Psychophysiological Parameters Research Articles

Cardiological and Psychophysiological Reaction of Schoolchildren with Different Types of Central Gemodynamics to Prolonged Physical Activity

The present paper considers the issues of optimizing the construction of a lesson of recreational physical education by differentiating the load on the basis of data on the physical fitness of students. It also touches upon the question of the response of stress-realizing systems of schoolchildren to the physical work performed. The aim of the study is to investigate the cardiologic and psychophysiologic response of schoolchildren with different types of central hemodynamics to prolonged physical workload. Methodology. Cardiologic and psychophysiologic parameters of 74 male students aged 12–13 years were studied. The sample included only practically healthy individuals without severe chronic and acute diseases. All students were divided into three groups by physical fitness (based on the results of the PWC170 test) and three subgroups by the type of central hemodynamics (according to N.N. Savitsky: hypokinetic, eukinetic, hyperkinetic). Heart rate and attention response to running exercise of different durations with excellent rest intervals and response were evaluated. Conclusion. The results obtained indicate different reactions of schoolchildren with different types of central hemodynamics to prolonged physical load: the hypokinetic type had stable heart rate values during the load, better recovery after the load and the least decrease in attention according to the B. Bourdon test. The hyperkinetic type, on the contrary, had unstable dynamics of heart rate during exercise, the lowest rate of heart rate recovery and a pronounced decrease in attention. The eukinetic type had average performance on all tests. The results of the study can be used as a tool to optimize the methodology of the educational process through the most effective dosing of the load.

Hardware and software complex for determining the most informative psychophysiological parameters during professional burnout

Hardware and software complex for determining the most informative psychophysiological parameters during professional burnout

Вікові особливості трансформації психофізіологічних функцій операторів безпілотних авіаційних комплексів зі стресогенними захворюваннями органів травлення

The purpose of the study is to identify age-related changes in the psychophysiological parameters of operators of unmanned aircraft systems who have stress-associated diseases of the digestive organs. Research materials and methods. In the course of the conducted research, 58 operators of unmanned aircraft complexes aged from 21 to 50 years old who had stress-related diseases of the digestive organs were examined. The investigated operators were divided into 2 groups based on their age. The examination was carried out using blank questionnaires and modern modified methods implemented on the basis of the «PFI-2» software and hardware complex for psychophysiological research. The results. According to the research data, it was established that the probability of diseases of the digestive organs in operators ˂40 years old is 0.78, and in operators ≥40 years old – 0.22 (p=0.00001). Such a large probability gap can be explained by the fact that the young population is particularly prone to the occurrence and development of diseases of the digestive organs. The comparative analysis also demonstrated the fact that most of the psychophysiological parameters of operators with stress-related diseases worsen with age. Correlation analysis showed that according to speed psychophysiological parameters, there is an unreliable shift in the system of ensuring professional activity with age (p=0.53), аccording to the psychological functions, there is a tendency towards the transformation of changes (p=0.0653), and when studying the structure of cognitive characteristics, it weakens quite a lot (p=0.001). Conclusions. It is shown that most of the listed psychophysiological parameters in operators who have stress-associated diseases reliably worsen with age (p<0.05). It was found that the number of positive and negative correlations in the operators of unmanned aircraft systems aged ≥40 years old is significantly reduced between psychological and cognitive parameters. According to the number of negative correlations between both age groups of operators, their decrease was sufficient between psychological (p=0,014) and cognitive (p=0.05) parameters. That is, in operators who have stress-associated diseases of the digestive organs, the system of connections between individual psychological and cognitive functions weakens with age. A hypothesis was formulated: stress-associated diseases cause an increase in the life support system of the operator, but with age, this system gradually breaks down, unable to withstand the effects of stress loads.

