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Qi M, Gai R, Wang Y, Gao H. Chronic academic stress improves attentional control: Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100484. [PMID: 39055856 PMCID: PMC11269780 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Detecting and responding to target objects in the visual environment is a key factor in goal-directed behavior. Exposure to chronic stress often results in alterations of prefrontal cortex (PFC) function, which may impact PFC-dependent selective attention process. This study aimed to investigate the effect of chronic academic stress on attentional control process. Method Both the stress group and the control group performed an arrow-based version of the Eriksen Flanker task. Event-related potentials (ERP) were recorded while the participants performed the task. Results The behavioural results exhibited decreased Flanker RT effect for the stress group compared to the control group, suggesting a reduced interference under stress. The ERP results showed that stress group showed decreased frontal N2 but increased early P3 and late P3/LPC activities compared to the control group. These results suggest reduced conflict monitoring but increased conflict resolution process under stress. Conclusions The chronic academic stress improves attentional control by reducing the conflict monitoring and enhancing conflict resolution processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Qi
- School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116029, China
| | - Ru Gai
- School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116029, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116029, China
| | - Heming Gao
- School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116029, China
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2
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Zhao Q, Liu J, Zhou C, Liu T. Effects of chronic aerobic exercise on attentional bias among women with methamphetamine addiction. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29847. [PMID: 38694043 PMCID: PMC11058292 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the effects of chronic exercise on attentional bias toward drug-related stimuli and on brain electrophysiological characteristics among women with methamphetamine addiction. Methods In total, 63 women with methamphetamine addiction were randomized to participate in a dance (n = 21; mean age, 32.16 ± 2.07 years), bicycle (n = 21; mean age, 32.59 ± 2.12 years), or control (maintained regular activities with little exercise; n = 21; mean age, 30.95 ± 2.81 years) group for 12 weeks. The participants in the three groups were not significantly different in terms of methamphetamine use or detoxification. Before and after the intervention, attentional bias was assessed using the dot-probe task, and event-related potentials were recorded during the task. Results The mean attentional bias scores decreased significantly after the intervention in both exercise groups but not in the control group. After 12 weeks of dance exercise, the amplitudes of the N170, N2, P2, and P3 components of the event-related potentials decreased significantly during attentional bias processing. In addition, differences in N170 amplitudes for congruent vs. incongruent conditions in the dot-probe task were no longer observed. After 12 weeks of cycling exercise, N2 and P2 amplitudes decreased significantly. By contrast, there were no significant differences in N170, N2, P2, and P3 amplitudes in the control group before vs. after the intervention. Conclusions Chronic (12 weeks of) aerobic exercise reduced attentional bias toward drug-related cues by improving attentional inhibition and reducing the maintenance of extra attention to drug-related cues among women with methamphetamine addiction. Both dance and bicycle exercise improved the early recognition of drug-related cues, weakened the influence of the memory of previous drug use, and improved attentional bias behavior by strengthening attention control. Dance exercise, but not bicycling, also regulated emotional control and improved the attention selection process. These results provide theoretical and empirical evidence that chronic aerobic exercise may reduce the attentional bias toward drug-related cues to assist in the recovery of women with methamphetamine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhao
- Physical Education Institute, Jimei University, China
| | - Jianing Liu
- Department of Physical Education, Tongji University, China
| | - Chenglin Zhou
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, China
| | - Tianze Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), China
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Novotný JS, Srt L, Stokin GB. Emotion regulation shows an age- and sex-specific moderating effect on the relationship between chronic stress and cognitive performance. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3028. [PMID: 38321166 PMCID: PMC10847168 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52756-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the extensive knowledge about the effects of chronic stress on cognition, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional moderation analysis on a population-based sample of 596 adults to examine the age- and sex-specific role of emotion regulation (ER) in the relationship between chronic stress and cognitive performance using validated self-report questionnaires. While women showed no direct or moderated relationship between stress and cognition, men displayed a distinct age-related pattern where stress was negatively associated with poorer cognitive performance at older ages, and the onset of this relationship was detected earlier in men with ER problems. These results showed that suppression of emotions and lack of executive control of ER amplify the negative consequences of chronic stress and suggest that there are sex-specific differences in the decline of ability to cope with long-term exposure to stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan S Novotný
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Luka Srt
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Gorazd B Stokin
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
- Department of Neurology, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK.
