Reaction Time Test Research Articles

Validation of a computerized driving simulator test of cognitive abilities for fitness-to-drive assessments.

Driving requires a series of cognitive abilities, many of which are affected by age and medical conditions. The psychosocial importance of continued driving ushers the need for valid measurements in fitness-to-drive assessments. A driving simulator test could prove useful in these assessments, having greater face validity than other off-road tests and being more cost-effective and safer than ordinary on-road testing. The aim of this study was to validate a driving simulator test for assessment of cognitive ability in fitness-to-drive assessments. The study included 67 healthy participants. Internal consistency of the simulator subtests was estimated. A correlation analysis between results on the simulator and the cognitive tests Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B and the Useful field of View test (UFOV) and multiple regression analysis were conducted. Finally, a comparison of results between age groups (>65 years) and (<65 years) was done. Results showed good internal consistency. Significant and moderate correlations were found for all reaction time in the simulator's subtests and UFOV 3, and all but two with TMT A. Lane positioning in the simulator showed significant and low to moderate correlations with UFOV 3 in all subtests. Reaction time and Double reaction time on subtest 3 were significantly correlated with UFOV 2 and UFOV 3 and TMT A, respectively. Test on Centerline (position) in subtest 3 as dependent variable was significantly correlated with UFOV 3. Significant means differences and large effect sizes between the age groups were found for all reaction time and lane positioning tests. The findings of concurrent validity, especially with TMT A and UFOV 3 and its sensitivity for age-related differences, indicate potential for the simulator to be used as a complement in fitness-to-drive assessments. However, a clinical study is necessary to further examine its usefulness for patients with cognitive deficits.

Correlation between gross motor coordination and basic coordination capacities in normal-weight and overweight/obese children aged 9-10 years.

Gross motor coordination (GMC) plays a crucial factor in children's motor development and daily activities. It encompasses various sub-capacities, such as spatial orientation, rhythm, and motor reaction, collectively referred to as basic coordination capacities (BCC). However, children who are overweight and obese (OW/OB) often display poorer GMC. This study aims to examine the impact of gender and weight status (BMI categories) on children's GMC and BCC. It also seeks to investigate the impact of BCC and BMI on GMC. The study involved 266 participants, 135 in the NW group (boys: n = 75; girls: n = 60) and 131 in the OW/OB group (boys: n = 68; girls: n = 63). An NW status is defined by a BMI z-score between ≥-2SD to ≤1SD, while an OW/OB status corresponds to a BMI z-score > 1SD. Physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, developed by the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. We used six field tests to evaluate BCC, including single leg standing test (static balance), YBT (dynamic balance), rhythmic sprint test (rhythm), reaction time test (motor reaction), target standing broad test (kinesthetic differentiation), and numbered medicine ball running test (spatial orientation). GMC was evaluated with Kiphard-Schilling's Body Coordination Test (KTK). The motor quotient (MQ) was primarily affected by weight status (F = 516.599, p < 0.001; gender: F = 6.694, p = 0.01), with no significant interaction effect (F = 0.062, p = 0.803). In BCC, gender had a significant main effect on rhythm capacity (F = 29.611, p < 0.001) and static balance (F = 11.257, p = 0.001) but did not significant influence other sub-capacities (p > 0.05). Weight status impacted dynamic balance (F = 11.164, p = 0.001). The interaction of gender and weight status significantly impacted motor reaction (F = 1.471, p = 0.024) and kinesthetic differentiation (F = 5.454, p = 0.02), but did not affect other sub-capacities (p > 0.05). The physical activity was not significant affected by gender (F = 0.099, p = 0.753), weight status (F = 0.171, p = 0.679) and the interactions of two variables (F = 0.06, p = 0.806). In the regression analysis, except motor reaction (p > 0.05), other BCC sub-capacities influenced GMC to varying extents (β = -0.103-0.189, p < 0.05). Nonetheless, only two types of balance significantly mediated the relationship between BMI and GMC (BMI→MQ: β = -0.543, p < 0.001; BMI→YBT: β = -0.315, p < 0.001; BMI→SLS: β = -0.282, p < 0.001; SLS→MQ: β = 0.189, p < 0.001; YBT→MQ: β = 0.182, p < 0.001). Compared to gender, the main effect of weight status on most GMC and BCC's sub-capacities was more pronounced. OW/OB children exhibited poorer GMC, which is related to their reduced static and dynamic balance due to excess weight. Kinesthetic differentiation, spatial orientation, and rhythm capacity are not significantly associated with BMI, but these sub-capacities positively influence gross motor coordination (GMC), except for hand-eye motor reaction.