ВИКОРИСТАННЯ КОМП’ЮТЕРНИХ ТЕСТ-ТРЕНАЖЕРІВ ДЛЯ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ І РОЗВИТКУ ПСИХОФІЗІОЛОГІЧНИХ ЯКОСТЕЙ ЮНИХ СПОРТСМЕНІВ

The current task for coaches nowadays is to choose an adequate method for assessing psychophysiological abilities, diagnosing, and further developing the psychophysiological qualities of young athletes to organize and correct training and competitive processes. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of computer test simulator programs for developing the psychophysiological qualities of young athletes, individualizing, and optimizing their training process. Using computer test simulators with the programs "MY_TIMER" and "FISHKI.INI", psychophysiological indicators were measured before and after training in five repetitions among 14 schoolchildren aged 12-14 from a secondary education institution. Statistical data processing was conducted using Microsoft Excel. Results: Unreliable differences (p ≥ 0.5) were found between the psychophysiological parameters of young swimmers before and after training. During the computer testing process, increases were observed in the total working time for each of the five tasks (indicating improved speed of thinking) by 18.5%, and in minimum, average, and maximum movement time by 14.3%, 11.1%, and 8.3%, respectively. However, the thinking factor decreased by 16% after training, which impedes the ability to perform operational tasks impromptu. Exercising in areas of high and moderate power leads to fatigue in the cortex of the large hemispheres of the brain, where operational control is carried out. Consequently, young athletes experience both physical and mental fatigue after training. The use of computer test simulators for determining and developing the psychophysiological indicators of young athletes is relevant, promising, and effective. These tools allow for the scientific substantiation of individualized training loads and the rapid assessment of athletes' current functional states. The "FISHKI.INI" program should be used for diagnosing and further developing psychophysiological qualities such as attention, operational thinking, and the dominance of figurative or visual-action thinking. This program enables the quantitative assessment of young athletes' characteristics and improves these qualities with high efficiency through the use of computer test simulators.

THE IMPACT OF STRESS-ASSOCIATED DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS ON THE PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL STATE OF OPERATORS OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

Introduction. In the conditions of martial law, an important role belongs to modern military equipment, which includes unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Оperators of UAS in the course of combat missions are significantly affected by the stress factor. It provokes the occurrence of stress-associated diseases in them, therefore, studying the specifics of the impact of stress-associated diseases on the psychophysiological state of operators determines the relevance of this study. The purpose of the study. To establish the patterns of influence of stress-associated diseases of the digestive organs on the psychophysiological state of the operators of unmanned aircraft systems. Materials and methods. In the course of the research, 94 operators of UAS under the age of 40 were examined, who were then divided into groups based on their health status. The examination was carried out using modern modified methods implemented on the basis of the software and hardware complex for psychophysiological research «PFI-2». The results. It has been proven that stress-associated diseases of the digestive organs significantly worsen (p<0,05) the psychophysiological state of operators of UAS in a sufficiently large number of professionally important psychophysiological qualities. The reliable influence of the «state of health» factor on the indicators of simple and complex visual-motor reaction of operators of UAS is shown. The analysis of correlation constellations according to cognitive parameters showed that 6 of them are observed in healthy operators, 2 in mildly ill patients, and 1 in severely ill patients, that is, the system of connections between cognitive functions breaks down quite strongly with the development of stress-associated diseases of the digestive organs. There is a natural decrease in the number of connections in the series «healthy (13) – mildly ill (10) – severely ill (5)». It is shown that the stress that causes the disease fundamentally destroys the system of ensuring professional activity. Conclusions. It was established that stress-associated diseases of the digestive organs negatively affect the psychophysiological state of operators. The degree of degradation of the structure of correlation relations (р=0,0491) as a result of the influence of the stress factor on the operators was revealed. A hypothesis regarding the destruction of the system of connections between cognitive psychophysiological parameters depending on the «severity of the disease» is proposed. The need to develop a set of measures to prevent the development of stress-related diseases among operators of UAS has been established.

The effectiveness of a standardized tobacco cessation program on psychophysiological parameters in patients with addiction undergoing long-term rehabilitation: a quasi-experimental pilot study.

