what they are attending to.

Comparison of mental fatigue using EEG signals and task performance in normal and slump posture adults during computer typing

ObjectivesSlump sitting at workstations has been focused on by clinicians and researchers nowadays; however, there is limited evidence to date that improper positioning affects the mental state. Accordingly, the main objective of this research was to examine the impact of slump posture on mental fatigue and task performance. MethodsA sample of 60 participants, 30 in each group including those with normal and slump postures were recruited to perform an hour of typing on the computer. Mental fatigue through EEG and task performances were considered as outcome measures and then were analyzed statistically in the first and last 3 min of typing. ResultsThe EEG showed a significant increasing trend in theta rhythm at different brain regions during 60 min of typing (P < 0.05). Besides, an interaction between time and posture was observed; it can mean the increasing trend of theta rhythm is different in normal and slump posture acquired sets (P < 0.05).Interestingly the speed of typing was found to be better (P < 0.05) in the normal posture group while no difference found between the groups in terms of errors (P > 0.05). ConclusionOur results showed poor posture can induce more mental fatigue during the given task, than the normal posture. These findings have provided evidence to indicate that in addition to the peripheral and biomechanical component, the assessment of the cortex as the central component should be considered in poor posture individuals. Besides, for any possible physical therapy rehabilitation protocol for the management of poor posture, the peripheral and central components should be focused. Trial registrationRegistered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on September 21, 2022, IRCT Identifier: IRCT20161026030516N2.

Toxic and Metabolic Kidney Injury: Focus on Energy Drinks

Currently, energy drinks on the market are represented by medium and highly carbonated, as well as non-alcoholic and low-alcohol products. More than 500 brands producing energy drinks are registered in the world. Long-term abuse of energy drinks can lead to serious consequences. Kidney damage caused by energy drinks is becoming an urgent medical and social problem, since with prolonged use there is dependence on them, numbness of the limbs, palpitations, headaches and dizziness, pain in the precordial region, increased blood clotting, frequent urination, irritability, depression, insomnia, increased fatigue, anxiety, fear and convulsions. Widespread and uncontrolled use of energy drinks can cause social imbalance in society, decreased mental and physical performance, especially in adolescents. The toxic properties of energy drinks are manifested depending on the volume and composition, presentation, duration of intake, as well as concomitant disease. Availability, wide popularization through advertising in the media, insufficient awareness of young people about the harmful effects of energy drinks serves as a condition for the development of damage to internal organs when consuming them. The article presents data from scientific literature on the epidemiology of risk factors for the development and progression of chronic renal failure. Negative effects on human health with long-term abuse of energy drinks are discussed. The article presents the results of clinical observation of patient N., 31 years old, who developed a neo-oliguric variant of acute kidney injury against the background of long-term use of energy drinks. Laboratory testing revealed hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypercreatininemia (blood creatinine 161.0 μmol/l) and hypercytokinemia due to an increase in the serum concentration of interleukin-6. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was at the level of 48 ml/min. Against the background of the therapy, kidney function was restored: blood creatinine 85.9 μmol/l, GFR increased to 116 ml/min.

Using Performance Profiling to Assess Consultant Effectiveness

Despite its obvious value, the notion of assessing consultant effectiveness is not common practice nor is it well established as a research area in the field of Sport and Performance Psychology (SPP). Consultant effectiveness has been predominantly evaluated and chronicled by studying the characteristics (and behaviors) of successful mental performance consultants (MPCs). Although the vast majority of the performance profile (PP) literature highlights client-facing uses and benefits, the information presented herein outlines a novel practitioner-focused use and promising method of leveraging the PP procedure to gauge consultant effectiveness and provide MPCs with sensible informed guidance that can make a difference in the way that they evaluate themselves and their work. A case study is discussed to illustrate how the PP can be tailored to reflect evidence-based characteristics of effective consultants and how this feedback can benefit professional practice. Applied implications are outlined to provide MPCs practical guidance on how they can leverage the PP to appraise the quality of the working alliance and gain insight into their current consulting skillset to identify strengths and growth edges.

"It's Different for Girls!" The Role of Anxiety, Physiological Arousal, and Subject Preferences in Primary School Children's Math and Mental Rotation Performance.

