1
|
Saak S, Kothe A, Buhl M, Kollmeier B. Comparison of user interfaces for measuring the matrix sentence test on a smartphone. Int J Audiol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 39126397 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2385551] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Smartphone-based self-testing could facilitate large-scale data collection and remote diagnostics. For this purpose, the matrix sentence test (MST) is an ideal candidate due to its repeatability and accuracy. In clinical practice, the MST requires professional audiological equipment and supervision, which is infeasible for smartphone-based self-testing. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the feasibility of self-administering the MST on smartphones, including the development of an appropriate user interface for the small screen size. DESIGN We compared the traditional closed matrix user interface (10 × 5 matrix) to three alternative, newly-developed interfaces (slide, type, wheel) regarding SRT consistency, user preference, and completion time. STUDY SAMPLE We included 15 younger normal hearing and 14 older hearing-impaired participants in our study. RESULTS The slide interface is most suitable for mobile implementation, providing consistent and fast SRTs and enabling all participants to perform the tasks effectively. While the traditional matrix interface works well for most participants, some participants experienced difficulties due to its small size on the screen. CONCLUSIONS We propose the newly-introduced slide interface as a plausible alternative for smartphone screens. This might be more attractive for elderly patients that may exhibit more challenges with dexterity and vision than our test subjects employed here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samira Saak
- Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Angelika Kothe
- Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Mareike Buhl
- Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Institut de l'Audition, Paris, France
| | - Birger Kollmeier
- Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen T, Liu Y, Zhang B, Wu Y, Yan F, Yan L. Electrophysiological correlation between executive vigilance and attention network based on cognitive resource control theory. Int J Psychophysiol 2024; 203:112393. [PMID: 39029532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2024.112393] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Attention is comprised of three independent and interacting attention networks: phasic alertness, orienting, and executive control. Previous studies have explored event-related potentials associated with these attention networks and executive vigilance, there is a lack of research on the relationship between executive vigilance and the three attention networks. However, there is a lack of research on the relationship between executive vigilance and the three attention networks. The present study aims to investigate this relationship. Based on the theory of cognitive resource control, two experimental blocks were designed with the vigilance task as the control variable. A total of 39 participants completed both ANTI and ANTI-V trials (two variants of the traditional attention network test ANT) in the same period. Through analysis of behavior measures (RT) and electrophysiological results related to phasic alertness (N1, P2, and contingent negative variation), orienting (P1, N1, and P3), and executive control (N2 and slow positive potential), we found that the reaction time of the ANTI block was lower than that of the ANTI-V block under all conditions, This suggests that adding a vigilance task may lead to reduced allocation of attention resources across all three attention networks. Furthermore, the orienting ability was weaker in the ANTI-V experimental block compared to that in the ANTI block due to effects on P1 and P3 regulation by the vigilance task. The N2 amplitude of the ANTI-V block was consistently reduced under similar conditions, indicating a weakening of executive control ability. The electrophysiological results revealed that executive vigilance inhibited the component of early attention perception related to the orienting network and was also related to the ability to detect conflict in the executive control network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianran Chen
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Liu
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bingzhao Zhang
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- Wuhan Leishen Special Equipment Co. Ltd, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fuwu Yan
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Foshan Xianhu Laboratory of the Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Lirong Yan
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Foshan Xianhu Laboratory of the Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Foshan, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hanzal S, Learmonth G, Thut G, Harvey M. Probing sustained attention and fatigue across the lifespan. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0292695. [PMID: 39018279 PMCID: PMC11253940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Trait fatigues reflects tiredness that persists throughout a prolonged period, whereas state fatigue is a short-term reaction to intense or prolonged effort. We investigated the impact of sustained attention (using the SART) on both trait and state fatigue levels in the general population. An online version of the SART was undertaken by 115 participants, stratified across the whole adult lifespan. While pre-task trait fatigue was a strong indicator of the initial state fatigue levels, undergoing the task itself induced an increase in reported subjective state fatigue, and an accompanying reduction in subjective energy rating. Consistent with this finding, greater subjective state fatigue levels were associated with reduced accuracy. In addition, age was the best predictor of inter-participant accuracy (the older the participants, the greater the accuracy), and learning (i.e., task duration reducing reaction times). Moreover, a ceiling effect occurred where participants with higher trait fatigue did not experience greater state fatigue changes relative to those with low trait scores. In summary, we found improved accuracy in older adults, as well as a tight coupling between state fatigue and SART performance decline (in an online environment). The findings warrant further investigation into fatigue as a dynamic, task-dependent state and into SART performance as an objective measure and inducer of fatigue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Hanzal
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Learmonth
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Gregor Thut
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Monika Harvey
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li H, Zhu P, Shao Q. Rapid Mental Workload Detection of Air Traffic Controllers with Three EEG Sensors. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:4577. [PMID: 39065975 PMCID: PMC11281270 DOI: 10.3390/s24144577] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Air traffic controllers' mental workload significantly impacts their operational efficiency and safety. Detecting their mental workload rapidly and accurately is crucial for preventing aviation accidents. This study introduces a mental workload detection model for controllers based on power spectrum features related to gamma waves. The model selects the feature with the highest classification accuracy, β + θ + α + γ, and utilizes the mRMR (Max-Relevance and Min-Redundancy) algorithm for channel selection. Furthermore, the channels that were less affected by ICA processing were identified, and the reliability of this result was demonstrated by artifact analysis brought about by EMG, ECG, etc. Finally, a model for rapid mental workload detection for controllers was developed and the detection rate for the 34 subjects reached 1, and the accuracy for the remaining subjects was as low as 0.986. In conclusion, we validated the usability of the mRMR algorithm in channel selection and proposed a rapid method for detecting mental workload in air traffic controllers using only three EEG channels. By reducing the number of EEG channels and shortening the data processing time, this approach simplifies equipment application and maintains detection accuracy, enhancing practical usability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Quan Shao
- College of Civil Aviation, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu J, Zhu Y, Cong F, Björkman A, Malesevic N, Antfolk C. Analysis of modulations of mental fatigue on intra-individual variability from single-trial event related potentials. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 406:110110. [PMID: 38499275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110110] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intra-individual variability (IIV), a measure of variance within an individual's performance, has been demonstrated as metrics of brain responses for neural functionality. However, how mental fatigue modulates IIV remains unclear. Consequently, the development of robust mental fatigue detection methods at the single-trial level is challenging. NEW METHODS Based on a long-duration flanker task EEG dataset, the modulations of mental fatigue on IIV were explored in terms of response time (RT) and trial-to-trial latency variations of event-related potentials (ERPs). Specifically, latency variations were quantified using residue iteration decomposition (RIDE) to reconstruct latency-corrected ERPs. We compared reconstructed ERPs with raw ERPs by means of temporal principal component analysis (PCA). Furthermore, a single-trial classification pipeline was developed to detect the changes of mental fatigue levels. RESULTS We found an increased IIV in the RT metric in the fatigue state compared to the alert state. The same sequence of ERPs (N1, P2, N2, P3a, P3b, and slow wave, or SW) was separated from both raw and reconstructed ERPs using PCA, whereas differences between raw and reconstructed ERPs in explained variances for separated ERPs were found owing to IIV. Particularly, a stronger N2 was detected in the fatigue than alert state after RIDE. The single-trial fatigue detection pipeline yielded an acceptable accuracy of 73.3%. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS The IIV has been linked to aging and brain disorders, and as an extension, our finding demonstrates IIV as an efficient indicator of mental fatigue. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals significant modulations of mental fatigue on IIV at the behavioral and neural levels and establishes a robust mental fatigue detection pipeline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Lund 22100, Sweden.
