Psychomotor Performance Tests Research Articles

Pengaruh Metode Two Stay Two Stray Terhadap Hasil Belajar Lompat Jauh Siswa Kelas VII MTS Al-Ikhsan Betung

The problem in this study was learning that was found to jump far which still had not been completed learning outcomes. This study aims to determine the effect of the two by two stray method on the long jump learning outcomes of class VII students of MTS Al-Ikhsan Betung. The research method used in this study is an experimental method with the type of one-group pretest-posttest design. The research sampleconsisted of 22 people using the total population technique. The data collection technique was carried out using a psychomotor performance test. Research data analysis techniques using paired-samples t-test. Based on the research findings and analysis of research data, this study concludes that there is an effect of the two staytwo stray methods on the long jump learning outcomes of class VII MTS Al-Ikhsan Betung because t-count > t-table (6.548 > 1.72).

UPAYA MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN TEKNIK DASAR PASSING SEPAK BOLA MELALUI MODIFIKASI PERMAINAN CROSSBAR COLOUR

The purpose of this Classroom Action Research is to find out to what extent the Crossbar Color game can increase the effectiveness of learning soccer passing in Grade VII MTs students. NM Addinul Qayyim Kapek, Gunungsari District, West Lombok Regency. Data collection in this Classroom Action Research consists of tests and observations. The subjects of this study were students of class VII MTs. NM Addinul Qayyim Kapek Gunungsari District with a total of 21 students. The instruments in this study were (cognitive) multiple choice tests, (psychomotor) performance tests and (affective) student character observation sheets, and this research was a classroom action research (CAR) In the initial conditions that meet the minimum completeness criteria (KKM) as many as 9 students or 42%, in the first action that meets the minimum completeness criteria (KKM) as many as 15 students or 71% and in the second action which meets the minimum completeness criteria (KKM) as many as 18 students or 85%. Based on the results of the initial conditions, actions I and II show that learning soccer passing through a modification of the crossbar color game can improve student learning outcomes.

Effect of levofloxacin on psychomotor performance tests and blood sugar level in healthy human volunteers

Effect of levofloxacin on psychomotor performance tests and blood sugar level in healthy human volunteers

The influence of trimetazidine on recovery of functional and mental capacity in patients undergoing II stage of cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass grafting

Object - to evaluate effect of trimetazidine on functional and mental capacity in patients undergoing II stage of cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass grafting. Material and methods. 125 patients referred for cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass grafting were divided in two groups. Patients of control group received pharmacotherapy according to current guidelines on secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. Active treatment group patients (n=30) received trimetazidine 35 mg bis in day additionally. Functional capacity was assessed by six-minute walk test. Mental capacity was evaluated by psychomotor performance express-test of M.P.Moroz. Results. Majority of patients had reduced functional and mental capacity on admission. Performing of cardiac rehabilitation program comes with increase in six-minute walk test distance and psychomotor performance test scores in both groups. An increase in six-minute walk test distance and psychomotor performance test scores in active treatment group was significantly greater than in control group. Conclusion. Trimetazidine therapy improves both functional and mental capacity in patients undergoing II stage of cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass grafting.

The effect of triazolam premedication on anxiety, sedation, and amnesia in general anesthesia.

BackgroundBenzodiazepines have been used preoperatively as part of an anesthesia regimen to attenuate the anxiety of patients. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of oral triazolam, a short-acting benzodiazepine, on anxiety, sedation, and amnesia.MethodsNinety patients, aged 20–55 years, were randomly assigned to receive no premedication, or to receive triazolam 0.25 mg or 0.375 mg 1 h before anesthesia. Anxiety score, sedation score, blood pressure, heart rate and psychomotor performance were measured on the evening before surgery and on the day of surgery. Additional tests of psychomotor performance were performed in the postanesthesia care unit and on the next day of surgery. The occurrence of amnesia, bispectral index (BIS), recovery profiles and patient satisfaction with overall anesthesia care were also evaluated.ResultsChanges in the anxiety and sedation scores on the day of surgery were not significantly different among groups, whereas the increases in systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly less in both triazolam groups. The triazolam groups both showed a higher incidence of high satisfaction scores (≥ 2). The two triazolam groups also showed similar outcomes, except for a dose-dependent increase in the number of patients with amnesia and BIS values < 90. Delayed recovery from general anesthesia and psychomotor impairment were not observed in the triazolam groups.ConclusionsTriazolam 0.25 mg or 0.375 mg reduced the hemodynamic changes associated with anxiety, produced potent amnesia, and improved patient satisfaction. We suggest that triazolam can be used effectively as anesthetic premedication in adults.

