Psychomotor Performance Research Articles

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 < 0.001) and for padel‐specific accuracy on all strokes (p < 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 < 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.

Isolation of Distinct Networks Driving Action and Cognition in Psychomotor Processes

BackgroundPsychomotor disturbances are observed across psychiatric disorders and often manifest 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 HCP-EP (Human Connectome Project for Early Psychosis), a multisite study of 125 participants with early psychosis and 58 healthy participants with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and clinical characterization. Psychomotor function was assessed using the 9-hole pegboard task, a timed motor task that 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 participants with psychosis (n = 89) and healthy control participants (n = 52), the strongest correlates of psychomotor function (pegboard performance) (p < .005) were between a midline cerebellar region and left frontal region and presupplementary motor area. Psychomotor function was correlated with both cerebellar-frontal connectivity (r = 0.33) and cerebellar–presupplementary motor area connectivity (r = 0.27). However, the cognitive component of psychomotor performance (task switching) was correlated only with cerebellar-frontal connectivity (r = 0.19), whereas the motor component (processing speed) was correlated only with cerebellar–presupplementary motor area 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.

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.

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.

Modifiable Lifestyle Factors and Cognitive Function: A Population‐Based Study Amongst Nondemented Men

Background: As cognitive decline and dementia‐related diseases are currently incurable, identifying modifiable and preventative factors is imperative. Thus, we aimed to investigate the associations between modifiable lifestyle factors and cognitive function in a population‐based sample of nondemented men.Methods: Data for 537 men were drawn from the ongoing, population‐based, Geelong Osteoporosis Study (GOS). The CogState Brief Battery (CBB) was utilised to determine cognitive function (overall cognitive function [OCF], psychomotor function, attention, working memory, and visual learning). Demographic and lifestyle factors (diet, smoking, physical activity [sport, work/home, and leisure time], alcohol use, and body mass index [BMI]) were self‐reported and documented across three waves of data collection. Generalised estimating equation (GEE) models were used to determine associations between the time‐updating exposures of interest and each of the cognitive domains.Results: Age was associated with OCF (η2 = 0.298), psychomotor function (η2 = 0.163), attention (η2 = 0.210), working memory (η2 = 0.215), and visual learning (η2 = 0.097). Playing sport was associated with all aspects of cognition: OCF (η2 = 0.014), psychomotor function (η2 = 0.007), attention (η2 = 0.004), working memory (η2 = 0.013), and visual learning (η2 = 0.004), and being physically active during leisure time was associated with visual learning (η2 = 0.008). Being physically active at work and home, smoking, diet quality, energy consumed per day, alcohol intake, and BMI were not associated with any of the cognitive domains.Conclusion: In this study of nondemented men, elements of a healthy lifestyle such as playing sport and being physically active during leisure time were associated with better cognition. Further studies into whether these factors, amongst others, prevent the onset and progression of dementia are needed.

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."

Cognition and Psychomotor Performance in Premenstrual Syndrome with Negative Emotions

Background: Women with premenstrual syndrome are known to experience high negative emotions which is known to drastically affect cognition and psychomotor performance thereby impairing their executive function. Objective: To assess the relationship between cognition and psychomotor skill with self-reported symptoms of negative emotions like depression, anxiety and stress in women with different grades of premenstrual syndrome. Methodology: Study was conducted among 100 female nursing students in the age group 18 -20 years. Data collection tool included a questionnaire of demographic and menstruation characteristics, Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale Questionnaire (DASS). Cognition and psychomotor performance were assessed based on reaction time (both visual &amp; auditory) using PC1000Hz Reaction timer. The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee. Every participant gave their informed written consent before participating in the study. Results: Among the 100 female students, 50 each belonged to mild and moderate PMS category. Independent t test revealed a significantly high DASS scores and reaction time scores (both visual &amp; auditory) in mild when compared to moderate PMS category. A favourable association between the severity of PMS and depression, anxiety and stress scores (DASS), and reaction time (RT) scores was discovered using the Pearson correlation test, with p significant at 0.01. Additionally, there was a substantial positive association between DASS scores and RT duration. This suggests that, as there is an increase in the severity of PMS, there was an increase in the negative emotional states scores and increase in the RT duration (both visual and auditory) thereby proving a decline in cognition and psychomotor execution. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that, woman with PMS had high negative emotion effects leading to decline in cognition and psychomotor execution which is a need of the hour to look into their lifestyle modification and treatment modality so as enhance the executive performance.

Sleep disruption due to nocturnal heartburn: a review of the evidence and clinical implications

Nocturnal heartburn (NHB) is a symptom that affects up to 25% of the general population and has been shown to cause sleep disruption that adversely affects quality of life and psychomotor performance. Few studies have evaluated the association between occasional NHB and sleep disturbances; therefore, this connection may be underappreciated and left untreated by the primary care provider and patient, with potentially significant negative clinical consequences and effects on quality of life. This review sought to describe what is currently known about the interplay between occasional NHB and sleep disruption, and identify whether acid suppression therapy can improve symptoms of occasional NHB and associated sleep disruptions. The pathophysiology of heartburn-induced sleep disruption appears to follow a bidirectional cycle due to the normal physiologic changes that occur in the upper gastrointestinal tract during sleep and due to the potential for heartburn symptoms to cause sleep arousal. The majority of the identified studies suggested that pharmacologic interventions for acid reduction, including proton pump inhibitors or histamine type-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), improved objective and/or subjective sleep outcomes among individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and NHB. Several studies specific to famotidine demonstrated that treatment with 10 mg or 20 mg reduced nighttime awakenings due to NHB. In conclusion, NHB symptoms can cause sleep dysfunction that can have a profound adverse downstream effect on quality of life, next-day functioning, and health-related outcomes. The current approach to managing occasional NHB is similar to that associated with GERD, highlighting the need for studies specific to the occasional heartburn population. Health care providers should investigate NHB as one of the potential causes of sleep complaints, and patients with heartburn should be questioned about sleep quality, recalled arousals, next-day vitality, early fatigue, and next-day functioning.