Although there is a very high comorbidity between tobacco dependence and other addictive disorders, there are only few studies examining the implementation and outcomes of a tobacco cessation program in patients with addictive diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate to what extent a standardized tobacco cessation program leads to improvements regarding psychological/physical parameters in patients with addiction undergoing therapy and whether there is a reduction in tobacco consumption. The study took place in a therapeutic community specialized in addiction therapy. A total sample of 56 participants were non-randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG; n = 31) and a treatment as usual group (TAUG; n = 25). The IG participated in a 6-week tobacco cessation program, while the TAUG received no additional treatment. Both groups were assessed for changes in primary outcomes (tobacco dependence, smoked cigarettes per day (CPD), and general substance-related craving) and secondary outcomes (heart rate variability (HRV): root mean square of successive differences, self-efficacy, and comorbid psychiatric symptoms) at two measurement time points (pre- and post-treatment/6weeks). We observed significant improvements in self-efficacy (F(1,53) = 5.86; p < .05; ηp2 = .11) and decreased CPD in the IG (β = 1.16, ρ < .05), while no significant changes were observed in the TAUG. No significant interaction effects were observed in psychiatric symptoms, general substance-related craving, and HRV. The results highlight the potential benefit of an additional tobacco cessation program as part of a general addiction treatment. Although no improvements in the physiological domain were observed, there were significant improvements regarding self-efficacy and CPD in the IG compared to the TAUG. Randomized controlled trials on larger samples would be an important next step. ISRCTN15684371.

The Effect of Attention Focus on Heart Rate During Dart Throws In Recreation Dart Players

The Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which affects dart shot performance, is an important psycho-physiological parameter in that it provides data on the sympathetic also parasympathetic sections of the Central Nervous System. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of Internal and External Attention Foci on Heart Rates during dart shot. A total of 34 students, who were studying at Physical Education Sports Sciences Faculty, participated in the study. According to the t-test results, the HF/LF ratio measured under External Attention focus conditions was higher than the HF/LF ratio measured under Internal Attention conditions. This explains that there is a relationship between autonomic nervous system activity and fine motor skill performance. The heart rate changed according to the attention focus during motor skill (p

Increased Psychological Symptoms and Autonomic Arousal in Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Case–Control Study

(1) Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SHT) is a condition that has been a subject of controversy in the literature due to its association with psychological and psychiatric symptoms as well as autonomic imbalances. To gain a better understanding of the effects of SHT on patients, a research study has been undertaken to investigate the presence of psychological symptoms and autonomic imbalances in a group of individuals diagnosed with SHT. (2) Methods: In this case–control study, 50 patients diagnosed with SHT who accessed the Department of Endocrinology of the University of Pisa were consecutively recruited. Psychological symptoms were measured through the Crown–Crisp Experiential Index (CCEI), whereas autonomic imbalance was described using the Psychophysiological Stress Profile (PSP), with simultaneous recording of the following psychophysiological parameters: Surface Electromyogram (sEMG), Skin Conductance Level (SCL), heart rate (HR), and peripheral temperature (PT). The patients’ values were compared to those of 50 healthy control subjects. (3) Results: The comparison between groups highlighted significant differences in the CCEI and PSP. In particular, patients reported higher rates of psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, somatic complaints, and hysteria behavior). Significantly higher levels of autonomic arousal were also recorded. More specifically, the sEMG, SCL, HR, and PT values were different between the two groups. (4) Conclusions: The study has confirmed the presence of autonomic hyperarousal in patients diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. This is likely due to the body’s attempt to compensate for a general lack of energy by accelerating the autonomic activity. The findings also underline the significance of a comprehensive assessment approach that takes into account various dimensions such as psychological and psychophysical well-being. Such an approach helps in evaluating the impact of subclinical diseases on overall health and well-being.

Psychophysiological evaluation of the Smartick method in children with reading and mathematical difficulties.