Investigation of the usefulness of zaleplon at two doses to induce afternoon-sleep under noise interference and its effects on psychomotor performance and vestibular function.

BackgroundMilitary operation personnel often suffer from sleep difficulty because of their work requirements. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of zaleplon at two doses to induce afternoon-sleep under noise interference and its effects on psychomotor performance and vestibular function; we subsequently established the optimal dosage regimen for military operation personnel.MethodsTwenty-two healthy young male volunteers were recruited for the study. Eight subjects took 10 mg or 15 mg of zaleplon and placebo alternately and then were exposed to noise. Changes in polysomnography (PSG) indices, including sleep latency (SL), sleep efficiency (SE) and sleep structure, were recorded after drug administration. After awakening, the volunteers’ subjective judgments of sleep quality and sleepiness were measured. Eight volunteers underwent 3 psychomotor performance tests at a one-week interval, and the psychomotor performance tests were conducted before and after taking zaleplon and placebo. Six volunteers participated in the vestibular function test session, and parameters, including optokinetic nystagmus (OKN), vestibular ocular reflex (VOR), visual-vestibular ocular reflex (VVOR) and vestibular ocular reflex fixation suppression (VOR-Fix), were detected by the same experimental design as described above. The data of sleep observations were subjected to one-way variance analysis.ResultsCompared with the placebo group, SL was shortened significantly, and the scores of subjective sleep quality and sleep depth were clearly increased in the zaleplon 10 mg group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the SE and the percent of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep were increased remarkably in the zaleplon 15 mg group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the SE, percent of REM sleep and scores of subjective sleep depth in the zaleplon 15 mg group were significantly higher than in the zaleplon 10 mg group (P < 0.05). The psychomotor performance did not change significantly after ingestion of 10 mg or 15 mg of zaleplon, whereas the OKN and VOR gains were lower in the two dose groups of zaleplon (P < 0.05) and restored to normal 3 h after drug ingestion.ConclusionZaleplon is an ideal hypnotic for military personnel, and its hypnotic efficiency is dose-related under noise interference; a 15 mg dose of zaleplon could provide significantly better sleep than a 10 mg dose of zaleplon.

Improvement of Cognitive and Psychomotor Performance in Patients with Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated with Mandibular Advancement Device: A Prospective 1-Year Study.

This study aimed to provide the evidence on effect of mandibular advancement device (MAD) therapy on long-term cognitive and psychomotor performance, excessive daytime sleepiness, and quality of life in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A total of 15 patients with mild to moderate OSA were treated with MAD therapy and they were followed up after 3 mo and 1 y of therapy. The patients were tested on three different tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance using the computer-based system Complex Reactionmeter Drenovac (CRD-series) at baseline and at the time of follow-up, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used to assess their quality of life and excessive daytime sleepiness, respectively. The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) decreased significantly from 22.9 ± 5.9 events/h at baseline, to 9.7 ± 4.5 events/h after 1 y of MAD therapy (p < 0.001). There was significant improvement on all three CRD-series tests used after 1 y of MAD therapy, considering total test solving time (TTST) and minimal single task solving time (MinT), whereas total number of errors committed during the tests (TE) remained unchanged. Self-reported measures, excessive daytime sleepiness, and three domains of quality of life, social functioning, general health perception, and health change following MAD therapy showed significant improvements after 1 y of MAD therapy. This study demonstrates significant improvements in cognitive and psychomotor performance, particularly in the domain of perceptive abilities, convergent thinking (constructing and solving simple mathematical tasks) and psychomotor reaction times, excessive daytime sleepiness, and quality of life in patients with mild to moderate OSA following MAD therapy.

