Mental Performance Research Articles

Determining Cognitive Workload Using Physiological Measurements: Pupillometry and Heart-Rate Variability.

The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing systems has accelerated in recent years, with a shift towards understanding operators' well-being and resilience within the context of creating a human-centric manufacturing environment. In addition to measuring physical workload, monitoring operators' cognitive workload is becoming a key element in maintaining a healthy and high-performing working environment in future digitalized manufacturing systems. The current approaches to the measurement of cognitive workload may be inadequate when human operators are faced with a series of new digitalized technologies, where their impact on operators' mental workload and performance needs to be better understood. Therefore, a new method for measuring and determining the cognitive workload is required. Here, we propose a new method for determining cognitive-workload indices in a human-centric environment. The approach provides a method to define and verify the relationships between the factors of task complexity, cognitive workload, operators' level of expertise, and indirectly, the operator performance level in a highly digitalized manufacturing environment. Our strategy is tested in a series of experiments where operators perform assembly tasks on a Wankel Engine block. The physiological signals from heart-rate variability and pupillometry bio-markers of 17 operators were captured and analysed using eye-tracking and electrocardiogram sensors. The experimental results demonstrate statistically significant differences in both cardiac and pupillometry-based cognitive load indices across the four task complexity levels (rest, low, medium, and high). Notably, these developed indices also provide better indications of cognitive load responding to changes in complexity compared to other measures. Additionally, while experts appear to exhibit lower cognitive loads across all complexity levels, further analysis is required to confirm statistically significant differences. In conclusion, the results from both measurement sensors are found to be compatible and in support of the proposed new approach. Our strategy should be useful for designing and optimizing workplace environments based on the cognitive load experienced by operators.

Effects of Sampling Length and Overlap Ratio on EEG Mental Arithmetic Task Performance: A Comparative Study

Cognitive tasks have become quite popular in recent years. Understanding this sort of neurological research, its real-world applications, and how it may be improved in future studies are crucial. For this purpose, our study compares the classification accuracies for various segment lengths and overlap ratios for EEG recordings collected from 36 healthy volunteers during mental arithmetic tasks. EEG features are extracted from brain signals using the wavelet spectrum and the sample length and the overlap ratio of the sliding Windows are used as parameters. Feature selection was conducted using Correlation-Based and ReliefF feature selections. Subsequently, for classification results, Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, C4.5 Algorithm and k-Nearest Neighbor algorithms were employed, with the outcomes supported by the F1-score and Matthew's correlation coefficient. Therefore, the reliability of the obtained results has been ensured. In the comparisons obtained, the best average results for Accuracy, F1-score, and Matthew's correlation coefficient were found to be 0.990, 0.987, and 0.975 respectively, when applying the ReliefF feature selection method with the Support Vector Machine classifier.

The role of visual conditions and aircraft type on different aspects of pilot workload

ObjectiveThe objective of our work was to assess the impact of flight conditions by aircraft type on the workload estimated using NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). BackgroundLearning about subjective workload is important for assessing the impact of a pilot's work environment on their performance in the cockpit. This is an important element of flight safety and includes the prevention of aviation accidents. MethodsThe study included 146 military pilots that fly the following aircrafts: flying fast-jet (21), fixed-wing (24), and rotary-wing (101). The NASA-TLX questionnaire was used to assess workload and pilots were asked to determine the level of workload resulting from flying under the following conditions: daytime flight (VFR), night-vision flight performed under Night Visual Flight Rules (NVFR), and night-vision flight using night-vision goggles (NVGs). ResultsThe highest level of workload was consistently attributed to flights performed under NVG conditions. NVFR conditions were rated as the most burdensome, while VFR conditions were rated as the least burdensome. Fast-jet pilots rated their mental performance and effort workload as significantly higher than pilots of other aircrafts. ConclusionPilots’ perceived workload is influenced by both flight conditions and the type of aircraft they fly. Workload knowledge is important for flight safety and should be taken into account during training and flight-task planning. ApplicationThe results of our study can be useful both in flight training and in work on the effectiveness of the human-machine interface. Awareness of one's own limitations due to the work environment can help improve flight safety.

