Psychomotor Performance Research Articles

A preliminary study on the neurocognitive deficits associated with loneliness in young adults

The experience of loneliness is universal and may have an adverse effect on neurocognitive functioning even at a younger age. Using a comprehensive neurocognitive functioning test (NCFT) battery, we examined the possible negative effects of loneliness on neurocognitive functioning in young adults. The high-loneliness and low-loneliness groups were screened using the UCLA Loneliness Scale v. 3, and measures pertaining to the domains of intelligence, attention, memory, executive function, and psychomotor functioning were tested and compared. As depression and anxiety were significantly higher in the high-loneliness group, an analysis of covariance was conducted. As a result, the high-loneliness group showed significantly poor performance on measures of executive function and attention prior to controlling for depression and anxiety, and executive function retained its significance even after controlling for these variables. Additional analysis showed that depression and anxiety did not significantly mediate the relationship between loneliness and neurocognitive functioning. Such results suggest that loneliness is likely to negatively affect executive functioning and attention in early adulthood and then progressively spread to other domains of cognitive functioning, as reported in the older adult population. The limitations and implications of the present study were considered and addressed.

Investigating the Synergistic Effects of Amitriptyline and H. Pylori Eradication on Depressive-like Behaviors and Inflammatory Cytokines in Mice

Recent research has highlighted the potential role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the potential synergistic effects of an antidepressant drug and H. pylori eradication therapy in a mouse model. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: control, H. pylori infection, antidepressant treatment, and combined treatment. H. pylori infection was induced by oral gavage with a clinically relevant strain, and the antidepressant drug was administered via intraperitoneal injections. Behavioral tests including the forced swim test, sucrose preference test, and open field test were conducted to assess depressive-like behaviors and locomotor activity. The study demonstrated that H. pylori infection induced depressive-like behaviors in mice, as evidenced by increased immobility time in the forced swim test and reduced sucrose preference. Antidepressant treatment alone partially ameliorated these behavioral changes. Strikingly, the combined treatment of the antidepressant drug and H. pylori eradication therapy led to a significantly greater reduction in depressive-like behaviors compared to either treatment alone. Furthermore, the combined treatment group exhibited increased locomotor activity in the open field test, suggesting a potential improvement in overall psychomotor functioning. ELISA assays revealed alterations in inflammatory cytokines in the H. pylori-infected mice, which were partially attenuated by the combined treatment. The study provides novel evidence for the potential synergistic effects of an antidepressant drug and H. pylori eradication therapy in alleviating depressive-like behaviors in a mouse model.

Cardiovascular screening of elderly athletes.

The permanently growing interest in amateur and professional sports activities among young, middle-aged and elderly athletes raises serious concerns about athletes' health, the safety of physical training, and the sports-related risk of sudden cardiac death and other cardiovascular complications during exercise. In recent years there has been an increasing number of cases of sudden cardiac death during physical effort. At present, life expectancy in the most developed countries grows rapidly and the number of people >65 years dramatically increases. Moreover, biological age of the population is lower. Subsequently, relevant increase in the number of elderly athletes involved in various types of sports activities has been reported in many countries. It was also demonstrated that physical activity has strong beneficial effect on cognitive functions, psychomotor performance and thus exercise capacity, which is very important for the elderly people in their everyday routine activities. Nonetheless, it should be remembered that participation in amateur and professional sports activities may be associated with risk of serious cardiovascular events in the elderly athletes often suffering from various civilization diseases. It is also reported that the number of elderly people after interventional cardiology procedures, open heart surgery and cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy), who wish to participate in various sports activities, systematically grows. The authors of the paper conduct a literature review on cardiovascular risk assessment in the elderly athletes including the contemporary cardiology diagnostic methods and diagnostic schemes to prevent sudden cardiac death and other cardiovascular events during exercise. The controversies over efficacy of particular diagnostic tools to detect cardiovascular diseases in the elderly athletes and worldwide epidemiologic data concerning risk of sudden cardiac death during physical exercise have been also presented. Here, the authors have derived suggestions for establishment of comprehensive diagnostic schemes to prevent sudden cardiac death during sports activities.

