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Fischetti F, Pepe I, Greco G, Ranieri M, Poli L, Cataldi S, Vimercati L. Ten-Minute Physical Activity Breaks Improve Attention and Executive Functions in Healthcare Workers. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2024; 9:102. [PMID: 38921638 PMCID: PMC11205001 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9020102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Occupational health is a major problem in modern work environments. Physical activity breaks (PABs), short exercise periods delivered during working hours, incorporating exergames or outdoor activities, have emerged as a novel approach that could be used to improve work efficiency and workplace wellbeing. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of PABs on attention levels and executive functions in healthcare workers. A total of 27 healthcare workers (M = 14, W = 13; 49.55 ± 12.46 years), after 4 h of work, randomly performed one of three 10 min conditions weekly in a counterbalanced order: No Physical Activity Break (NPAB); Outdoor Physical Activity Break (OPAB); Physical Activity Break with Exergame (PABEx). After the conditions, executive functions and selective attention were assessed by the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), and the Trail Making A,B test (TMT A,B), respectively. Significant differences between OPAB and NPAB as well as between PABEx and NPAB in the TMT-A test χ2(2) = 44.66 (p < 0.001) and TMT-B test χ2(2) = 48.67 (p < 0.001) were found, respectively. TMT-A and SCWT interference/time scores of the PABEx and OPAB conditions were significantly lower than those of NPAB (p < 0.001). In the SCWT interference/error score, no significant difference was found between the PABEx and NPAB (p > 0.05), but the score was statistically lower in the OPAB condition than PABEx (p = 0.001) and PABEx condition compared to OPAB for TMT-A (p = 0.001). Findings showed that the OPAB and PABEx conditions are effective in improving selective attention and executive functions in healthcare workers. Employers can foster a healthier and more productive workforce by promoting a culture of movement and prioritizing employee health, which in turn can enhance patient care outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fischetti
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.F.); (I.P.); (M.R.); (L.P.)
| | - Ilaria Pepe
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.F.); (I.P.); (M.R.); (L.P.)
| | - Gianpiero Greco
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.F.); (I.P.); (M.R.); (L.P.)
| | - Maurizio Ranieri
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.F.); (I.P.); (M.R.); (L.P.)
| | - Luca Poli
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.F.); (I.P.); (M.R.); (L.P.)
| | - Stefania Cataldi
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.F.); (I.P.); (M.R.); (L.P.)
| | - Luigi Vimercati
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
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Forte G, Troisi G, Favieri F, Casagrande M. Inhibition changes across the lifespan: experimental evidence from the Stroop task. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:336. [PMID: 38849952 PMCID: PMC11162033 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01844-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Individuals constantly exert inhibitory control over their thoughts and behaviors to plan actions that compete with habits and impulses. Cognitive inhibition enhances the selection of task-relevant stimuli and is closely related to neural changes that occur across the lifespan. Since few studies have focused on the entire lifespan, this study aimed to assess cognitive inhibition abilities in a sample of 425 healthy participants (age range: 7-88 years) using the Stroop task. The participants were grouped according to age into children, adolescents, young adults, adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults. A series of ANOVAs considered Group as the independent variable and Performance indices as the dependent variables. The children did not show an interference effect (Stroop effect), likely due to the lack of an automated reading process as a consequence of ongoing brain maturation. Adolescents and young adults performed significantly faster than older adults did. The results indicate that response speed reaches its peak during adolescence and young adulthood and then slightly decreases until older age. Nevertheless, when compared with the other groups, only older adults showed significant differences in the Stroop effect, suggesting that inhibitory abilities remain relatively consistent throughout adulthood but rapidly worsen in recent years due to the physiological decline in cognitive and brain functioning associated with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Troisi
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Favieri
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Casagrande
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Balart-Sánchez SA, Bittencourt M, van der Naalt J, Maurits NM. Lower cognitive reserve is related to worse working memory performance in older adults after mTBI. An ERP study. Brain Inj 2024; 38:550-558. [PMID: 38481123 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2024.2328307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Older adults (OA) after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) have a high risk of developing persistent post-injury cognitive impairments. Lower pre-morbid cognitive reserve (CR) is increasingly investigated as a risk factor for cognitive dysfunction in OA. However, how CR protects against effects of mTBI at the brain level remains largely understudied. METHODS We examined 22 OA who sustained mTBI (mean 67.69 years, SD 5.11) in the sub-acute phase and 15 age- and CR-matched healthy OA (mean 68 years, SD 5.55) performing a three-level visual N-back task using electroencephalography. We calculated inverse efficiency scores of performance from accuracy and reaction times. Event-related potentials served as neurocognitive correlates of attentional (P2) and working memory (P3) processing. RESULTS Overall, mTBI OA performed worse than healthy OA (p = 0.031). Lower CR generally decreased performance (p < 0.001). Furthermore, with increasing task difficulty, task performance was more affected by CR (p = 0.004). At the brain level, P2 amplitude was lower in mTBI OA than in healthy OA (p = 0.05). There was no clear effect of CR on P2 or P3 measures. CONCLUSION As mTBI OA with lower CR performed worse on a working-memory task, lower CR may be a risk factor for worse recovery after mTBI in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Balart-Sánchez
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M Bittencourt
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J van der Naalt
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - N M Maurits
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Knežević M. Temporal Course of Interference Control from Early to Late Young Adulthood: An ERP Study. Brain Sci 2024; 14:536. [PMID: 38928537 PMCID: PMC11202022 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060536] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to investigate the neural dynamics of interference control using event-related potentials (ERPs) to reveal time course of interference control from the beginning to the end of young adulthood. Three groups of participants aged 19-21, 23-27 and 28-44 performed a Stroop task. The results revealed age differences in both accuracy and ERP amplitudes during all aspects of interreference control processing that reflect selective attention (P2), conflict monitoring (N2), conflict evaluation (P3) and interference control (N450). Both younger groups made more errors on incongruent trials compared to participants in their early 30s. The presence of higher P2 and N2 amplitudes, diminished P3 and again higher N450 amplitudes in participants in their early 20s points to a shortage of available resources for top-down control at this age. These results are in accordance with structural and functional studies that show that development of the frontoparietal network, which underlies interference control, continues after adolescence. While brain mechanisms are still developing, the use of accompanying cognitive abilities is still not optimal. The findings that change in neural dynamics and related performance continues into early adulthood challenge current models of cognitive development and call for new directions in developmental theorizing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Knežević