Assessing Training Methods for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and Autonomous Vehicle Functions: Impact on User Mental Models and Performance

Understanding the complexities of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technologies is critical for road safety, especially concerning their adoption by drivers. Effective training is a crucial element in ensuring the safe and competent operation of these technologies. This study emphasises the critical role of training methodologies in shaping drivers’ mental models, defined as an individual’s cognitive frameworks for understanding and interacting with ADAS and AV systems. Their mental models substantially influence their interactions with those technologies. A comparative analysis of text-based and video-based training methods has been conducted to assess their influence on participants’ performance and the development of their mental models of ADAS and AV functionalities. Performance is evaluated in terms of the accuracy and reaction time of the participants as they interacted with ADAS and AV functions in a driving simulation. The findings reveal that video-based training yielded better performance outcomes, more accurate mental models, and a deeper understanding of ADAS functionalities among participants. These findings are crucial for policy makers, automotive manufacturers, and educational institutions involved in driver training. They underscore the necessity of developing tailored training programs to facilitate the proficient and safe operation of increasingly complex automotive technologies.

SELF-MANAGEMENT IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT

The authors reveal the importance of self-control in physical education and sports. If you exercise incorrectly, you can get severe chronic health consequences. Self-control is diff erent for each person or a particular sport. In order for self-control to be eff ective, the student needs to have an idea of the energy expenditure of his body during neuropsychiatric and muscular stresses that arise when performing educational activities in combination with systematic stress. It is important to know the time intervals of rest and recovery of mental and physical performance, as well as techniques, means and methods by which you can more eff ectively restore the functional capabilities of the body

Relationship Between Mental Workload and Cognitive Function in the Academic Staff of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, 2022

Background: Academic staff have different roles which may impose a high mental workolad on them and affect their cognitive function. This study was designed to assess different subscales of mental worklaod and cognitive function in university academic staff. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on 86 faculty members of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences. Stratified sampling was used to select participants from different schools. The participants were divided into basic sciences and clinical faculty members. Mental workload was assessed by National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Cognitive function was assessed by Stroop test. Data were analyzed by SPSS 26 using Shapiro-Wilks test, Student’s T-test, Mann Whitney U test, univariate ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis test. The level of significance was 0.05. Results: Mean age and work history of the participants was 43.6±8.6 yr. and 11.7±9.1 yr., respectively. Mental workload, especially two aspects of mental demand and performance, was high and it was significantly higher in the participants from school of medicine and among those with executive/administrative responsibilities. From subscales of mental workload, physical demand was significantly higher among clinical than basic sciences faculty members (p<0.05). Among different aspects of cognitive function, only numbers of congruent errors were significantly higher among clinical faculties. Mental workload and cognitive function were not significantly correlated. Conclusion: This study showed a high level of mental workload in university academic staff, especially in clinical faculty members, but this high mental workload did not affect their cognitive function.

Dynamics of Indicators of Mental Performance of Modern Schoolchildren while Doing Homework

Introduction: Being a mandatory component of the educational process, homework remains its least regulated component. At the same time, recent scientific research findings give evidence of study overload and daily routine disruption in schoolchildren due to, inter alia, a significant amount of homework. The purpose of this work is to assess the functional state of the organism of schoolchildren in the process of doing homework for further optimization of this type of educational activity. Materials and methods: The study was based on testing of mental performance of schoolchildren in grades 1–8, which is an integral indicator of the functional state of the body and is crucial for educational activities. The technique of proofreading tests was used to assess the main parameters of mental performance: the number of characters viewed, the number of mistakes made, and their ratio. The tests were conducted before and after the children completed their homework. Results and discussion: A decline in mental performance was observed in the majority of the examined: the number of viewed characters decreased while the number of errors significantly increased after doing homework. First and second-year primary school children made 9.62 errors against 13.07; fifth graders – 3.49 against 7.85 errors (p < 0.001); and eighth graders – 5.86 against 7.39 (p < 0.05). A significant proportion of schoolchildren (28.6 to 72.7 %) had adverse shifts in mental performance characteristic of severe fatigue. The results show accumulated fatigue by the start of independent work with already deteriorated performance related to previous intensive studies at school; after insufficient rest against the background of a decline in physiological functions of the body, which is consistent with previous findings. Conclusion: It is essential to optimize organization of homework based on updated principles of mental health given its current features.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDEPENDENT MOTOR ACTIVITY AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

This article explores the relationship between independent motor activity and academic performance in children and adolescents. The study is based on the analysis of data obtained from a variety of scientific studies conducted in recent decades in the field of psychology, physiology and education. The article examines the effect of physical activity on cognitive functions, concentration level, memory and overall mental performance. The authors also analyze the mechanisms through which physical activity can contribute to improving learning outcomes. The role of regular physical activity in the formation of positive psychophysiological changes that contribute to the improvement of educational skills and increase academic motivation is studied in detail. Possible strategies for integrating physical activity into the educational process are also discussed, taking into account modern learning requirements and taking care of the health of children and adolescents. The results of the study provide useful informationfor educational institutions, educators, parents and educational professionals, allowing them to better understand the relationship between physical activity and successful learning, which can lead to the development of effective strategies to improve overall student academic performance.