Assistive technologies for learning are aimed at promoting academic skills, such as reading and mathematics. These technologies mainly embrace mobile and web apps addressed to children with learning difficulties. Nevertheless, most applications lack pedagogical foundation. Additionally, the task of selecting suitable technology for educational purposes becomes challenging. Hence, this protocol posits the psychophysiological assessment of an online method for learning (OML) named Smartick. This platform comprises reading and math activities for learning training. In this protocol, individual monitoring of each child is proposed to determine the progress in learning caused by Smartick. One hundred and twelve children aged between 8 and 12 who present reading or math difficulty after a rigorous psychometric evaluation will be recruited. The study comprises four sessions. In sessions 1 and 2, collective and individual psychometric evaluations will be performed, respectively. Reading and mathematical proficiency will be assessed, as well as attentional levels and intellectual quotient. Subsequently, each child will be semi-randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups. Afterward, a first EEG will be collected for all children in session 3. Then, experimental groups will use Smartick for 3 months, in addition to their traditional learning method. In contrast, control groups will only continue with their traditional learning method. Finally, session 4 will consist of performing a second psychometric evaluation and another EEG, so that psychophysiological parameters can be encountered that indicate learning improvements due to the OML, regardless of the traditional learning method at hand. Currently, few studies have validated learning improvement due to assistive technologies for learning. However, this proposal presents a psychophysiological evaluation addressed to children with reading or math difficulties who will be trained with an OML.

Top-Level Managers’ Psychophysical Recovery Investigated Through Different Psychophysiological Parameters Benefits From Training Based on Muscle Relaxation and Self-monitoring of HRV-Biofeedback

Top-Level Managers’ Psychophysical Recovery Investigated Through Different Psychophysiological Parameters Benefits From Training Based on Muscle Relaxation and Self-monitoring of HRV-Biofeedback

Особенности проявления нейродинамических и когнитивно-личностных показателей иностранных студентов в процессе адаптации к условиям обучения в вузе

Foreign students have to adapt to new linguacultural academic environment. The adaptation process affects their neurodynamic, cognitive, and personal indicators. The research involved such psychophysiological parameters as nervous system lability, visual-motor reactions, memory scope, and attention span. The paper introduces the personality profile of an average foreign student, as well as substantiates the importance of neurodynamic, cognitive, and personal indicators during adaptation. In this research, foreign students demonstrated situational rather than personal anxiety, compared with their Russian peers. They developed fatigue associated with poor functional state of the central nervous system. The adaptation peculiarities depended on the nationality: this fact has to be taken into account to optimize adaptation to the new academic environment. The neurodynamic and cognitive features correlated with Russian proficiency. Those that did not speak Russian had poor visual-motor reaction, nervous system lability, memory scope, and attention span, which correlated with maladaptation to the new linguacultural academic environment.

In and out Beauty and Sensitive Skin, a Psychophysiological Exploration: Myth or Reality?

Knowing that biomolecules, such as β-amyrin and α-amyrin, have some pharmacological effects, the aim of this study was directed towards exploring the protective effect of Tomato Peel and Seed Extract (TPSE) for its soothing function but also for its capacity to modulate the adrenal axis, which is involved in stress response. Ex vivo tests were carried out on skin explants to evaluate the effectiveness of TPSE formulated at 0.5% on Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) and IL-10 release, Kappa Opioid Receptor (KOR), and Caspase 14 expression. An in vivo study combined a clinical evaluation of skin homogeneity and psychological parameters as well as an analysis of salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations. All measurements were carried out at the beginning and after 28 days of applying a TPSE face cream. TPSE regulated not only the release of CGRP, IL-10, and the expression of Caspase 14, reflecting anti-neurogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, but also modulated KORs. Twenty-eight days of TPSE application induced a significant decrease in intensity and extent erythrosis, a lower output of salivary cortisol, and a significant increase in pleasant emotions when compared to placebo. These results provide encouragement to continue exploring the impact of cosmetic ingredients on psychophysiological parameters to improve skin health and well-being.

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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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.