The subtle central effect of nutraceuticals: Is it placebo or nocebo?

Background:Herbal medicines are often perceived by the general public as a “soft” alternative to Western Medicine, but the use of these substances can be risky since they can induce nocebo effect.Aim:The aim was to evaluate the nocebo effects of Nigella sativa oil, garlic and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the integrative function of the central nervous system and psychomotor performance.Materials and Methods:This is a randomized, double-blind, controlled, and prospective study conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq during February 2013. A total of 160 medical students participated in this study were randomly assigned equally to one of the following groups: Group A: Received single dose of N. sativa oil (500 ml capsule); Group B: Received single dose of garlic (500 mg capsule); Group C: Received single dose of CoQ10 (120 mg capsule) and; Group D: received single dose of matching oral placebo (300 mg starch capsule). For all participants, reaction time and flicker fusion threshold were measured by the Leeds psychomotor performance test battery before and after 3 h of taking the drugsResults:Neither placebo nor nutraceuticals exerted significant effect on total reaction time. Although the recognition reaction time is insignificantly reduced by 2.77% (placebo), 5.83% (Nigella sativa), 7.21% (garlic) and 12.64% (CoQ10) from the pretreatment values, they are adversely affect the motor reaction time to reach the significant level in subjects pretreated with Garlic (P = 0.02).Conclusion:Nutraceuticals are not free from nocebo effect on psychomotor performance.

Functional deficits in carpal tunnel syndrome reflect reorganization of primary somatosensory cortex.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, a median nerve entrapment neuropathy, is characterized by sensorimotor deficits. Recent reports have shown that this syndrome is also characterized by functional and structural neuroplasticity in the primary somatosensory cortex of the brain. However, the linkage between this neuroplasticity and the functional deficits in carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown. Sixty-three subjects with carpal tunnel syndrome aged 20-60 years and 28 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were evaluated with event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T while vibrotactile stimulation was delivered to median nerve innervated (second and third) and ulnar nerve innervated (fifth) digits. For each subject, the interdigit cortical separation distance for each digit's contralateral primary somatosensory cortex representation was assessed. We also evaluated fine motor skill performance using a previously validated psychomotor performance test (maximum voluntary contraction and visuomotor pinch/release testing) and tactile discrimination capacity using a four-finger forced choice response test. These biobehavioural and clinical metrics were evaluated and correlated with the second/third interdigit cortical separation distance. Compared with healthy control subjects, subjects with carpal tunnel syndrome demonstrated reduced second/third interdigit cortical separation distance (P < 0.05) in contralateral primary somatosensory cortex, corroborating our previous preliminary multi-modal neuroimaging findings. For psychomotor performance testing, subjects with carpal tunnel syndrome demonstrated reduced maximum voluntary contraction pinch strength (P < 0.01) and a reduced number of pinch/release cycles per second (P < 0.05). Additionally, for four-finger forced-choice testing, subjects with carpal tunnel syndrome demonstrated greater response time (P < 0.05), and reduced sensory discrimination accuracy (P < 0.001) for median nerve, but not ulnar nerve, innervated digits. Moreover, the second/third interdigit cortical separation distance was negatively correlated with paraesthesia severity (r = -0.31, P < 0.05), and number of pinch/release cycles (r = -0.31, P < 0.05), and positively correlated with the second and third digit sensory discrimination accuracy (r = 0.50, P < 0.05). Therefore, reduced second/third interdigit cortical separation distance in contralateral primary somatosensory cortex was associated with worse symptomatology (particularly paraesthesia), reduced fine motor skill performance, and worse sensory discrimination accuracy for median nerve innervated digits. In conclusion, primary somatosensory cortex neuroplasticity for median nerve innervated digits in carpal tunnel syndrome is indeed maladaptive and underlies the functional deficits seen in these patients.