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00560, Finland
| | - Fengyu Cong
- Faculty of Information Technology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland; School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; School of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Circuit and Biomedical Electronic System, Liaoning Province. Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Anders Björkman
- Department of Hand Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nebojsa Malesevic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Lund 22100, Sweden
| | - Christian Antfolk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Lund 22100, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hafezi S, Doustan M, Saemi E. The Effect of Brain Anodal and Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Psychological Refractory Period at Different Stimulus-Onset Asynchrony in Non-Fatigue and Mental Fatigue Conditions. Brain Sci 2024; 14:477. [PMID: 38790455 PMCID: PMC11118837 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050477] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The psychological refractory period (PRP) effect occurs when two stimuli that require separate responses are presented sequentially, particularly with a short and variable time interval between them. Fatigue is a suboptimal psycho-physiological state that leads to changes in strategies. In recent years, numerous studies have investigated the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on motor control. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of two tDCS methods, anodal and cathodal, on PRP in ten different conditions of stimulus-onset asynchronies (SOAs) under non-fatigue and mental fatigue conditions. The participants involved 39 male university students aged 19 to 25 years. In the pre-test, they were assessed using the PRP measurement tool under both non-fatigue and mental fatigue conditions. The mental fatigue was induced by a 30-min Stroop task. The test consisted of two stimuli with different SOAs (50, 75, 100, 150, 300, 400, 600, 900, 1200, and 1500 ms). The first was a visual stimulus with three choices (letters A, B, and C). After a random SOA, the second stimulus, a visual stimulus with three choices (colors red, yellow, and blue), was presented. Subsequently, participants were randomly assigned to the anodal, cathodal, and sham stimulation groups and underwent four consecutive sessions of tDCS stimulation. In the anodal and cathodal stimulation groups, 20 min of tDCS stimulation were applied to the PLPFC area in each session, while in the sham group, the stimulation was artificially applied. All participants were assessed using the same measurement tools as in the pre-test phase, in a post-test phase one day after the last stimulation session, and in a follow-up phase four days after that. Inferential statistics include mixed ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, independent, and dependent t-tests. The findings indicated that the response time to the second stimulus was longer at lower SOAs. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in this regard. Additionally, there was no significant difference in response time to the second stimulus between the fatigue and non-fatigue conditions, or between the groups. Therefore, tDCS had no significant effect. There was a significant difference between mental fatigue and non-fatigue conditions in the psychological refractory period. Moreover, at lower SOAs, the PRP was longer than at higher SOAs. In conditions of fatigue, the active stimulation groups (anodal and cathodal) performed better than the sham stimulation group at higher SOAs. Considering the difference in response to both stimuli at different SOAs, some central aspects of the response can be simultaneously parallel. Fatigue also affects parallel processing. This study supports the response integration phenomenon in PRP, which predicts that there will be an increase in response time to the first stimulus as the interval between the presentation of the two stimuli increases. This finding contradicts the bottleneck model. In this study, the effectiveness of cathodal and anodal tDCS on response time to the second stimulus and PRP was found to be very small.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammadreza Doustan
- Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz 6135783151, Iran; (S.H.); (E.S.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hasan F, Hart CM, Graham SA, Kam JWY. Inside a child's mind: The relations between mind wandering and executive function across 8- to 12-year-olds. J Exp Child Psychol 2024; 240:105832. [PMID: 38157752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2023.105832] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Mind wandering refers to attention oriented away from a current task to thoughts unrelated to the task, often resulting in poorer task performance. In adults, mind wandering is a common occurrence that is associated with the executive function facets of inhibitory control, working memory capacity, and task switching. In this study, we cross-sectionally examined whether the relation between mind wandering frequency and executive function changes across 8- to 12-year-old children. A total of 100 children completed three tasks targeting three facets of executive function. During each task, participants were occasionally prompted to report whether they were focused on the task or mind wandering. In examining the association between mind wandering frequency and executive function across the age range, we found a significant interaction between age and working memory capacity, such that it was negatively associated with mind wandering frequency only in 12-year-olds. This interaction with age was not significant for inhibitory control and task switching ability. Our results revealed differential relations between mind wandering and executive function facets, which vary with developmental stages. These findings highlight potential areas for targeted intervention to improve mind wandering regulation in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiza Hasan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Chelsie M Hart
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Susan A Graham
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Owerko Centre and Department of Psychology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Julia W Y Kam
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Matuz A, Darnai G, Zsidó AN, Janszky J, Csathó Á. Structural neural correlates of mental fatigue and reward-induced improvement in performance. Biol Futur 2024; 75:93-104. [PMID: 37889452 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-023-00187-y] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies investigating the association between mental fatigue (henceforth fatigue) and brain physiology have identified many brain regions that may underly the cognitive changes induced by fatigue. These studies focused on the functional changes and functional connectivity of the brain relating to fatigue. The structural correlates of fatigue, however, have received little attention. To fill this gap, this study explored the associations of fatigue with cortical thickness of frontal and parietal regions. In addition, we aimed to explore the associations between reward-induced improvement in performance and neuroanatomical markers in fatigued individuals. Thirty-nine healthy volunteers performed the psychomotor vigilance task for 15 min (i.e., 3 time-on-task blocks of 5 min) out of scanner; followed by an additional rewarded block of the task lasting 5 min. Baseline high-resolution T1-weigthed MR images were obtained. Reaction time increased with time-on-task but got faster again in the rewarded block. Participants' subjective fatigue increased during task performance. In addition, we found that higher increase in subjective mental fatigue was associated with the cortical thickness of the following areas: bilateral precuneus, right precentral gyrus; right pars triangularis and left superior frontal gyrus. Our results suggest that individual differences in subjective mental fatigue may be explained by differences in the degree of cortical thickness of areas that are associated with motor processes, executive functions, intrinsic alertness and are parts of the default mode network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- András Matuz
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Gergely Darnai
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - András N Zsidó
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - József Janszky
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- ELKH-PTE Clinical Neuroscience MR Research Group, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Árpád Csathó
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Karthikeyan R, Carrizales J, Johnson C, Mehta RK. A Window Into the Tired Brain: Neurophysiological Dynamics of Visuospatial Working Memory Under Fatigue. HUMAN FACTORS 2024; 66:528-543. [PMID: 35574703 DOI: 10.1177/00187208221094900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of neural activity and its correlates in heart rate and its variability (HR/HRV) during a fatiguing visuospatial working memory task. BACKGROUND The neural and physiological drivers of fatigue are complex, coupled, and poorly understood. Investigations that combine the fidelity of neural indices and the field-readiness of physiological measures can facilitate measurements of fatigue states in operational settings. METHOD Sixteen healthy adults, balanced by sex, completed a 60-minute fatiguing visuospatial working memory task. Changes in task performance, subjective measures of effort and fatigue, cerebral hemodynamics, and HR/HRV were analyzed. Peak brain activation, functional and effective connections within relevant brain networks were contrasted against spectral and temporal features of HR/HRV. RESULTS Task performance elicited increased neural activation in regions responsible for maintaining working memory capacity. With the onset of time-on-task effects, resource utilization was seen to increase beyond task-relevant networks. Over time, functional connections in the prefrontal cortex were seen to weaken, with changes in the causal relationships between key regions known to drive working memory. HR/HRV indices were seen to closely follow activity in the prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSION This investigation provided a window into the neurophysiological underpinnings of working memory under the time-on-task effect. HR/HRV was largely shown to mirror changes in cortical networks responsible for working memory, therefore supporting the possibility of unobtrusive state recognition under ecologically valid conditions. APPLICATIONS Findings here can inform the development of a fieldable index for cognitive fatigue.
Collapse
|
10
|
Viviani G, Visalli A, Finos L, Vallesi A, Ambrosini E. A comparison between different variants of the spatial Stroop task: The influence of analytic flexibility on Stroop effect estimates and reliability. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:934-951. [PMID: 36894759 PMCID: PMC10830653 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02091-8] [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] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
The spatial Stroop task measures the ability to resolve interference between relevant and irrelevant spatial information. We recently proposed a four-choice spatial Stroop task that ensures methodological advantages over the original color-word verbal Stroop task, requiring participants to indicate the direction of an arrow while ignoring its position in one of the screen corners. However, its peripheral spatial arrangement might represent a methodological weakness and could introduce experimental confounds. Thus, aiming at improving our "Peripheral" spatial Stroop, we designed and made available five novel spatial Stroop tasks (Perifoveal, Navon, Figure-Ground, Flanker, and Saliency), wherein the stimuli appeared at the center of the screen. In a within-subjects online study, we compared the six versions to identify which task produced the largest but also the most reliable and robust Stroop effect. Indeed, although internal reliability is frequently overlooked, its estimate is fundamental, also in light of the recently proposed reliability paradox. Data analyses were performed using both the classical general linear model analytical approach and two multilevel modelling approaches (linear mixed models and random coefficient analysis), which specifically served for more accurately estimating the Stroop effect by explaining intra-subject, trial-by-trial variability. We then assessed our results based on their robustness to such analytic flexibility. Overall, our results indicate that the Perifoveal spatial Stroop is the best alternative task for its statistical properties and methodological advantages. Interestingly, our results also indicate that the Peripheral and Perifoveal Stroop effects were not only the largest, but also those with highest and most robust internal reliability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giada Viviani
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonino Visalli
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Livio Finos
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonino Vallesi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ettore Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy.