Процессы когнитивного контроля в тесте Струпа и их отражение в связанных с событиями потенциалах (обзор)

The review summarizes the data of Russian and foreign studies on the psychophysiological parameters of the Stroop task execution. In addition, the article considers the main modifications of the task and similar paradigms as well as the key hypotheses explaining the causes of the interference effect and the increase in reaction time to stimuli containing conflicting information. Further, the paper presents data on eventrelated potential (ERP) waves, which are supposed to reflect cognitive control processes, such as conflict detection, overcoming of interference and conflict resolution. The frontocentral N2 wave characterizes the processes of conflict detection and overcoming of interference, and its main neural generator is the anterior cingulate cortex. The N450 wave is primarily generated in the anterior cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex and is thought to reflect interference suppression. The centroparietal P300 wave and the late positive complex, which appears to be generated in the middle or inferior frontal gyrus and in the extrastriate cortex, are associated with the conflict resolution process. The readiness potential is, supposedly, generated in the motor cortex and reflects the process of selecting and preparing a motor response. Moreover, the review presents the main directions of studies that use the Stroop test paradigm and its modifications. Despite a significant number of existing psychophysical and neurophysiological papers, the question of the brain mechanisms of cognitive control in tasks that cause cognitive conflict remains open, and the neuropsychological role of the ERP waves recorded in such tasks is still not fully explored. Studies into the influence of different types of competing information and the degree of conflict on the psychophysiological indicators in the Stroop task are of considerable interest.

Дослідження взаємозв’язків між психофізіологічними здібностями та спритністю каратистів-новачків

Purpose: to determine the correlation between psychophysiological abilities and agility in novice karate practitioners. Material and methods. In this study, the following research methods were employed: theoretical analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature; pedagogical observation; pedagogical research; psychophysiological measurements and mathematical-statistical research methods. The study involved 20 athletes (14 males, 6 females) with an average age of 10,8±1,1 years (Mean±SD) who practiced karate. To assess agility, participants were required to perform a special relay race. The relay race, with a length of 15 meters, included the following exercises: ball translation, jumping, crawling, and running. To determine the speed component, athletes were instructed to run the distance of the relay race. Psychophysiological characteristics were assessed using tests such as reaction to a moving object, choice reaction, short-term visual memory, and the tapping test (duration 1 minute). Results: according to the results of cluster analysis, it is noted that classes were formed based on the age of the athletes. Thus, younger karate practitioners (9-10 years old), including participants 6, 7, 1, 9, belonged to the first class, while older karate practitioners (12 years old), including participants 17, 19, 20, 14, 18, primarily comprised the second class. The third class mainly included karate practitioners aged 10-11. Correlation analysis of the obtained data, specifically determining the relationships between agility and psychophysiological indicators, indicates statistically significant connections. Notably, there are correlations between relay race results and tapping test results at 5s (r=0,69), 10 s (r=0,55), 1 min (r=0,69). There are also correlations regarding choice reaction at the 2nd (r=0,65), 3rd (r=0,51), 4th (r=0,58) stages and overall test (r=0,60). A statistically significant correlation between the age of athletes and results, practically demonstrated in all tests (on average r=0,67), is also observed. The presence of these correlations can be explained by the fact that agility is a complex quality influenced by various factors such as age, neural process mobility, intermuscular coordination, reaction time, and others. The results of 11-12-year-old athletes surpass those of 9-10-year-olds in all tests. Statistically significant differences (p&lt;0,05) were recorded in tests such as running, relay race, tapping test (5 s, 1 min), short-term visual memory coefficient, and choice reaction. A comparison of the results of the investigated groups of karate practitioners indicates that statistically significant improvement in short-term visual memory and choice reaction is the result not only of an increase in the athletes' age but also the influence of specific training tasks on the functional state of the athletes. Conclusions. Agility, based on motor reactions and spatial-temporal anticipations, underlies the activities of martial artists in unpredictable and rapidly changing situations. The study results indicate that psychophysiological parameters and agility performance are age-dependent, with older athletes demonstrating statistically better results in various agility tests. The significant improvement in short-term visual memory and choice reaction in 11-12-year-old karate practitioners is attributed not only to their age but also to the influence of specific training tasks incorporating martial arts elements. Keywords: sensorimotor skills, psychophysiology, coordination, agility, novice, karate, study.