Psychomotor and subjective effects of bilastine, hydroxyzine, and cetirizine, in combination with alcohol: a randomized, double-blind, crossover, and positive-controlled and placebo-controlled Phase I clinical trials.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of concomitant administration of alcohol and bilastine versus alcohol alone on the central nervous system. Twenty-four healthy young volunteers of both sexes participated in a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, crossover, and positive-controlled and placebo-controlled clinical trials. At 1-week intervals, subjects received six different treatments: (i) placebo; (ii) alcohol 0.8 g/kg alone (ALC); (iii) ALC in combination with: bilastine 20 mg (B20 + A); (iv) bilastine 80 mg (B80 + A); (v) cetirizine 10 mg (CET + A); and (vi) hydroxyzine 25 mg (HYD + A). Psychomotor performance tests (fine motor, finger tapping, nystagmus, critical flicker-fusion frequency, temporal estimation, 'd2' cancellation, and simple reaction time) and subjective self-reports (drunkenness, drowsiness, mental slowness, clumsiness, anger, attentiveness, competence, happiness, hostility, interest, and extroversion) were carried out at baseline and multiple points thereafter. All active treatments induced a significant psychomotor impairment. The greatest and most lasting impairment was observed with HYD + A followed by B80 + A and CET + A. In contrast, objective measures showed less impairment with B20 + A and ALC, both with a similar magnitude. Self-reports showed a subjective perception of performance impairment in all active treatments. Concomitant administration of bilastine (at therapeutic dose) and alcohol does not produce greater central nervous system depressant effects than ACL alone.

Effect of standardized aqueous extract of Withania somniferaon tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participants

Background:Withania somnifera is an herbal medicine that has been known to possess memory-enhancing properties. The current study involved an assessment of cognitive and psychomotor effects of Withania somnifera extract in healthy human participants.Materials and Methods:In this prospective, double-blind, multi-dose, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 20 healthy male participants were randomized to receive 250 mg two capsules twice daily of an encapsulated dried aqueous extract of roots and leaves of Withania somnifera or a matching placebo for a period of 14 days. Cognitive and psychomotor performance was assessed pre-dose (day 1) and at 3 hrs post-dose on day 15 using a battery of computerized psychometric tests. After a washout period of 14 days, the subjects crossed-over to receive the other treatment for a further period of 14 days as per prior randomization schedule. Same battery of test procedures were performed to assess cognitive and psychomotor performance.Results:Significant improvements were observed in reaction times with simple reaction, choice discrimination, digit symbol substitution, digit vigilance, and card sorting tests with Withania somnifera extract compared to placebo. However, no effect can be seen with the finger tapping test.Conclusion:These results suggest that Withania somnifera extract can improve cognitive and psychomotor performance and may, therefore, be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of diseases associated with cognitive impairment.

Quantitative Psychomotor Dysfunction in Schizophrenia: A Loss of Drive, Impaired Movement Execution or Both?

Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive value of qualitative psychomotor performance levels and subaspects of the negative syndrome for quantitative motor activity levels in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Twenty-seven stabilized patients with schizophrenia and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. An extensive battery of psychomotor performance tests (Finger Tapping Test, Purdue Pegboard Test, Line Copying Test, Neurological Evaluation Scale, Salpêtrière Retardation Rating Scale), clinical rating scales (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) and 24-hour actigraphy were administered to all participants. Results: Correlational analyses showed that motor activity levels were associated with avolition as well as clinically assessed psychomotor slowing. However, in a regression model, only avolition was found to be a significant predictor for motor activity levels in patients with schizophrenia; none of the psychomotor performance tests nor the severity of emotional expressivity deficits contributed to the model. Conclusion: Qualitative and quantitative psychomotor deficits seem to be independent phenomena in stabilized patients with schizophrenia. The diminishing in motor activity in patients with schizophrenia is related to a loss of drive and not to problems in the quality of movement execution.

Effects of suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist, on sleep parameters as measured by polysomnography in healthy men.