Evaluation of cognitive and psychomotor faculties in relation to mood-related symptoms under the conditions of sleep deprivation.

Deprivation of sleep (DS) has been associated with changes in mood and cognitive function, rapidly but transiently improving the severity of depression symptoms. However, it remains unclear whether there are differences in performance between DS responders and non-responders. The relationship between DS, mood, cognitive, and psychomotor function is also poorly understood. Participants (n = 77) underwent a baseline assessment of sleep under the control of polysomnography (PSG). Later they were subjected to DS with actigraphy monitoring. Evaluation of mood as well as completing a battery of tests assessing cognitive functions and eye-hand coordination was conducted four times, pre/post PSG and DS. Participants were further divided into respondents (RE, n = 48) and non-respondents (NR, n = 29) depending on alleviation of depression symptoms severity following DS. All participants exhibited increased response speed to visual triggers after DS compared to baseline (p = 0.024). Psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) results remained intact in the RE, whereas it was increased in the NR (p = 0.008). Exposure time in the eye-hand coordination test improved in both groups, but total error duration was reduced only in RE individuals (p < 0.001, p = 0.009 for RE and NR, respectively). All subjects were more proficient at trail-making test (p ≤ 0.001 for Part 1 and 2 in all, NR, RE). Stroop test also improved regardless of mood changes after DS (p = 0.007, p = 0.008 for Part 1 and 2, respectively); cognitive interference remained at a similar level within groups (p = 0.059, p = 0.057 for NR and RE, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between the difference in PSG morning/DS morning depression severity and vigilance (R = 0.37, p = 0.001, R = 0.33, p = 0.005, for error duration eye-hand coordination test and PVT total average score, respectively). RE tend to maintain or improve cognitive function after DS, oppositely to NR. Vigilance in particular might be tightly associated with changes in depression symptoms after DS. Future studies should examine the biological basis behind the response to sleep loss.

OBJECTIVE SLEEP AND CIRCADIAN REST–ACTIVITY RHYTHMS AND MULTIPLE DOMAINS OF COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Evidence suggests that sleep and circadian rest-activity rhythms (RAR) play a key role in dementia and Alzheimer Disease (AD) pathology. Studies with objective measures of sleep and RAR and multiple domains of cognition remain limited. We studied 820 older adults enrolled in the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA). Actigraphs were worn for one week, and processed for sleep-wake measures including total sleep time (TST) and sleep efficiency (SE); and parametric (acrophase, pseudo-F) and non-parametric (interdaily stability [IS], intradaily variability [IV], and relative amplitude [RA]) 24-hour RAR variables. Cognitive assessments included global cognition (the Montreal Cognitive Assessment), executive function (Trails B test), memory (California Verbal Learning Test-short form; and psychomotor performance (Digit-Symbol Coding Test). Adjusting for age, sex, clinic site and education, we examined adjusted mean cognitive test scores by categories of sleep and RAR exposures. Mean age was 76 years, 58% were female, and 15% were non-white. Higher RA, reflecting a more robust 24-hour RAR, was associated with better cognition on all tests (p for trend &amp;lt;0.05). Reduced SE was related to lower cognitive function (psychomotor performance, global cognition, memory; p&amp;lt;.05). There were no associations with TST and any cognitive measures examined. SE and RAR were variably associated with both global and specific domains of cognition in older men and women. The RA in particular was strongly related to multiple domains of cognition related to AD, and may be useful in identifying individuals at risk. Additional analyses will explore sex differences and longitudinal associations.

THE EFFECT OF A DRUG-BURDEN INDEX ON FALLS RISK INCREASING MEDICATIONS DEPRESCRIBING IN VETERANS AT RISK OF FALLING

Abstract Falls risk-increasing medications (FRIMs) have negative effects on balance and psychomotor functioning which increase the risk of falling in older adults. Thus, deprescribing of FRIMs is a recommended fall prevention intervention. The Drug Burden Index (DBI) measures total exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications and has been associated with falling risk in older adults. We evaluated if inclusion of a DBI score would influence deprescribing of FRIMs in older veterans at risk of falling. A pharmacist conducted a medication review for FRIMs in two cohorts of older veterans participating in a fall prevention group. The primary care prescriber (PCP) was alerted to recommendations through the electronic medical record. Inclusion of the DBI was included and shared with the PCP in the second cohort only. Changes to FRIMs and reduction in DBI score was calculated for all participants three months after initial FRIM review. Nearly all (95%) participants (n=44) were prescribed a FRIM. The most common active prescriptions contributing to DBI score were for anticholinergics (37.9%), antidepressants (33.3%) or anticonvulsants (31.8%) agents. DBI improved in both cohorts, but DBI change was greatest in the second cohort (n=18) (first cohort mean DBI change= 0.168; second cohort mean DBI change= 0.189; p 0.002). Percentage of recommendations accepted and acted upon by PCP was similar between both groups (60% vs 59%). Inclusion of a DBI is a helpful measure of FRIM deprescribing and may further encourage deprescribing behaviors. Feedback from PCPs will clarify the role of DBI in fall prevention medication reviews.