Total Mood Disturbance Research Articles

Heart rate variability versus visual analog scale for objective and subjective mental fatigue detection: A randomized controlled trial

Fatigue is a multidimensional phenomenon. Although psychological tests can be used to evaluate subjective fatigue, an objective measurement of fatigue is needed to evaluate mental, physical, and occupational health and inform appropriate interventions. Heart rate variability (HRV) has emerged as a potential candidate for assessing objective mental fatigue; however, its effectiveness and safety remain inconclusive. To address these, we conducted a single-center, randomized trial to compare the efficacy and safety of HRV with subjective psychological tests for evaluating mental fatigue. Participants aged 20 to 65 years who had received annual health check-ups and had been found to have no health concerns were included in this study. We compared HRV indexes after performing a calculation task with a control group that rested. The primary outcomes were HRV indexes as recorded by wearable electrocardiography after an intervention consisting of a calculation task. Subjective measures (visual analog scale [VAS] for fatigue and Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition [POMS2]) were evaluated as secondary outcomes. One hundred forty participants were randomized into a calculation task and control groups. Participants who performed the calculation task had a lower square root of the mean squared differences between successive RR intervals (RMSSD), absolute power in the high-frequency band, and standard deviation of Poincaré plot. In psychological tests, participants who performed the calculation task demonstrated significantly higher scores on the VAS for fatigue and POMS2. Multiple comparisons of RMSSD from HRV indexes, VAS for fatigue, and total mood disturbance from POMS2 revealed that RMSSD and VAS for fatigue were significant indicators associated with the calculation task. On the other hand, the vectors of HRV indexes and psychological tests differed based on primary component analysis. We identified RMSSD, an objective index, and VAS for fatigue, a subjective index, as significantly related to mental fatigue.

A pilot study on the effects of olfactory stimulation with white musk aromatic oil on psychophysiological activity: a crossover study

Studies on the compounds of aromatic oils and their effects on psychophysiological changes in humans are often conducted separately. To obtain better validation, a suitable protocol is needed that can be extrapolated to large-scale olfactory stimulation experiments. Unfortunately, this type of study is still rarely performed. In this situation, we propose a randomized crossover pilot study on olfactory stimulation with aromatic oils in relation to changes in psychophysiological activity by focusing on white musk aromatic oil due to its popularity in the community. Chemical profiling by TDU-GC-MS (thermal desorption gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) was performed to understand the compounds of the aromatic oils presented. To understand the changes in the participants’ impressions and mood states, POMS 2 (Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition) and VAS (Visual analogue scale) were performed in addition to physiological evaluation by using EEG (electroencephalogram), ECG (electrocardiogram) and salivary amylase measurements. The proposed pilot study showed “gorgeous”, “sweet”, and “like” impression toward white musk aromatic oil under VAS evaluation. Mood evaluation under POMS 2 variables such as Fatigue-Inertia (FI), Tension-anxiety (TA) and TMD (total mood disturbance) were significantly decreased under white musk aromatic oil inhalation. Under current protocol, we can also see the changes in autonomic activity and brain activity during olfactory stimulation. This pilot study could be the first step towards a larger sample size experiment on olfactory stimulation. This experiment has been registered to UMIN Clinical Trials Registry with register ID : UMIN000051972 on 24/08/2023.

Optimizing oral 3-hydroxybutyrate dosage using pharmacokinetic model to improve cognitive function and mood in healthy subjects.