Suvorexant (MK-4305) is an orexin receptor antagonist being developed for the treatment of insomnia. This report describes the effects of nighttime administration of suvorexant on polysomnography (PSG) sleep parameters in healthy young men. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-period crossover PSG study, followed by an additional 5(th) period to assess pharmacokinetics. Sleep laboratory. Healthy young men between 18 and 45 years of age (22 enrolled, 19 completed). Periods 1-4: suvorexant (10 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg) or placebo 1 h before nighttime PSG recording. Period 5: suvorexant 10 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg. In Periods 1-4, overnight sleep parameters were recorded by PSG and next-morning residual effects were assessed by psychomotor performance tests and subjective assessments. Statistically significant sleep-promoting effects were observed with all doses of suvorexant compared to placebo. Suvorexant 50 mg and 100 mg significantly decreased latency to persistent sleep and wake after sleep onset time, and increased sleep efficiency. Suvorexant 10 mg significantly decreased wake after sleep onset time. There were no statistically significant effects of suvorexant on EEG frequency bands including delta (slow wave) activity based on power spectral analysis. Suvorexant was well tolerated. There was no evidence of next-day residual effects for suvorexant 10 mg. Suvorexant 50 mg statistically significantly reduced subjective alertness, and suvorexant 100 mg significantly increased reaction time and reduced subjective alertness. There were no statistically significant effects of any suvorexant dose on digit symbol substitution test performance. In Period 5, plasma samples of suvorexant were collected for pharmacokinetic evaluation. The median T(max) was 3 hours and apparent terminal t(½) was 9-13 hours. In healthy young men without sleep disorders, suvorexant promoted sleep with some evidence of residual effects at the highest doses.

Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Desvenlafaxine, a Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor

Study background: Assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of desvenlafaxine (administered as desvenlafaxine succinate) in 3 studies with healthy volunteers. Methods: Study 1, a randomized, open-label, dose proportionality, crossover study, assessed pharmacokinetics and safety of single doses of desvenlafaxine 100, 300, and 600 mg (N=24). Study 2, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential-group, single-ascending dose study, assessed pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of desvenlafaxine 150–900 mg and venlafaxine extended-release 150 mg (N=79). Study 3, a doubleblind, placebo-controlled, sequential-group, multiple-ascending dose study, assessed pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of desvenlafaxine 300, 450, and 600 mg (N=36). In all studies, safety was monitored through adverse events, physical examinations, electrocardiograms, laboratory tests, and vital signs. In study 2, a daytime spectral analysis of electroencephalogram data was conducted; in studies 2 and 3, cognition was assessed using vigilance and psychomotor performance tests. Results: Following single- and multiple-dose administration, desvenlafaxine Cmax and AUC increased in linear, dose-proportional manner over doses of 100–900 mg. Steady-state plasma concentrations were reached within 4–5 days, and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics were adequately predicted from single-dose pharmacokinetics. The maximum tolerated single dose was 750 mg; vomiting was the dose-limiting adverse event. For multiple doses, the maximum tolerated dose was 450 mg/d; orthostatic hypotension was dose-limiting. Adverse events at doses below the maximum tolerated doses were generally mild and transient. Absolute beta energies significantly increased in all electroencephalogram leads with doses ≥ 450 mg, particularly in front temporal lobes. Single or multiple desvenlafaxine doses did not alter psychomotor function or memory. Conclusion: Maximum tolerated doses for desvenlafaxine (750 mg, single dose; 450 mg, multiple doses) were well above the recommended therapeutic dose of 50 mg/d for major depressive disorder. Desvenlafaxine exhibited approximately linear, dose-proportional pharmacokinetics across the wide range of doses studied and was not associated with significant alterations in psychomotor function or memory.

Dual orexin receptor antagonism by almorexant does not potentiate impairing effects of alcohol in humans

The orexin system plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the sleep/wake state. Almorexant is a selective, orally available dual orexin receptor antagonist. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) interactions between almorexant (200mg p.o.) and alcohol (0.6g/L i.v. ethanol clamp for 5h) using various cognitive and psychomotor performance tests in healthy subjects (n=20; 10 males and 10 females) in a 4-way crossover study. No effect of almorexant on ethanol PK was observed. The effects of ethanol on the PK of almorexant were limited, its exposure (AUC) increased by 21%; the median difference in tmax was 1.2h; t1/2 and Cmax of almorexant were unchanged. Almorexant showed decreases in adaptive tracking performance, saccadic peak velocity, and subjective alertness as assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) of Bond and Lader, but had no or small effects on smooth pursuit eye movements, body sway, VAS for alcohol intoxication, and a memory test. Almorexant administered together with ethanol showed additive effects for adaptive tracking performance, saccadic peak velocity, subjective alertness and, possibly, calmness, but not on body sway, smooth pursuit, VAS for alcohol intoxication, or memory testing. To conclude, administration of almorexant together with ethanol was associated with additive effects for some of the measured cognitive and psychomotor performance tests. No indications of synergistic effects of almorexant and ethanol for any measured variable were observed.