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Amd M. Intra-group differences in skin tone influence evaluative and perceptual face processing. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296172. [PMID: 38166065 PMCID: PMC10760692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In an exploration of colorist biases across native Melanesian participants, we employed a multi-method approach across three studies to examine evaluative and perceptual processing of 'lighter' and 'darker' non-Melanesian facial targets controlled for attractiveness, sex, and ethnicity. In Study 1, 305 participants evaluated facial attractiveness using surveys. In Study 2, 153 participants alternately mapped lighter and darker faces with positive and neutral attributes across brief Implicit Association Tests. In Study 3, 61 participants underwent a manual sorting task followed by a 'breaking' continuous flash suppression (b-CFS) paradigm to probe 'non-conscious' perceptual biases. Across evaluative measures, male and female respondents consistently preferred lighter-skinned, highly attractive male faces. During b-CFS, lighter and attractive opposite-sex faces entered awareness ('broke suppression') faster than their darker counterparts. We speculate that skin tone may operate as a perceptually salient cue in the presence of facial configurations signaling high reproductive potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Micah Amd
- University of the South Pacific, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Beeler N, Ziegler E, Navarini AA, Kapur M. Factors related to the performance of laypersons diagnosing pigmented skin cancer: an explorative study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22790. [PMID: 38123698 PMCID: PMC10733329 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50152-x] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
It is important but challenging for prospective health professionals to learn the visual distinction between potentially harmful and harmless skin lesions, such as malignant melanomas and benign nevi. Knowledge about factors related to diagnostic performance is sparse but a prerequisite for designing and evaluating evidence-based educational interventions. Hence, this study explored how the characteristics of 240 skin lesions, the number of classified lesions and the response times of 137 laypeople were related to performance in diagnosing pigmented skin cancer. Our results showed large differences between the lesions, as some were classified correctly by more than 90% and others by less than 10% of the participants. A t-test showed that for melanomas, the correct diagnosis was provided significantly more often than for nevi. Furthermore, we found a significant Pearson correlation between the number of solved tasks and performance in the first 50 diagnostic tasks. Finally, t-tests for investigating the response times revealed that compared to true decisions, participants spent longer on false-negative but not on false-positive decisions. These results provide novel knowledge about performance-related factors that can be useful when designing diagnostic tests and learning interventions for melanoma detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Beeler
- Professorship for Learning Sciences and Higher Education, ETH Zurich, Clausiusstrasse 59, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Esther Ziegler
- Professorship for Learning Sciences and Higher Education, ETH Zurich, Clausiusstrasse 59, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander A Navarini
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Basel, Burgfelderstrasse 101, 4055, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manu Kapur
- Professorship for Learning Sciences and Higher Education, ETH Zurich, Clausiusstrasse 59, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Matthews J, Pisauro MA, Jurgelis M, Müller T, Vassena E, Chong TTJ, Apps MAJ. Computational mechanisms underlying the dynamics of physical and cognitive fatigue. Cognition 2023; 240:105603. [PMID: 37647742 DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2023.105603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The willingness to exert effort for reward is essential but comes at the cost of fatigue. Theories suggest fatigue increases after both physical and cognitive exertion, subsequently reducing the motivation to exert effort. Yet a mechanistic understanding of how this happens on a moment-to-moment basis, and whether mechanisms are common to both mental and physical effort, is lacking. In two studies, participants reported momentary (trial-by-trial) ratings of fatigue during an effort-based decision-making task requiring either physical (grip-force) or cognitive (mental arithmetic) effort. Using a novel computational model, we show that fatigue fluctuates from trial-to-trial as a function of exerted effort and predicts subsequent choices. This mechanism was shared across the domains. Selective to the cognitive domain, committing errors also induced momentary increases in feelings of fatigue. These findings provide insight into the computations underlying the influence of effortful exertion on fatigue and motivation, in both physical and cognitive domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Matthews
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0106, Japan; Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - M Andrea Pisauro
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; Institute for Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mindaugas Jurgelis
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia; Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Tanja Müller
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Zurich Center for Neuroeconomics, Department of Economics, University of Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eliana Vassena
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radbound University, Netherlands
| | - Trevor T-J Chong
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia; Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | - Matthew A J Apps
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; Institute for Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Christ Church, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li R, Guo X, Liang Y, An Y, Xu M, Zhang B. The relationship between cumulative family risk and athlete burnout among Chinese college athletes: the mediating role of negative affect. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1251663. [PMID: 37908814 PMCID: PMC10613735 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1251663] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Burnout of college athletes affects the sports performance of college athletes, etc., and plays an important role in the career development of college athletes. China attaches great importance to the mental health development of college athletes, but the influence mechanism of college athlete burnout has not received attention. This study explored the relationship between cumulative family risk, negative affect, and athlete burnout in college athletes. Methods Data on 824 college athletes from more than 40 universities in China were collected through convenient sampling, using questionnaires including Cumulative Family Risk Scale, Athlete Burnout Questionnaire, and Negative Affect Scale. Results The results of the structural equation model show that cumulative family risk has a significant positive effect on college athlete burnout. Cumulative family risk has a significant positive effect on the negative affect of college athletes. Negative affect also plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between cumulative family risk and college athlete burnout. Discussion These results suggest that cumulative family risk directly or indirectly affects collegiate athlete burnout.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- School of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Xujuan Guo
- China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| | - Yuqian Liang
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yalun An
- School of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Maoyao Xu
- School of Psychology, Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sezer H, Çınar D, Kılıç Akça N. The effect of prolonged use of surgical masks during face-to-face teaching on cognitive and physiological parameters of nursing students: A cross-sectional and descriptive study. Nurse Educ Pract 2023; 72:103779. [PMID: 37717408 DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2023.103779] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study was conducted to examine the effects of using surgical masks on nursing students' cognitive and physiological parameters during full-time face-to-face teaching during the pandemic. BACKGROUND It is known that the use of surgical masks has effects on health professionals' physiological parameters. DESIGN A descriptive cross-sectional study with a pretest-posttest design was conducted. The study was carried out at a state university. METHODS Sixty-one nursing students taking Internal Medicine Nursing course in the fall semester during the COVID-19 pandemic were included in the study. Study data were collected by using a Descriptive Information Form, the Cognitive Fatigue Scale, the One-way Dyspnea Scale and the Cognitive Reaction Time application in a theoretical course that took 310 min on 15 November 2021. Students' physiological parameters were measured by using a thermometer and pulse oximetry. RESULTS It was found that students' cognitive fatigue levels (p < 0.001) and body temperature increased (p < 0.001) and that cognitive reaction rates (p = 0.05) and pulse rates decreased (p < 0.001). It was determined that after the lesson, there was a weak positive correlation between nursing students' level of dyspnea and body temperature and their cognitive fatigue levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS It was determined that the use of surgical masks during full-time face-to-face teaching increased students' cognitive fatigue and decreased their cognitive reaction rates. The research will have an impact on redesigning the curriculum for face-to-face teaching. Lecturers should revise their teaching by taking these findings into account.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hale Sezer
- Izmir Bakırçay University Faculty of Health Science, Department of Nursing Education, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Derya Çınar
- Izmir Bakırçay University Faculty of Health Science, Department of Oncology Nursing, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nazan Kılıç Akça
- Izmir Bakırçay University Faculty of Health Science, Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kimura T, Matsuura R. The content-dependent effect of the N-back task on dual-task performance. Behav Brain Res 2023; 452:114511. [PMID: 37263422 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114511] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Impaired task accuracy under dual-task conditions leads to issues such as falls and traffic accidents. Specific cognitive tasks (e.g., the N-back task) potentially improves dual-task performance. This study aims to establish an effective cognitive-task methodology for clinical practice and identify dual-task combinations in which the N-back task is likely to improve performance. Twenty-one young, healthy adults performed an intervention task (either N-back or control), followed by single- and dual tasks in the disappearing or dexterity condition, to assess its effect on different days. The participants performed force-control and calculation tasks in both disappearing and dexterity conditions. In the disappearing force-control task, target waveforms disappeared after a few practice trials, and the participants recalled them and adjusted their knee extension torque. The dexterity force-control task involved presenting complex waveforms. The participants carefully observed the waveforms, and adjusted their knee extension torque. We measured changes in the excitability of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using near-infrared spectroscopy to determine whether the N-back-task-induced changes contributed to improving dual-task performance. For dual-task performance in the disappearing condition, the N-back task improved the performance of the disappearing force-control task, but the control task did not. The other results were the same regardless of the type of intervention task. The N-back task enhanced a portion of the DLPFC excitability. However, no correlation was observed between changes in dual-task performance and in DLPFC excitability. Our findings may contribute to establishing an effective method for improving dual-task performance using cognitive tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takehide Kimura
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, 6-8-33 Manabe, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Ryouta Matsuura
- Living and Health Sciences Education, Specialized Subject Fields of Education, Graduate School of Education, Joetsu University of Education, Joetsu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Quagliarotti C, Coloretti V, Dello Stritto E, Cuccurullo S, Acalai J, Lepers R, Fantozzi S, Cortesi M, Piacentini MF. Does Smartphone Use Affect a Subsequent Swimming Training Session? Preliminary Results in Amateur Triathletes. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:5837. [PMID: 37447687 PMCID: PMC10347285 DOI: 10.3390/s23135837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
To date, the literature has failed to individuate a clear motivation for the performance decrement after a mental fatigue-inducing task. This study aimed to evaluate biomechanical and perceptual variables during a swimming training session in different mental fatigue states. Seven amateur triathletes watched a documentary, utilized a smartphone, or performed an AX-CPT for 45 min randomly on three different days. After, they performed a 15-min warm-up followed by 6 × 200 m at constant pre-set speed plus one 200 m at maximal effort. The mental fatigue status was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) and short-Stroop task results before, post-mental task, and post-swimming session. The biomechanical and motor coordination variables during swimming were assessed using five IMU sensors and video analysis. The heart rate and rate of perceived exertion were monitored during the task. No differences in biomechanical and perceptual variables were found between and within conditions. Higher mental fatigue was found only in the AX-CPT condition at post task by VAS. In this preliminary study, no changes in swimming biomechanics were highlighted by mental fatigue, but the warm-up performed may have counteracted its negative effects. Further studies are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Quagliarotti
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome ‘Foro Italico’, 00135 Rome, Italy; (C.Q.); (E.D.S.)
