Psychomotor Tasks Research Articles

Residual next-day effects of alprazolam on psychomotor performance and simulated driving in healthy normal adults.

The prevalence of drugged driving has increased in the United States. Some drugged driving may be unintentional as prescription medications used as sleeping aids, like zolpidem, cause impairment after the predicted duration of therapeutic action has elapsed. The aim of this study was to determine if nighttime administration of alprazolam, a drug commonly prescribed off-label as a sleeping aid, impacts driving performance the following day. Participants were healthy adults (n = 15) who completed a double-blind, double-dummy, within-subjects inpatient study examining the effects of nighttime administration of alprazolam (0.5, 1, and 2 mg), zolpidem (10 mg), and placebo on driving performance the following day. Alprazolam (1 mg; morning) and zolpidem (nighttime) both served as positive control conditions. Driving simulator measures, cognitive and psychomotor tasks, and questionnaires querying drug effects were collected the afternoon before drug administration and for 5.5 hr the next day and analyzed using symmetry and mixed-model approaches. Morning alprazolam significantly impaired driving performance. Driving impairment was observed up to 12.5 hr after nighttime alprazolam 2 mg and for 8.5 hr after nighttime zolpidem 10 mg. Participant reports on driving ability indicated that they were not aware of their level of impairment. These results suggest that alprazolam used before bed may pose a yet unrecognized public safety risk in the form of next-day drugged driving. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

PSYCHOMOTRICITY FOSTERING PRESCHOOL PUPILS’ LONG-TERM LEARNING

The present research analyses whether an intervention based on employing a grounded psychomotor methodology favours meaningful learning and long-term memorization of curricular content in the same way as an expository methodology would. A comparative analysis between the effects of one methodological intervention and another is performed. The study is carried out with two natural groups of preschool pupils (5-6 years old). The acquisition of content following each of the four sessions programmed for both methodologies, and its memorization in three time frames of 24 hours, 7 days, and 31 days, is evaluated. To evaluate learning and memorization of content, a verbal recognition test and a verbal memorization test are used. The study shows that during the grounded psychomotor intervention, as a methodology that uses meaningful motor skills experienced in an interdisciplinary framework, preschoolers improved their learning. The analysis of the methodological effect was significant despite having found significant differences between groups. Memorization over short (24h), medium-term (7 days) and long-term (31 days) periods of time presents similar values ​​between both methodologies, showing an important recall capacity in both methodologies. In memorization, there are also significant differences according to the group and methodology. The study considers that significant motor interventions experienced as strategic didactic elements are worth considering as a strategy to improve content learning in an educational context at the preschool stage. This study enables us to consider the need to establish mechanisms for preschoolers to control emotional intensity when using psychomotor tasks and delivering intentionally directed curriculum content. A comprehensive examination of the research allows us to contend that although the formative assessment process, which is a byproduct of the learning process itself, has contributed to high memorization results over time, teaching-learning dialogic and constructivist methodologies can be held responsible for very low levels of forgetting.

Assessing the Relationship Between Learning Stages and Prefrontal Cortex Activation in a Psychomotor Task

Assessing the Relationship Between Learning Stages and Prefrontal Cortex Activation in a Psychomotor Task

Cycle-based high-intensity sprint exercise elicits acute cognitive dysfunction in psychomotor and memory task performance

PurposeTo examine the impact of an acute high-intensity sprint exercise protocol (HISEP) for eliciting post-exercise cognitive dysfunction in psychomotor, attentional, executive, and memory tasks.MethodsTwenty-four recreationally active adults (22 ± 4 yrs, 169.39 ± 10.07 cm, 75.80 ± 14.73 kg, 27.03 ± 9.55 BF%) performed a HISEP on a cycle ergometer. Average psychomotor reaction time (avgRT; Dynavision D2 Mode A & Mode B), mood (Profile of Mood States Questionnaire; POMS), and cognition (Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics; ANAM) were assessed pre- (PRE), post- (POST) and 60-min post (60POST) HISEP. One-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to assess changes across time.ResultsFatigue (main effect: p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.309) was significantly higher at POST compared to PRE (p = 0.007). Tension (main effect: p = 0.021, ηp2 = 0.154) was significantly lower at 60POST compared to PRE (p = 0.029). Mode A avgRT (main effect: p = 0.022, ηp2 = 0.153) was significantly slower at POST compared to PRE (p = 0.026). Throughput (TP) scores for ANAM code substitution-delayed (CSD) task (main effect: p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.284) and matching to sample (M2S) tasks (main effect: p = 0.014, ηp2 = 0.169) were significantly lower at POST compared to PRE (p = 0.001 and p = 0.025, respectively), while mathematical processing (main effect: p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.232) was significantly higher at 60POST compared to both PRE (p = 0.019) and POST (p = 0.005). No other significant changes in cognitive task performance were observed (p's > 0.05).ConclusionsThe HISEP is a feasible and time-effective fatiguing exercise stimulus capable of eliciting acute cognitive dysfunction in psychomotor and memory task performance. NCT05100589.