- Translational Neuroscience and Aging Program, Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Liang WM, Ji YX, Xiao J, Truskauskaitė I, Hendrixson A, Bai ZM, Ruksenas O. Respiratory patterns and physical fitness in healthy adults: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:228. [PMID: 38243241 PMCID: PMC10797802 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17687-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The altered respiratory patterns have a significant impact on our health. However, the links between respiration patterns during spontaneous breathing and physical fitness remain unknown. Therefore, we sought to examine how the respiratory pattern during spontaneous breathing interacts with physical fitness. METHODS A total of 610 participants (aged 20-59 years) were enrolled; 163 men (age = 41 ± 11) and 401 women (age = 42 ± 9) were included for analysis. The parameters of the respiration pattern were respiration rate (RR) and inhalation/exhalation (I/E) ratio. The physical fitness components were body size, visuomotor reaction time, balance, flexibility, hand grip strength, back extension strength, vertical jump height, number of push-ups, number of sit-ups, and the maximum rate of oxygen consumption. The data were analyzed separately for two gender groups. Participants within each gender group were further divided into two age categories (young: 20-39 years, middle-aged: 40-59 years) for the analysis, and both correlational and comparative tests were used to solidify the results. RESULTS Neither RRs nor the I/E ratios were substantially correlated with physical fitness in women. In addition, the I/E ratios showed no significant correlation with physical fitness in young men, while the results from correlational and comparative tests were inconsistent in middle-aged men. Consistently, men with lower RRs exhibited significantly shorter visuomotor reaction times in two age groups, and demonstrated significantly higher vertical jump heights in the middle-aged group. CONCLUSIONS In women, respiratory patterns were not correlated with physical fitness. The relationship between middle-aged men's I/E ratios and their physical fitness warrants further investigation. Men with lower RRs may have better visual-motor coordination and/or sustained attention, while middle-aged men with lower RRs may also have greater leg explosive power and neuromuscular coordination, which should be considered for physical assessment and health improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ming Liang
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Yu-Xuan Ji
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | | | | | - Zhen-Min Bai
- Department of Sports Rehabilitation, School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
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Feng J, Wu B, Cao Z, Chen H, Lan T, Qin H, Shi Y, Huang W, Li Y. Effects of Thirty Days Isolation on Attention Networks: A Behavioral and Event-related Potential Study. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:127-132. [PMID: 37889406 PMCID: PMC10774464 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01136-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jingda Feng
- Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, Space Engineering University, Beijing, 101400, China
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Bin Wu
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Ziqing Cao
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Hailong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Tianjun Lan
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Haibo Qin
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Yusheng Shi
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Weifen Huang
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China.
| | - Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China.
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Mora Álvarez MG, Hölzel BK, Bremer B, Wilhelm M, Hell E, Tavacioglu EE, Koch K, Torske A. Effects of web-based mindfulness training on psychological outcomes, attention, and neuroplasticity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22635. [PMID: 38114554 PMCID: PMC10730881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48706-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation training (MMT) reliably reduces stress and anxiety while also improving attention. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between MMT, stress and anxiety reduction, and its impact upon improvements in attention on the behavioral and neuronal levels. As a second aim, we sought to explore any relationship between MMT, attention, and modified states of mind such as flow. 118 healthy, meditation-naïve, participants were either assigned to a 31-day, web-based, MMT or an active control, health training (HT). Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing the attention network test (ANT) to assess functional and behavioural attentional changes, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess microstructural neuronal changes and completed relevant questionnaires to explore changes in psychological outcomes. Results confirmed a reduction in perceived stress and anxiety levels in the MMT group and significant improvements in the overall reaction time during the ANT, albeit no specific effects on the attentional components were observed. No statistically significant changes were found in the HT group. Interestingly, a significant group-by-time interaction was seen in flow experience. Functional data exhibited an increased activity in the superior frontal gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex, and right hippocampus during the alerting condition of the ANT after the MMT; decreased stress and trait anxiety were significantly correlated with the activation in the right hippocampus, and increased flow was also significantly correlated with all the aforementioned areas. DTI data showed increased fractional anisotropy values in the right uncinate fasciculus indicating white matter microarchitecture improvement between the right hippocampus and frontal areas of the brain. This study, therefore, demonstrates the effectiveness of web-based MMT on overall well-being and attentional performance, while also providing insight into the relationship between psychological outcomes, attention, and neuroplastic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Guadalupe Mora Álvarez
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Britta Karen Hölzel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benno Bremer
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian Wilhelm
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elena Hell
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ebru Ecem Tavacioglu
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Koch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Alyssa Torske
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