The brain uses ketones, mainly 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB), as an alternative energy source. Therefore, oral intake of 3-HB may help maintain brain health. Previous studies indicated that achieving a maximum concentration (Cmax) of 3-HB in plasma at 0.28 mM could initiate ketone metabolism in the brain; we hypothesized that attaining this Cmax would improve brain health. We aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of an optimized single oral dose of 3-HB on cognitive function and mood through two clinical studies: a pharmacokinetic study and an efficacy study. In the pharmacokinetic study, healthy subjects were ingested 2 and 4 g of 3-HB to construct a compartment model to predict the minimum oral dose of 3-HB needed to achieve the target Cmax. In the efficacy study, a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled crossover trial, the effects of 3-HB at the predicted doses on cognitive function and mood in healthy subjects were assessed by a serial arithmetic test (SAT), the cognitrax, the profile of mood states 2nd edition (POMS2), and fatigue visual analog scale (VAS). In the pharmacokinetic study, a one-compartment model that includes saturable and non-saturable absorption pathways, constant biosynthesis, and the linear elimination of 3-HB after oral administration were constructed. The model principally reflected the observed serum 3-HB concentrations profiles and predicted a minimum dose of 3.5 g needed to achieve the target Cmax. In the efficacy study, although no significant difference was observed in any cognitive domains assessed by the Cognitrax, total responses and correct answers in the SAT were significantly improved in the active group receiving 3.5 g of 3-HB compared to the placebo group. Regarding the POMS2, confusion-bewilderment, fatigue-inertia, vigor-activity, and total mood disturbance scales were significantly improved in the active group compared to the placebo group. Additionally, fatigue VAS were also significantly improved in the active group compared to the placebo group. We successfully established a one-compartment model for oral 3-HB intake and demonstrated partial efficacy on cognitive function and broad efficacy on mood in healthy subjects with a single oral dose of 3.5 g of 3-HB optimized by the model. https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm, identifier [UMIN000042095, UMIN000046666].

Health-related quality of life and mental health outcomes among cancer survivors in an insomnia intervention: a randomized controlled trial.

While brief behavioral therapy for insomnia (BBTI) has shown promising results in improving sleep outcomes, its effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and mental health among cancer survivors have been understudied. To evaluate the effect of BBTI on HRQOL and mental health outcomes among cancer survivors, relative to an attention control group receiving a healthy eating program (HEP), over periods from baseline to 12 months and from 3 to 12 months. A sample of 132 cancer survivors with insomnia symptoms (Mage: 63.7 ± 10 years; 55.3% female) was assessed at baseline, with the final analytical sample of 121 (BBTI = 62, HEP = 59). Self-reported HRQOL, mood disturbance, depression, and anxiety at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months were examined. A multivariate linear model using least squares means evaluated within- and between-group differences. No significant differences in outcome variables were found between the randomized groups at any time point. Both groups showed significant improvements in total HRQOL, mood disturbance, and anxiety symptoms from baseline to 12 months. Only the BBTI group demonstrated a significant reduction in depressive symptoms within the group, an effect not observed in the HEP group. The most noticeable changes occurred within the first 3 months, with no statistically significant differences from 3 to 12 months within or between groups. While both randomized groups showed improvements in total HRQOL, mood, and anxiety symptoms, only BBTI produced significant within-group improvements in depressive symptoms over 12 months. https://ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03810365.

Psychological Responses Among Individuals Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery.

This study elucidated how previous surgery experience, coping, and optimism influenced the mood of patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. Additionally, it examined the relationships among age, preoperative mood, and postoperative mood. Sixty-four patients (n = 42 men, n = 22 women; age range = 18-51y) who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery at one hospital in western Japan completed questionnaires beforeandafter surgery. Results revealed that patients who underwent previous ACL reconstruction surgery reported higher tension-anxiety (P < .01) and total mood disturbance (TMD) (P < .05) than did patients who underwent primary surgery. Additionally, tension-anxiety, anger-hostility, TMD (P < .001), depression-dejection, fatigue, and confusion (P < .01) assessed before surgery were significantly reduced after surgery, and preoperative mood was positively related to postoperative mood. Furthermore, positive interpretation was negatively related to TMD before surgery (P < .05), and evading one's responsibility was positively related to TMD after surgery (P < .05). Therefore, psychological support might be necessary for patients who underwent previous ACL reconstruction surgery and patients who evade responsibility. The results of this study will help sport medicine professionals identify several individual factors that are related to psychological responses of patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery.

Exploring the influence of indoor temperature on thermal comfort and performance

Thermal discomfort markedly impacts human productivity, determined mainly by environmental and personal factors. The proposed research evaluates thermal comfort and productivity based on standard effective temperature, which covers the occupants’ indoor thermal environmental and personal factors. Twenty-four college students were selected for experiments; they experienced four air temperatures (23 °C, 25 °C, 27 °C, and 30 °C), with relative humidity ranging from 60% to 80% and air velocity from 0 to 0.2 m/s. A subjective questionnaire assessed occupant thermal comfort, mental state, and mental workload, while their performance was quantitatively evaluated using neuro-behavioral tests. The results showed that the highest performance and thermal comfort were recorded at 27.2 °C mean SET, during which the occupant sensation ranged from ‘neutral’ to ‘slightly cool’, and the total mood disturbance and mental workload were relatively low. This underscores the crucial relationship between thermal comfort, psychological response, and performance, with the most significant changes observed in warm environments. It is evident that thermal comfort correlates with decreased total mood disturbance, reduced mental workload, heightened performance, and vice versa. The findings of this study would enable building HVAC operators to optimize the operation of HVAC systems by creating an indoor thermal environment that supports optimal human performance and ensures comfort.