TEMPO DE REAÇÃO E TESTE DE DESLIZAMENTO DEFENSIVO CONTRA T-TEST: QUAL É MELHOR?

ABSTRACT Introduction: During basketball, players’ movements represent a reaction to an unpredictable single or complex external stimulus (nonplanned agility). Objective: The present study aimed to compare the test of nonplanned agility to the planned agility test and to increase the knowledge of perception, decision-making, anticipation, and motor abilities of female basketball players. Methods: Thirty-six female basketball players (age: 18.81 ± 2.58 years) performed The Reaction Time and Defensive Sliding Test (RTADST) on the first day and the T-test the following day. Results: there were no statistically significant correlations between the RTADST and T-test at the whole sample level or between perimeter and post players. The T-test and Fat % correlation is significant at the 0.05 level, while the other analyzed correlations were insignificant. Perimeter players achieved better results on the RTADST test. There were no significant differences between perimeter and post players on the T-test. Conclusion: The RTADST and T-test are testing different abilities. We recommend the use of the RTADST to coaches and conditioning experts. Level of Evidence II; Diagnostic Study Investigating a Diagnostic Test.

Assessment of neurocognitive functions and information processing ability among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Central India – A cross-sectional study

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common and prevalent metabolic disorder linked to numerous health complications. Recent research has indicated a potential association between T2DM and cognitive impairment, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Aims and Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate neurocognitive functions and information processing ability in T2DM patients compared to healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: A total of 160 participants, including 80 T2DM patients under medication and 80 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, were enrolled. Cognitive assessments were conducted using Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination (ACE-III) and audiovisual reaction time tests. Statistical analyses were performed to assess differences and correlations between groups. Results: The study revealed that T2DM patients exhibited delayed neurocognitive functions, including prolonged auditory and visual reaction times, and lower ACE-III scores compared to healthy controls. Notably, a significant positive correlation between HbA1c levels and cognitive impairment was observed in the diabetic group. Conclusion: This study underscores the presence of cognitive deficits in T2DM patients and highlights the importance of routine cognitive assessment during clinical follow-up. The findings suggest that optimizing glycemic control may offer potential benefits in mitigating cognitive decline in individuals with T2DM. These insights contribute to our understanding of the interplay between T2DM and cognitive function, paving the way for improved patient care and interventions.

Rhythm and Response: Examining the Effects of Music on Reaction Time: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction: A reaction time test measures a person’s response time to stimuli. There has been a noticeable increase in exposure to loud music, which is generally believed to result in functional aberrations over time in healthy individuals. Loud music can improve alertness and arousal in certain situations, but it can also slow down cognitive processes and impede reaction time, especially when it serves as a stressor or distraction. Aim: To offer insights into investigating how music affects reaction time in adults. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted from PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar database from February 2000 to February 2024. The search utilised terms such as “music”, “high volume”, “adult”, “reaction time” and “noise” employing Boolean operators (AND, OR). Articles in which reaction time was measured included in this review, non-english articles were excluded. Results: A total of 2392 articles found from different database, out of which only seven met the inclusion criteria. These studies suggest that listening to loud music may have a negative impact on reaction time. Conclusion: The varying outcomes observed may suggest that the selection of music could have influenced alertness levels, while the presence of different distraction levels might have contributed to neurocognitive alterations, such as delayed responses and impaired bodily functions.