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Huang J, Wu H, Sun X, Qi S. The impact of threat of shock-induced anxiety on alerting, orienting, and executive function in women: an ERP study. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 23:1513-1533. [PMID: 37853300 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-023-01133-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The present study used a combination of the Threat-of-Shock paradigm and the Attention Network Test (ANT) to investigate how induced anxiety affects alerting, orienting, and executive control and whether individual differences in threat sensitivity moderate these effects. Forty-two female subjects completed the ANT task in alternation under shock-threat and no-shock ("safe") conditions while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. The results showed that anxiety induced by the threat of shock had a significant impact on alerting and executive control functions at the neural level. Specifically, alerting-related N1 and stimulus-preceding negativity (SPN) differences between double cue and no cue conditions were greater in the threat versus safe state, suggesting that the induced anxiety promoted the early perception of cues and preparation for the target. Moreover, executive control-related P3 and sustained potential (SP) differences between incongruent and congruent trials were greater in the threat versus safe state, indicating that the induced anxiety might improve the attentional allocation efficiency and stimulate subjects to recruit more cognitive resources to resolve conflicts. However, orienting-related ERPs were not affected by the threat of shock, but the threat of shock promoted the processing efficiency of spatial-cue at the behavioral level. Analysis of individual differences revealed that trait anxiety moderated the attentional allocation efficiency when performing executive control related tasks in the threat versus safe state. Our findings demonstrate the adaptive significance of the threat of shock-induced anxiety in that being in an anxious state can enhance individuals' alerting, orienting, and executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Huimin Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Xinyan Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Senqing Qi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China.
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8
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Liu Y, Liu Q, Zhao J, Leng X, Han J, Xia F, Pang Y, Chen H. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improves attentional control in chronically stressed adults. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1182728. [PMID: 37397442 PMCID: PMC10309114 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1182728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic stress is a long-term condition that negatively affects cognitive ability and mental health. Individuals who experience chronic stress show poor attentional control. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) modulates executive function domains. Therefore, it is beneficial to investigate whether tDCS of the DLPFC could improve attentional control and relieve stress in chronically stressed individuals. Methods We assess the event-related potentials (ERPs) associated with attentional control in individuals with chronic stress after the tDCS intervention. Forty individuals were randomly assigned to either the anodal tDCS group, which received 5 sessions of the 20 min tDCS over the DLPFC (2 mA; n = 20), or the sham tDCS (n = 20). Participants' stress levels, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and state affects were assessed and compared before and after the intervention. The ERP was collected through electroencephalography (EEG) technology during an attentional network test. Results After the anodal tDCS, we found a significant decrease in the perceived stress scale (PSS) scores (from an average score of 35.05 to 27.75), p = 0.01 as well as the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores, p = 0.002. Better performance in the attentional network test, a significant reduction in the N2 amplitudes, and an enhancement in the P3 amplitudes (both cues and targets) were also found in the anodal tDCS group. Discussion Our study findings suggest that tDCS to the left DLPFC could effectively relieve chronic stress, potentially reflected by increased attentional control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingjin Liu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuechen Leng
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinfeng Han
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Xia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yazhi Pang
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Research Center of Psychology and Social Development, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Hao J, Pang Y, Liu Y, Jing Y, Li J, Mi R, Zheng M. The Relationship between Formal Music Training and Conflict Control: An ERP Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050723. [PMID: 37239195 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Music training involves manifolds of sensorimotor processes that tie closely with executive functions, including conflict control. Past studies have found consistent evidence in children of the link between music learning and executive functions. However, the same relationship has not been found in adult populations, and conflict control has yet to be studied in a focused manner. Via the Stroop task and event-related potentials (ERPs), the present study examined the association between musical training and conflict control ability among Chinese college students. The findings exhibited that individuals with music training outperformed individuals without music training by demonstrating higher accuracy and faster reaction times on the Stroop task and exhibiting greater N2 and smaller P3 amplitudes compared to the control group. The results support our hypothesis that people who received music training demonstrate advantages in their capacity for conflict control. The findings also provide scope for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Hao
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Vocational College of Culture and Arts, Chongqing 400067, China
- School of Music, Southwest University, Chongqing 400799, China
| | - Yazhi Pang
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yong Liu
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuanluo Jing
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jianbo Li
- Chongqing Municipal Educational Examinations Authority, Chongqing 401126, China
| | - Ruochuan Mi
- Chongqing Vocational College of Culture and Arts, Chongqing 400067, China
| | - Maoping Zheng
- School of Music, Southwest University, Chongqing 400799, China
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10