Increased intraindividual variability (IIV) in reaction time is the earliest indicator of cognitive change in MS: A two-year observational study

BackgroundCognitive decline in multiple sclerosis (MS) is common, but unpredictable, and increases with disease duration. As such, early detection of cognitive decline may improve the effectiveness of interventions. To that end, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is effective in detecting slow processing speed as it relates to cognitive impairment, and intraindividual variability (IIV) observed in trials assessing continuous reaction time (RT) may be a useful indicator of early cognitive changes. Here, we will assess cognitive IIV changes in adults with early MS. MethodsAdults with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), <11 years since diagnosis, were recruited nationally. Baseline and two-year follow-up assessments included Brief International Cognitive Assessment in MS (BICAMS) and Cogstate computerized tests. Intraindividual variability in RT was calculated from psychomotor tasks and data were age-normalized. ResultsA total of 44 of the 66 participants completed follow-up (mean age, 34.0 ± 5.5 years; 66 % female; mean disease duration, 4.1 ± 2.9 years; median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, 1.5 [0 to 6.0]). Participants were grouped by SDMT z-score median split. Groups did not differ in demographics or clinical features. The higher baseline SDMT group was faster (p = 0.05) in RT and less variable (lower IIV, p = 0.001). At the two-year follow-up, the higher SDMT group showed increased variability (p = 0.05) compared to the lower SDMT group, with no significant RT or BICAMS changes. ConclusionsIn early MS, higher SDMT performance at baseline is associated with less cognitive variability but may indicate susceptibility to increased variability over time, highlighting the importance of monitoring IIV for early cognitive changes.

Analysis of Syntactic Errors in Arabic Textbook-Based Instructional Materials and Their Implications for Arabic Learning at Madrasah Aliyah

Textbooks are essential components in learning, but errors are often found, including syntax. It aims to analyze some of the errors found in the textbook used as a reference in learning Arabic at MA Madinatul Ulum and explain the implications of these errors on Arabic Learning. This research uses library research with an applied linguistic approach in error analysis. Data was collected using documentation techniques related to Arabic textbooks, books, journals, and other written works. The data analysis used is a content analysis technique with several steps: identifying, interpreting, and correcting. The research showed that significant syntactic errors were identified. However, the textbook covers various aspects of Arabic skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with various cognitive, psychomotor, and affective tasks. These errors deviate from standard Arabic grammar norms, compromising instructional quality, affecting student evaluations, and posing challenges for teachers. By involving language experts in developing instructional materials, providing training for teachers, and promoting the use of alternative learning resources, it is hoped that syntactic errors in instructional materials can be minimized, thereby enhancing the quality of Arabic learning. Recommendations include thoroughly reviewing and improving materials to ensure adherence to educational standards emphasizing syntactic accuracy. Future research should expand to encompass broader aspects of Arabic instruction beyond syntax, encompassing morphology and semantics to enhance educational effectiveness

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.