Exploring eye-tracking data as an indicator of situational awareness in nursing students during a cardiorespiratory arrest simulation

AimTo examine the components of visual attention that maintain situational awareness during simulation training in undergraduate nursing students with different instruction levels. BackgroundEye-tracking can provide deep insight into the nurses' attention during simulated practice. Knowing which gaze patterns promote situational awareness can significantly improve nurse instruction. DesignA comparative observational study investigated the role of visual attention on the performance quality, psychophysiological parameters (vital signs, anxiety and stress) and socioemotional competencies (cognitive workload, motivation and self-efficacy) of nursing students with various experience levels. MethodsThirty nursing students divided into two groups according to their academic level: first cycle (n=14) and second-cycle (n=16) faced a clinical simulation scenario to resolve a cardiorespiratory arrest event. Eye tracking-based analysis required the selection of six areas of interest. The monitorization of vital signs included measuring blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation before and after the simulation practice. Participants completed the socioemotional questionnaire (NASA-TLX). They answered the state subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of stress, the Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS) and the Baessler and Schwarzer General Self-Efficacy Scale. ResultsThe first-cycle group displayed higher vital sign scores than the second cycle, apart from the post-simulation respiratory rate. All physiological parameters increased in mean value after the clinical simulation, except oxygen saturation. Anxiety was the only parameter in the socioemotional domain to present a statistically significant difference between the groups. First-year nursing students showed greater anxiety, stress, mental workload, identified regulation and intrinsic motivation, while second-year students showed higher levels of amotivation, external regulation and perceived self-efficacy. Eye-tracking data (revisits, gaze and duration of fixations) exhibited statistically significant differences depending on the area of interest in both groups (p =. 05). The performance outcomes showed a negative and moderate association with gaze the total number of gazes in the second-cycle group (rho = −0.640, p = 0.010). ConclusionEye-tracking-based analysis can help to predict performance quality while maintaining situational awareness during nursing instruction.

Экспериментальные способы изучения нейрофизиологических особенностей киберспортсменов (обзор)

Electronic sports (esports) is a form of competition using video games. Competitions in esports help to develop cognitive skills, abstract thinking, memory, spatial thinking and the ability to navigate the virtual space under time pressure. In this regard, neurophysiological mechanisms implementing and regulating physiological processes when playing esports are a promising topic of research. According to L.P. Matveyev’s classification (2017), esports belongs to the fifth group of sports activities, which is characterized by applying abstract logic under decreased motor activity. Computer games stimulate the development of cognitive functions, such as reaction time, speed of decision making, attention, hand coordination and others, which suggests that the psycho-emotional and psycho-physiological parameters in esports players are similar to those in other athletes. However, it should be noted that the neurophysiological mechanisms of these processes in esports players have been little studied. Since these mechanisms are based on the activity of the central nervous system, it is interesting to consider the bioelectric activity of the cerebral hemispheres in esports players in relation to their cognitive style. In the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar electronic libraries as well as a number of Russian scientific databases, the authors entered the following search queries: video games, video game addiction, esports, cognitive functions, neurophysiology of esports players, neurophysiological research methods in esports, non-invasive research methods. Based on the literature analysis, methods were identified that allow us to assess the functional state of the brain when processing sensory signals and physiological changes in higher nervous activity as well as to determine peak amplitude of muscle force through signal integration. Further, methods demonstrating controversial results are listed, which do not make it possible to establish the mechanisms of the nervous system. In addition, promising methods are identified that allow us to read brain activity using infrared light.