10-Week Ballroom Dance Program Improves Mood and Influences Health-Related Elements in Healthy Middle-Aged Adults.

Introduction: Sedentary lifestyles remain a persistent health issue in Japan. Ballroom dancing has recently gained attention as a potential means of maintaining physical activity, but there are very few reports on Japanese subjects. Exploratory research is therefore needed to investigate the effects of ballroom dancing on the physical and mental health of sedentary middle-aged Japanese adults. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ballroom dancing on various health-related physical and psychological outcomes in middle-aged adults compared to a control group. Methods: A parallel-group study was carried out. Thirty healthy but inactive middle-aged adults with no previous dance experience were divided into 2 groups: an intervention group which participated in a recreational level ballroom dance program for 10 weeks (60 minutes, once per week) and a control group which had no dance lessons. Subjects completed questionnaires regarding subjective mood changes and daily physical activity. Objective measures of physical fitness, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, and autonomic nervous system function were also assessed before (T0) and after 10 weeks (T11) of dance practice. Results: In the subjective questionnaire, the Profile of Mood States 2 (POMS®2) survey, one of the health-related indicators, T-scores of the Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) after the intervention showed a difference (P = .014) between the dance group and the control group. In post hoc tests, increases of autonomic activity and number of days of high-intensity physical activity correlated positively with a reduction in TMD in the dance group. Conclusion: Among inactive middle-aged adults, participation in weekly ballroom dance lessons for 10 weeks improved their psychological mood compared to a control group. The improvement was found to have the positive effects of activating autonomic nervous system activity and increasing high-intensity physical activity. The results suggest that ballroom dancing may be effective in improving exercise habits and physical and mental health.

Using the Complex Network Model to Associate Nutritional, Psychological, and Physical Parameters and Aspects of Sleep with Depression Symptoms.

Background/Objectives: Major depressive disorder is a significant public health concern linked to factors such as a low-quality diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor sleep quality, all of which contribute to its development; nevertheless, the existing literature lacks a comprehensive framework to effectively integrate these interrelated influences. Methods: To address this gap, we conducted a questionnaire-based study involving 411 individuals aged 18 to 74 and employed a weighted complex network model to clarify the associations among nutritional factors, physical activity levels, psychological parameters, and sleep profiles and depression. In addition to constructing networks that encompass distinct subgroups based on general context, sex differences (female vs. male), and four age categories, our network was designed with a clearly defined target: the score from the Beck Depression Inventory. Results: In all networks studied, psychological parameters (e.g., tension, depression, hostility, fatigue, confusion, and total mood disturbance) emerged as the most influential nodes in relation to the targeted node (Eigenvector centrality of approximately 0.30). Additionally, sleep quality was identified as the next most relevant parameter for the general network (Eigenvector = 0.25), while nutritional factors-particularly carbohydrates-demonstrated greater prestige within the male network (Eigenvector = 0.06). Nutritional parameters had a stronger influence on depressive symptoms among individuals aged 29-39 years (Eigenvectors = 0.09, 0.09, and 0.14 for energy, carbohydrates, and fat, respectively). Conclusions: This novel approach allowed for a clearer visualization of how the studied parameters impact depressive symptoms, revealing significant differences when certain aspects are examined independently across distinct groups.