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Pappalettera C, Carrarini C, Miraglia F, Vecchio F, Rossini PM. Cognitive resilience/reserve: Myth or reality? A review of definitions and measurement methods. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:3567-3586. [PMID: 38477378 PMCID: PMC11095447 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This review examines the concept of cognitive reserve (CR) in relation to brain aging, particularly in the context of dementia and its early stages. CR refers to an individual's ability to maintain or regain cognitive function despite brain aging, damage, or disease. Various factors, including education, occupation complexity, leisure activities, and genetics are believed to influence CR. METHODS We revised the literature in the context of CR. A total of 842 articles were identified, then we rigorously assessed the relevance of articles based on titles and abstracts, employing a systematic approach to eliminate studies that did not align with our research objectives. RESULTS We evaluate-also in a critical way-the methods commonly used to define and measure CR, including sociobehavioral proxies, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological and genetic measures. The challenges and limitations of these measures are discussed, emphasizing the need for more targeted research to improve the understanding, definition, and measurement of CR. CONCLUSIONS The review underscores the significance of comprehending CR in the context of both normal and pathological brain aging and emphasizes the importance of further research to identify and enhance this protective factor for cognitive preservation in both healthy and neurologically impaired older individuals. HIGHLIGHTS This review examines the concept of cognitive reserve in brain aging, in the context of dementia and its early stages. We have evaluated the methods commonly used to define and measure cognitive reserve. Sociobehavioral proxies, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological and genetic measures are discussed. The review emphasizes the importance of further research to identify and enhance this protective factor for cognitive preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pappalettera
- Brain Connectivity LaboratoryDepartment of Neuroscience and NeurorehabilitationIRCCS San Raffaele RomaRomeItaly
- Department of Theoretical and Applied ScienceseCampus UniversityNovedrateItaly
| | - Claudia Carrarini
- Brain Connectivity LaboratoryDepartment of Neuroscience and NeurorehabilitationIRCCS San Raffaele RomaRomeItaly
- Department of NeuroscienceCatholic University of Sacred HeartRomeItaly
| | - Francesca Miraglia
- Brain Connectivity LaboratoryDepartment of Neuroscience and NeurorehabilitationIRCCS San Raffaele RomaRomeItaly
- Department of Theoretical and Applied ScienceseCampus UniversityNovedrateItaly
| | - Fabrizio Vecchio
- Brain Connectivity LaboratoryDepartment of Neuroscience and NeurorehabilitationIRCCS San Raffaele RomaRomeItaly
- Department of Theoretical and Applied ScienceseCampus UniversityNovedrateItaly
| | - Paolo M. Rossini
- Brain Connectivity LaboratoryDepartment of Neuroscience and NeurorehabilitationIRCCS San Raffaele RomaRomeItaly
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Ghahfarrokhi MM, Shirvani H, Rahimi M, Bazgir B, Shamsadini A, Sobhani V. Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of different intensities of functional training in elderly type 2 diabetes patients with cognitive impairment: a pilot randomised controlled trial. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:71. [PMID: 38238647 PMCID: PMC10797744 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04698-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging and type-2 diabetes (T2D) are the most important risk factors for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Exercise training is an effective, safe, and practical intervention in improving glucose metabolism, physical function, and cognitive disorders. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of high-intensity low-volume (HIFT) vs. low-intensity high-volume (LIFT) functional training in elderly T2D patients with cognitive impairment. METHODS Forty-eight elderly T2D patients (31 female, 17 male, age 67.5 ± 5.8 years, MMSE score 18.8 ± 2.6, FBG 209.5 ± 37.9) were randomly assigned to HIFT, LIFT and control groups. Cognitive impairment was diagnosed with MMSE ≤ 23 based Iranian society. The SDMT, CVLT-II, BVMT-R, and Stroop tests were used to evaluated processing speed, learning, memory and attention respectively. Physical fitness tests include: tandem stance and walk test; TUG; 6MWT, 10MWT; SSST; 5TSTS; and hand grip was used to evaluated static and dynamic balance, agility, walking endurance, gait speed, lower limb function and lower and upper body strength respectively. As well as, Biochemical (FBG, insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c) and physiological outcomes (SBP, and DBP) were assessed. The HIFT group performed six weeks of functional training (three sessions per week) with 120-125% of the lactate threshold. The LIFT group performed six weeks of functional training (five sessions per week) with a 70-75% lactate threshold. Feasibility, safety, and acceptability of exercise programs were assessed at the end of the study. RESULT HIFT showed a higher adherence rate (91% vs. 87.5%), safety, and acceptability compared to LIFT. MMSE and Stroop scores, 6MWT, FBG, insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, SBP, and DBP significantly improved in HIFT (all, P ≤ 0.004) and LIFT (all, P ≤ 0.023). Changes in 6MWT, FBG, insulin, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c in HIFT (all, P ≤ 0.001) and LIFT (all, P ≤ 0.008) were significant compared to the control group. Changes in Stroop scores were significant only in the HIFT group compared to the control group (P = 0.013). SDMT, CVLT-II, BVMT-R, balance test, 10MWT, SSST, TUG and hang grip significantly improved only in HIFT (all, P ≤ 0.038). CONCLUSION HIFT vs. LIFT is a safe, feasible, and effective approach for improving some aspects of physical, biochemical, and cognitive function in elderly T2D patients with cognitive impairment. This pilot study provides initial proof-of-concept data for the design and implementation of an appropriately powered randomised controlled trial (RCT) of HIFT vs. LIFT in a larger sample of elderly T2D patients with cognitive impairment. TRIAL REGISTRATION Randomized controlled trial (RCT) (Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, trial registration number: IRCT20230502058055N1. Date of registration: 11/06/2023.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hossein Shirvani
- Exercise Physiology Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mostafa Rahimi
- Department of Sport Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Behzad Bazgir
- Exercise Physiology Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Shamsadini
- Exercise Physiology Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Sobhani
- Exercise Physiology Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Unsworth N, Miller AL. Pupillary correlates of preparatory control in the Stroop task. Atten Percept Psychophys 2023; 85:2277-2295. [PMID: 37407798 DOI: 10.3758/s13414-023-02751-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