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Looser VN, Ludyga S, Gerber M. Does heart rate variability mediate the association between chronic stress, cardiorespiratory fitness, and working memory in young adults? Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:609-618. [PMID: 36631930 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Young adulthood is a demanding development phase rendering individuals at risk for high levels of stress. While chronic stress may impair working memory maintenance, cardiorespiratory fitness is suggested to have a protective effect. Heart rate variability (HRV) contributes to this cognitive domain, but also retaliates to stress and aerobic exercise. Therefore, the present study investigated the mediating role of resting HRV on the association between chronic stress, cardiorespiratory fitness, and working memory maintenance in young healthy adults. Healthy participants (N = 115, 48% female) aged 18-35 years (M = 24.1, SD = 3.8) completed the Åstrand test on a bicycle ergometer to estimate maximal oxygen consumption [ V ̇ O 2 max $$ \dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_{2\max } $$ (ml/min/kg)]. In addition, working memory maintenance was assessed using the modified Sternberg task with low (three items) and high cognitive load (six items). Using electrocardiography, HRV was recorded and the LF/HF ratio was extracted for mediation analyses. Path analysis revealed that cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly associated with accuracy on high cognitive load trials (β = 0.19, p = 0.035), but not on trials with low cognitive load. Perceived levels of chronic stress failed to show a significant association with working memory maintenance, independently of cognitive load. The pattern of results remained unchanged after introduction of HRV as a mediator (β = 0.18, p = 0.045). In conclusion, higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with better maintenance of verbal information in working memory. However, this association cannot be explained by vagal influences on memory processing driven by the autonomic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Nina Looser
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Ludyga
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Gerber
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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11
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Lin Y, Li Q, Zhang M, Su Y, Wang X, Li H, Chen A. Evidence in Support of Analogical Reasoning Improvements with Executive Attention Intervention in Healthy Young Adults. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1476-1490. [PMID: 35986152 PMCID: PMC9723033 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00941-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Analogical reasoning improvement is important in educational outcome improvement. Inspired by recent ideas and evidence, we applied anti-saccade task training as an executive attention intervention and tested whether it could improve analogical reasoning performance. A serial-task paradigm was applied where participants performed an anti-saccade followed by an analogical reasoning task including a perception condition. The experimental group finished the anti-saccade task in which the ratio of anti-saccade trials to pro-saccade trials was 5:1 while the counterpart was 1:1 in the active control group. Also, a blank control group was established where participants merely finished the analogical reasoning task. Event-related electroencephalographic (EEG) data were recorded when participants were performing the executive attention and analogical reasoning tasks. In addition, their resting state EEG was collected before and after the executive attention intervention. Behaviorally, the experimental group reacted significantly faster than the other two groups in analogical reasoning but not in perception. At the neural level, in the experimental group alone, the anti-saccade trials elicited a smaller N2 than pro-saccade trials and the resting alpha power was improved after executive attention intervention. No significant difference in P2 was found between the two groups in analogical reasoning or perception but the experimental group showed a larger late positive component than the active control group in analogical reasoning. We also found that the late positive component mediated the relationship between the N2 of anti-saccade trials and analogical reasoning reaction times in the experimental group. We further discussed the role of executive attention in the analogical reasoning process, which may pave the way for the future reliable improvement of fluid intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qing Li
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Mengke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yujie Su
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiangpeng Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Language Ability, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Language and Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Linguistic Sciences and Arts, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China
| | - Hong Li
- Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, Ministry of Education, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Antao Chen
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Petrovic M, Vukicevic AM, Djapan M, Peulic A, Jovicic M, Mijailovic N, Milovanovic P, Grajic M, Savkovic M, Caiazzo C, Isailovic V, Macuzic I, Jovanovic K. Experimental Analysis of Handcart Pushing and Pulling Safety in an Industrial Environment by Using IoT Force and EMG Sensors: Relationship with Operators' Psychological Status and Pain Syndromes. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:7467. [PMID: 36236564 PMCID: PMC9572849 DOI: 10.3390/s22197467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Non-ergonomic execution of repetitive physical tasks represents a major cause of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). This study was focused on the pushing and pulling (P&P) of an industrial handcart (which is a generic physical task present across many industries), with the aim to investigate the dependence of P&P execution on the operators' psychological status and the presence of pain syndromes of the upper limbs and spine. The developed acquisition system integrated two three-axis force sensors (placed on the left and right arm) and six electromyography (EMG) electrodes (placed on the chest, back, and hand flexor muscles). The conducted experiment involved two groups of participants (with and without increased psychological scores and pain syndromes). Ten force parameters (for both left and right side), one EMG parameter (for three different muscles, both left and right side), and two time-domain parameters were extracted from the acquired signals. Data analysis showed intergroup differences in the examined parameters, especially in force integral values and EMG mean absolute values. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluated the composite effects of pain syndromes, spine mobility, and psychological status of the participants on the execution of P&P tasks-concluding that they have a significant impact on the P&P task execution and potentially on the risk of WMSD. The future work will be directed towards the development of a personalized risk assessment system by considering more muscle groups, supplementary data derived from operators' poses (extracted with computer vision algorithms), and cognitive parameters (extracted with EEG sensors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Milos Petrovic