Effects of cranberry (poly)phenols on mental health in university students: the CRANMOOD randomized controlled trial

Increasing evidence indicates that (poly)phenol consumption can have beneficial effects in human brain function(1). The overall aim of this project is to investigate whether consumption of a (poly)phenol rich cranberry drink improve mental health and cognitive function in university students via the gut-brain axis.A parallel randomised controlled trial was conducted in 72 young healthy final year university students assigned to consume 236 mL cranberry drink (442 mg polyphenols) or nutrient matched placebo, daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was mood, measured as Total Mood Disturbance (TMD), using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included stress, anxiety and depression levels, measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire, salivary cortisol levels and cognitive function measured using the Online General Cognitive Assessment Battery (CogniFit). All of these questionnaires were measured every 4 weeks. Blood and urine samples were collected to measure inflammatory markers, gut-brain-axis metabolites, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and cranberry polyphenols metabolites. Faecal samples were also collected for measuring gut microbiome diversity and composition and faecal metabolomics. Diet was assessed using food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), 7-day food diaries (EPIC) and 24 h online dietary recalls (intake 24) during the study. Linear mixed-effect model (LMM) and ANCOVA were used to investigate the relationship between the 2 trial arms.No significant differences were found between treatments for mood, stress levels, anxiety, depression, circulating short chain fatty acids or inflammatory markers, however a significantly lower diurnal area under the curve of salivary cortisol (p = 0.010) and significantly higher short-term memory (Z-score: p = 0.024; Raw-score: p = 0.034) was found at 12 weeks in the cranberry group compared with the placebo. Besides, significant differences between interventions were found in plasma gut-brain axis metabolites, including the kynurenine and bile acids pathway which were kynurenine (p = 0.023), kynurenic (p = 0.032), quinolinic (p = 0.018), and glycolithocholic acid (p = 0.04) as well as several plasma and urinary cranberry (poly)phenol metabolites were modulated by cranberry consumption.In conclusion, daily cranberry (poly)phenol supplementation for 12 week did not improve mood, stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in healthy university students, however it may modulate cortisol levels and some aspects of cognitive function via the gut-brain axis.

Infrared-A to improve mood: an exploratory study of water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) exposure

Diurnal preference to eveningness might predispose to depression. There is preliminary evidence of infrared-A (IR-A) induced whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) in the treatment of depression. In this exploratory study with 19 adults, we investigated the effects of a 20-min exposure of water-filtered IR-A (wIRA) to the skin of back and buttock area, without inducing WBH, on mood and assessed the outcome by diurnal preference (#R19047, approval on 7 May 2019). The skin received irradiation with an integrated power of 102.4 W in the wavelength region of 550–1350 nm and a total dose of 123 kJ over the total area of 0.0483 m2. The diurnal preference was assessed with a 6-item version of the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (mMEQ). The 40-item Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire was used to assess total mood disturbance (TMD). Core temperature was measured 30 min before, during and 30 min after the irradiation. Skin surface temperature was measured on baseline and every two minutes during the irradiation. The TMD improved immediately after the exposure, and this positive effect lasted for 24 h (p = 0.001) as well as for 2 weeks (p = 0.02). Concerning the diurnal preference, the positive effect on mood was immediate and lasted for 24 h in evening types (p = 0.02) and for 2 weeks in morning types (p = 0.04). During the exposure, core body temperature was constantly lower in morning types compared to evening types. This study gives us new information on the effects of near-infrared radiation, without inducing WBH, through the skin on mood.Graphical abstract

Effects of traffic noise on the psychophysiological responses of college students: An EEG study

Traffic noise harms public health, but the specific mechanisms are not fully understood. To understand how traffic noise at different sound pressure levels (SPLs) affects psychophysiological responses, this study examined five SPLs of traffic noise: 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 dB. 38 young college students were recruited for Profile of Mood States (POMS) evaluations and measurements of electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram. The study found that traffic noise exposure led to a 0.95–1.64-fold increase in mood disturbance compared to no sound, with 60 dB traffic noise causing a significantly greater increase compared to other SPLs. As SPL increased, ΔLF/HF increased by 0.01–0.83, indicating heightened stress levels. Traffic noise also induced stress responses in the brain, with α power reduced by 13.08–24.15 % compared to no sound. High SPL traffic noise significantly harmed brain comfort. Compared to 40–45 dB, exposure to 50–60 dB traffic noise significantly increased α power by 28.66–85.80 % (p < 0.05). Additionally, 60 dB traffic noise increased the likelihood of supercritical brain activity by 32.49 % compared to no sound. Psychological response changes were closely related to physiological response changes. Δα power, particularly in the frontal and parietal lobes, was the strongest predictor of the increase in total mood disturbance, suggesting these lobes should be the focus of future traffic noise-brain studies. The study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the negative effects of traffic noise from a psychophysiological perspective, highlighting the harm of high SPLs. The findings provide valuable insights for developing indoor acoustic environment standards.