In three experiments, individual differences in preparatory control in the Stroop task were examined. Participants performed variants of the Stroop task while pupillary responses were examined during the preparatory interval. Variation in working memory capacity was also examined. High Stroop performers tended to demonstrate larger preparatory pupillary responses than low Stroop performers. In Experiment 2, when participants were given pre-cues indicating the congruency of the upcoming trial (MATCHING vs. CONFLICTING), high Stroop performers had larger preparatory pupillary responses for incongruent trials compared to congruent trials, whereas low Stroop performers demonstrated similar preparatory pupillary responses on both incongruent and congruent trials. These results suggest that variation in Stroop performance is partially due to individual differences in the ability to ramp up and regulate the intensity of attention allocated to preparatory control processes. Additionally, there was limited evidence that preparatory control processes partially account for the relation between working memory capacity and performance on the Stroop. Overall, these results provide evidence that individual differences in Stroop performance are partialy due to variation in preparatory control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nash Unsworth
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
| | - Ashley L Miller
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Gajewski PD, Stahn C, Zülch J, Wascher E, Getzmann S, Falkenstein M. Effects of cognitive and stress management training in middle-aged and older industrial workers in different socioeconomic settings: a randomized controlled study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1229503. [PMID: 37771815 PMCID: PMC10523316 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1229503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The demographic change requires longer working lifetime. However, fear of job loss may lead to chronic stress whereas aging and unchallenging work may accelerate cognitive decline and early retirement. Long-time repetitive work led to impairments of cognitive functions in middle-aged and older employees, as demonstrated in a previous study conducted in a large car manufacturer. In the present study, a training concept was implemented to enhance the cognitive and emotional competence of these employees. Methods A first group of employees received a trainer-guided cognitive training only, whereas a wait list control group received a cognitive training and stress management training. This design was applied in two independent samples separated by one year either during or after a socioeconomically tense situation of the factory. Results In sample 1, with a tense occupational situation, the cognitive training effects occurred with a delay of three months. In contrast, in sample 2, with less critical socioeconomic situation, the training effects occurred immediately and persisted three months later. Stress management training showed reduction of subjectively and objectively measured stress level. Discussion The results indicate that effects of cognitive interventions are diminished under chronic stress which can be reduced after a short stress management training. This leads also to enhanced attention and memory in daily life. In contrast, in Sample 2 with less chronic stress, effects of cognitive training were stronger and persisted at least three months later, whereas stress management training had less impact. This suggests that cognitive learning in occupational settings is only efficient at lower stress levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D. Gajewski
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Catharina Stahn
- Ifaa – Institute of Applied Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Zülch
- Industrial Sales Engineering, Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), Bochum, Germany
| | - Edmund Wascher
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Stephan Getzmann
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
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Riva F, Pronizius E, Lenger M, Kronbichler M, Silani G, Lamm C. Age-related differences in interference control in the context of a finger-lifting task: an fMRI study. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2023; 18:nsad034. [PMID: 37279968 PMCID: PMC10329405 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsad034] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans tend to automatically imitate others and their actions while also being able to control such imitative tendencies. Interference control, necessary to suppress own imitative tendencies, develops rapidly in childhood and adolescence, plateaus in adulthood and slowly declines with advancing age. It remains to be shown though which neural processes underpin these differences across the lifespan. In a cross-sectional functional magnetic resonance imaging study with three age groups (adolescents (ADs) 14-17 years, young adults (YAs) 21-31, older adults (OAs) 56-76, N = 91 healthy female participants), we investigated the behavioral and neural correlates of interference control in the context of automatic imitation using the finger-lifting task. ADs showed the most efficient interference control, while no significant differences emerged between YAs and OAs, despite OAs showing longer reaction times. On the neural level, all age groups showed engagement of the right temporoparietal junction, right supramarginal gyrus and bilateral insula, aligning well with studies previously using this task. However, our analyses did not reveal any age-related differences in brain activation, neither in these nor in other areas. This suggests that ADs might have a more efficient use of the engaged brain networks and, on the other hand, OAs' capacity for interference control and the associated brain functions might be largely preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Riva
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna 1010, Austria
| | - Ekaterina Pronizius
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna 1010, Austria
| | - Melanie Lenger
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg 5020, Austria
| | - Martin Kronbichler
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg 5020, Austria
- Neuroscience Institute, Christian Doppler Clinic, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria
| | - Giorgia Silani
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna 1010, Austria
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna 1010, Austria
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Sørensen Ø, Fjell AM, Walhovd KB. Longitudinal Modeling of Age-Dependent Latent Traits with Generalized Additive Latent and Mixed Models. PSYCHOMETRIKA 2023; 88:456-486. [PMID: 36976415 PMCID: PMC10188428 DOI: 10.1007/s11336-023-09910-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
We present generalized additive latent and mixed models (GALAMMs) for analysis of clustered data with responses and latent variables depending smoothly on observed variables. A scalable maximum likelihood estimation algorithm is proposed, utilizing the Laplace approximation, sparse matrix computation, and automatic differentiation. Mixed response types, heteroscedasticity, and crossed random effects are naturally incorporated into the framework. The models developed were motivated by applications in cognitive neuroscience, and two case studies are presented. First, we show how GALAMMs can jointly model the complex lifespan trajectories of episodic memory, working memory, and speed/executive function, measured by the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), digit span tests, and Stroop tests, respectively. Next, we study the effect of socioeconomic status on brain structure, using data on education and income together with hippocampal volumes estimated by magnetic resonance imaging. By combining semiparametric estimation with latent variable modeling, GALAMMs allow a more realistic representation of how brain and cognition vary across the lifespan, while simultaneously estimating latent traits from measured items. Simulation experiments suggest that model estimates are accurate even with moderate sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anders M Fjell
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristine B Walhovd