Cybersickness in Virtual Reality: The Role of Individual Differences, Its Effects on Cognitive Functions and Motor Skills, and Intensity Differences during and after Immersion

Background: Given that VR is used in multiple domains, understanding the effects of cybersickness on human cognition and motor skills and the factors contributing to cybersickness is becoming increasing important. This study aimed to explore the predictors of cybersickness and its interplay with cognitive and motor skills. Methods: 30 participants, 20–45 years old, completed the MSSQ and the CSQ-VR, and were immersed in VR. During immersion, they were exposed to a roller coaster ride. Before and after the ride, participants responded to the CSQ-VR and performed VR-based cognitive and psychomotor tasks. After the VR session, participants completed the CSQ-VR again. Results: Motion sickness susceptibility, during adulthood, was the most prominent predictor of cybersickness. Pupil dilation emerged as a significant predictor of cybersickness. Experience with videogaming was a significant predictor of cybersickness and cognitive/motor functions. Cybersickness negatively affected visuospatial working memory and psychomotor skills. Overall the intensity of cybersickness’s nausea and vestibular symptoms significantly decreased after removing the VR headset. Conclusions: In order of importance, motion sickness susceptibility and gaming experience are significant predictors of cybersickness. Pupil dilation appears to be a cybersickness biomarker. Cybersickness affects visuospatial working memory and psychomotor skills. Concerning user experience, cybersickness and its effects on performance should be examined during and not after immersion.

Prototype Design of XR technology for psychomotor skill learning (PSL): Layering content focus and feedback to prompt deep PSL

Contemporary research in the realm of psychomotor skill learning uses sophisticated features of Extended reality (XR) technologies (VR/AR/MR), with promising implications towards accelerating learning process and enhancing learning outcome. A functional prototype is presented that replicates the potential representation of underlying PSL mechanism including both mental processing and motor movements. Rather than focusing on immersing learners in the virtual environment, this prototype aims at reversely immersing them in the intricate mechanisms of psychomotor skill to achieve deeper levels of PSL. The proposed prototype challenges the traditional emphasis on observable behaviors, informing the significant role of mental processing. The integration of mental and motor processing enables learners to completely immerse themselves in the psychomotor task leading to more effective and efficient PSL. Learners engaged in psychomotor tasks use external sensory stimuli to promptly refine their body movements for optimal performance. This paper contributes to PSL discourse offering practical insights and implications.

Initial evidence of delay discounting’s predictive utility for alcohol self-administration in ecologically valid contexts among young adults who drink heavily

BackgroundWhile delay discounting is robustly associated with alcohol use disorder, whether discounting predicts real-time alcohol use behaviors is unclear. Existing support comes from laboratory studies using intravenous alcohol self-administration methods, thus limiting ecological validity and generalizability. The present study evaluated whether delay discounting predicted real-time alcohol use in naturalistic settings with and without probabilistic negative consequences for consuming larger amounts of alcohol. MethodsThis secondary analysis utilized data from three laboratory alcohol self-administration studies with young adults who engaged in frequent heavy drinking (N=206, 45% female). Participants completed a delay discounting measure before an alcohol self-administration session in an actual or simulated bar with (n=187) or without (n=19) probabilistic negative consequences (compensation loss) tied to performance on cognitive and psychomotor tasks after alcohol self-administration. Bootstrapped (unstandardized) coefficient estimates and 95% confidence intervals were utilized due to the sample size discrepancy. ResultsMultiple regressions revealed that delay discounting did not significantly predict estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC) or number of drinks consumed when procedures included probabilistic negative consequences. Among participants who completed procedures without probabilistic negative consequences, delay discounting was positively associated with peak eBAC. ConclusionCounter to hypotheses, steeper delay discounting did not predict real-time alcohol use in contexts with probabilistic negative consequences, whereas preliminary evidence suggests that delay discounting predicts real-time alcohol use behaviors in contexts without probabilistic negative consequences. The specific discounting task may have impacted study findings, thus future research should consider how the sign (gain vs. loss), outcome certainty, and delay relate to alcohol consumption.

The Effectiveness of Paaryaad and Braitonic Training on Executive Functions of Children with Learning Disabilities

The purpose of this research was to compare the effectiveness of braitonic and paaryaad trainings on executive functions on children with learning disabilities. This research applied semi-experimental method. The research was performed in two stages which are pre-test and post-test. The statistical population was children with learning disabilities (45 participants) referred to Tabriz Welfare Center who were voluntary. N-back test was used to measure working memory while Psychomotor task software and Go/ No Go test were used to measure inhibition. After dividing the children into three groups, the braitonic and paaryaad training programs for the two experimental groups were designed and measured according to the children’s condition and the components of executive function (working memory and inhibition) in two stages. Analysis of variance test was used to compare the variables in children’s executive function. The findings demonstrated braitonic trainings and paaryaad trainings improved the level of executive functions of children with learning disabilities. The effect of paaryaad trainings was significantly greater than the effect of braitonic trainings in increasing the level of executive functions of children with learning disabilities.