484 A Preliminary Study on the Pharmacodynamics of Oral Cannabis Ingestion in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Our study explores the dose-related effects of THC on cardiovascular measures, self-reported effects, balance, and cognitive function among older adults. We also evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of study procedures, to inform future study designs employing this population. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Using a within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled design and standard behavioral pharmacology methods, reasonably healthy male and female adults aged 55-70 years undergo an eligibility screening, followed by a mock session and 3 experimental sessions (>7 days apart). During experimental sessions, participants are administered cannabis-infused brownies with varying THC doses. Prior to and at multiple intervals post- consumption, subjects complete assessments including self reports and observer ratings, psychomotor and cognitive performance measures, and vital signs. Follow-up interviews regarding the experience will be conducted one day after each session. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate our results to mirror those of previously reported studies conducted in adults under 45 years old in that a dose-response relationship exists for subjective drug effects and vital signs with the caveat that this relationship may be exacerbated in our population. We additionally anticipate findings that indicate THC impairs balance and coordination, potentially increasing the risk of falls and accidents among this population, and cognitive function, affecting attention, memory, and executive functions. Feedback provided during the follow-up interviews will help refine procedures for future studies, ensuring that the methodology is acceptable and feasible for this population. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Prior work demonstrates the safety and efficacy of THC in conditions common among older adults, however, no conclusive data regarding tolerability and safety in this population exists. The presented work is vital groundwork for future research on THC as a potential therapeutic for older adults.

Psychomotor retardation: What about the partial responders to magnetic transcranial stimulation in treatment resistant depression ?

ObjectivePsychomotor retardation is a core clinical component of Major Depressive Disorder responsible for disability and is known as a treatment response marker of biological treatments for depression. Our objective was to describe cognitive and motoric measures changes during a treatment by repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) within the THETAD-DEP trial for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and compare those performances at the end of treatment and one month after between responders (>50% improvement on MADRS score), partial responders (25–50%) and non-reponders (no clinically relevant improvement). Our secondary aim was to investigate baseline psychomotor performances associated with non-response and response even partial. MethodsFifty-four patients with treatment-resistant unipolar depression and treated by either high frequency 10 Hz rTMS or iTBS for 4 weeks (20 sessions) underwent assessment including French Retardation Rating Scale for Depression (ERD), Verbal Fluency test, and Trail Making Test A. before, just after treatment and one month later. Results20 patients were responders (R, 21 partial responders (PR) and 13 non-responders (NR). rTMS treatment improved psychomotor performances in the R and PR groups unlike NR patients whose psychomotor performance was not enhanced by treatment. At baseline, participants, later identified as partial responders, showed significantly higher performances than non-responders. ConclusionHigher cognitivo-motor performances at baseline may be associated with clinical improvement after rTMS treatment. This work highlights the value of objective psychomotor testing for the identification of rTMS responders and partial responders, and thus may be useful for patient selection and protocol individualization such as treatment continuation for early partial responders.

Does acute cannabidiol (CBD) use impair performance? A meta-analysis and comparison with placebo and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Cannabidiol (CBD) is widely used and believed to be non-intoxicating, lacking acute performance effects (e.g., non-impairing). However, a synthesis of data has not evaluated this. This meta-analysis synthesized data from controlled human laboratory studies that evaluated if acute CBD use impairs performance. Performance on objective and subjective measures of cognitive and psychomotor function were used as markers for potential performance changes and impairment. Studies were identified through systematic database searches. Adult clinical trials measuring acute CBD effects (within 0-8 h of administration) were included. The primary outcome was the peak mean difference in performance measures between CBD and placebo. A secondary analysis utilizing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) as a positive control for comparison to CBD was completed. Pooled Hedges' g estimates were calculated using robust variance estimation (RVE) meta-regression. The omnibus RVE meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant, but small effect size (Hedge's g < 0.2) for impaired performance following acute CBD consumption compared to placebo (N = 16 trials, Hedges' g = 0.122, 95% CI: 0.023-0.221, p = 0.019). Measure type was a significant moderator with larger mean differences between CBD and placebo when subjective measures, specifically self-reported sedation, were used versus objective performance tasks (Hedges' gSubjective = 0.288 versus Hedges' gObjective = 0.048). Δ9-THC had a significantly greater magnitude of impairment compared to CBD (N = 8, Hedges' g = 0.416, 95% CI: 0.017-0.816, p = 0.043). In summary, acute CBD consumption was associated with a small increase in subjective ratings of sedation, but no difference from placebo was observed across multiple domains of objectively assessed cognitive or psychomotor performance. These findings suggest that acute CBD alone is unlikely to significantly impair daily functioning or workplace performance.