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Ménétré E, Laganaro M. The temporal dynamics of the Stroop effect from childhood to young and older adulthood. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0256003. [PMID: 36996048 PMCID: PMC10062650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The processes involved in the Stroop task/effect are thought to involve conflict detection and resolution stages. Little is known about the evolution of these two components over the lifespan. It is well admitted that children and older adults tend to show longer response latencies than young adults. The present study aims at clarifying the rational of such changes from childhood to adulthood and in aging by comparing the impacted cognitive processes across age groups. More precisely, the aim was to clarify if all processes take more time to be executed, hence implying that longer latencies rely mainly on processing speed or if an additional process lengthens the resolution of the conflict in children and/or older adults. To this aim we recorded brain electrical activity using EEG in school-age children, young and older adults while they performed a classic verbal Stroop task. The signal was decomposed in microstate brain networks, and age groups and conditions were compared. Behavioral results evolved following an inverted U-shaped curve. In children, different brain states from the ones observed in adults were highlighted, both in the conflict detection and resolution time-windows. Longer latencies in the incongruent condition were mainly attributed to an overly increased duration of the microstates involved in the conflict resolution time window. In aging, the same microstate maps were reported for both young and older adult groups. The differences in performances between groups could be explained by a disproportionally long conflict detection phase, even compressing the latest stage of response articulation. These results tend to favor a specific immaturity of the brain networks involved coupled with a slowing of the processes in children, while cognitive decline could be mostly explained by a general slowing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ménétré
- Laboratory of NeuroPsychoLinguistic, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marina Laganaro
- Laboratory of NeuroPsychoLinguistic, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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Richard’s MM, Zamora EV, Aydmune Y, Comesaña A, Krzemien D, Introzzi IM, Lopez-Ramón MF, Navarro-Pardo E. Age-related switching costs in adulthood: “All or None Hypothesis” corollaries. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04340-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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Cudo A, Kopiś-Posiej N, Shchehelska K. The influence of Facebook intrusion and task context on cognitive control. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 87:373-387. [PMID: 35274158 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01670-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Social networking sites, especially Facebook, have become increasingly popular over the past decades. However, besides the benefits of using Facebook, negative effects in the form of Facebook intrusion are also increasingly pointed out. Much of the research focuses on personality, emotional and social factors related to Facebook intrusion. However, there has been limited research on the relationship between this type of behavioural addiction and cognitive functioning. Consequently, the current study aimed to verify the relationship between Facebook intrusion and cognitive control in light of the dual mechanism of cognitive control model. Additionally, the study aim was to verify the impact of the Facebook-related context on cognitive control (proactive and reactive modes) compared to neutral and positive contexts. The participants (N = 82 young adults, 57 female, M = 22.24 years, SD = 2.67 years, age range 18-35 years) were divided into two groups based on their level of Facebook intrusion. The Facebook intrusion scale was used to assess the level of Facebook intrusion. The AX-CPT task was used to assess proactive and reactive control modes in three task contexts: Facebook-related, neutral and positive. The current study results show that the participants with high Facebook intrusion had greater reactive control than participants with low Facebook intrusion. The differences between Facebook-related, neutral context and positive context were not found. However, the present findings demonstrate the interaction between Facebook intrusion and task context in cognitive control. More specifically, participants with low Facebook intrusion had greater proactive control than participants with high Facebook intrusion in the Facebook-related and positive context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Cudo
- Department of Experimental Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, al. Racławickie 14, 20-950, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Natalia Kopiś-Posiej
- Department of Experimental Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, al. Racławickie 14, 20-950, Lublin, Poland.,Department of Clinical Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kateryna Shchehelska
- Department of Experimental Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, al. Racławickie 14, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
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14
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van Wieringen A, Van Wilderode M, Van Humbeeck N, Krampe R. Coupling of sensorimotor and cognitive functions in middle- and late adulthood. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1049639. [PMID: 36532286 PMCID: PMC9752872 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1049639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The present study explored age effects and the coupling of sensorimotor and cognitive functions in a stratified sample of 96 middle-aged and older adults (age 45-86 years) with no indication of mild cognitive decline. In our sensorimotor tasks, we had an emphasis on listening in noise and postural control, but we also assessed functional mobility and tactile sensitivity. Methods Our cognitive measures comprised processing speed and assessments of core cognitive control processes (executive functions), notably inhibition, task switching, and working memory updating. We explored whether our measures of sensorimotor functioning mediated age differences in cognitive variables and compared their effect to processing speed. Subsequently, we examined whether individuals who had poorer (or better) than median cognitive performance for their age group also performed relatively poorer (or better) on sensorimotor tasks. Moreover, we examined whether the link between cognitive and sensorimotor functions becomes more pronounced in older age groups. Results Except for tactile sensitivity, we observed substantial age-related differences in all sensorimotor and cognitive variables from middle age onward. Processing speed and functional mobility were reliable mediators of age in task switching and inhibitory control. Regarding coupling between sensorimotor and cognition, we observed that individuals with poor cognitive control do not necessarily have poor listening in noise skills or poor postural control. Discussion As most conditions do not show an interdependency between sensorimotor and cognitive performance, other domain-specific factors that were not accounted for must also play a role. These need to be researched in order to gain a better understanding of how rehabilitation may impact cognitive functioning in aging persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid van Wieringen
- Research Group Experimental Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mira Van Wilderode
- Research Group Experimental Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathan Van Humbeeck
- Research Group Brain and Cognition, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ralf Krampe