Associations Between Expectations Regarding Psychological Well-being Response To Exercise And Observed Total Mood Disturbance Responses To Acute Low-intensity Aerobic Exercise.

Associations Between Expectations Regarding Psychological Well-being Response To Exercise And Observed Total Mood Disturbance Responses To Acute Low-intensity Aerobic Exercise.

Effects of fortified electrolyte drink on cognitive, mood, and nutritional parameters: a randomised, single‐blind, placebo‐controlled study

SummaryElectrolyte drinks contain charged minerals and are easily accessible in the market. It has become popular for the food and beverage industry to add nutrients and/or active ingredients to electrolyte drinks and market them as functional beverages. This study aims to determine the interactive effects of electrolyte drinks added caffeine, glucose, and B‐group vitamins (FED) on cognitive, mood index, and nutritional parameters. A total of 34 university students participated in this randomised, single‐blind, and placebo‐controlled study. Participants in the intervention group consumed 500 mL of FED, while participants in the control group consumed 500 mL of an electrolyte drink (ED). Baseline and post‐intervention data on cognitive performance, mood index, blood glucose, blood pressure, heart rate, and urine specific gravity were measured. Results indicated no significant differences (P &gt; 0.05) in post‐intervention cognitive performance scores for simple reaction time, choice reaction time, verbal paired associates, visual paired associates, and digit symbol matching between the FED and ED groups. Levels of fatigue, confusion, and total mood disturbance (TMD) were significantly reduced (P &lt; 0.05) by 46.50%, 62.75%, and 9.54%, respectively, following FED consumption. Post‐intervention data indicated no differences between the FED and ED groups in blood pressure, heart rate, and urine specific gravity, except for the blood glucose parameter, in which the blood glucose level of the FED group was significantly greater (P &lt; 0.05) than that of the ED group. This study indicates that FED consumed in a realistic dose can reduce fatigue, confusion, and TMD. Further studies with a higher caffeine dosage, but within the safe range, could be conducted to investigate the cognitive enhancement potential of FED.

Preoperative Psychological Competitive Ability Is Associated With Emotional States Six Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Hamstring Autograft: A Prospective Study.

Background Psychological state has been reported as one of the factors strongly related to a return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, its relationship with the emotional state remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction and have a higher preoperative psychological competitive ability have a better emotional status preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Methods Patients with a Tegner activity score of ≥6 who underwent ACL reconstruction between 2015 and 2020 were divided into two groups according to their grades on the Diagnostic Inventory of Psychological Competitive Ability for Athletes (DIPCA.3). The emotional states preoperatively and at six months postoperatively were assessed using the Profile of Mood States Second Edition (POMS2) and compared between the two groups. Furthermore, the possibility of returning to sports was compared between the groups based on participation in the entire practice at six months postoperatively. Results Eighty-four patients were included and divided into the high (DIPCA.3 grades ≥4, n = 23) and low (DIPCA.3 <4, n = 61) groups. Vigor-activity and friendliness were significantly higher in the high group than in the low group preoperatively. The difference was even greater at six months after ACL reconstruction. In addition, the high group showed significantly better results postoperatively for fatigue-inertia and total mood disturbance. Rates of return to sports did not differ significantly between the high and low groups (56.5% vs. 54.1%). Conclusions Those with a higher preoperative psychological competitive ability were in a positive emotional state preoperatively and six months after ACL reconstruction. However, the psychological competitive ability did not affect the rate of participation in the entire practice at six months postoperatively.

Physiological and Psychological Effects of Walking in and Viewing Autumn Forests in Urban Park in Japanese and Indonesian Adults

Abstract Park therapy can improve mental health and reduce stress levels. We investigated how walking in and viewing autumn forests affected people’s physiological and psychological responses. The experiments were carried out on one walking route to one viewing point in urban park and city street and involved 20 adults. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored to evaluate physiological effects, while the Profile of Mood States and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were employed to assess psychological effects. Walking along the edge of an autumn forest may have resulted in a lower heart rate and systolic blood pressure than walking in the city street. The average heart rate of Japanese adults was significantly lower than that of Indonesians. All negative mood states were lower; vigor was higher after viewing autumn forests in Indonesians than in Japanese. Confusion, tension, and total mood disturbance were lower in Japanese than in Indonesians after viewing the autumn forest. The anxiety level was lower after walking among Indonesians and viewing the autumn forest among all adults. Finally, walking in and viewing autumn forests in an urban park leads to physiological and psychological relaxation.