Impact of dietary and herbal supplements on global health of adult volunteers

Abstract The safety and efficacy of multivitamin-multimineral-multiherbal (MVMH) supplementation is in regular debate but should be studied in detail before recommendation. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether MVMH supplementation affects the physical and mental performance of individuals taking these, as well as to ascertain its safety, doing so through blood, kidney and liver profiles. In this Cross over cohort study, we enrolled 30 healthy volunteers and established their anthropometric, stress, anxiety and depression levels before and after 30 days of the study. Their kidney function test, liver function test and blood profile results were also analysed to determine overall health effects of the supplement and assess its safety. Parametric data was examined via Paired T test, followed by One Way ANOVA, Non-parametric data is presented as percentage and analysed by applying Paired Sample Wilcoxon Signal Rank Test followed by Friedman ANOVA test. All the volunteers were in good health, had no change in medical state. No serious adverse event was reported during the study and after the completion of study. Treatment with MVMH tablets had shown very significant (p <0.01) increase in the level of globulin, uric acid (p <0.05), hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels (p <0.05), BMI and body weight (p <0.05). There was significant (p <0.05) improvement in symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. The daily intake of MVMH supplements in the form of a tablet once per day improved global health of individuals, along with improvement in mental performance without any significant adverse impact on the body. Based on the results, we recommend that MVMH tablets may be taken once per day for 30 days to improve the physical and mental health of individuals.

Institutional racism at the university and consequences in the lives of Black students: a mixed study.

This article aimed to analyze how institutional racism at a Brazilian public university affects the lives of Black students. This mixed study was developed by applying an online self-administered questionnaire to university students who self-declared as Blacks. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis using chi-square, and multinomial logistic regression. Qualitative data analysis was performed using IRAMUTEQ. Sixty-eight (54.4%) of the 125 respondents claimed to have suffered racism at least once within the university. We noticed that racist situations experienced by Black people within the university environment call into question the student's self-confidence and motivation, directly affecting their mental health and performance in the course. The importance of receptive groups for strengthening students' belonging was highlighted.

Psychological and Social Needs: Athletes’ and Mental Performance Consultants’ Perspectives on a Gap in Concussion Protocols

While research advancements have substantially improved concussion management efforts, consideration for the psychological and social aspects of concussive injuries have remained largely absent from concussion protocols. The present study was undertaken to identify elite athletes’ psychological and social needs during the recovery process. Elite athletes with a history of concussion and mental performance consultants who work with concussed elite athletes participated in focus group interviews to shed light on these needs. A thematic analysis of these focus groups revealed six psychological and social needs: acceptance, normality, confidence, self-efficacy, trust in relationships, and social support. These themes are framed within concussion literature to help initiate a conversation on how psychological and social needs should be addressed as part of multifaceted efforts to improve concussion recovery.

“It’s About Going From Good to Great”: Expert Approaches to Conducting a First Sport Psychology Session

The aim of this study was to investigate expert practitioners’ approaches to conducting a first sport psychology session with individual clients as there is sparse empirical literature on this topic. Nine expert Certified Mental Performance Consultants completed a semistructured interview where they discussed experiences conducting a first meeting with an athlete. Primary objectives included establishing the relationship, setting guidelines and expectations, understanding the client’s background, identifying presenting concerns, and formulating the treatment plan and building skills. Building rapport was an aspect used to establish the relationship while discussing confidentiality was utilized to set guidelines. Important strategies employed to increase the perceived benefits to services included conveying the consulting approach and philosophy. Lessons learned centered around doing too much and not appreciating individual differences of clients. Findings show expert consultants aim to achieve similar broad objectives in the first session and provide a basis for best practices in this area.

Prototype development of the Mental Health benchmarking Industry Tool for residential aged Care (MHICare Tool): a protocol paper of a two-stage sequential and mixed methods codesign study

ObjectivesCurrent mental health practices for people living in residential aged care (RAC) facilities are poor. In Australia, there are no mechanisms to monitor and promote mental health for people living...