- Research Group Brain and Cognition, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Malloggi S, Conte F, De Rosa O, Cellini N, Di Iorio I, Ficca G, Giganti F. False recalls, but not false recognitions, at the DRM paradigm are increased in subjects reporting insomnia symptoms: An online study. Sleep Med 2022; 100:347-353. [PMID: 36191402 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In insomnia, poor sleep is accompanied by several cognitive impairments affecting prefrontal functioning that could affect source-monitoring processes and contribute to false memories production. By using a modified version of the Deese-Roediger-McDermott paradigm (DRM), we previously found that individuals suffering from insomnia produced more false memories than good sleepers adopting a free-recall task, especially for sleep-related stimuli. However, whether poor sleep affects false memory production in a task-dependent manner (i.e., free recall or recognition) remains unclear. METHODS Through an online research method, we adopted the classical DRM paradigm to investigate the production of false recalls and false recognitions in 32 subjects referring insomnia symptoms (IN group) and 37 good sleepers (GS group), addressing also executive functioning and source monitoring ability in both groups. RESULTS Compared to the GS group, the IN group produced more false memories (p = .002) and intrusions (p = .004) at the free recall task and showed a lower working memory index (p = .008). No between-groups differences emerged at the recognition task. Correlational analysis revealed significant associations between DRM performance, executive functioning and source monitoring (SM) variables. Moreover, false recalls were predicted by being in the presence of insomnia symptoms (p = .012) and intrusions by the number of correct responses to the Stroop task (p = .051) and SM task (p = .015), as well as by the presence of insomnia symptoms (p = .003). CONCLUSIONS Our data show that the presence of insomnia symptoms can influence false memories production. Furthermore, the evidence that free recall is more affected than recognition suggests that poor sleep mainly affects performance at more cognitively demanding tasks. Finally, correlational and regression analyses support the hypothesis of a link between false memories production and both the presence of insomnia symptoms and executive functioning impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Malloggi
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12, 50135, Florence, Italy.
| | - F Conte
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy.
| | - O De Rosa
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy.
| | - N Cellini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia, 8, 35131, Padova, Italy.
| | - I Di Iorio
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12, 50135, Florence, Italy.
| | - G Ficca
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy.
| | - F Giganti
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12, 50135, Florence, Italy.
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Rivera M, Paolieri D, Iniesta A, Bajo T. Cognitive and contextual factors modulating grammar learning at older ages. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:943392. [PMID: 36118687 PMCID: PMC9471146 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.943392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Second language learning has been shown more difficult for older than younger adults, however, the research trying to identify the sources of difficulty and possible modulating factors is scarce. Extrinsic (learning condition and complexity) and intrinsic factors (executive control) have been related to L2-grammar learning in younger adults. In the present study, we aim to assess whether extrinsic and intrinsic factors are also modulating grammar learning in older adults. We compared the learning performance of younger and older adults in a L2 learning task. 162 Spanish native-speakers (81 young) learnt Japañol (Japanese syntaxis and Spanish lexicon) in either an intentional (metalinguistic explanation) or an incidental (comprehension of sentences) context. The complexity of the sentences was also manipulated by introducing (or not) a subordinate clause. Individual differences in proactivity were measured with the AX-CPT task. After the learning phase, participants performed a Grammatical Judgment Task where they answered if the presented sentences were grammatically correct. No differences between older and younger adults were found. Overall, better results were found for the intentional-condition than for the incidental-condition. A significant interaction between learning context and the proactivity index in the AX-CPT task showed that more proactive participants were better when learning in the incidental-condition. These results suggest that both extrinsic and intrinsic factors are important during language learning and that they equally affect younger and older adults.
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Rattanavichit Y, Chaikeeree N, Boonsinsukh R, Kitiyanant K. The age differences and effect of mild cognitive impairment on perceptual-motor and executive functions. Front Psychol 2022; 13:906898. [PMID: 35967690 PMCID: PMC9366843 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.906898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
It is unclear whether the decline in executive function (EF) and perceptual-motor function (PMF) found in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the result of a normal aging process or due to MCI. This study aimed to determine age-related and MCI-related cognitive impairments of the EF and PMF. The EF and PMF were investigated across four groups of 240 participants, 60 in each group, including early adult, middle adult, older adult, and older adult with probable MCI. The EF, working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility were evaluated using digit span backward tasks, the Stroop color-word test, and the modified switching verbal fluency test, respectively. The PMF, visual perception, visuoconstructional reasoning, and perceptual-motor coordination were evaluated using the clock reading test, stick design test, and stick catching test, respectively. Group differences were found for all subdomains of EF and PMF (p < 0.05), except for perceptual-motor coordination, indicating that this subdomain could be maintained in older adults and was not affected by MCI. For the age difference, working memory, cognitive flexibility, visual perception, and visuoconstructional reasoning remained stable across middle adults and started to decline in older adults, while cognitive inhibition began to decrease in middle adults and it further declined in older adults. To control the confounding effect of education level, the results showed that only cognitive flexibility was further decreased in older adults with probable MCI compared to those without MCI (p < 0.05). In conclusion, cognitive inhibition decreased earlier in middle adults, whereas EF and PMF started to decline in older adults. Cognitive flexibility was the only MCI-sensitive cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupaporn Rattanavichit
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
| | - Nithinun Chaikeeree
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
| | - Rumpa Boonsinsukh
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
| | - Kasima Kitiyanant
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
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Nogueira J, Gerardo B, Santana I, Simões MR, Freitas S. The Assessment of Cognitive Reserve: A Systematic Review of the Most Used Quantitative Measurement Methods of Cognitive Reserve for Aging. Front Psychol 2022; 13:847186. [PMID: 35465541 PMCID: PMC9023121 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.847186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The cognitive reserve (CR) is widely accepted as the active ability to cope with brain damage, using preexisting cognitive and compensatory processes. The common CR proxies used are the number of formal years of education, intelligence quotient (IQ) or premorbid functioning, occupation attainment, and participation in leisure activities. More recently, it has employed the level of literacy and engagement in high-level cognitive demand of professional activities. This study aims to identify and summarize published methodologies to assess the CR quantitatively. We searched for published studies on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science between September 2018 and September 2021. We only included those studies that characterized the CR assessment methodology. The search strategy identified 1,285 publications, of which 25 were included. Most of the instruments targeted proxies individually. The lack of a gold standard tool that incorporates all proxies and cognitive tests highlights the need to develop a more holistic battery for the quantitative assessment of CR. Further studies should focus on a quantitative methodology that includes all these proxies supported by normative data to improve the use of CR as a valid measure in clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Nogueira