The Effects of Reiki on the Stress of Japanese Nurses: Mixed Methods Pilot Study.

Purpose: To identify the effects of Reiki on stress among Japanese nurses. Design: Mixed method and intervention design. Method: A nonprobability snowball sampling was used. Twenty-one nurses were invited to receive the Reiki intervention. Physical responses were measured by pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure rate, and salivary α-amylase activity pre- and postintervention. Psychological responses were evaluated by the mood dimensions and Total Mood Disturbance of the Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition. To obtain qualitative data, semistructured interviews were conducted after the intervention, and a web-based questionnaire was completed the following day. Findings: Twenty-one participants completed the study, and results indicated that the Reiki intervention significantly improved psychological stress reactions. No significant differences were found in physical stress. Two categories were identified from qualitative data: "positive effects" and "negative effects". Codes including "warm," "body feeling more comfortable," and "stress awareness" emerged as the positive effects. No adverse events were indicated. Conclusion: The results are the first step toward holistic nursing care in Japan and quantitative and qualitative data confirmed that Reiki improved the psychological aspect of stress responses of Japanese nurses.

Acute, dose-response effects of guayusa leaf extract on mood, cognitive and motor-cognitive performance, and blood pressure, heart rate, and ventricular repolarization.

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial in young adults to examine the dose-dependent (600 mg versus 1200 mg), acute effects of consumption of an Ilex guayusa tea extract (GLE) on mood, cognitive and motor-cognitive performance, as well as its acute cardiovascular effects. Twenty-five adults (mean ± SD, age = 28 ± 7 y; 9 M/16 F) completed familiarization and then three randomly ordered experimental visits where they consumed either 600 mg (GLE600) or 1200 mg (GLE1200) GLE or placebo (PLA). Following supplement consumption, participants completed a mood state survey, assessments of perceived jitteriness, energy, and focus, and neurocognitive and motor-cognitive testing. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and QT interval length were determined before and after supplementation. GLE600 significantly improved total mood disturbance (mean ± SE difference = -6.9 ± 2.6 au, p = 0.034), fatigue-inertia (-2.84 ± 0.89 au, p = 0.008), perceived energy (+13.00 ± 4.49 au; p = 0.02), motor speed (+4.52 ± 1.42 au, p = 0.008), and psychomotor speed (+7.20 ± 2.16 au, p = 0.005) relative to PLA. GLE1200 also improved psychomotor speed (+5.08 ± 2.16 ms, p = 0.045) and uniquely increased motor-cognitive performance as reflected by a decrease in reaction time (-0.106 ± 0.04 ms, p = 0.026) during a neurocognitive hop test. The effect of GLE on jitteriness was both dose- and sex-dependent. Jitteriness increased with increasing GLE dose in women only (p < 0.001). Both GLE600 and GLE1200 similarly increased systolic and diastolic BP by 4-5 mmHg (p ≤ 0.022). Neither GLE600 nor GLE1200 acutely influenced QTc length (p = 0.31). The goal of GLE supplementation should be considered when selecting a dosing strategy. Lower dosages of GLE (e.g. 600 mg) appear to optimize cognitive and mood-related outcomes while limiting side-effects such as jitteriness in women, and higher dosages may be necessary (e.g. 1200 mg) to promote improvements in motor-cognitive performance.