The effect of 3D stereopsis and hand-tool alignment on learning effectiveness and skill transfer of a VR-based simulator for dental training.

Recent years have seen the proliferation of VR-based dental simulators using a wide variety of different VR configurations with varying degrees of realism. Important aspects distinguishing VR hardware configurations are 3D stereoscopic rendering and visual alignment of the user's hands with the virtual tools. New dental simulators are often evaluated without analysing the impact of these simulation aspects. In this paper, we seek to determine the impact of 3D stereoscopic rendering and of hand-tool alignment on the teaching effectiveness and skill assessment accuracy of a VR dental simulator. We developed a bimanual simulator using an HMD and two haptic devices that provides an immersive environment with both 3D stereoscopic rendering and hand-tool alignment. We then independently controlled for each of the two aspects of the simulation. We trained four groups of students in root canal access opening using the simulator and measured the virtual and real learning gains. We quantified the real learning gains by pre- and post-testing using realistic plastic teeth and the virtual learning gains by scoring the training outcomes inside the simulator. We developed a scoring metric to automatically score the training outcomes that strongly correlates with experts' scoring of those outcomes. We found that hand-tool alignment has a positive impact on virtual and real learning gains, and improves the accuracy of skill assessment. We found that stereoscopic 3D had a negative impact on virtual and real learning gains, however it improves the accuracy of skill assessment. This finding is counter-intuitive, and we found eye-tooth distance to be a confounding variable of stereoscopic 3D, as it was significantly lower for the monoscopic 3D condition and negatively correlates with real learning gain. The results of our study provide valuable information for the future design of dental simulators, as well as simulators for other high-precision psycho-motor tasks.

Assessing Laparoscopic Surgical Skills of Trainees with Scene Independent and Dependent Eye Gaze Metrics

Eye metrics have been used to objectively evaluate proficiency levels in psychomotor tasks, including aviation, driving, sports, and surgery. Despite extensive research devoted to developing and utilizing eye metrics, the literature does not contain any explicit comparison between scene independent and dependent eye metrics for understanding skill acquisition or characterizing expertise. This study collected eye tracking data from medical students practicing the peg transfer task and computed both scene independent and dependent eye metrics to indicate proficiency. K-means clustering analysis on the eye metrics yielded three clusters corresponding to three proficiency levels which showed significantly different trial completion time. The box plots of the eye-gaze metrics illustrated different patterns of scene independent and dependent eye metrics with respect to proficiency levels, highlighting the need for further examination of these metrics for accurate and useful applications.

Alcohol and Ganaxolone Suppress Tremor via Extra-Synaptic GABAA Receptors in the Harmaline Model of Essential Tremor.

A long-standing question is why essential tremor often responds to non-intoxicating amounts of alcohol. Blood flow imaging and high-density electroencephalography have indicated that alcohol acts on tremor within the cerebellum. As extra-synaptic δ-subunit-containing GABAA receptors are sensitive to low alcohol levels, we wondered whether these receptors mediate alcohol's anti-tremor effect and, moreover, whether the δ-associated GABAA receptor α6 subunit, found abundantly in the cerebellum, is required. We tested the hypotheses that low-dose alcohol will suppress harmaline-induced tremor in wild-type mice, but not in littermates lacking GABAA receptor δ subunits, nor in littermates lacking α6 subunits. As the neurosteroid ganaxolone also activates extra-synaptic GABAA receptors, we similarly assessed this compound. The harmaline mouse model of essential tremor was utilized to generate tremor, measured as a percentage of motion power in the tremor bandwidth (9-16 Hz) divided by background motion power at 0.25-32 Hz. Ethanol, 0.500 and 0.575 g/kg, and ganaxolone, 7 and 10 mg/kg, doses that do not impair performance in a sensitive psychomotor task, reduced harmaline tremor compared to vehicle-treated controls in wild-type mice but failed to suppress tremor in littermates lacking the δ or the α6 GABAA receptor subunit. As cerebellar granule cells are the predominant brain site intensely expressing GABAA receptors containing both α6 and δ subunits, these findings suggest that this is where alcohol acts to suppress tremor. It is anticipated that medications designed specifically to target α6βδ-containing GABAA receptors may be effective and well-tolerated for treating essential tremor. How does alcohol temporarily ameliorate essential tremor? This study with a mouse model found that two specific kinds of GABA receptor subunits were needed for alcohol to work. As receptors with both these subunits are found mainly in cerebellum, this work suggests this is where alcohol acts to suppress tremor.