Mental fatigue impairs padel‐specific psychomotor performance in youth‐elite male players

AbstractWhile the interest and professionalization of padel around the world, and the importance of mental fatigue in sport science literature are both on the rise, not much is known about how mental fatigue impacts padel‐specific performance. Forty‐eight male elite youth players (18 ± 2 y) participated in this randomized counterbalanced crossover study. The players visited the laboratory on three separate occasions: familiarization, control (i.e., 30‐min documentary), and mental fatigue (i.e., 30‐min incongruent Stroop) condition. The participants' perceived mental fatigue, vigilance (i.e., Psychomotor Vigilance Test) and response inhibition (i.e., Stroop task) were assessed as markers of mental fatigue. The Padel accuracy was evaluated using a validated padel‐specific performance task that includes the usage of different strokes (i.e., drive, drive volley, bandeja, and drive attack after the use of the glass). All these variables were assessed pre‐ and post‐ both the control and mentally fatiguing task. A condition × time interaction was found for perceived mental fatigue, the Stroop performance and PVT reaction time (p &lt; 0.001) and for padel‐specific accuracy on all strokes (p &lt; 0.001). The perceived level of mental fatigue increased, while PVT reaction time and Stroop performance (i.e., amount of words) were impaired in time only in the mental fatigue condition. The accuracy of all padel strokes was significantly impaired from pre to post only in the mental fatigue condition (p &lt; 0.050). In conclusion, mental fatigue impairs padel‐specific accuracy in young elite male padel players. Consequently, we recommend coaches to consider the level of mental fatigue during padel trainings and competitions.

A Systematic Review of the Neurocognitive Effects of Psychedelics in Healthy Populations: Implications for Depressive Disorders and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

This study aims to provide an overview of pharmacological trials that examine the neurocognitive effects of psychedelics among healthy individuals and patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive disorder (MDD). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) was used as a guide to structure and report the findings for this review. A literature search included the MEDLINE database up until December 2022. We included randomized or open-label human studies of MDMA, psilocybin, mescaline, LSD, DMT, or cannabis reporting non-emotionally charged neurocognitive outcomes ("cold cognition") measured through validated neuropsychological tests. A total of 43 full-text papers on MDMA (15), cannabis (12), LSD (6), psilocybin (9), DMT/ayahuasca (1), and mescaline (0) were included, mostly on healthy subjects. A single article on MDMA's effects on cognition in subjects with PTSD was included; there were no studies on psychedelics and neurocognition in MDD. Most of the studies on healthy subjects reported detrimental or neutral effects on cognition during the peak effect of psychedelics with a few exceptions (e.g., MDMA improved psychomotor function). Performance on the type of neurocognitive dimension (e.g., attention, memory, executive function, psychomotor) varies by type of psychedelic, dosage, and cognitive testing. Small samples and a lack of uniformed methods across studies preclude unequivocal conclusions on whether psychedelics enhance, decrease, or have no significant effect on cognitive performance. It is foreseen that psychedelics will soon become an available treatment for various psychiatric disorders. The acute and long-term effects on cognition caused by psychedelics should be assessed in future studies.

Isolation of Distinct Networks Driving Action and Cognition in Psychomotor Processes

BackgroundPsychomotor disturbances are observed across psychiatric disorders and often present as psychomotor slowing, agitation, disorganized behavior, or catatonia. Psychomotor function includes both cognitive and motor components, but the neural circuits driving these subprocesses and how they relate to symptoms have remained elusive for centuries. MethodsWe analyzed data from the Human Connectome Project for Early Psychosis, a multi-site study of 125 people with early psychosis and 58 healthy participants with resting-state fMRI and clinical characterization. Psychomotor function was assessed using the 9-Hole Pegboard Task, a timed motor task which engages mechanical and psychomotor components of action, and tasks assessing processing speed and task switching. We used multivariate pattern analysis of whole-connectome data to identify brain correlates of psychomotor function. ResultsWe identified discrete brain circuits driving the cognitive and motor components of psychomotor function. In our combined sample of psychosis patients (n=89) and non-psychiatric controls (n=52), the strongest correlates of psychomotor function (pegboard performance) (p<.005) were between a midline cerebellar region and (1) left frontal region and (2) pre-supplementary motor area (preSMA). Psychomotor function was correlated with both cerebellar-frontal connectivity (r=0.33) and cerebellar-preSMA connectivity (r=0.27). However, the cognitive component of psychomotor performance (task-switching) was only correlated with cerebellar-frontal connectivity (r=0.19), whereas the motor component (processing speed) was only correlated with cerebellar-preSMA connectivity (r=0.15), suggesting distinct circuits driving unique subprocesses of psychomotor function. ConclusionsWe identified cerebellar-cortical circuits that drive distinct subprocesses of psychomotor function. Future studies should probe relationships between cerebellar connectivity and psychomotor performance using neuromodulation.