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Psychological Assessment and Psychometrics Laboratory (PsyAssessmentLab), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bianca Gerardo
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Psychological Assessment and Psychometrics Laboratory (PsyAssessmentLab), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Geobiotec Research Centre, Department of Geosciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Santana
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mário R. Simões
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Psychological Assessment and Psychometrics Laboratory (PsyAssessmentLab), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Freitas
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Psychological Assessment and Psychometrics Laboratory (PsyAssessmentLab), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (FPCEUC), Coimbra, Portugal
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Iffland B, Neuner F. Peer Victimization Influences Attention Processing Beyond the Effects of Childhood Maltreatment by Caregivers. Front Psychol 2022; 13:784147. [PMID: 35310289 PMCID: PMC8931489 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.784147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Different types of maltreatment (emotional, physical, and sexual) lead to distortions in emotion and attention processing. The present study investigated whether the experience of peer victimization in childhood and adolescence has an additional influence on attention processing in adulthood. Methods Two non-clinical samples consisting of individuals with different levels of experiences of maltreatment were recruited. In an evaluative conditioning task, images of faces with neutral emotional expression were either associated with short videos of intense negative statements, or associated with neutral videos. Subsequently, these faces were used as stimuli in an emotional Stroop task as well as a dot-probe task. Results In both tasks, hierarchical regression analyses revealed that retrospective reports of relational peer victimization made an incremental contribution to the prediction of attentional biases beyond child maltreatment. In the emotional Stroop task, emotional abuse was the strongest predictor for an attentional bias showing delayed responses to negatively associated faces, while peer victimization was associated with faster responses to negatively associated faces. In the dot-probe task, relational peer victimization was the strongest predictor for an attentional bias. When the attentional bias was examined in more detail, though, peer victimization did not show incremental contributions although emotional abuse remained the strongest predictor for facilitated attention toward negatively associated neutral faces. Conclusion Experiences of peer victimization leave additional cognitive scars beyond effects of childhood maltreatment by caregivers. It is likely that attentional biases in the aftermath of victimization put individuals at risk for the development of psychopathology.
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Politakis VA, Slana Ozimič A, Repovš G. Cognitive Control Challenge Task Across the Lifespan. Front Psychol 2022; 12:789816. [PMID: 35222153 PMCID: PMC8864288 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.789816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Meeting everyday challenges and responding in a goal-directed manner requires both the ability to maintain the current task set in face of distractors-stable cognitive control, and the ability to flexibly generate or switch to a new task set when environmental requirements change-flexible cognitive control. While studies show that the development varies across individual component processes supporting cognitive control, little is known about changes in complex stable and flexible cognitive control across the lifespan. In the present study, we used the newly developed Cognitive Control Challenge Task (C3T) to examine the development of complex stable and flexible cognitive control across the lifespan and to gain insight into their interdependence. A total of 340 participants (229 women, age range 8-84 years) from two samples participated in the study, in which they were asked to complete the C3T along with a series of standard tests of individual components of cognitive control. The results showed that the development of both stable and flexible complex cognitive control follows the expected inverted U-curve. In contrast, the indeces of task set formation and task set switching cost increase linearly across the lifespan, suggesting that stable and flexible complex cognitive control are subserved by separable cognitive systems with different developmental trajectories. Correlations with standard cognitive tests indicate that complex cognitive control captured by the C3T engages a broad range of cognitive abilities, such as working memory and planning, and reflects global processing speed, jointly suggesting that the C3T is an effective test of complex cognitive control that has both research and diagnostic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Ana Politakis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anka Slana Ozimič
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Grega Repovš
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Investigation of the Effects of COVID-19 on Perception, Attention, Memory, Balance, and Quality of Life in the Elderly. TOPICS IN GERIATRIC REHABILITATION 2022; 38:270-276. [PMID: 36349301 PMCID: PMC9632758 DOI: 10.1097/tgr.0000000000000374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study was conducted with elderly individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on balance, perception, attention, memory, and quality of life and produce rehabilitative solutions for these problems. MATERIAL AND METHOD A total of 45 volunteers older than 65 years who had not had COVID-19 were included in group 1. A total of 45 volunteers older than 65 years who had recovered from COVID-19 were included in group 2 (elderly people who have had COVID-19 at least 6 months ago). After obtaining the individuals' demographic data, we conducted vestibular assessment for balance and administered the Stroop test for attention, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the digit span test for short-term memory, and a quality-of-life test. RESULTS Mean age of the individuals who had had COVID-19 was 68.24 ± 3.32 years, and the mean age of the individuals who had not had COVID-19 was 68.55 ± 3.34 years. There were statistically significant correlations between the two groups for the Stroop test (P < .05), MMSE (P < .05), the digit span test for perception and attention (P < .05), and the vestibular assessment quality-of-life test (P < .01). Sensory (P < .001), past, present, and future activities (P < .05), social participation (P < .001), and death (P < .05) were found to be significant in the total score (P < .001). The covariance analysis of elderly individuals who had had COVID-19 revealed that they performed significantly worse on the balance, perception, attention, memory, and quality-of-life tests than elderly individuals who had not had COVID-19. CONCLUSION The negative effects of COVID-19 were found among elderly individuals older than 65 years. We suggest that telerehabilitation should be developed for elderly people who have recovered from COVID-19 and that its effects investigated.