| | - Vittorio Coloretti
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (V.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Emanuele Dello Stritto
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome ‘Foro Italico’, 00135 Rome, Italy; (C.Q.); (E.D.S.)
| | - Sarah Cuccurullo
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome ‘Foro Italico’, 00135 Rome, Italy; (C.Q.); (E.D.S.)
| | - Jessica Acalai
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome ‘Foro Italico’, 00135 Rome, Italy; (C.Q.); (E.D.S.)
| | - Romuald Lepers
- INSERM UMR 1093-CAPS, UFR des Sciences du Sport, Université de Bourgogne, F-21000 Dijon, France;
| | - Silvia Fantozzi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Matteo Cortesi
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (V.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Maria Francesca Piacentini
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome ‘Foro Italico’, 00135 Rome, Italy; (C.Q.); (E.D.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abdollahzade Z, Hadian MR, Khanmohammadi R, Talebian S. Efficacy of stretching exercises versus transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on task performance, kinematic and electroencephalography (EEG) spectrum in subjects with slump posture: a study protocol. Trials 2023; 24:351. [PMID: 37221565 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07359-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Slump sitting is a common posture in workplaces. There is limited evidence that poor posture impacts the mental state. This study aims to investigate whether slump posture results in more mental fatigue during computer typing, compared with normal posture and also to compare the effectiveness of stretching exercises with tDCS in fatigue monitoring. METHODS The sample size for this study is set at 36 participants with slump posture and 36 participants with normal posture. In the first step, to find out the differences between normal and poor posture, they will be asked to perform the typewriting task for 60 min. During the first and last 3 min of typing, mental fatigue as the primary outcome using EEG signals and further measures including kinematic behavior of neck, visual analog fatigue scale, and musculoskeletal discomfort will be assessed. Post-experiment task performance will be calculated based on typing speed and typing errors. In the next step, to compare the effect of tDCS and stretching exercises on the outcome measures, the slump posture group will receive these interventions in two separate sessions before the typing task. DISCUSSION With the assumption of showing significant differences in terms of outcome measures between slump and normal posture groups and also by showing the possible changes of the measures, by using either tDCS as a central modality or stretching exercises as a peripheral modality; the findings may provide evidence to indicate that poor posture has adverse effect on mental state and to introduce the effective method to overcome mental fatigue and promote work productivity. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 21 September 2022, IRCT Identifier: IRCT20161026030516N2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Abdollahzade
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Hadian
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Roya Khanmohammadi
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Talebian
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hamann A, Carstengerdes N. Assessing the development of mental fatigue during simulated flights with concurrent EEG-fNIRS measurement. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4738. [PMID: 36959334 PMCID: PMC10036528 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31264-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental fatigue (MF) can impair pilots' performance and reactions to unforeseen events and is therefore an important concept within aviation. The physiological measurement of MF, especially with EEG and, in recent years, fNIRS, has gained much attention. However, a systematic investigation and comparison of the measurements is seldomly done. We induced MF via time on task during a 90-min simulated flight task and collected concurrent EEG-fNIRS, performance and self-report data from 31 participants. While their subjective MF increased linearly, the participants were able to keep their performance stable over the course of the experiment. EEG data showed an early increase and levelling in parietal alpha power and a slower, but steady increase in frontal theta power. No consistent trend could be observed in the fNIRS data. Thus, more research on fNIRS is needed to understand its possibilities and limits for MF assessment, and a combination with EEG is advisable to compare and validate results. Until then, EEG remains the better choice for continuous MF assessment in cockpit applications because of its high sensitivity to a transition from alert to fatigued, even before performance is impaired.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anneke Hamann
- Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), Institut für Flugführung, Lilienthalplatz 7, 38108, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Nils Carstengerdes
- Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), Institut für Flugführung, Lilienthalplatz 7, 38108, Braunschweig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dorokhov VB, Runnova A, Tkachenko ON, Taranov AO, Arseniev GN, Kiselev A, Selskii A, Orlova A, Zhuravlev M. Analysis two types of K complexes on the human EEG based on classical continuous wavelet transform. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2023; 33:031102. [PMID: 37003802 DOI: 10.1063/5.0143284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In our work, we compare EEG time-frequency features for two types of K-complexes detected in volunteers performing the monotonous psychomotor test with their eyes closed. Type I K-complexes preceded spontaneous awakenings, while after type II K-complexes, subjects continued to sleep at least for 10 s after. The total number of K-complexes in the group of 18 volunteers was 646, of which of which type I K-complexes was 150 and type II K-complexes was 496. Time-frequency analysis was performed using continuous wavelet transform. EEG wavelet spectral power was averaged upon several brain zones for each of the classical frequency ranges (slow wave, δ, θ, α, β1, β2, γ bands). The low-frequency oscillatory activity ( δ-band) preceding type I K-complexes was asymmetrical and most prominent in the left hemisphere. Statistically significant differences were obtained by averaging over the left and right hemispheres, as well as projections of the motor area of the brain, p<0.05. The maximal differences between the types I and II of K-complexes were demonstrated in δ-, θ-bands in the occipital and posterior temporal regions. The high amplitude of the motor cortex projection response in β2-band, [20;30] Hz, related to the sensory-motor modality of task in monotonous psychomotor test. The δ-oscillatory activity preceding type I K-complexes was asymmetrical and most prominent in the left hemisphere may be due to the important role of the left hemisphere in spontaneous awakening from sleep during monotonous work, which is an interesting issue for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V B Dorokhov
- Laboratory of Sleep/Wake Neurobiology, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117865 Moscow, Russia
| | - A Runnova
- Center for Coordination of Fundamental Scientific Activities, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, 101990 Moscow, Russia
| | - O N Tkachenko
- Laboratory of Sleep/Wake Neurobiology, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117865 Moscow, Russia
| | - A O Taranov
- Laboratory of Sleep/Wake Neurobiology, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117865 Moscow, Russia
| | - G N Arseniev
- Laboratory of Sleep/Wake Neurobiology, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117865 Moscow, Russia
| | - A Kiselev
- Center for Coordination of Fundamental Scientific Activities, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, 101990 Moscow, Russia
| | - A Selskii
- Institute of Physics, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
| | - A Orlova
- Center for Coordination of Fundamental Scientific Activities, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, 101990 Moscow, Russia
| | - M Zhuravlev
- Center for Coordination of Fundamental Scientific Activities, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, 101990 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pershin I, Candrian G, Münger M, Baschera GM, Rostami M, Eich D, Müller A. Vigilance described by the time-on-task effect in EEG activity during a cued Go/NoGo task. Int J Psychophysiol 2023; 183:92-102. [PMID: 36455720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.11.015] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Vigilance refers to the ability to maintain attention and to remain alert to stimuli in prolonged and monotonous tasks. Vigilance decrement describes the decline in performance in the course of such sustained attention tasks. Time-related alterations in attention have been found to be associated with changes in EEG. We investigated these time-on-task effects on the basis of changes in the conventional EEG spectral bands with the aim of finding a compound measure of vigilance. 148 healthy adults performed a cued Go/NoGo task that lasted approximately 21 min. Behavioural performance was examined by comparing the number of errors in the first and last quarters of the task using paired t-test. EEG data were epoched per trial, and time-on-task effects were modelled by using multiple linear regression, with frequency spectra band power values as independent variables and trial number as the dependent variable. Behavioural performance decreased in terms of omission errors only. Performance of the models, expressed by predicted R-squared, was between 0.10 and 0.27, depending on the particular task condition. The time-on-task EEG spectral changes were characterized by broad changes in the alpha and frontal changes in the beta and gamma bands. We were able to identify a set of EEG spectral features that predict time-on-task. Our output is considered to be a measure of vigilance, reflecting the allocation of mental resources for the maintenance of attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Pershin
- Brain and Trauma Foundation Grisons, Chur, Switzerland.