Effects of the active botanical blend "WKUP GT" on attention and cognitive functions after lunch in healthy volunteers.

"WKUP GT", a low caffeine beverage consisting of carob, Guarana, Green Tea and Elderberry extracts was studied on attention and cognitive functions post-lunch in a pilot randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. Thirty healthy volunteers were included in a crossover design trial, presenting five beverages randomly assigned to the following groups: placebo, "WKUP GT" (single, double or triple doses), or "caffeine" as an active control. Hemodynamic measurements were assessed as safety outcomes. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), was used to evaluate the patients when beverages were consumed 30 and 120min after lunch (respectively Delta30 and Delta120 considering baseline). Drinking "caffeine" or "WKUP GT" after lunch, showed significant improvement (p<0.05) in rapid visual information processing compared to placebo (Delta120 of "caffeine", "WKUP" single and double). In addition, improvement in Multitasking Test (Delta30 for "WKUP" double, and Delta120 for "caffeine" and "WKUP" triple compared to placebo) was observed. "WKUP" triple also showed significant improvement for "memory" when compared to placebo (Delta120). Compared to "caffeine", WKUP GT did not increase systolic blood pressure. "WKUP GT" showed improvements for attention, memory, psychomotor and executive function tasks after lunch without increase in pulse rate.

A semi-naturalistic open-label study examining the effect of prescribed medical cannabis use on simulated driving performance.

Despite increasing medical cannabis use, research has yet to establish whether and to what extent products containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impact driving performance among patients. Stable doses of prescribed cannabinoid products during long-term treatment may alleviate clinical symptoms affecting cognitive and psychomotor performance. To examine the effects of open-label prescribed medical cannabis use on simulated driving performance among patients. In a semi-naturalistic laboratory study, 40 adults (55% male) aged between 23 and 80 years, consumed their own prescribed medical cannabis product. Driving performance outcomes including standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP), the standard deviation of speed (SDS), mean speed and steering variability were evaluated using the Forum8 driving simulator at baseline (pre-dosing), 2.5 h and 5 -h (post-dosing). Perceived driving effort (PDE) was self-reported after each drive. Oral fluid and whole blood samples were collected at multiple timepoints and analysed for THC via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A significant main effect of time was observed for mean speed (p = 0.014) and PDE (p = 0.020), with patients displaying modest stabilisation of vehicle control, increased adherence to speed limits and reductions in PDE post-dosing, relative to baseline. SDLP (p = 0.015) and PDE (p = 0.043) were elevated for those who consumed oil relative to flower-based products. Detectable THC concentrations were observed in oral fluid at 6-h post-dosing (range = 0-24 ng/mL). This semi-naturalistic study suggests that the consumption of medical cannabis containing THC (1.13-39.18 mg/dose) has a negligible impact on driving performance when used as prescribed.

ENHANCE: a comparative prospective longitudinal study of cognitive outcomes after 3 years of hearing aid use in older adults.