- School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Arso M. Vukicevic
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Sestre Janjic 6, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marko Djapan
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Sestre Janjic 6, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Peulic
- Faculty of Geography, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milos Jovicic
- The AI Institute of Serbia, Fruškogorska 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nikola Mijailovic
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Sestre Janjic 6, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Petar Milovanovic
- Center of Bone Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 4/2, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Laboratory of Bone Biology and Bioanthropology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 4/2, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mirko Grajic
- Center for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Pasterova 2, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Savkovic
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Sestre Janjic 6, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Carlo Caiazzo
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Sestre Janjic 6, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Velibor Isailovic
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Sestre Janjic 6, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivan Macuzic
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Sestre Janjic 6, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Kosta Jovanovic
- School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Saldarini F, Cropley M. Chronic Stress Is Associated with Reduced Mindful Acceptance Skills but Not with Mindful Attention Monitoring: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11304. [PMID: 36141575 PMCID: PMC9517081 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective in reducing chronic stress, but their therapeutic mechanisms are unclear. One possibility is that MBIs act by re-training attention monitoring and acceptance skills that have been impaired by chronic stress exposure. However, little research has investigated the association between chronic stress, monitoring, and acceptance. In this cross-sectional study we hypothesised observing correlations between stress, and (impaired) monitoring and acceptance. Moreover, we exploratively compared the magnitude of the correlations between chronic stress and four acceptance measures. Finally, we explored whether the association between stress and monitoring is moderated by acceptance. Eighty-five adults participated in the study and completed self-reported chronic stress and acceptance questionnaires and a mindful attention behavioural task. The results revealed that chronic stress was associated with reduced acceptance (all ps < 0.01) but not with monitoring. Exploratory analyses revealed no differences in the magnitude of the correlations between stress and each acceptance measure, except for the combined facets of mindfulness acceptance subscales and nonreactivity subscale (p = 0.023). Further analyses revealed a significant negative association between stress and the interaction between acceptance and the target detection component of monitoring (p = 0.044). Surprisingly, these results show that stress is associated with reduced monitoring at higher levels of acceptance. Theory-driven intervention studies are warranted to complement our results.
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Wang SD, Wang X, Zhao Y, Xue BH, Wang XT, Chen YX, Zhang ZQ, Tian YR, Xie F, Qian LJ. Homocysteine-Induced Disturbances in DNA Methylation Contribute to Development of Stress-Associated Cognitive Decline in Rats. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:887-900. [PMID: 35435568 PMCID: PMC9352847 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00852-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is generally accepted as the main risk factor in the development of cognitive decline; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Previous data have demonstrated that the levels of homocysteine (Hcy) are significantly elevated in the plasma of stressed animals, which suggests that Hcy is associated with stress and cognitive decline. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the cognitive function, plasma concentrations of Hcy, and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels in rats undergoing chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS). The results showed that decreased cognitive behavioral performance and decreased BDNF transcription and protein expression were correlated with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) levels in stressed rats. Diet-induced HHcy mimicked the cognitive decline and BDNF downregulation in the same manner as CUMS, while Hcy reduction (by means of vitamin B complex supplements) alleviated the cognitive deficits and BDNF reduction in CUMS rats. Furthermore, we also found that both stress and HHcy disturbed the DNA methylation process in the brain and induced DNA hypermethylation in the BDNF promoter. In contrast, control of Hcy blocked BDNF promoter methylation and upregulated BDNF levels in the brain. These results imply the possibility of a causal role of Hcy in stress-induced cognitive decline. We also used ten-eleven translocation (TET1), an enzyme that induces DNA demethylation, to verify the involvement of Hcy and DNA methylation in the regulation of BDNF expression and the development of stress-related cognitive decline. The data showed that TET1-expressing viral injection into the hippocampus inhibited BDNF promoter methylation and significantly mitigated the cognitive decline in HHcy rats. Taken together, novel evidence from the present study suggests that Hcy is likely involved in chronic stress-induced BDNF reduction and related cognitive deficits. In addition, the negative side-effects of HHcy may be associated with Hcy-induced DNA hypermethylation in the BDNF promoter. The results also suggest the possibility of Hcy as a target for therapy and the potential value of vitamin B intake in preventing stress-induced cognitive decline.