Investigation of Visual and Auditory Reaction Times of Elite and Non-Elite Field Hockey Athletes

The aim of this study is to examine the visual and auditory reaction times of elite and non-elite hockey players. Between the ages of 19-29 33 elite male hockey players who selected to U21 national team of Türkiye and 37 non-elite hockey players who playing in the hockey super league and 1. league as a volunteer in the study. In the laboratory where age, height, body weight measurements and appropriate environmental and environmental conditions are provided to the groups. Firstly, the auditory reaction test was applied to the athletes, and then the visual reaction test was applied. Measurements were applied with online computerized programs (for visual reaction, www.humanbenchmark.com; for auditory reaction, www.cognitivefun.net).When statistical analysis of data is done; A significant difference was found in favor of non-elite athletes in the visual reaction test (p&amp;lt;0.05). In the auditory reaction test, a significant difference was found in favor of elite athletes (p&amp;lt;0.05). Consequently, a significant difference in favor of non-elite athletes in the visual reaction time test indicate that visual reaction time of non-elite athletes is better than elite athletes. a significant difference in favor of elite athletes in the auditory reaction time test indicate that auditory reaction time of elite athletes is better than non-elite athletes. In addition, it was concluded that the auditory reaction times of the elite and non-elite hockey players were better than the visual reaction times.

Influence of gender and quality of sleep in cognitive impairment: A cross-sectional pilot study from Kerala, India

Background: Cognitive decline, a natural aging process, can lead to geriatric neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, which progresses rapidly, with memory complaints and deficits being particularly risky. Sleep is crucial for psychological functions and cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the connection between the sleep quality and cognitive function like working memory, reaction time (simple and choice reaction time), and attention (sustained/vigilant attention and divided attention) in the south Indian youth population.&#x0D; Material and methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was carried out on the 30 participants. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep quality, NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery for adults was used to assess different neuro-cognitive domains and Computerized test of reaction time to assess the simple reaction time and choice reaction time.&#x0D; Results: Participants with poor sleep quality showed impaired performance in the tests of attention (Sustained attention and Divided attention). No significant differences were observed between participants of good sleep quality and poor sleep quality in the test of working memory, N Back 1 test (t=0.539, p&gt;0.05) and N Back 2 test of working memory (t=0.306, p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; ConclusionL Participants with poor sleep quality significantly differed from those with good sleep quality and committed more mistakes in the triad test of divided attention, spend longer time, and committed errors in the completion of the digit vigilance test of sustained attention. Sleep patterns are associated with cognitive test performance, and optimising sleep duration and quality should be an important consideration for cognitive functions.

Identifying the Level of Symmetrization of Reaction Time According to Manual Lateralization between Team Sports Athletes, Individual Sports Athletes, and Non-Athletes

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of practicing sports activities on manual skills, focused on reaction time depending on manual laterality. The objectives of the study were to identify the differences in improving simple, optional, and cognitive reaction times in the manual executions of student athletes who practice team sports involving the manual handling of the ball (volleyball, basketball, handball) in comparison with student athletes who practice individual sports and with non-athletic students; to identify the differences regarding the reaction time of the right- and left-handed executions depending on the manual lateralization of the subjects (right- and left-handedness) between the three experimental samples: team sports group (TSG), individual sports group (ISG), and the group of non-athletes (NAG) through the use of computer tests. The study included 335 subjects who were divided into three groups: TSG with 102 subjects, ISG with 112 subjects, and NAG with 121 subjects. The subjects of the study were given five computer tests to evaluate three types of reaction time: simple reaction time (Start/Stop Test), choice reaction time (Check Boxes Test, Hit-the-dot Test), and time of cognitive reaction (Trail making Test part A and B). The results were analyzed regarding right- and left-handedness, as well as the execution hand (right hand or left hand) in solving the tests. The results of the study highlighted significant statistical differences between the three groups: TSG, ISG, and NAG. The best results were recorded by TSG in all tests, and the lowest by NAG. Statistically significant differences were also recorded between the executions with the dominant hand compared to the executions with the non-dominant hand in relation to right- and left-handedness. The study highlighted that the smallest differences in all the study groups were recorded in the simple reaction time test, where the differences between the right-handed and left-handed executions were the lowest, reflecting the best level of symmetrization of the motor executions.

Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with the decline in cognitive functioning in young adults

Coronaviruses have caused widespread disease and death worldwide, leading to the implementation of lockdown measures and the closure of educational institutions in various countries. This research aims to investigate the impact of social isolation on the cognitive functioning of young students. The study included 84 subjects, with 48 being socially isolated and 36 non-isolated individuals. The participants’ mental health was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), while cognitive functions were evaluated through attention-switching tasks (AST), pattern recognition memory (PRM), and choice reaction time (CRT) tests utilizing the Cambridge Neuropsychological Automated Battery (CANTAB) software. The socially isolated group had an average age of 21.3 ± 1.1 years, whereas the non-isolated group had an average age of 22.8 ± 2.0 years. The MMSE scores were 25.8 ± 1.6 for the socially isolated group and 28.6 ± 1.3 for the non-isolated group. In terms of cognitive functioning, there were significant differences (p = 0.000) observed in the values of AST correct latency for non-switching blocks (blocks 3 and 5) between the socially isolated group (608.1 ± 139.2) and the non-isolated group (499.5 ± 67.8). Similarly, the AST mean correct latency for switching blocks (block 7) was significantly different (p = 0.012) between the socially isolated group (784.4 ± 212.5) and the non-isolated group (671.8 ± 175.6). The socially isolated group exhibited significantly higher values in AST correct mean latency, AST congruent mean latency, AST incongruent mean latency, and AST percent mean correct trials compared to the non-isolated group. Additionally, the PRM mean percent correct significantly differed (p = 0.000) between the isolated group (81.3 ± 12.0) and the non-isolated group (91.9 ± 9.2). The isolated group also showed a higher CRT correct mean latency (482.4 ± 128.9) than the non-isolated group (451.0 ± 59.0), however the difference was not significant. In conclusion, social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a decline in the cognitive functioning of young students.

Prefrontal and Motor Planning Cortical Activity during Stepping Tasks Is Related to Task Complexity but Not Concern about Falling in Older People: A fNIRS Study.

This study investigated the effect of concern about falling on neural efficiency during stepping in older people. Community-dwellers aged >65 years were categorised as having low (n = 71) and high (n = 28) concerns about falling based on the Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale (IconFES 10-item, scores <19 and ≥19, respectively). Participants performed a choice stepping reaction time test (CSRT), an inhibitory CSRT (iCSRT), and a Stroop stepping test (SST)) on a computerised step mat. Cortical activity was recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. There were no significant differences in stepping response times or cortical activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), supplementary motor area (SMA), and premotor cortex (PMC) between those with and without concern about falling. However, stepping response times and cortical activity in the PFC, SMA, and PMC were significantly higher in the SST compared with the CSRT in the whole sample. PMC activity was also higher in the SST compared to the iCSRT. These findings demonstrate that cortical activity is higher in cognitively demanding stepping tasks that require selective attention and inhibition in healthy older people. The lack of association between concern about falling and neural efficiency during stepping in this older sample may reflect their only moderate scores on the IconFES.

Time to sense biofield (Prana) experiences between hands: A preliminary single blinded randomized placebo controlled trial.