(1) Background: This study examines the role of subjective anxiety (mathematics and spatial anxiety), along with physiological responses, in mathematics or math and mental rotation performance in 131 German primary school students (65 girls, 66 boys; Mean age = 8.73 years). (2) Method: Students' preference for math vs. German and their subjective anxiety were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Emotional reactivity was measured using the Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). Math performance was evaluated via percentage scored and completion times on number line estimation, word problems, and missing terms tasks. Spatial skills were assessed using a novel mental rotation task (nMRT) incorporating gender-congruent and -neutral stimuli. (3) Results: Girls outperformed boys on percentage scored on the math task but took longer to complete this. No gender differences were found in performance on the nMRT. Girls demonstrated higher math anxiety and were less likely to prefer math over German. Math anxiety predicted math scores and accuracy on the nMRT while gender predicted math performance and mental rotation response time. Subject preference was associated with longer completion times and emotional reactivity with longer response times. Girls' preference for math and lower emotional reactivity was linked to shorter completion times, while lower math anxiety predicted higher scores. In contrast, these factors did not affect boys' math performance. Additionally, subjective anxiety, emotional reactivity, or subject preference did not impact spatial performance for either gender. (4) Conclusions: Supporting mathematical self-efficacy and emotional regulation, especially in girls, is crucial for enhancing STEM outcomes in primary education. Gender-fair assessment in mental rotation reveals equitable spatial performance and reduces the impact of anxiety.

Effect of Differentiated Approach to Physical Activity Dosing on Mental Performance of Adolescents

Introduction. The article deals with an innovative approach to the dosing of physical activity taking into account the functional capabilities of adolescents and its impact on the mental performance of students. The aim of the study is to identify the impact of physical activity associated with the manifestation of general endurance on the mental performance of middle school students under different conditions of its dosing. Methodology. The study compares the effect of the load on general endurance without taking into account the physical capabilities of the organism of schoolchildren of grades 5–8 and in accordance with their functional fitness on the indicators of various properties of attention, semantic memory, and logical thinking. Results. The obtained data reflect the percentage ratio of adolescents with improvement, deterioration of mental performance indicators, as well as those in whom no changes were revealed taking into account individual intellectual development. It was revealed that after the differentiated approach, in contrast to the undifferentiated one, the majority of adolescents improved the indicators of attention span, the rate of intellectual tasks performance in the absence of mental efficiency exhaustion, also the number of memorized pairs of words increased, the number of errors in establishing semantic relations in judgments decreased. Conclusion. Differentiated approach to dosing of physical load in comparison with undifferentiated more often promotes improvement of stability and volume of attention, semantic memory and logical thinking of adolescents.

Enhancing Athletic Well-Being: Unravelling the Impact of Social Support

Enhancing athletic well-being is integral to optimizing sports performance and overall health. Social support serves as a vital component in fostering athletic well-being, offering emotional, tangible, and informational assistance to athletes. This study examines the social support experienced by SUKMA athletes, focusing on support from friends, family, and significant others throughout their sports engagement. The primary objective is to explore the relationship between social support and psychological well-being among SUKMA athletes in Negeri Sembilan. A sample of 298 athletes completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Psychological Well-being Scale. Findings reveal family support as the predominant source of social support, followed by significant others and friends. Notably, significant others exhibit a significant relationship with all elements of psychological well-being. Further research should delve into the nuanced dynamics of social support in athletic contexts through longitudinal and qualitative studies. Strategies to bolster social support networks within sports settings are recommended to enhance athletes' mental health and performance. Moreover, the study lays the groundwork for future research to explore the complexities of social support in athletic environments, advocating for longitudinal and qualitative approaches to better understand these dynamics.

Mental processes in professional football players.

Clear connections have been found between mental processes and performance in elite level football. Yet, few studies have investigated how professional football players' experience the influence of mental processes on performance. This study used a qualitative research design and in-depth interview of six Norwegian professional football players at elite level with a mean age of 28, 3 years and represented five professional clubs. The aim of the study was to investigate how they perceived the importance of arousal regulation, mental toughness, and self-confidence, and that of the sport psychologist in developing these skills. The results revealed a complex and multifaceted link between mental processes and performance. All players, demonstrate a conscious awareness of how mental processes influence their performance. The use of a sport psychologist in working with mental processes emerges as a crucial factor for developing their mental skills. Another important aspect is the need for increased knowledge about mental training's effect in elite football. Mental toughness emerges as the most significant mental process for players' performance because it makes them capable of coping with challenging situations and periods. This study shows that mental processes are important for performing, both related to arousal regulation, and self-confidence, and especially mental toughness. However, mental toughness was also considered a product of age and experience, where older players tend to have experience of more situations that enable them to handle adversity better than younger players. Interestingly, the youngest players seem to be most aware of the use of a sports psychologist.