Effects of Heat-Treated Lactobacillus helveticus CP790-Fermented Milk on Gastrointestinal Health in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Probiotic-fermented milk is commonly used to maintain intestinal health. However, the effects of heat-treated fermented milk, which does not contain live microorganisms, on intestinal function are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to investigate whether heat-treated Lactobacillus helveticus CP790-fermented milk affects fecal microbiota and gut health as a "postbiotic". A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in healthy Japanese individuals aged 20-59 years with a tendency toward constipation. Participants consumed 100 mL of either the test beverage (n = 60) or placebo beverage (n = 60) for four weeks. The test beverages were prepared with heat-treated CP790-fermented milk, while the placebo beverages were prepared with nonfermented milk flavored with lactic acid. Fecal samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Constipation symptoms were assessed using defecation logs and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) questionnaire. Mood state was also assessed using the Profile of Mood States 2 (POMS2) questionnaire to explore its potential as a "psychobiotic". Desulfobacterota were significantly decreased by CP790-fermented milk intake. PICRUSt2 analysis predicted a decrease in the proportion of genes involved in the sulfate reduction pathway following the consumption of CP790-fermented milk. The CP790-fermented milk intervention significantly improved stool consistency and straining during defecation. These improvements were correlated with a decrease in Desulfobacterota. After the intervention, overall mood, expressed as total mood disturbance, and depression-dejection were significantly better in the CP790 group than in the placebo group. These results suggest that the intake of CP790-fermented milk could be effective in modulating gut microbiota and improving constipation symptoms and mood states.

Acute and Long-Term Effects of App-Delivered Heartfulness Meditation on Psychological Outcomes and the Endocannabinoid Signaling System in Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction often triggered by stress. Interventions such as meditation may improve psychological outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but their efficacy and the underlying mechanism are unknown. We conducted a 6-week single-arm pilot study to assess the effects of heartfulness meditation (HFM) in CVS using a custom-designed meditation app. Primary outcomes included state and trait anxiety and mood state changes pre vs post-meditation, and secondary outcomes were psychological distress, coping, sleep quality, and HRQoL at baseline and at weeks 3 and 6. Serum concentrations of endocannabinoids N -arachidonylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol and related lipids were measured pre- and post-HFM at baseline and week 6. In 30 treatment completers, there was a significant improvement in state anxiety ( P < 0.001), total mood disturbance ( P < 0.001), and other mood states (all P values < 0.05) across the 3 time points. Trait anxiety was also improved at week 6. There was a significant improvement in psychological distress (Global Severity Index), sleep quality (daytime dysfunction), coping (using religion/spirituality), and HRQoL (mental and physical) across the 3 time points (all P < 0.05). Significant increases in N -arachidonylethanolamine and related lipids N -oleoylethanolamine and palmitoylethanolamide post vs pre-HFM were observed at week 6 ( P < 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, respectively). No adverse effects were noted. App-delivered HFM is feasible, safe, and effective and improves psychological outcomes and augments endocannabinoids. This provides insight into the mechanism underlying HFM and has potential for widespread use as a digital therapeutic in CVS and other disorder of gut-brain interaction.

Incorporating biofeedback into the Mindfulness in Motion Intervention for health care professionals: Impact on sleep and stress

ContextHealth care providers (HCP) experience high stress and burnout rates. Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBI) with biofeedback may help improve resiliency but require further research. Design and Study ParticipantsAims were to evaluate changes in sleep patterns, nocturnal physiology, stress, mood disturbances, and perceived experience with biofeedback during the Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) intervention. Data from 66 HCP were included after removing those below 75 % compliance with wearable sensors and wellness surveys. Participants were enrolled in MIM, including eight weekly one-hour virtually delivered synchronous group meetings and ∼10 min of mindfulness home practice at least 3 times per week using a mobile application. Participants wore wearable sensors to monitor sleep and nocturnal physiology and completed short daily stress and mood disturbances. ResultsAccording to mixed effect models, no sleep nor physiological metrics changed across MIM (p > 0.05). More time was spent in bed after MIM sessions (8.33±1.03 h) compared to night before (8.05±0.93 h; p = 0.040). Heart rate variability was lower nights after MIM (33.00±15.59 ms) compared to nights before (34.50±17.04 ms; p = 0.004) but was not clinically meaningful (effect= 0.033). Significant reductions were noted in perceived stress at weeks 3 through 8 compared to Baseline and lower Total Mood Disturbance at weeks 3, 5, 6, and 8 compared to Baseline (p < 0.001). ConclusionsParticipating in the MIM with mobile applications and wearable sensors reduced perceived stress and mood disturbances but did not induce physiological changes. Additional research is warranted to further evaluate objective physiological outcomes while controlling for confounding variables (e.g., alcohol, medications).