There is minimal research on the duration of biofield experiences. This preliminary study used the experiential learning practice of Master Choa Kok Sui's hands sensitisation to determine the duration to experience biofield sensations in between hands and to find the relationship between learning style preferences and biofield sensations. This randomized placebo controlled, single blinded trial included 88 male and female pre-service teachers, aged 22.8±1.2 years. Participants completed a ruler drop test for reaction time, and Six Letter Cancellation test for measuring attention, learning style questionnaire for preferred method of learning, before randomization. The experimental (hands facing each other as introduced by Master Choa Kok Sui) and sham (hands facing opposite) groups practiced hands sensitisation. A semi-structured questionnaire was provided to gather information about biofield sensations and the time it took to experience these sensations between the hands. All (N=44) the participants in the experimental group and 13 participants in the sham group reported experiencing biofield sensations. A significant difference was noticed in experiencing magnetic (X 2 = 38.247, p ≤ .001), physical sensations of energy (X 2 = 12.02, p ≤ .001) and pain (X 2 = 62.259, p ≤ .001) among the experimental and sham group . In the experimental group, the average time taken to first experience magnetic sensation, other biofield sensations and temperature variation was 34.84±12.97seconds, 40.28±20.96 seconds and 42.50±19.79 seconds, respectively. Minimum time taken to first experience biofield sensation was 5 seconds and lasted up to study duration of 120 seconds. There was no correlation found between reaction time, sustained attention, and the time needed to experience biofield sensations. This study highlights importance of Master Choa Kok Sui hand sensitization in controlled setting revealing differences in experiences of various biofield sensations, showing valuable time-related insights and variability of sensation based on preferred learning.

COMPARISON OF UPPER LIMB REACTION SPEED BETWEEN YOUNG TABLE TENNIS AND BADMINTON ATHLETES USING THE LYMMIC ELECTRONIC SYSTEM

&lt;p&gt;The aim of the present study was to compare the upper limb reaction time between young athletes (boys) of table tennis and badminton. Two groups of 14 table tennis and badminton athletes (a total of 28 athletes) with a mean age of 14±1.65 and mean involvement in these sports of 5±1.32 were the sample of the study. The visual stimulus tests used to record reaction times were as follows: a) left hand simple reaction time test, b) right hand simple reaction time test, c) left hand choice reaction time test, d) right hand choice reaction time test. The tools used for the measurements were a special light sensor and other technological means. ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range test (p&amp;lt;0.05) were applied for statistical data processing. The analysis of the results showed no statistically significant differences in any of the 4 tests of the athletes. The findings and the way of measuring reaction speed could be used by the athletes’ coaches to enrich and improve the training process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0091/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The Effects of EEG Biofeedback Training on Visual Reaction Time in Judo Athletes.

The aim of the study was to expand the current knowledge on the effects of EEG biofeedback training on the reaction time of judo athletes, as well as to develop an optimal EEG training protocol in terms of the number of sessions and their duration that would significantly improve the reaction time of athletes. The study included 24 male athletes from the national team of the Polish Judo Association. The selected group was randomly divided into two subgroups: experimental and control. The study was conducted in four cycles varying in terms of frequency and duration of neurofeedback (NFB) sessions, both in the control and experimental groups. In the experimental group, each training cycle consisted of 15 sessions, followed by a four-week break. The effects of NFB training on the visual reaction time of judo athletes were evaluated using computerized simple and complex reaction time tests along with selected trials of the Vienna Test System (VTS). Following NFB training according to the theta/beta1 protocol, while maintaining appropriate duration and frequency of individual training sessions, statistically significant improvements in reaction times to visual stimuli of athletes, both in simple and complex tasks, were observed in the experimental group. No such changes were found in the control group. The greatest improvement in reaction times was observed in complex tasks, indicating the high effectiveness of EEG biofeedback training in enhancing this ability.