Effect of Pharmacological Enhancement on the Cognitive and Clinical Psychomotor Performance of Sleep-Deprived Doctors

To investigate the effect of modafinil 200 mg on the performance of a cohort of healthy male doctors after 1 night of supervised sleep deprivation. Sleep-deprived and fatigued doctors pose a safety risk to themselves and their patients. Yet, because of the around-the-clock nature of medical practice, doctors frequently care for patients after periods of extended wakefulness or during circadian troughs. Studies suggest that a group of substances may be capable of safely and effectively reversing the effects of fatigue. However, little work has been done to investigate their role within our profession. We conducted a parallel, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study to investigate the effect of pharmacological enhancement on performance doctors. Thirty-nine healthy male resident doctors received either lactose placebo (n = 19) or modafinil 200 mg (n = 20) after 1 night of sleep deprivation. A selection of CANTAB neuropsychological tests was used to assess higher cognitive function. Clinical psychomotor performance was assessed using the Minimally Invasive Surgical Trainer Virtual Reality. Assessments were carried out between 6.00 AM and approximately 8.00 AM. Modafinil improved performance on tests of higher cognitive function; participants in the modafinil group worked more efficiently when solving working memory (F1,38 = 5.24, P = 0.028) and planning (F1,38 = 4.34, P = 0.04) problems, were less-impulsive decision makers (F1,37 = 6.76, P = 0.01), and were more able to flexibly redirect their attention (F1,38 = 4.64, P = 0.038). In contrast, no improvement was seen in tests of clinical psychomotor performance. Our results suggest that fatigued doctors might benefit from pharmacological enhancement in situations that require efficient information processing, flexible thinking, and decision making under time pressure. However, no improvement is likely to be seen in the performance of basic procedural tasks.

Changing patterns of neuropsychological functioning in children living at high altitude above and below 4000 m: a report from the Bolivian Children Living at Altitude (BoCLA) study

The brain is highly sensitive to environmental hypoxia. Little is known, however, about the neuropsychological effects of high altitude residence in the developing brain. We recently described only minor changes in processing speed in native Bolivian children and adolescents living at approximately 3700 m. However, evidence for loss of cerebral autoregulation above this altitude (4000 m) suggests a potential threshold of hypoxia severity over which neuropsychological functioning may be compromised. We conducted physiological and neuropsychological assessments in 62 Bolivian children and adolescents living at La Paz (∼3700 m) and El Alto (∼4100 m) in order to address this issue. Groups were equivalent in terms of age, gender, social class, schooling, parental education and genetic admixture. Apart from percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in arterial blood (%SpO(2)), participants did not differ in their basal cardiac and cerebrovascular performance as explored by heart rate, mean arterial pressure, end-tidal carbon dioxide, and cerebral blood flow velocity at the basilar, anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment was administered, including tests of executive functions, attention, memory and psychomotor performance. Participants living at extreme altitude showed lower levels of performance in all executive tests (Cohen effect size = -0.91), whereas all other domains remained unaffected by altitude of residence. These results are compatible with earlier physiological evidence of a transitional zone for cerebral autoregulation at an altitude of 4000 m. We now show that above this threshold, the developing brain is apparently increasingly vulnerable to neuropsychological deficit.