With an aging population, the prevalence of hearing loss and dementia are increasing rapidly. Hearing loss is currently considered the largest potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia. The effect of hearing interventions on cognitive function should therefore be investigated, as if effective, these may be successfully implemented to modify cognitive outcomes for older adults with hearing loss. This prospective longitudinal observational cohort study compared outcomes of a convenience sample of prospectively recruited first-time hearing aid users without dementia from an audiology center with those of community-living older adults participating in a large prospective longitudinal cohort study with/without hearing loss and/or hearing aids. All participants were assessed at baseline, 18 months, and 36 months using the same measures. Participants were 160 audiology clinic patients (48.8% female patient; mean age 73.5 years) with mild-severe hearing loss, fitted with hearing aids at baseline, and 102 participants of the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Aging (AIBL) (55.9% female patient; mean age 74.5 years). 18- and 36-month outcomes of subsets of the first participants to reach these points and complete the cognition assessment to date are compared. Primary comparative analysis showed cognitive stability for the hearing aid group while the AIBL group declined on working memory, visual attention, and psychomotor function. There was a non-significant trend for decline in visual learning for the AIBL group versus no decline for the hearing aid group. The hearing aid group showed significant decline on only 1 subtest and at a significantly slower rate than for the AIBL participants (p < 0.05). When education effects on cognitive trajectory were controlled, the HA group still performed significantly better on visual attention and psychomotor function (lower educated participants only) compared to the AIBL group but not on working memory or visual learning. Physical activity had no effect on cognitive performance trajectory. Hearing aid users demonstrated significantly better cognitive performance to 3 years post-fitting, suggesting that hearing intervention may delay cognitive decline/dementia onset in older adults. Further studies using appropriate measures of cognition, hearing, and device use, with longer follow-up, are required.

Digital Learning Content in Automotive Technology Program Towards Student Cognition in TVET: A Partial Experiment

This study examines, via a partial experiment, the impact of the automotive technology program digital learning content on students' cognition. Consequently, the researcher conducted a partial experiment in this study to evaluate the functionality and usability of digital content. It fits with the social stigma of TVET, shaped by the perception that vocational education and training exist to serve school leavers rather than as an essential strategy to provide competent workers to the labour market. In total, 47 students in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Honours) in the Mechatronics (Automotive) programme participated in the investigation. The study's findings indicated that digital learning content has a significant positive influence on the cognitive and psychomotor achievement of students. The functionality of digital learning content is evaluated based on its capacity to produce the desired learning outcomes and its compatibility with the current curriculum. Assessing the usability of digital learning content involves measuring usability, navigation, and overall user experience. This evaluation demonstrates that the digital learning content is functional and usable, providing students with a positive learning experience. In addition, the results of this test demonstrate a significant improvement in students' cognitive achievement, indicating that digital learning content is beneficial in facilitating the learning process, and students are evaluated on their ability to perform practical tasks related to the course material. The results of this evaluation demonstrate a significant improvement in the psychomotor performance of students, indicating that digital learning content can enhance their practical skills. This study concluded that incorporating digital learning content into the curriculum for automotive technology has a significant positive influence on students' cognitive and psychomotor achievement. Available digital learning content can facilitate learning and provide students with a positive educational experience. These findings suggest that incorporating digital learning content into automotive technology programs may be a valuable addition to conventional learning methods. This study implies that digital learning effectively facilitates the learning process and that students are evaluated on their ability to complete practical tasks related to the course material. Consequently, this study was conducted to aid educators in using digital learning for students in automotive programs.

Effects of Oxygen Prebreathing on Bubble Formation, Flow-Mediated Dilatation, and Psychomotor Performance during Trimix Dives.

Introduction: This research was performed to examine the effects of air and oxygen prebreathing on bubble formation, flow-mediated dilatation, and psychomotor performance after scuba dives. Methods: Twelve scuba divers performed two dives using a gas mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium (trimix). In a randomized protocol, they breathed air or oxygen 30 min before the trimix dives. Venous bubble formation, flow-mediated dilatation, and psychomotor performance were evaluated. The participants solved three psychomotor tests: determining the position of a light signal, coordination of complex psychomotor activity, and simple arithmetic operations. The total test solving time, minimum single-task solving time, and median solving time were analyzed. Results: The bubble grade was decreased in the oxygen prebreathing protocol in comparison to the air prebreathing protocol (1.5 vs. 2, p < 0.001). The total test solving times after the dives, in tests of complex psychomotor coordination and simple arithmetic operations, were shorter in the oxygen prebreathing protocol (25 (21-28) vs. 31 (26-35) and 87 (82-108) vs. 106 (90-122) s, p = 0.028). Conclusions: In the oxygen prebreathing protocol, the bubble grade was significantly reduced with no change in flow-mediated dilatation after the dives, indicating a beneficial role for endothelial function. The post-dive psychomotor speed was faster in the oxygen prebreathing protocol.