The Post-Flight Rehabilitation Program for Astronauts in Health Resort: Case Report Series

INTRODUCTION. The prospects for studying deep space are associated with the development of methods and programs for restoring the body of astronauts after flights. In this case, an important role is given to the implementation of aspects of restoring the functions of the nervous system of astronauts at the 2nd stage of post-flight rehabilitation (PFR) in Health Resort.
 AIM. To develop a program of rehabilitation for cosmonauts in Health Resort (stage 2 of PFR), aimed at restoring the functions of the nervous system.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study involved 5 cosmonauts. Diagnostics included assessment of psychological and psychophysiological parameters and properties of the nervous system, the functional state of the autonomic nervous system. The rehabilitation program included: intake of mineral water “Slavyanovsky”, carbon dioxide-hydrogen sulfide baths, baro-, halo-, inhalation and climate therapy, a course of 5 sessions of neurofeedback on the β-rhythm of the brain. The duration of PFR was 21 days, procedures were carried out every other day.
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. An assessment of heart rate variability revealed the predominance of the influence of the parasympathetic division. After the rehabilitation course, there was a decrease in the stiffness index. There was a positive trend towards normalization of indicators: blood saturation, reflection index, a marker of left ventricular function, cardiac output, blood pressure and oxygen absorption from the microcirculatory system. The dynamics of biofeedback training indicators based on the β-rhythm indicated the orderliness and synchronization of the electroencephalogram (EEG) rhythm signal; an increase in the efficiency of mental work was also revealed.
 CONCLUSION. The results obtained indicate the positive impact of the developed program of the 2nd stage of PFR, as a result of which a positive dynamics of indicators of autonomic regulation, central hemodynamics, improvement of mental performance, orderliness and synchronization of the EEG rhythm signal.

Self-reported neurostimulant use among university students in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

University students frequently resort to psychostimulants to enhance their physical and mental performance and manage academic pressures. However, these substances can lead to dependence and other undesired symptoms, and little empirical data are available for relevant stakeholders, raising significant concerns in health care. Therefore, this study aims to characterize neurostimulant use among university students in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We collected from 880 students’ data using anonymous self-administration. The questionnaire included consumption patterns of caffeine, nicotine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, “merla” (coca base), methylphenidate, cocaine, crack, and ketamine. Additionally, participants shared information on demographic and socioeconomic factors. Use of at least one neurostimulant was reported by89.2% of the participants. Among nonusers, the most frequently cited reason was “previous information about harmful effects of these drugs.” Caffeine, followed by nicotine, ecstasy, and methylphenidate were the most consumed substances, with main reasons being “improving academic performance” and “recreation.” Women more often consumed caffeine (72.7%), while other psychostimulants were more consumed by men (42.2%) and individuals of other genders (0.5%). Students who consumed other substances had higher family incomes than that of families of caffeine users. In addition, 60.4% of caffeine users resided with family members, whereas 63.3% of users of other substances did not. Our findings can offer essential data on the reasons and symptoms associated with the use of neurostimulants among university students. This information could aid in raising awareness among students, universities, and health-care agencies about this often-neglected subject.

Work-rest regimens for work in hot environments: A scoping review.

To limit exposures to occupational heat stress, leading occupational health and safety organizations recommend work-rest regimens to prevent core temperature from exceeding 38°C or increasing by ≥1°C. This scoping review aims to map existing knowledge of the effects of work-rest regimens in hot environments and to propose recommendations for future research based on identified gaps. We performed a search of 10 databases to retrieve studies focused on work-rest regimens under hot conditions. Forty-nine articles were included, of which 35 were experimental studies. Most studies were conducted in laboratory settings, in North America (71%), on healthy young adults, with 94% of the 642 participants being males. Most studies (66%) employed a protocol duration ≤240 min (222 ± 162 min, range: 37-660) and the time-weighted average wet-bulb globe temperature was 27 ± 4°C (range: 18-34). The work-rest regimens implemented were those proposed by theAmerican Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygiene (20%),National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (11%), or the Australian Army (3%). The remaining studies (66%) did not mention how the work-rest regimens were derived. Most studies (89%) focused on physical tasks only. Most studies (94%) reported core temperature, whereas only 22% reported physical and/or mental performance outcomes, respectively. Of the 35 experimental studies included, 77% indicated that core temperature exceeded 38°C. Although work-rest regimens are widely used, few studies have investigated their physiological effectiveness. These studies were mainly short in duration, involved mostly healthy young males, and rarely considered the effect of work-rest regimens beyond heat strain during physical exertion.