Efficiency of binaural beats in the rehabilitation of patients with post-traumatic stress disorders

Comprehensive studies of the influence of binaural beats on the effectiveness of the treatment of patients with post-traumatic stress disorders have been carried out. It has been established that this physiotherapeutic factor contributes to a decrease in the activity of stress-initiating systems, including the normalization of heart rate variability and the regression of hormonal and biochemical stress markers with an improvement of psychophysiological parameters. It has been revealed that bioacoustic impact on the brain has an antinociceptive effect. It has been proven that post-traumatic stress disorders initiate the formation of pathological correlation pleiades, which are destroyed when binaural beats are applied. The development of more effective rehabilitation programs for patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, taking into account the complex mechanism of the formation of this disease, should be based on highly informative technologies of digital medicine and the construction of multifactorial prognostic information models with the selection of predictor biomarkers.

An explorative single-arm clinical study to assess craving in patients with alcohol use disorder using Virtual Reality exposure (CRAVE)—study protocol

BackgroundAlcohol use disorder (AUD) belongs to the most burdensome clinical disorders worldwide. Current treatment approaches yield unsatisfactory long-term effects with relapse rates up to 85%. Craving for alcohol is a major predictor for relapse and can be intentionally induced via cue exposure in real life as well as in Virtual Reality (VR). The induction and habituation of craving via conditioned cues as well as extinction learning is used in Cue Exposure Therapy (CET), a long-known but rarely used strategy in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) of AUD. VR scenarios with alcohol related cues offer several advantages over real life scenarios and are within the focus of current efforts to develop new treatment options. As a first step, we aim to analyze if the VR scenarios elicit a transient change in craving levels and if this is measurable via subjective and psychophysiological parameters.MethodsA single-arm clinical study will be conducted including n = 60 patients with AUD. Data on severity of AUD and craving, comorbidities, demographics, side effects and the feeling of presence in VR will be assessed. Patients will use a head-mounted display (HMD) to immerse themselves into three different scenarios (neutral vs. two target situations: a living room and a bar) while heart rate, heart rate variability, pupillometry and electrodermal activity will be measured continuously. Subjective craving levels will be assessed before, during and after the VR session.DiscussionResults of this study will yield insight into the induction of alcohol craving in VR cue exposure paradigms and its measurement via subjective and psychophysiological parameters. This might be an important step in the development of innovative therapeutic approaches in the treatment of patients with AUD.Trial registrationThis study was approved by the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin Institutional Review Board (EA1/190/22, 23.05.2023). It was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05861843).

Treatment Effects on Psychophysiological Stress Responses in Youth With Obesity.

Stress plays a central role in obesity development, but research on treatment options to tackle elevated stress levels in youth with obesity is scarce. The present study examined the impact of the Multidisciplinary Obesity Treatment (MOT; lifestyle intervention including physical exercise, healthy meals, and cognitive behavioral techniques) on physiological stress parameters in youth with obesity and assessed whether adding emotion regulation (ER) training on top of MOT is beneficial. From an inpatient treatment center for obesity, 92 youngsters (mean [standard deviation] age = 12.50 [1.66] years, 43.5% boys) were randomly assigned to a control group (MOT) or experimental group (MOT + ER training). Before (T1) and after 12 weeks of treatment (T2), high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) and heart rate were measured at rest and during a stress induction (= psychophysiological reactivity). At T2, after MOT only, participants displayed a lower resting heart rate ( MT2/T1 = 74.7/78.6) and a reduced stress response (i.e., less decrease in HF-HRV [ MT2/T1 = -0.06/-0.01] and less increase in heart rate [ MT2/T1 = 0.03/0.06] after the stress induction). No further improvements were revealed after adding ER training. However, when considering the weight changes, the significant results in resting heart rate and HF-HRV and heart rate reactivity decreased in the control group, and additional improvements in psychophysiological parameters were discovered in the experimental group. The results suggest that MOT may effectively reduce physiological stress responses and also provide preliminary evidence for a potential additional effect of ER training. Further research in a larger sample with extended follow-up measurements is needed.