Gait disorders in unipolar and bipolar depression

ObjectivesBipolar and unipolar depressions have a similar clinical picture, but different neurological and psychological mechanisms. These misleading similarities can lead to overdiagnosis and increased suicide risk. Recent studies show that gait is a sensitive objective marker for distinguishing the type of depression. The present study aims to compare psychomotor reactivity disorders and gait activity in unipolar and bipolar depression. MethodsA total of 636 people aged 40.7 ± 11.2 years are studied with an ultrasound cranio-corpo-graph. They are divided into three groups - patients with unipolar depression, with bipolar depression and healthy controls. Each person performs three psychomotor tasks - a classic Unterberger task, a simplified version with open eyes and a complex version with an additional cognitive task. ResultsWe find significant differences in psychomotor activity and reactivity between the three groups. Bipolar patients have more inhibited psychomotor skills than unipolar and they are both more inhibited than the norms. The simplified variant of the equilibriometric task is the most sensitive one and psychomotor reactivity is a more precise marker than psychomotor activity. ConclusionBoth psychomotor activity and reactivity in gait could be sensitive markers for distinguishing similar psychiatric conditions. The application of the cranio-corpo-graph and the possible development of similar devices could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, including early detection and prediction of the type of depression.

Cybersickness, Cognition, & Motor Skills: The Effects of Music, Gender, and Gaming Experience.

Recent research has attempted to identify methods to mitigate cybersickness and examine its aftereffects. In this direction, this paper examines the effects of cybersickness on cognitive, motor, and reading performance in VR. Also, this paper evaluates the mitigating effects of music on cybersickness, as well as the role of gender, and the computing, VR, and gaming experience of the user. This paper reports two studies. In the 1st study, 92 participants selected the music tracks considered most calming (low valence) or joyful (high valence) to be used in the 2nd study. In the 2nd study, 39 participants performed an assessment four times, once before the rides (baseline), and then once after each ride (3 rides). In each ride either Calming, or Joyful, or No Music was played. During each ride, linear and angular accelerations took place to induce cybersickness in the participants. In each assessment, while immersed in VR, the participants evaluated their cybersickness symptomatology and performed a verbal working memory task, a visuospatial working memory task, and a psychomotor task. While responding to the cybersickness questionnaire (3D UI), eye-tracking was conducted to measure reading time and pupillometry. The results showed that Joyful and Calming music substantially decreased the intensity of nausea-related symptoms. However, only Joyful music significantly decreased the overall cybersickness intensity. Importantly, cybersickness was found to decrease verbal working memory performance and pupil size. Also, it significantly decelerated psychomotor (reaction time) and reading abilities. Higher gaming experience was associated with lower cybersickness. When controlling for gaming experience, there were no significant differences between female and male participants in terms of cybersickness. The outcomes indicated the efficiency of music in mitigating cybersickness, the important role of gaming experience in cybersickness, and the significant effects of cybersickness on pupil size, cognition, psychomotor skills, and reading ability.

Carbon dioxide protects simulated driving performance during severe hypoxia

PurposeWe sought to determine the effect of acute severe hypoxia, with and without concurrent manipulation of carbon dioxide (CO2), on complex real-world psychomotor task performance.MethodsTwenty-one participants completed a 10-min simulated driving task while breathing room air (normoxia) or hypoxic air (PETO2 = 45 mmHg) under poikilocapnic, isocapnic, and hypercapnic conditions (PETCO2 = not manipulated, clamped at baseline, and clamped at baseline + 10 mmHg, respectively). Driving performance was assessed using a fixed-base motor vehicle simulator. Oxygenation in the frontal cortex was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.ResultsSpeed limit exceedances were greater during the poikilocapnic than normoxic, hypercapnic, and isocapnic conditions (mean exceedances: 8, 4, 5, and 7, respectively; all p ≤ 0.05 vs poikilocapnic hypoxia). Vehicle speed was greater in the poikilocapnic than normoxic and hypercapnic conditions (mean difference: 0.35 km h−1 and 0.67 km h−1, respectively). All hypoxic conditions similarly decreased cerebral oxyhaemoglobin and increased deoxyhaemoglobin, compared to normoxic baseline, while total hemoglobin remained unchanged.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that supplemental CO2 can confer a neuroprotective effect by offsetting impairments in complex psychomotor task performance evoked by severe poikilocapnic hypoxia; however, differences in performance are unlikely to be linked to measurable differences in cerebral oxygenation.