Rupatadine does not potentiate the CNS depressant effects of lorazepam: randomized, double-blind, crossover, repeated dose, placebo-controlled study

The main objective was to assess whether benzodiazepine intake when rupatadine plasma concentrations were at steady-state would increase the CNS depressant effects. Rupatadine is a new H(1)-antihistamine which also inhibits platelet activating factor (PAF) release and has been shown to be clinically effective at doses of 10 mg. Sixteen healthy young volunteers took part in a crossover, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial comprising two experimental periods (repeated administration for 7 days of rupatadine 10 mg or placebo as single oral daily doses, separated by a washout of 14 days). On days 5 and 7, according to a fully balanced design, a single oral dose of lorazepam 2 mg or placebo was added. CNS effects were evaluated on these days by seven objective tests of psychomotor performance and eight subjective visual analogue scales (VAS) at pre-dose and several times after drug intake. Four treatment conditions were evaluated: placebo, rupatadine 10 mg, lorazepam 2 mg and rupatadine 10 mg + lorazepam 2 mg. Significant CNS effects, either impairment of psychomotor performance or subjective sedation, were observed when lorazepam was administered, either alone or in combination with steady state concentrations of rupatadine. No significant differences were found between these two conditions. In addition, rupatadine was not different from placebo. All treatments were well tolerated. Repeated doses of rupatadine (10 mg orally) did not enhance the CNS depressant effects of lorazepam (2 mg orally, single dose) either in objective psychomotor tasks or in subjective evaluations.

Comparison of Peripheral and Central Effects of Single and Repeated Oral Dose Administrations of Bilastine, a New H1 Antihistamine

Peripheral anti-H1 and central nervous system (CNS) activities after single (day 1) and repeated (day 7) administrations of increasing doses of bilastine (BIL) were assessed in 20 healthy volunteers throughout a crossover, randomized, double-blind, placebo (PLA)-controlled study. Repeated doses of BIL 20, 40, or 80 mg and hydroxyzine 25 mg (HYD) as positive standard were administered on 7 consecutive days. Before and at several time points after drug intake, skin reactivity to the intradermal injection of histamine, objective tests of psychomotor performance, and subjective mood scales were evaluated. All active treatments led to a significant and similar reduction in the wheal reaction in relation to PLA after both the single (P < 0.001) and repeated administrations (P < 0.001). No delay was observed in the onset of its peripheral activity after the first dose of BIL as compared with HYD. No tolerance or sensitization was seen when comparing acute and repetitive assessments. Central nervous system effects showed that HYD induced the greatest psychomotor impairment (P < 0.05). Repeated HYD intake showed a lower number of significant alterations in comparison to acute administration. Bilastine 80 mg also showed some impairment (P < 0.05). Subjectively, the only active treatment that could not be differentiated from PLA was BIL 20 mg. Hydroxyzine 25 mg showed the greatest differentiation (P < 0.01). A clear dissociation between peripheral anti-H1 and CNS activity was found after BIL treatment. Significant and sustained peripheral H1-blocking effects were observed after both single and repeated administrations of the therapeutic dose of 20 mg BIL. The 40-mg dose of BIL produced subjective report of sedation, whereas unwanted objective CNS side effects were observed only with the 80-mg dose.

Histamine H1-receptor blockade in humans affects psychomotor performance but not memory

Results from recent animal studies suggest an important role for histamine in memory functioning. Histaminergic drugs might prove beneficial for people suffering from memory impairment. To determine if histamine is involved in memory functioning this study evaluates the effects of histaminergic dysfunction on memory performance by administrating a H1-antagonist to humans. The study was conducted according to a 4-way, double-blind, crossover design in 20 healthy female volunteers, aged 18-45 years. On each test day subjects completed three test sessions: before and around 2 and 4 h after administration of single oral doses of dexchlorpheniramine 2 mg or 4 mg, scopolamine 1 mg or placebo. Drug effects were assessed using tests of memory, psychomotor and attention performance, and subjective alertness. Results showed that dexchlorpheniramine impaired performance in tests of spatial learning, reaction time, tracking and divided attention but showed no effects on working memory, visual memory, word learning or memory scanning. Scopolamine induced a similar pattern of effects. In addition, both drugs decreased subjective alertness. In conclusion results show that dexchlorpheniramine and scopolamine clearly impaired performance on psychomotor and attention tasks but do not suggest a specific role of the histaminergic system in learning and memory in humans.