| | - Gian Candrian
- Brain and Trauma Foundation Grisons, Chur, Switzerland
| | - Marionna Münger
- Brain and Trauma Foundation Grisons, Chur, Switzerland; University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Maryam Rostami
- Brain and Trauma Foundation Grisons, Chur, Switzerland; University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kustubayeva A, Zholdassova M, Borbassova G, Matthews G. Temporal changes in ERP amplitudes during sustained performance of the Attention Network Test. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 182:142-158. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
23
|
Tran T, Ternov NK, Weber J, Barata C, Berry EG, Doan HQ, Marghoob AA, Seiverling EV, Sinclair S, Stein JA, Stoos ER, Tolsgaard MG, Wolfensperger M, Braun RP, Nelson KC. Theory-Based Approaches to Support Dermoscopic Image Interpretation Education: A Review of the Literature. Dermatol Pract Concept 2022; 12:e2022188. [PMID: 36534519 PMCID: PMC9681177 DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1204a188] [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] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Efficient interpretation of dermoscopic images relies on pattern recognition, and the development of expert-level proficiency typically requires extensive training and years of practice. While traditional methods of transferring knowledge have proven effective, technological advances may significantly improve upon these strategies and better equip dermoscopy learners with the pattern recognition skills required for real-world practice. Objectives A narrative review of the literature was performed to explore emerging directions in medical image interpretation education that may enhance dermoscopy education. This article represents the first of a two-part review series on this topic. Methods To promote innovation in dermoscopy education, the International Skin Imaging Collaborative (ISIC) assembled a 12-member Education Working Group that comprises international dermoscopy experts and educational scientists. Based on a preliminary literature review and their experiences as educators, the group developed and refined a list of innovative approaches through multiple rounds of discussion and feedback. For each approach, literature searches were performed for relevant articles. Results Through a consensus-based approach, the group identified a number of emerging directions in image interpretation education. The following theory-based approaches will be discussed in this first part: whole-task learning, microlearning, perceptual learning, and adaptive learning. Conclusions Compared to traditional methods, these theory-based approaches may enhance dermoscopy education by making learning more engaging and interactive and reducing the amount of time required to develop expert-level pattern recognition skills. Further exploration is needed to determine how these approaches can be seamlessly and successfully integrated to optimize dermoscopy education.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffaney Tran
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Niels K Ternov
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jochen Weber
- Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Catarina Barata
- Institute for Systems and Robotics; Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elizabeth G Berry
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Hung Q Doan
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ashfaq A Marghoob
- Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth V Seiverling
- Division of Dermatology, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA; Department of Dermatology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA,USA
| | | | - Jennifer A Stein
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Stoos
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Martin G Tolsgaard
- Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation; Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maya Wolfensperger
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ralph P Braun
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kelly C Nelson
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
The Necessity of a Reduced Version of the Psychomotor Battery to Screen for Learning Difficulties in Preschool Children. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14127263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Psychomotor development is important for effective learning. Therefore, psychomotor observation is essential beginning in preschool education; however, observational instruments require practice, experience and time-consuming procedures. Psychomotor Battery (PBM) is useful to observe children’s psychomotor profile but needs 30 to 40 min per child to be applied. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to justify the need of a reduced version of the PBM to enable more frequent psychomotor observations at this level of education. A total of 70 preschool students with typical development were observed over 4 months in a school context, among which 31 were males and 39 were females (4- and 5-year-old). PBM is composed by seven psychomotor factors (PMF) distributed across three neuropsychological functional units. The total average of points for psychomotor observations was obtained using multiple linear regression (MLR) with a Stepwise method. For associations, Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was used. The results of this study showed that it is possible to reduce the average time of psychomotor observation by 43.7% (13 min and 31 s), maintaining a very strong association with the total average of points obtained. This reduction in observation time may contribute to the increase in psychomotor observations of preschool children using PMB.
Collapse
|
25
|
Irvine D, Jobson SA, Wilson JP. Evaluating Changes in Mental Workload in Indoor and Outdoor Ultra-Distance Cycling. Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:67. [PMID: 35622476 PMCID: PMC9146483 DOI: 10.3390/sports10050067] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Whilst increasing mental workload has been shown to have a detrimental effect on cycling performance and more generally to increase the risk of harm, no studies have measured how mental workload changes as a function of ultra-distance cycling, indoors or outdoors. Our objective was to measure the difference in mental workload, as indicated by changes in EEG theta power, components of HRV and psychomotor vigilance and as reported using the 'NASA Task Load Index questionnaire', before and after a 5 h indoor ride and outdoor ride completed at 65% of functional threshold power. Results of the NASA-TLX indicated the mental demand of outdoor cycling to be significantly less than that of indoor cycling. There were significant differences in the PVT results between the pre and the post outdoor ride average and median response times. The slowest 10% PVT responses were significantly slower pre than post the indoor ride. There were significant differences in HRV between pre and post outdoor and indoor rides, specifically, in the average RR intervals, RMSSD (ms2), LFPower (ms2), NN50. There were modest changes in indicators of mental workload during an ultra-distance cycle ride. As such, mental workload during ultra-distance cycling is unlikely to be a contributory factor to decreases in performance or to an increased likelihood of accident and injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Irvine
- Epiphanies LLP, Hopyard Farm, Glanbaiden, Govilon, Abergavenny NP7 9SE, UK
| | - Simon A. Jobson
- Faculty of Health & Wellbeing, University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester SO22 4NR, UK;
| | - John P. Wilson
- Management School, The University of Sheffield, Conduit Road, Sheffield S10 1FL, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Leung R, Cook MM, Capra MF, Johnstone KR. The contribution of respiratory and hearing protection use to psychological distress in the workplace: a scoping review. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:1647-1659. [PMID: 35474491 PMCID: PMC9041289 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01863-7] [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: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Workers from various industries use personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks, respirators, and hearing protection to reduce their exposures to workplace hazards. Many studies have evaluated the physiological impacts of PPE use, but few have assessed the psychological impacts. The aim of the present study was to carry out a scoping review to compile existing evidence and determine the extent of knowledge on workplace mask, respirator or hearing protection use as a psychosocial hazard (stressor) that could result in a stress response and potentially lead to psychological injury. METHODS The scoping review followed recognized methods and was conducted using Ovid Emcare, PubMed, Sage Journals, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SpringerLink, Google Scholar and preprint databases (OSF Preprints and medRxiv). Articles on the stressors associated with the use of masks, respirators, and hearing protection were included. The extracted data included author(s) name, year of publication, title of article, study design, population data, stressors assessed, and key findings. RESULTS We retrieved 650 articles after removal of duplicates, of which 26 were deemed eligible for inclusion for review. Identified factors associated with PPE use that could potentially create a stress response were identified: communication impacts, physical impacts, psychological illness symptoms, cognitive impacts, and perceived PPE-related impacts. Evidence for respirators suggest that there may be psychological injury associated with their use. However, hearing protection appears to have a protective effect in reducing psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and aggression. CONCLUSIONS Mask or respirator use may lead to an increase in work-related stress. Whereas hearing protection may have protective effects against psychological symptoms and improves speech intelligibility. More research is needed to better understand potential psychosocial impacts of mask, respirator and/or hearing protection use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Leung
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Margaret M Cook
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mike F Capra
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kelly R Johnstone