The Social Intellect and its relationship with some Technical Skills in Football Young Players

The relationship between the mental side and skillful performance is one of the important concept in team sport games such as football. Social intellect is considered important and one of the technical requirements in the players' personality because it is connected with the player's ability to deal with others and build good social relations among the team so that they will be a coherent group for doing the sport achievement. Therefore, the importance of conducting this research lies in knowing the relationship between the social intellect and the performance of some technical skills by football young players. It must be taken into consideration that the psychological and social sides are not paid sufficient attention by the coaches and specialists in Iraqi football affairs. Also, there is a rarity of studies conducted on the players' social intellect in Iraqi sport teams. This research aims at knowing the nature of the relationship between social intellect and the performance of some technical skills by the football young players. The researcher used the descriptive approach in surveying manner. The sample consisted of some league youth clubs of premier level. Also, he used social intellect measurement for players and consequently he concluded that there is significant correlation between the players' social intellect and the performance of some technical in the young players.

Особливості психічного стану у кваліфікованих борців

Purpose: research of psychical state in qualified wrestlers in stage of special basic fitness. Material and methods. The study involved 31 skilled Greco-Roman wrestlers aged 14-16 years, pupils of the wrestling club in Kremenchuk. To assess the mental state of skilled wrestlers, the Luscher color test was used. According to the results of the study, the following indicators were obtained: performance, fatigue, anxiety, deviation from the autogenous norm, eccentricity, concentricity, vegetative coefficient, heteronomy and autonomy. Heart rate variability was studied as an indicator of mental stress. The cardiac monitor «Fazagraf» was used. Based on the results of the study, we obtained statistical processing indicators and spectral characteristics of cardiac intervals. Non-parametric statistics with the determination of the median, lower and upper quartiles were used to assess the differences between the studied parameters. Results: in wrestlers with high tension of the autonomic regulation system, a deterministic functional system aimed at ensuring the mental state is revealed. At the same time, an increase in the tension of autonomic regulation is accompanied by mental fatigue, anxiety, passivity and the presence of mental stress. Prevention of mental stress in skilled wrestlers may be associated with the activation of the athlete to external environmental stimuli, optimism and a mood for positive behavior. The relationship between the indicators of mental state and the parameters of mental functions in skilled wrestlers was revealed. The moderate tension of the heart rate regulation system in skilled wrestlers is accompanied by an increase in mental performance and a decrease in anxiety. In turn, the increase in the tension of autonomous regulation is reflected in the presence of internal psychological discomfort and independence in the formation of decision-making. However, there is an increase in anxiety and a decrease in mental performance. Conclusions. The relationship between indicators of mental state and parameters of psychical functions in qualified wrestlers was revealed. Moderate tension of the heart rhythm regulation system in qualified wrestlers is accompanied by an increase in mental capacity and a decrease in anxiety. The increase in the tension of autonomous regulation in qualified wrestlers is reflected in the presence of internal psychological discomfort and independence in decision-making. Keywords: mental state, qualified wrestlers, heart rate regulation, indicators, analysis.

The ultra mentality – Foundations for maximising athletic mental performance

For over 100 years there has been an academic pursuit of understanding and applying the principals of sport psychology to improve athletic performance. How is it that certain athletes do their best when it means the most while others “choke”? Meeting and exceeding the challenges that are presented can completely change the trajectory of any athlete's career. What is it that separates the good from the great and the great from the superstars? Is it motivation, preparation, determination, discipline, commitment, natural talent, physical strength, or work ethic? Maybe it is a combination of all of these characteristics. Without the right mentality everything can fall apart. In Alcoholics Anonymous, it is said, “you don't have a drinking problem – you have a thinking problem.” The evidence is quite clear that the mental game can have a substantial impact, both for the better and for the worse, on performance. In this perspectives and viewpoints, we share our own insights from our experience for athletes to obtain the ultra-mentality and maximise their athletic performance. We have attempted to take simple words to briefly explain complicated concepts.

Gender stereotypes in preschoolers' mental rotation.

The investigation of gender stereotypes constitutes a relevant approach to understanding the development of spatial ability and sex differences in the domain. This was the first study concerned with the presence of implicit and explicit gender stereotypes about spatial ability, and their potential relation to spatial task performance, in preschool-aged children. Our full sample consisted of 138 4- to 6-year-old kindergarten children. The experimental procedure consisted of three parts. Children completed an implicit association task, a short questionnaire on explicit stereotypes, and a chronometric mental rotation task. Preschool-aged children held explicit gender stereotypes about spatial ability linking it to boys rather than girls. Boys exhibited stronger stereotypes in this regard than girls. We also found evidence for the presence of implicit stereotypes. However, implicit stereotypes were not found in sub-group analyses. No clear relationship between stereotypes and mental rotation performance emerged, but our results suggest that implicit stereotyping affected mental rotation accuracy differently in girls compared with boys. Our main conclusion was that children already hold stereotypic beliefs about spatial ability at preschool age. There did not seem to be a relationship of stereotyping with spatial ability at this age.