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Xue XJ, Su R, Li ZF, Bu XO, Dang P, Yu SF, Wang ZX, Chen DM, Zeng TA, Liu M, Ma HL, Zhang DL. Oxygen Metabolism-induced Stress Response Underlies Heart-brain Interaction Governing Human Consciousness-breaking and Attention. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:166-180. [PMID: 34435318 PMCID: PMC8821743 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00761-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroscientists have emphasized visceral influences on consciousness and attention, but the potential neurophysiological pathways remain under exploration. Here, we found two neurophysiological pathways of heart-brain interaction based on the relationship between oxygen-transport by red blood cells (RBCs) and consciousness/attention. To this end, we collected a dataset based on the routine physical examination, the breaking continuous flash suppression (b-CFS) paradigm, and an attention network test (ANT) in 140 immigrants under the hypoxic Tibetan environment. We combined electroencephalography and multilevel mediation analysis to investigate the relationship between RBC properties and consciousness/attention. The results showed that RBC function, via two independent neurophysiological pathways, not only triggered interoceptive re-representations in the insula and awareness connected to orienting attention but also induced an immune response corresponding to consciousness and executive control. Importantly, consciousness played a fundamental role in executive function which might be associated with the level of perceived stress. These results indicated the important role of oxygen-transport in heart-brain interactions, in which the related stress response affected consciousness and executive control. The findings provide new insights into the neurophysiological schema of heart-brain interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Juan Xue
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Rui Su
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, South China Normal University/Tibet University, Lhasa, 850012, China
| | - Ze-Feng Li
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Xiao-Ou Bu
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, South China Normal University/Tibet University, Lhasa, 850012, China
| | - Peng Dang
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, South China Normal University/Tibet University, Lhasa, 850012, China
| | - Si-Fang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Zhi-Xin Wang
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, South China Normal University/Tibet University, Lhasa, 850012, China
| | - Dong-Mei Chen
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, South China Normal University/Tibet University, Lhasa, 850012, China
| | - Tong-Ao Zeng
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, South China Normal University/Tibet University, Lhasa, 850012, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, South China Normal University/Tibet University, Lhasa, 850012, China
| | - Hai-Lin Ma
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, South China Normal University/Tibet University, Lhasa, 850012, China.
| | - De-Long Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, South China Normal University/Tibet University, Lhasa, 850012, China.
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Executive Functioning Constructs in Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Related Disorders. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:871-880. [PMID: 36401677 PMCID: PMC9676877 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01390-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We synthesize theories proposing complex relations between cognitive functioning and anxiety-related concepts. We evaluate vulnerability theories suggesting that deficits in various cognitive functioning domains predict future anxiety-associated concepts. We examine scar theories asserting the opposite direction of effects (i.e., anxiety predicting cognitive dysfunction). Furthermore, we examine more novel frameworks on this topic. RECENT FINDINGS Reliable evidence exists for the scar and vulnerability theories. This includes mounting data on diverse anxiety symptoms predicting cognitive dysfunction (and conversely) unfolding at between- and within-person levels (dynamic mutualism theory). It also includes data on the stronger effects or central influence of anxiety (versus non-anxiety) symptoms on executive functioning (EF; i.e., higher-order cognitive control governing myriad thinking and action repertoires) versus non-EF domains and vice versa (network theory). In addition, it reviews emerging evidence that enhanced cognitive control can correlate with higher anxiety among children (overgeneralized control theory). The generally inverse relations between anxiety symptoms and cognitive dysfunction are bidirectional and complex within and between persons. Plausible mediators and moderators merit more attention, including immune, metabolism, and neural markers and the social determinants of health.
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