Review of Studies on Incremental Validity of Assessment Measures Used in Psychological Assessment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Few studies have summarized the literature relevant to the incremental validity of tools and procedures for the assessment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The current project reviewed such studies published in the prior 18 years. Results from studies on the incremental validity of measures used in the assessment of ADHD were reviewed. Measures included symptom reports, clinical interviews, behavioral observation, continuous performance and other psychomotor tasks, intelligence tests, and measures of executive function. Twenty-nine published studies and two reviews were identified from 2004 to 2022. Incremental validity was determined using various statistics including R2, classification metrics, odds ratios, and post-test probabilities. Findings suggest that symptom reports from a collateral source and continuous performance test measures have incremental validity over self-reports and clinical interviews. Measures of intellectual and executive functioning did not show incremental validity in the diagnosis of ADHD. Findings are relevant to the practitioner, as they bear on the optimization of both the cost-effectiveness and the diagnostic accuracy of combined procedures in the assessment of ADHD.

Towards best practice in developing motor skills: a systematic review on spacing in VR simulator-based psychomotor training for surgical novices

ObjectiveRepeated practice, or spacing, can improve various types of skill acquisition. Similarly, virtual reality (VR) simulators have demonstrated their effectiveness in fostering surgical skill acquisition and provide a promising, realistic environment for spaced training. To explore how spacing impacts VR simulator-based acquisition of surgical psychomotor skills, we performed a systematic literature review.MethodsWe systematically searched the databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, ERIC and CINAHL for studies investigating the influence of spacing on the effectiveness of VR simulator training focused on psychomotor skill acquisition in healthcare professionals. We assessed the quality of all included studies using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) and the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias assessment tool. We extracted and aggregated qualitative data regarding spacing interval, psychomotor task performance and several other performance metrics.ResultsThe searches yielded 1662 unique publications. After screening the titles and abstracts, 53 publications were retained for full text screening and 7 met the inclusion criteria. Spaced training resulted in better performance scores and faster skill acquisition when compared to control groups with a single day (massed) training session. Spacing across consecutive days seemed more effective than shorter or longer spacing intervals. However, the included studies were too heterogeneous in terms of spacing interval, obtained performance metrics and psychomotor skills analysed to allow for a meta-analysis to substantiate our outcomes.ConclusionSpacing in VR simulator-based surgical training improved skill acquisition when compared to massed training. The overall number and quality of available studies were only moderate, limiting the validity and generalizability of our findings.

Effect of visual field asymmetries on performance while utilizing aircraft attitude symbology

This research explores the effect of symbology placement on human performance for users of head-mounted augmented reality displays. A pair of experiments examined the impact on visual performance asymmetries when perceiving complex, meaningful visual stimuli, such as the Arc Segment Attitude Reference (ASAR). The ASAR symbology represents an aircraft’s vertical flight path and roll angles. Experiment 1 examined participants’ performance in making categorical and coordinate judgments regarding various attitudes of the ASAR and a Gabor patch which were briefly presented in the peripheral visual field. The results were consistent with the horizontal-vertical anisotropy literature, which implies that performance would be better for stimuli placed on the horizontal than the vertical meridian. Experiment 2 assessed asymmetries for continuously presented stimuli in a dual-task environment which involved a centrally located, demanding visual psychomotor task and monitoring of the ASAR or Gabor stimuli at the same peripheral locations as Experiment 1. No performance differences were found as a function of peripheral stimulus placement. However, eye tracking, particularly for a subset of the participants suggest they employed a more efficient visual process to monitor the peripheral stimuli when the stimuli were placed on the horizontal meridian.