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Cotrena C, Branco LD, Ponsoni A, Shansis FM, Fonseca RP. Cognitive reserve may outperform age, mood and psychiatric comorbidities as a predictor of executive functioning in bipolar disorder and healthy adults. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2021; 43:611-622. [PMID: 34730064 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2021.1981251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cognitive reserve plays a protective role against executive dysfunction in healthy adults and individuals with psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar disorder. However, the magnitude of the influence of cognitive reserve on specific executive functions (EFs), and its impact relative to variables such as depressive symptoms, age and psychiatric comorbidities, is unexplored. This study aimed to quantify the influence of cognitive reserve on specific EFs, and compare its impact with that of depressive symptoms, age and psychiatric comorbidities, in separate models for patients with bipolar disorder and healthy adults. METHOD This was a cross-sectional study of 121 adults with no mood disorders and 109 with bipolar disorder, all of whom underwent a comprehensive psychiatric assessment and evaluation of the EFs. Cognitive reserve was measured using years of education, IQ and reading and writing habits. The association between EFs and predictors (cognitive reserve, depressive symptoms, age and psychiatric comorbidities) was evaluated through structural equation modeling. Four models were constructed for each group independently (bipolar disorder and control), one each for working memory, verbal fluency, inhibition and flexibility, due to group differences in age and cognitive reserve. RESULTS Working memory, inhibition and flexibility were most significantly predicted by cognitive reserve and age. Verbal fluency was only predicted by cognitive reserve. Comorbidities and depressive symptoms were not significant in any of the models. Cognitive reserve had a positive influence on all EFs in models for patients with bipolar disorder and models for control participants. Age had a negative impact on three of the four EFs tested. CONCLUSION Fostering cognitive reserve through continued education and cognitively stimulating leisure activities may be an effective intervention for executive dysfunction in patients and non-patients alike. In some cases, the effects of these interventions may outweigh the negative cognitive impact of aging, depressive symptoms and psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Cotrena
- Graduate Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS)
| | - Laura Damiani Branco
- Graduate Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS)
| | - André Ponsoni
- Graduate Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS)
| | | | - Rochele Paz Fonseca
- Graduate Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS)
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Yordanova J, Gajewski PD, Getzmann S, Kirov R, Falkenstein M, Kolev V. Neural Correlates of Aging-Related Differences in Pro-active Control in a Dual Task. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:682499. [PMID: 34658834 PMCID: PMC8516400 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.682499] [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: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Multi-tasking is usually impaired in older people. In multi-tasking, a fixed order of sub-tasks can improve performance by promoting a time-structured preparation of sub-tasks. How proactive control prioritizes the pre-activation or inhibition of complex tasks in older people has received no sufficient clarification so far. Objective: To explore the effects of aging on neural proactive control mechanisms in a dual task. Methodology: To address this question, the psychological refractory period (PRP) paradigm was used. Two 2-alternative-forced-choice reaction tasks with a predefined order (T1 and T2) signaled by a cue had to be executed simultaneously or consecutively by young (mean age 25.1 years, n = 36) and old subjects (mean age 70.4 years, n = 118). Performance indices of dual-task preparation were used to assess the focused preparation of T1 and T2. To compare preparatory mechanisms at the neurophysiologic level, multi-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded and negative slow cortical potentials (SCPs) were analyzed as objective markers of the amount and localization of cortical pre-activation before sub-task presentation. Results: Dual-task performance was significantly slower in old adults. T1 performance was facilitated in both age groups, but T2 processing in old adults was not optimized by the temporal structure as efficiently as in young adults. Also, only young adults manifested a stable pattern of focused of negative slow-wave activity increase at medial frontal and right-hemisphere posterior regions, which was associated with a coordinated preparatory T1 pre-activation and T2 deferment, while old adults manifested a broad topographic distribution of negative SCPs associated with a pre-activation of sensory and motor processes. Conclusions: These observations demonstrate that the proactive preparation for dual tasking is altered with aging. It is suggested that in young adults, attention-based pre-activation of working memory and inhibitory networks in the right hemisphere synchronizes the simultaneous preparation of the two sub-tasks, whereas in old adults, sensory and motor networks appear to be non-specifically pre-activated for subsequent deferred mode of processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Yordanova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Patrick D Gajewski
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Stephan Getzmann
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Roumen Kirov
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Vasil Kolev
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Balart-Sánchez SA, Bittencourt-Villalpando M, van der Naalt J, Maurits NM. Electroencephalography, Magnetoencephalography, and Cognitive Reserve: A Systematic Review. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2021; 36:1374-1391. [PMID: 33522563 PMCID: PMC8517624 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive reserve (CR) is the capacity to adapt to (future) brain damage without any or only minimal clinical symptoms. The underlying neuroplastic mechanisms remain unclear. Electrocorticography (ECOG), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) may help elucidate the brain mechanisms underlying CR, as CR is thought to be related to efficient utilization of remaining brain resources. The purpose of this systematic review is to collect, evaluate, and synthesize the findings on neural correlates of CR estimates using ECOG, EEG, and MEG. METHOD We examined articles that were published from the first standardized definition of CR. Eleven EEG and five MEG cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria: They concerned original research, analyzed (M)EEG in humans, used a validated CR estimate, and related (M)EEG to CR. Quality assessment was conducted using an adapted form of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. No ECOG study met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS A total of 1383 participants from heterogeneous patient, young and older healthy groups were divided into three categories by (M)EEG methodology: Eight (M)EEG studies employed event-related fields or potentials, six studies analyzed brain oscillations at rest (of which one also analyzed a cognitive task), and three studies analyzed brain connectivity. Various CR estimates were employed and all studies compared different (M)EEG measures and CR estimates. Several associations between (M)EEG measures and CR estimates were observed. CONCLUSION Our findings support that (M)EEG measures are related to CR estimates, particularly in healthy individuals. However, the character of this relationship is dependent on the population and task studied, warranting further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián A Balart-Sánchez
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9700 RB, Netherlands
- Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 AV, Netherlands