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yu S, Mückschel M, Beste C. Superior frontal regions reflect the dynamics of task engagement and theta band-related control processes in time-on task effects. Sci Rep 2022; 12:846. [PMID: 35039615 PMCID: PMC8763946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04972-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Impairment of cognitive performance is often observed in time-on tasks. Theoretical considerations suggest that especially prefrontal cortex cognitive control functions is affected by time-on-task effects, but the role of effort/task engagement is not understood. We examine time-on-task effects in cognitive control on a neurophysiological level using a working-memory modulated response inhibition task and inter-relate prefrontal neuroanatomical region-specific theta-band activity with pupil diameter data using EEG-beamforming approaches. We show that task performance declines with time-on tasks, which was paralleled by a concomitant decreases of task-evoked superior frontal gyrus theta-band activity and a reduction in phasic pupil diameter modulations. A strong relation between cognitive control-related superior frontal theta-band activity and effort/task engagement indexed by phasic pupil diameter modulations was observed in the beginning of the experiment, especially for tasks requiring inhibitory controls and demanding high working memory. This strong relation vanished at the end of the experiment, suggesting a decoupling of cognitive control resources useable for a task and effort invested that characterizes time-on-task effects in prefrontal cortical structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shijing Yu
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Schubertstrasse 42, 01309, Dresden, Germany.,University Neuropsychology Centre, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Moritz Mückschel
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Schubertstrasse 42, 01309, Dresden, Germany.,University Neuropsychology Centre, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Schubertstrasse 42, 01309, Dresden, Germany. .,University Neuropsychology Centre, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Yu S, Mückschel M, Rempel S, Ziemssen T, Beste C. Time-on-task effects on working memory gating processes—A role of theta synchronization and the norepinephrine system. Cereb Cortex Commun 2022; 3:tgac001. [PMID: 35098128 PMCID: PMC8794645 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Performance impairment as an effect of prolonged engagement in a specific task is commonly observed. Although this is a well-known effect in everyday life, little is known about how this affects central cognitive functions such as working memory (WM) processes. In the current study, we ask how time-on-task affects WM gating processes and thus processes regulating WM maintenance and updating. To this end, we combined electroencephalography methods and recordings of the pupil diameter as an indirect of the norepinephrine (NE) system activity. Our results showed that only WM gate opening but not closing processes showed time-on-task effects. On the neurophysiological level, this was associated with modulation of dorsolateral prefrontal theta band synchronization processes, which vanished with time-on-task during WM gate opening. Interestingly, also the modulatory pattern of the NE system, as inferred using pupil diameter data, changed. At the beginning, a strong correlation of pupil diameter data and theta band synchronization processes during WM gate opening is observed. This modulatory effect vanished at the end of the experiment. The results show that time-on-task has very specific effects on WM gate opening and closing processes and suggests an important role of NE system in the time-on-task effect on WM gate opening process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shijing Yu
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden 01309
- Faculty of Medicine, University Neuropsychology Centre, TU Dresden 01309
| | - Moritz Mückschel
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden 01309
- Faculty of Medicine, University Neuropsychology Centre, TU Dresden 01309
| | - Sarah Rempel
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden 01309
- Faculty of Medicine, University Neuropsychology Centre, TU Dresden 01309
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, MS Centre, TU Dresden 01309
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden 01309
- Faculty of Medicine, University Neuropsychology Centre, TU Dresden 01309
- Address correspondence to Christian Beste, Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Schubertstrasse 42, D01309 Dresden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Barrios L, Amon R, Oldrati P, Hilty M, Holz C, Lutterotti A. Cognitive fatigability assessment test (cFAST): Development of a new instrument to assess cognitive fatigability and pilot study on its association to perceived fatigue in multiple sclerosis. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221117740. [PMID: 36046638 PMCID: PMC9421030 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221117740] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fatigue is a common symptom of many diseases, including multiple sclerosis. It manifests as a cognitive or physical condition. Fatigue is poorly understood, and effective therapies are missing. Furthermore, there is a lack of methods to measure fatigue objectively. Fatigability, the measurable decline in performance during a task, has been suggested as a complementary method to quantify fatigue. Objective To develop a new and objective measurement of cognitive fatigability and investigate its association with perceived fatigue. Methods We introduced the cognitive fatigability assessment test (cFAST), a novel smartphone-based test to quantify cognitive fatigability. Forty-two people with multiple sclerosis (23 fatigued and 19 non-fatigued, defined by the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions) took part in our validation study. Patients completed cFAST twice. We used t-tests, Monte Carlo sampling, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves to evaluate our approach using two sets of proposed metrics. Results When classifying fatigue, our fatigability metric Δresponse time has a mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.74 (95% CI 0.64–0.84), making it the best performing metric for this task. Furthermore, Δresponse time shows a statistically significant difference between the fatigued and non-fatigued groups (t = 2.27, P = .03). Particularly, cognitively-fatigued patients decline in performance, while non-fatigued patients do not. Conclusions We introduce cFAST, a new instrument to quantify cognitive fatigability. Our pilot study provides evidence that cognitive fatigability assessment test produces a quantifiable drop in cognitive performance in a short period. Furthermore, our results indicate that cFAST may have the potential to serve as a surrogate for subjective cognitive fatigue. cFAST is significantly shorter than the existing fatigability assessments and does not require specialized equipment. Thus, it could enable frequent and remote monitoring, which could substantially aid clinicians in better understanding and treating fatigue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Barrios
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rok Amon
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pietro Oldrati
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Hilty
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Holz
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Lutterotti
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neurozentrum Bellevue and Department of Neurology Hirslanden, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mohammadi A, Nematpour L, Dehaghi BF. Reader fatigue - Electroencephalography findings: A case study in students. Work 2021; 71:209-214. [PMID: 34924414 DOI: 10.3233/wor-205121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental fatigue is usually accompanied by a sense of weariness, reduced alertness, and reduced mental performance, which can lead to accidents, decrease of productivity in workplace and several other health hazards. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess mental fatigue of students while reading for a prolonged duration of time by application of electroencephalography (EEG). METHODS Ten healthy students (27.57±3.4 years; 5 females and 5 males), participated in the study. The experimental design consisted of 5 blocks of 15-min length, in total 75 min for each participant. The experiment was done without any reading activities at the first block. In the following, participants studied the texts and corrected the mistakes. In each block EEG (beta, alpha, and theta power), and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) were recorded. RESULTS The mean of the self-assessment of sleepiness by KSS from the first to final 15 minutes were 2.3, 3.4, 4.3, 5.2, and 6.1, respectively. The average power in the theta band decreased from 1.23μV2/Hz at the first 15-min period to 1.02μV2/Hz at the last 15-min period. Also, mean power in the alpha band decreased from 0.85μV2/Hz at the first 15-min period to 0.59μV2/Hz at the last 15-min period. CONCLUSION The study showed that the KSS and EEG activity indicate sleepiness which were highly correlated, with both changing along with performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Mohammadi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Leila Nematpour
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Behzad Fouladi Dehaghi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Anodal tDCS augments and preserves working memory beyond time-on-task deficits. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19134. [PMID: 34580390 PMCID: PMC8476579 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98636-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been shown to promote working memory (WM), however, its efficacy against time-on-task-related performance decline and associated cognitive fatigue remains uncertain. This study examined the impact of anodal tDCS of the left DLPFC on performance during a fatiguing visuospatial WM test. We adopted a repeated measures design, where 32 healthy adults (16 female), underwent anodal, control and sham tDCS on separate days. They completed an hour long two-back test, with stimulation intensity, onset, and duration set at 1 mA, at the 20th minute for 10 minutes respectively. Task performance, subjective responses, and heart rate variability (HRV) were captured during the experiment. Anodal tDCS substantially improved WM relative to sham tDCS and control in both sexes. These benefits lasted beyond the stimulation interval, and were unique across performance measures. However, no perceptual changes in subjective effort or fatigue levels were noted between conditions, although participants reported greater discomfort during stimulation. While mood and sleepiness changed with time-on-task, reflecting fatigue, these were largely similar across conditions. HRV increased under anodal tDCS and control, and plateaued under sham tDCS. We found that short duration anodal tDCS at 1 mA was an effective countermeasure to time-on-task deficits during a visuospatial two-back task, with enhancement and preservation of WM capacity. However, these improvements were not available at a perceptual level. Therefore, wider investigations are necessary to determine “how” such solutions will be operationalized in the field, especially within human-centered systems.