Enhancing Mental Fatigue Detection through Physiological Signals and Machine Learning Using Contextual Insights and Efficient Modelling

This research presents a machine learning modeling process for detecting mental fatigue using three physiological signals: electrodermal activity, electrocardiogram, and respiration. It follows the conventional machine learning modeling pipeline, while emphasizing the significant contribution of the feature selection process, resulting in, not only a high-performance model, but also a relevant one. The employed feature selection process considers both statistical and contextual aspects of feature relevance. Statistical relevance was assessed through variance and correlation analyses between independent features and the dependent variable (fatigue state). A contextual analysis was based on insights derived from the experimental design and feature characteristics. Additionally, feature sequencing and set conversion techniques were employed to incorporate the temporal aspects of physiological signals into the training of machine learning models based on random forest, decision tree, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbors, and gradient boosting. An evaluation was conducted using a dataset acquired from a wearable electronic system (in third-party research) with physiological data from three subjects undergoing a series of tests and fatigue stages. A total of 18 tests were performed by the 3 subjects in 3 mental fatigue states. Fatigue assessment was based on subjective measures and reaction time tests, and fatigue induction was performed through mental arithmetic operations. The results showed the highest performance when using random forest, achieving an average accuracy and F1-score of 96% in classifying three levels of mental fatigue.

Investigation of Reaction Time, Proprioception, and Shaped Pathway Walking Performance in Older Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty

ObjectivesThe existing literature on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) does not provide clear data on step reaction time and proprioception and gait in shaped pathways. This study investigated the relationship between proprioception and reaction time with walking performance in shaped pathways in older patients undergoing TKA. DesignA cross-sectional observational study. Setting and ParticipantsAn orthopedic outpatient clinic with 103 older patients with TKA after a minimum of 6 months after surgery. MethodsParticipants were evaluated with Figure-of-8 Walk Test (F8WT), L Test, Tinnetti Gait Test (TGT), proprioception measurement with an app-based inclinometer, and step reaction time (SRT) test. The same assessor carried out all evaluations. ResultsF8WT showed a strong correlation with SRT-right, SRT-left, and Tinetti Gait Test (TGT), respectively (r1 = 0.628, r2 = 0.619, r3 = −0.615, P < .01). In addition, F8WT was moderately correlated with Right Leg Proprioception Test (RLPT) and Left Leg Proprioception Test (LLPT), respectively (r1 = 0.487, r2 = 0.439, P < .01). There was a moderate correlation between L Test with RLRT, LLRT, and TGT, respectively (r1 = 0.597, r2 = 0.584, r3 = −0.542, P < .01). Besides, there was a weak positive correlation between L Test with RLPT and LLPT, respectively (r1 = 0.394, r2 = 0.335, P < .01). A regression model showed that the L test was related to RLRT, LLRT, and TGT (R2 = 0.432, P < .001). The higher ability of the L test was weakly associated with higher levels of TGT (standardized β = −0.28, P = .0012). Besides, regression analysis also proved that F8WT was related to RLRT, LLRT, and TGT (R2 = 0.522, P < .001). The most highly associated parameter was LLRT (standardized β = 0.958, P = .003). Conclusions and ImplicationsGait in shaped pathways is associated with proprioception, reaction time, and balance ability in older patients with TKA. Therefore, proprioception, reaction time, and balance should be considered to improve the shaped pathway walking performance of patients after bilateral, right, or left TKA surgery.

Do Differences Exist in Impact Test Domains between Youth Athletes with and without an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury?

Poor baseline reaction time, as measured via the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT), has been associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk in adult athletes. Our study sought to determine whether the reaction time and impulse control ImPACT test domains differed between ACL injured and uninjured pediatric athletes. A total of 140 high-school aged athletes comprising 70 athletes who went on to sustain an ACL injury between 2012 and 2018 and 70 age- and sex-matched uninjured controls were included in the study. Mean reaction times were similar for the injured (0.67 s) and uninjured (0.66 s) athletes (p = 0.432), and the impulse control scores were also similar for those with (5.67) and without (6.07) an ACL injury (p = 0.611). Therefore, neurocognitive risk factors for sustaining an ACL injury in adults cannot necessarily be extrapolated to adolescent athletes. Further research is needed to understand why differences exist between injury risk in youth and adult athletes.