| | - Mayra Bittencourt-Villalpando
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9700 RB, Netherlands
- Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 AV, Netherlands
| | - Joukje van der Naalt
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9700 RB, Netherlands
- Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 AV, Netherlands
| | - Natasha M Maurits
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9700 RB, Netherlands
- Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 AV, Netherlands
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25
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Gajewski PD, Getzmann S, Bröde P, Burke M, Cadenas C, Capellino S, Claus M, Genç E, Golka K, Hengstler JG, Kleinsorge T, Marchan R, Nitsche MA, Reinders J, van Thriel C, Watzl C, Wascher E. Impact of biological and lifestyle factors on cognitive aging and work ability in the Dortmund Vital Study: Protocol of an interdisciplinary, cross-sectional, and longitudinal study (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 11:e32352. [PMID: 35285810 PMCID: PMC8961345 DOI: 10.2196/32352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Gajewski
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Stephan Getzmann
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Peter Bröde
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michael Burke
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Cristina Cadenas
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Silvia Capellino
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Maren Claus
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Erhan Genç
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Klaus Golka
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Thomas Kleinsorge
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Rosemarie Marchan
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jörg Reinders
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christoph van Thriel
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Carsten Watzl
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Edmund Wascher
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
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26
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Susana CF, Mónica L, Fernando D. Event-related brain potential indexes provide evidence for some decline in healthy people with subjective memory complaints during target evaluation and response inhibition processing. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 182:107450. [PMID: 33933631 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the preclinical stage of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum, subjects report subjective memory complaints (SMCs), although with the absence of any objective decline, and have a higher risk of progressing to dementia than the general population. Early identification of this stage therefore constitutes a major focus of current AD research, to enable early intervention. In this study, healthy adult participants with high and low SMCs (HSMCs and LSMCs) performed a Go/NoGo task during electroencephalogram (EEG) recording. Relative to LSMC participants, HSMC participants performed the task slower (longer reaction times) and showed changes in the event-related potential (ERP) components associated with response preparation (lower readiness potential -RP- amplitude in the Go condition), and also related to response inhibition processes (lower N2-P3 amplitude in the NoGo condition). In addition, HSMC participants showed lower Go-N2 and NoGo-N2 peak-to-baseline amplitudes, however these results seem to be influenced by a negative tendency overlapping stimulus-related waveforms. The declines observed in this study are mostly consistent with those observed in aMCI participants, supporting the notion of the AD continuum regarding SMC state.
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27
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Kao VP, Wen HJ, Pan YJ, Pai CS, Tsai ST, Su KY. Combined aerobic and resistance training improves physical and executive functions in women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2021; 30:946-955. [PMID: 33657920 DOI: 10.1177/0961203321998749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exercise is considered as an adjuvant therapeutic modality to alleviate symptoms of several rheumatic diseases. However, data regarding the benefits of exercise to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are relatively scant. METHODS This study aimed to assess the effects of regular, moderate-intensity, aerobic exercise combined with resistance training on women with SLE who had no regular exercise. Patients were recruited and allocated into either the exercise or control group by their willingness. Patients in the exercise group (n = 12) underwent 12 weeks of combined exercise (five days per week), whereas those in the control group (n = 11) maintained their usual lifestyle. RESULTS At baseline, there were no between-group differences in body composition, disease activity, two-kilometer walking test, and executive function test. After the combined exercise intervention for 12 weeks, significant improvements of both fitness index and reaction time to the stimuli in the go/no-go test were observed in the exercise group, but not in the control group. The disease activities in both study groups did not change significantly at the end of the study period. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise combined with resistance training improves the physical and executive functions of SLE patients without exacerbating disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Py Kao
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Jhen Wen
- Center of Physical Education, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.,Sports Medicine Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Pan
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Sheng Pai
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Tzu Tsai
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Ying Su
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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28
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Aly M, Kojima H. Relationship of regular physical activity with neuroelectric indices of interference processing in young adults. Psychophysiology 2021; 57:e13674. [PMID: 33460156 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The relationship of physical activity with interference processing was examined using behavioral and neuroelectrical measures in young adults divided into more active and less active groups. The participants completed Stroop (i.e., color-naming) and reverse Stroop (i.e., word-meaning) tasks that differed in the level of difficulty while event-related potentials were assessed. In the low interference Stroop task, participants were asked to respond to the ink color of the word, while the meaning was either congruent or incongruent with the color. In the high interference reverse Stroop task, participants had to indicate the meaning of colored words while ignoring the color of the font. The results indicated that young adults in the more active group exhibited a shorter response time (RT) and a lower intra-individual variability of RT than did those in the less active group. These behavioral differences were associated with larger P2 and P3 and smaller N450 amplitudes in the Stroop task and with larger P2 and N2 and smaller N450 amplitudes in the reverse Stroop task. No differences were observed in the contingent negative variation (CNV) between the groups. These findings suggest that, for young adults, regular physical activity is positively associated with a better neural efficiency in resource allocation for tasks that require the ability to inhibit cognitive interference and provide evidence for the potential neural mechanisms underlying the improved Stroop performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Aly
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,Department of Physical Psychological and Education Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Haruyuki Kojima
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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