Impact of Digitalization on Automotive Technology Curriculum Concerning Student Psychomotor Achievement

Through the implementation of digital learning content, this study sought to investigate the impact of digitalization on automotive technology curriculum. A quasi-experiment was conducted to assess the functionality and usability of the digital content, as well as its effect on psychomotor performance. 47 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Honours) in Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Mechatronic (Automotive) programme participated in the study. The study found that the digital learning content had a significant positive influence on the psychomotor achievements of the students. The functionality of the digital learning content was evaluated based on its capacity to deliver the desired learning outcomes and its compatibility with the existing curriculum. In addition, we evaluated the efficacy of the digital content by measuring its usability, navigation, and overall user experience. The analysis is based on the four primary research questions to determine the effect of digital learning content on students' cognitive and psychomotor achievement in automotive technology programs. IBM SPSS Statistical Version 23 was utilized to analyse the listed variable. p 0.05 is the significance level for all analyses. The findings are presented in the sections that follow. These evaluations revealed that the digital content is functional and effective, providing students with a positive learning experience. In addition, the results of these tests indicated that the digital learning content effectively facilitated the learning process. Finally, students were evaluated based on their ability to complete practical tasks related to the course material. The results of these evaluations demonstrated a significant increase in the psychomotor performance of the students, indicating that the digital learning content was able to improve their practical skills. This study concluded that incorporating digital learning content into the curriculum for automotive technology had a significant positive influence on the psychomotor achievements of students. The digital content is functional, usable, and effective in facilitating learning, providing students with a positive educational experience. These results suggest that incorporating digital learning content into a programme for automotive technology can be a valuable addition to conventional learning methods.

The association of circadian rhythms with academic, physical, and cognitive performance: A systematic review

                Introduction. Biological cycles exist across diverse time spans. Circadian rhythms are the most thoroughly examined and significantly influence individuals. These rhythms in physiological measures are affected by cyclical variations in human actions and surroundings over a 24-hour duration.                Aim. The present research aims to analyse the association of biorhythm factors with performance in students considering research in the field of chronobiology in relation to the educational field.                Research methodology and methods. The present systematic review summarises 34 records treating sleep quality, lifestyle, and circadian preferences in their association with the academic, physical, and cognitive performance of students during their daily life; using a PRISMA model.                Results. The current review paper has cited numerous studies that confirm the significant impact of sleep and circadian preference on a student’s academic, psychomotor, and cognitive performance. These two factors play a crucial role in the rhythmicity of a student’s life.                Scientific novelty. This study introduces a novel interdisciplinary method that applies findings from the study of biological rhythms to education, revealing how these rhythms affect student learning and performance. By merging chronobiology with educational theory, it opens new research paths and enhances our understanding of the relationship between students’ circadian rhythms and their academic, cognitive and physical results, representing a significant progression in how the field of education is linked with chronopsychology.                Practical significance. Educational professionals can use the results obtained to gain a deeper insight into how chronobiological factors may affect student performance, thereby enhancing their comprehension of student productivity and potentially identifying more efficient ways to improve it.

EEG-based neurophysiological indices for expert psychomotor performance – a review

A primary objective of current human neuropsychological performance research is to define the physiological correlates of adaptive knowledge utilization, in order to support the enhanced execution of both simple and complex tasks. Within the present article, electroencephalography-based neurophysiological indices characterizing expert psychomotor performance, will be explored. As a means of characterizing fundamental processes underlying efficient psychometric performance, the neural efficiency model will be evaluated in terms of alpha-wave-based selective cortical processes. Cognitive and motor domains will initially be explored independently, which will act to encapsulate the task-related neuronal adaptive requirements for enhanced psychomotor performance associating with the neural efficiency model. Moderating variables impacting the practical application of such neuropsychological model, will also be investigated. As a result, the aim of this review is to provide insight into detectable task-related modulation involved in developed neurocognitive strategies which support heightened psychomotor performance, for the implementation within practical settings requiring a high degree of expert performance (such as sports or military operational settings).

Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Features of Huntington Disease: A Fatal Neurodegenerative Disorder with Autosomal Dominant Inheritance

Huntington disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder that affects the movement and cognition of affected individuals. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning that each child of a parent with HD has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene. The mutation involves an expansion of a trinucleotide repeat (CAG) in the HD gene, which is located on the short arm of chromosome 4p16.3. The HD gene encodes a protein called huntingtin, which has an unknown function. The number of CAG repeats determines the severity and onset of the disease. Normal individuals have 26 or fewer repeats, while HD patients have 40 or more repeats. Individuals with 27 to 35 repeats do not develop HD, but they can pass on the mutation to their offspring, especially if the mutation is inherited from the father. Individuals with 36 to 39 repeats may or may not develop HD, depending on other factors. The more CAG repeats, the earlier the symptoms appear. HD is the most extensively studied neurodegenerative disorder with a genetic cause. There are genetic tests available to diagnose HD and to predict the risk of developing HD in asymptomatic individuals. There are also prenatal and preimplantation tests to prevent the transmission of HD to the next generation. HD is characterized by involuntary movements called chorea, which affect all muscles and impair all psychomotor functions. HD patients also suffer from cognitive decline and psychiatric symptoms, such as mood disorders and social changes. These symptoms are chronic and progressive, leading to complete dependence and death. Chorea can also be caused by other conditions, such as metabolic disorders or drug-induced side effects. Neuroimaging techniques, such as MR imaging, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), MR spectroscopy, and diffusion tensor imaging, can help to diagnose HD and monitor its progression. The pathophysiology of HD involves the loss of neurons and the dysfunction of neurotransmitter systems, especially the dopaminergic system. There is no cure for HD, but there are treatments to manage the symptoms and to improve the quality of life of HD patients. These include pharmacological interventions, such as dopamine receptor antagonists or depleters, and non-pharmacological interventions, such as psychological and social support. HD is a devastating disease that poses many challenges for patients, families, and healthcare providers. There is hope that gene-targeted therapies will be developed in the near future to stop or slow down the disease process.

Responses to a "Typical" Morning Dose of Kratom in People Who Use Kratom Regularly: A Direct-Observation Study.

Use of kratom has outpaced systematic study of its effects, with most studies reliant on retrospective self-report. We aimed to assess acute effects following kratom use in adults who use regularly, and quantify alkaloids in the products, urine, and plasma. Between July and November 2022, 10 adults came to our clinic and orally self-administered their typical kratom dose; blinding procedures were not used. Physiological measures included blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, pulse oximetry, temperature, and pupil diameter. Subjective outcomes included Subjective Opioid Withdrawal Scale, Addiction Research Center Inventory, and Drug Effects Questionnaire. Psychomotor performance was also assessed. Participants were 6 men and 4 women, mean age 41.2 years. Nine were non-Hispanic White; 1 was biracial. They had used kratom for 6.6 years (SD, 3.8 years) on average (2.0-14.1). Sessions were 190.89 minutes on average (SD, 15.10 minutes). Mean session dose was 5.16 g (median, 4.38 g; range, 1.1-10.9 g) leaf powder. Relative to baseline, physiological changes were minor. However, pupil diameter decreased (right, b = -0.70, P < 0.01; left, b = -0.73, P < 0.01) 40-80 minutes postdose and remained below baseline >160 minutes. Subjective Opioid Withdrawal Scale pre-dosing was mild (5.5 ± 3.3) and decreased postdose (b = [-4.0, -2.9], P < 0.01). Drug Effects Questionnaire "feeling effects" increased to 40/100 (SD, 30.5) within 40 minutes and remained above baseline 80 to 120 minutes (b = 19.0, P = 0.04), peaking at 72.7/100; 6 participants rated euphoria as mild on the Addiction Research Center Inventory Morphine-Benzedrine-scale. Psychomotor performance did not reliably improve or deteriorate postdosing. Among regular consumers, we found few clinically significant differences pre- and post-kratom dosing. Alkaloidal contents in products were within expected ranges.

The Impact of Physical Therapy on Psychomotor Functions in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Diabetes Mellitus

"The scientific and medical world is making permanent efforts to study, understand, and cure the complicated pathology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – the disease with 100 faces, due to the diversity and complexity of the symptoms. SLE has a devastating impact on the patient’s life, causing multiple metabolic imbalances produced by both the disease itself and the necessary medication. This case report addresses the therapeutic aspects of SLE and diabetes mellitus, on a 47-year-old male with a sensitive multi-pathology and aggressive evolution, medication, and approaching psychomotor rehabilitation therapy, up to now, when SLE treatment has ended. Also, this case study report highlights the importance of flexibility in the psychomotor rehabilitation strategy, in the context of a large range of factors that influence its definition."