The Comparison of Reaction Times in Competing Karate Athletes

The aim of the research is to compare the reaction times of kata and kumite athletes participating in national and international competitions in karate. A total of 108 male competitive athletes, including 40 kata competition athletes between the ages of 18-32 and 68 kumite competition athletes between the ages of 18-29, participated in the research voluntarily. In the research, some physical characteristics of kata and kumite athletes and right-left hand visual and right-left hand auditory reaction time tests were performed. T-Test was applied to determine the difference between groups at the α=0.05 significance level in all independent groups. A statistically significant difference was detected in training age, height and right hand visual reactions (p&amp;lt;0.05) among male kata and kumite athletes participating in the competitions. It can be said that these differences are due to the differences in kata and kumite training methods.

The influence of selected anthropometric parameters on psychomotor abilities among professional Rugby Union players

BackgroundOne of the most popular varieties of rugby is Rugby Union, in which a team consists of 15 players. Rugby Union is a full-contact sport, and players must demonstrate strength, endurance, speed and agility. During the match, players participate in multiple physical collisions and tackles, short-duration and high-intensity sprinting efforts. In addition, one of the elements affecting the effectiveness of the player’s game can be the reaction time of the rugby player to the visual stimulus and the ability to read the game and react to the situations on the pitch. The level of psychomotor abilities of a person or a player practising sports can be influenced by various factors, including age, body height, body weight, type of sport practised or level of training. The study aimed to analyse the psychomotor abilities of professional rugby union players, investigate the relationship between the selected anthropometric characteristics and psychomotor abilities, and compare obtained results with the control group.MethodsThe study covered 22 players of the Polish National Team (age: 29.3 ± 5.4) and 27 students in the control group (age: 24.3 ± 3.9). The tests were carried out using the Test2Drive computer system of tests. For psychomotor abilities analysis, four tests were used: Simple Reaction Test, Choice Reaction Time Test, Hand-Eye Coordination Test and Spatial Orientation Test. The statistical analysis compares groups using basic statistical measures, and statistically significant differences between groups were checked. In addition, multiple linear regression was used.ResultsThe analysis showed statistically significant differences between the groups in the simple reaction time test and the movement time for the test assessing reaction time with choice and eye-hand coordination. Multiple regression analysis conducted for both groups showed a statistically significant influence of some anthropometric parameters on the examined psychomotor abilities. The calculated multiple regression models had a high fit.ConclusionsThe analysis showed that professional Rugby Union players have shorter movement time than the control group. For reaction time, statistically significant differences were observed only for simple reaction time. Moreover, linear regression analysis showed that body height and weight affect the selected psychomotor abilities.

Effect of Caffeine in Pattern Memory and Reaction Time Test Among College Students

Effect of Caffeine in Pattern Memory and Reaction Time Test Among College Students

The Association Between Cognitive Functions and Psychological Factors in Patients with Severe COPD.

Patients with COPD experience anxiety, depression, and stress more frequently than in the age and gender-matched general population. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship between cognitive functions and the psychological factors of anxiety, depression and stress among patients with COPD. Between January 2021 and January 2023, patients with severe COPD were recruited, along with age-matched controls. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a continuous reaction time test (CRT), and a driving simulator were used to assess cognitive impairment. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were used to explain the variance of the correlations. In total, 80 patients (mean age = 64yrs) and 22 controls (mean age = 61yrs) participated in the study. Patients reported significantly higher levels of psychological symptoms compared to the controls (p ≤ 0.001). We found no differences in anxiety (p = 0.31), depression (p = 0.66) and stress (p = 0.37) between patients with and without cognitive impairment. However, stress showed to be a significant predictor of decreased attention (higher stress score resulted in decreasing CRT-index, indication a reduced stability in reaction time) (p = 0.02). Psychological factors did not explain additional variance in cognitive functions beyond sociodemographic factors such as age and sex. Psychological symptom levels are higher in COPD than controls and perceived stress among patients with COPD appears to be associated with decreased attention. However, psychological factors in general did not appear to contribute to the variance in cognitive functions beyond sociodemographic, physical, and self-perceived symptoms.