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhang C, Sun L, Cong F, Ristaniemi T. Spatiotemporal Dynamical Analysis of Brain Activity During Mental Fatigue Process. IEEE Trans Cogn Dev Syst 2021. [DOI: 10.1109/tcds.2020.2976610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
33
|
Nikooharf Salehi E, Jaydari Fard S, Jaberzadeh S, Zoghi M. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Reduces the Negative Impact of Mental Fatigue on Swimming Performance. J Mot Behav 2021; 54:327-336. [PMID: 34433377 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2021.1962238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The issue of using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to improve sport performance has recently been a topic of interest for researchers. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of tDCS over left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on mental fatigue and physical performance in professional swimmers. Fifteen professional swimmers were randomly assigned in a single-blinded, randomized, counterbalanced order to sham, anodal and cathodal stimulation conditions. Mental fatigue was induced by using a 60-min modified Stroop color-word task. Subjective ratings of mental fatigue were measured before and after the stroop task. The results showed that only anodal tDCS of the left DLPFC reduces adverse effects of mental fatigue in 50-meter swimming performance, whereas cathodal stimulation had no significant effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Nikooharf Salehi
- Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Jaydari Fard
- Institute for Social Science Research, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Shapour Jaberzadeh
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maryam Zoghi
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Sport, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Russell B, McDaid A, Toscano W, Hume P. Predicting Fatigue in Long Duration Mountain Events with a Single Sensor and Deep Learning Model. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21165442. [PMID: 34450884 PMCID: PMC8399921 DOI: 10.3390/s21165442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIM To determine whether an AI model and single sensor measuring acceleration and ECG could model cognitive and physical fatigue for a self-paced trail run. METHODS A field-based protocol of continuous fatigue repeated hourly induced physical (~45 min) and cognitive (~10 min) fatigue on one healthy participant. The physical load was a 3.8 km, 200 m vertical gain, trail run, with acceleration and electrocardiogram (ECG) data collected using a single sensor. Cognitive load was a Multi Attribute Test Battery (MATB) and separate assessment battery included the Finger Tap Test (FTT), Stroop, Trail Making A and B, Spatial Memory, Paced Visual Serial Addition Test (PVSAT), and a vertical jump. A fatigue prediction model was implemented using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). RESULTS When the fatigue test battery results were compared for sensitivity to the protocol load, FTT right hand (R2 0.71) and Jump Height (R2 0.78) were the most sensitive while the other tests were less sensitive (R2 values Stroop 0.49, Trail Making A 0.29, Trail Making B 0.05, PVSAT 0.03, spatial memory 0.003). The best prediction results were achieved with a rolling average of 200 predictions (102.4 s), during set activity types, mean absolute error for 'walk up' (MAE200 12.5%), and range of absolute error for 'run down' (RAE200 16.7%). CONCLUSIONS We were able to measure cognitive and physical fatigue using a single wearable sensor during a practical field protocol, including contextual factors in conjunction with a neural network model. This research has practical application to fatigue research in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Russell
- Sports Performance Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0632, New Zealand;
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94043, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrew McDaid
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand;
| | - William Toscano
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94043, USA;
| | - Patria Hume
- Sports Performance Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0632, New Zealand;
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yu S, Mückschel M, Beste C. Event-related synchronization/desynchronization and functional neuroanatomical regions associated with fatigue effects on cognitive flexibility. J Neurophysiol 2021; 126:383-397. [PMID: 34191635 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00228.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive flexibility is an essential prerequisite for goal-directed behavior, and daily observations already show that it deteriorates when one is engaged in a task for a (too) long time. Yet, the neural mechanisms underlying such fatigability effect in cognitive flexibility are poorly understood. We examined how theta, alpha, and beta frequency event-related synchronization and desynchronization processes during cued memory-based task switching are modulated by time-on-task effects. We put special emphasis on the examination of functional neuroanatomical regions being associated with these modulations, using EEG beamforming. We show clear declines in task switching performance (increased switch costs) with time on task. For processes occurring before rule switching or repetition processes, we show that anticipatory attentional sampling and selection mechanisms associated with fronto-parietal structures are modulated by time-on-task effects but sensory areas (occipital cortex) also show fatigability-dependent modulations. After target stimulus presentation, the allocation of processing resources for response selection as reflected by theta-related activity in parietal cortices is compromised with time on task and similarly a concomitant increase in alpha and beta band-related attentional processing or gating mechanisms in frontal and occipital regions. Yet, considering the behavioral data showing an apparent decline in performance, this probably compensatory increase is still insufficient to allow reasonable performance. The same is likely the case for processes occurring before rule switching or repetition processes. Comparative analyses show that modulations of alpha band activity are as strongly modulated by fatigability as theta band activity. Implications of these findings for theoretical concepts on fatigability are discussed.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We examine the neurophysiological and functional neuroanatomical basis of fatigability in cognitive flexibility. We show that alpha and theta modulations in fronto-parietal and primary sensory areas are central for the understanding of fatigability effects in cognitive flexibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shijing Yu
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,University Neuropsychology Centre, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Moritz Mückschel
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,University Neuropsychology Centre, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,University Neuropsychology Centre, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Application of Eye Tracking Technology in Aviation, Maritime, and Construction Industries: A Systematic Review. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21134289. [PMID: 34201734 PMCID: PMC8271947 DOI: 10.3390/s21134289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Most accidents in the aviation, maritime, and construction industries are caused by human error, which can be traced back to impaired mental performance and attention failure. In 1596, Du Laurens, a French anatomist and medical scientist, said that the eyes are the windows of the mind. Eye tracking research dates back almost 150 years and it has been widely used in different fields for several purposes. Overall, eye tracking technologies provide the means to capture in real time a variety of eye movements that reflect different human cognitive, emotional, and physiological states, which can be used to gain a wider understanding of the human mind in different scenarios. This systematic literature review explored the different applications of eye tracking research in three high-risk industries, namely aviation, maritime, and construction. The results of this research uncovered the demographic distribution and applications of eye tracking research, as well as the different technologies that have been integrated to study the visual, cognitive, and attentional aspects of human mental performance. Moreover, different research gaps and potential future research directions were highlighted in relation to the usage of additional technologies to support, validate, and enhance eye tracking research to better understand human mental performance.
Collapse
|
37
|
Lee KFA, Gan WS, Christopoulos G. Biomarker-Informed Machine Learning Model of Cognitive Fatigue from a Heart Rate Response Perspective. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21113843. [PMID: 34199416 PMCID: PMC8199616 DOI: 10.3390/s21113843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive fatigue is a psychological state characterised by feelings of tiredness and impaired cognitive functioning arising from high cognitive demands. This paper examines the recent research progress on the assessment of cognitive fatigue and provides informed recommendations for future research. Traditionally, cognitive fatigue is introspectively assessed through self-report or objectively inferred from a decline in behavioural performance. However, more recently, researchers have attempted to explore the biological underpinnings of cognitive fatigue to understand and measure this phenomenon. In particular, there is evidence indicating that the imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous activity appears to be a physiological correlate of cognitive fatigue. This imbalance has been indexed through various heart rate variability indices that have also been proposed as putative biomarkers of cognitive fatigue. Moreover, in contrast to traditional inferential methods, there is also a growing research interest in using data-driven approaches to assessing cognitive fatigue. The ubiquity of wearables with the capability to collect large amounts of physiological data appears to be a major facilitator in the growth of data-driven research in this area. Preliminary findings indicate that such large datasets can be used to accurately predict cognitive fatigue through various machine learning approaches. Overall, the potential of combining domain-specific knowledge gained from biomarker research with machine learning approaches should be further explored to build more robust predictive models of cognitive fatigue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kar Fye Alvin Lee
- Smart Nation Translational Laboratory, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore;
- Correspondence:
| | - Woon-Seng Gan
- Smart Nation Translational Laboratory, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore;
| | - Georgios Christopoulos
- Decision, Environmental and Organizational Neuroscience Lab (DeonLab), Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore;
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Pscherer C, Bluschke A, Mückschel M, Beste C. The interplay of resting and inhibitory control-related theta-band activity depends on age. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:3845-3857. [PMID: 33982854 PMCID: PMC8288092 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Resting‐state neural activity plays an important role for cognitive control processes. Regarding response inhibition processes, an important facet of cognitive control, especially theta‐band activity has been the focus of research. Theoretical considerations suggest that the interrelation of resting and task‐related theta activity is subject to maturational effects. To investigate whether the relationship between resting theta activity and task‐related theta activity during a response inhibition task changes even in young age, we tested N = 166 healthy participants between 8 and 30 years of age. We found significant correlations between resting and inhibitory control‐related theta activity as well as behavioral inhibition performance. Importantly, these correlations were moderated by age. The moderation analysis revealed that higher resting theta activity was associated with stronger inhibition‐related theta activity in individuals above the age of ~10.7 years. The EEG beamforming analysis showed that this activity is associated with superior frontal region function (BA6). The correlation between resting and superior frontal response inhibition‐related theta activity became stronger with increasing age. A similar pattern was found for response inhibition performance, albeit only evident from the age of ~19.5 years. The results suggest that with increasing age, resting theta activity becomes increasingly important for processing the alarm/surprise signals in superior frontal brain regions during inhibitory control. Possible causes for these developmental changes are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Pscherer
- Faculty of Medicine, Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Annet Bluschke
- Faculty of Medicine, Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Moritz Mückschel
- Faculty of Medicine, Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Faculty of Medicine, Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Holding BC, Ingre M, Petrovic P, Sundelin T, Axelsson J. Quantifying Cognitive Impairment After Sleep Deprivation at Different Times of Day: A Proof of Concept Using Ultra-Short Smartphone-Based Tests. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:666146. [PMID: 33927603 PMCID: PMC8076531 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.666146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive functioning is known to be impaired following sleep deprivation and to fluctuate depending on the time of day. However, most methods of assessing cognitive performance remain impractical for environments outside of the lab. This study investigated whether 2-min smartphone-based versions of commonly used cognitive tests could be used to assess the effects of sleep deprivation and time of day on diverse cognitive functions. After three nights of normal sleep, participants (N = 182) were randomised to either one night of sleep deprivation or a fourth night of normal sleep. Using the Karolinska WakeApp (KWA), participants completed a battery of 2-min cognitive tests, including measures of attention, arithmetic ability, episodic memory, working memory, and a Stroop test for cognitive conflict and behavioural adjustment. A baseline measurement was completed at 22:30 h, followed by three measurements the following day at approximately 08:00 h, 12:30 h, and 16:30 h. Sleep deprivation led to performance impairments in attention, arithmetic ability, episodic memory, and working memory. No effect of sleep deprivation was observed in the Stroop test. There were variations in attention and arithmetic test performance across different times of day. The effect of sleep deprivation on all cognitive tests was also found to vary at different times of day. In conclusion, this study shows that the KWA's 2-min cognitive tests can be used to detect cognitive impairments following sleep deprivation, and fluctuations in cognitive performance relating to time of day. The results demonstrate the potential of using brief smartphone-based tasks to measure a variety of cognitive abilities within sleep and fatigue research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C. Holding
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Ingre
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Predrag Petrovic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tina Sundelin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Axelsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Karimi-Rouzbahani H, Woolgar A, Rich AN. Neural signatures of vigilance decrements predict behavioural errors before they occur. eLife 2021; 10:e60563. [PMID: 33830017 PMCID: PMC8060034 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There are many monitoring environments, such as railway control, in which lapses of attention can have tragic consequences. Problematically, sustained monitoring for rare targets is difficult, with more misses and longer reaction times over time. What changes in the brain underpin these 'vigilance decrements'? We designed a multiple-object monitoring (MOM) paradigm to examine how the neural representation of information varied with target frequency and time performing the task. Behavioural performance decreased over time for the rare target (monitoring) condition, but not for a frequent target (active) condition. This was mirrored in neural decoding using magnetoencephalography: coding of critical information declined more during monitoring versus active conditions along the experiment. We developed new analyses that can predict behavioural errors from the neural data more than a second before they occurred. This facilitates pre-empting behavioural errors due to lapses in attention and provides new insight into the neural correlates of vigilance decrements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Karimi-Rouzbahani
- Perception in Action Research Centre, Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydneyAustralia
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydneyAustralia
| | - Alexandra Woolgar
- Perception in Action Research Centre, Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydneyAustralia
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydneyAustralia
| | - Anina N Rich
- Perception in Action Research Centre, Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydneyAustralia
- Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydneyAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Arnau S, Brümmer T, Liegel N, Wascher E. Inverse effects of time-on-task in task-related and task-unrelated theta activity. Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13805. [PMID: 33682172 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The phenomenon of mental fatigue has recently been investigated extensively by means of the EEG. Studies deploying spectral analysis consistently reported an increase of spectral power in the lower frequencies with increasing time-on-task, whereas event-related studies observed decreases in various measures related to task engagement and attentional resources. The results from these two lines of research cannot be aligned easily. (Frontal) theta power has been linked to cognitive control and was found to increase with time-on-task. In contrast, theoretical frameworks on mental fatigue suggest a decline in task-engagement as causal for the performance decline observed in mental fatigue. The goal of the present study was to investigate mental fatigue in time-frequency space using linear regression on single-trial data in order to obtain a better understanding about how time-on-task affects theta oscillatory activity. A data-driven analysis approach indicated an increase of alpha and theta power during the intertrial interval. In contrast, task-related theta activity declined. This reduction of stimulus-locked theta power may be interpreted as a reduction of task engagement with increasing mental fatigue. The increase of theta spectral power in the intertrial interval, moreover, could possibly be explained by an increased idling of cognitive control networks. Alternatively, it might be the case that the increase of theta power with time-on-task is a by-product an alpha power increase. As alpha peak frequency systematically decreases with time-on-task, the theta band might be affected as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Arnau
- Department of Ergonomics, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors Dortmund (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Tina Brümmer
- Johanniter-Klinik am Rombergpark, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Nathalie Liegel
- Department of Ergonomics, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors Dortmund (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Edmund Wascher
- Department of Ergonomics, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors Dortmund (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
How time shapes cognitive control: A high-density EEG study of task-switching. Biol Psychol 2021; 160:108030. [PMID: 33539965 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2021.108030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Task-switching is one of the most popular paradigms to investigate cognitive control. The main finding of interest is the switch cost: RTs in switch trials are longer than RTs in repetition trials. Despite the massive amount of research in these topics, little is known about the underlying temporal dynamics of the cortical regions involved in these phenomena. Here we used high density EEG to unveil the spatiotemporal neural dynamics associated with both the switch cost and to its modulation over time (time-on-task effect), as two markers of cognitive control reflecting effortful and procedural mechanisms, respectively. We found that, as a function of task practice, the switch cost decreased and both the switch-positivity and the switch-negativity event-related responses increased, although the latter showed a larger modulatory effect. At a source level, this effect was revealed by a progressively higher activation of the left middle and superior frontal gyrus.
Collapse
|
43
|
Salomone M, Burle B, Fabre L, Berberian B. An Electromyographic Analysis of the Effects of Cognitive Fatigue on Online and Anticipatory Action Control. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 14:615046. [PMID: 33505260 PMCID: PMC7829365 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.615046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive fatigue is a problem for the safety of critical systems (e.g., aircraft) as it can lead to accidents, especially during unexpected events. In order to determine the extent to which it disrupts adaptive capabilities, we evaluated its effect on online and anticipatory control. Despite numerous studies conducted to determine its effects, the exact mechanism(s) affected by fatigue remains to be clarified. In this study, we used distribution and electromyographic analysis to assess whether cognitive fatigue increases the capture of the incorrect automatic response or if it impairs its suppression (online control), and whether the conflict adaptation effect is reduced (anticipatory control). To this end, we evaluated the evolution of the performance over time during the Simon task, a classic conflict task that elicits incorrect automatic responses. To accentuate the presence of fatigue during the Simon task, two groups previously performed a dual-task with two different cognitive load levels to create two different levels of fatigue. The results revealed that time on task impaired online control by disrupting the capacity to suppress the incorrect response but leaving unaffected the expression of the automatic response. Furthermore, participants emphasized speed rather than accuracy with time on task, with in addition more fast guesses, suggesting that they opted for a less effortful response strategy. As the implementation of the suppression mechanism requires cognitive effort, the conjunction of these results suggests that the deficits observed may be due to disengagement of effort over time rather than reflecting an incapacity to make an effort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mick Salomone
- Information Processing and Systems, ONERA, Salon de Provence, Base Aérienne 701, France
| | - Boris Burle
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, LNC UMR 7291, Marseille, France
| | - Ludovic Fabre
- Centre de Recherche de l'Ecole de l'Air, Salon de Provence, Base Aérienne 701, France
| | - Bruno Berberian
- Information Processing and Systems, ONERA, Salon de Provence, Base Aérienne 701, France
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Jacquet T, Poulin-Charronnat B, Bard P, Lepers R. Persistence of Mental Fatigue on Motor Control. Front Psychol 2021; 11:588253. [PMID: 33488457 PMCID: PMC7820710 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.588253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of mental fatigue on both cognitive and physical performance are well described in the literature, but the recovery aspects of mental fatigue have been less investigated. The present study aimed to fill this gap by examining the persistence of mental fatigue on behavior and electrophysiological mechanisms. Fifteen participants performed an arm-pointing task consisting of reaching a target as fast as possible, before carrying out a 32-min cognitively demanding task [Time Load Dual Back (TLDB) task], and immediately, 10 and 20 min after completion of the TLDB task. During the experiment, electroencephalography was continuously recorded. The significant increase in mental fatigue feeling after the TLDB task was followed by a decrease during the 20 min of recovery without returning to premeasurement values. Brain oscillations recorded at rest during the recovery period showed an increase in both theta and alpha power over time, suggesting a persistence of mental fatigue. Arm-pointing movement duration increased gradually over time during the recovery period, indicating that behavioral performance remained impaired 20 min after the end of the cognitively demanding task. To conclude, subjective measurements indicated a partial recovery of mental fatigue following a cognitively demanding task, whereas electrophysiological and behavioral markers suggested that the effects of mental fatigue persisted for at least 20 min. While the subjective evaluation of mental fatigue is a very practical way to attest the presence of mental fatigue, electrophysiological and behavioral measures seem more relevant to evaluate the time course of mental fatigue effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Jacquet
- LEAD - CNRS UMR5022, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | | | - Patrick Bard
- LEAD - CNRS UMR5022, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Romuald Lepers
- INSERM UMR 1093 CAPS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Exploring neurophysiological markers of visual perspective taking: Methodological considerations. Int J Psychophysiol 2021; 161:1-12. [PMID: 33388368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2020.12.006] [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: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE For visual perspective taking (VPT) using the avatar task, examinations of neural processes using event related potentials (ERP) indicate a distinction between an early posterior perspective calculation process (P3) and a later frontal process (LFSW) managing perspective conflict. While it is unknown if these neural processes are affected in clinical populations, it is unclear if the avatar task can be applied to this group, due to the long duration and sensitivity to data loss. Thus, we performed a methodological study of the avatar task, testing the feasibility of a shortened experimental paradigm. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether previously reported behavioural and ERP effects in the avatar task can also be seen if analysing all trials (matching/non-matching) jointly, and whether they remain robust if only a subset of the data is analysed. METHOD Healthy individuals (n = 20) completed the avatar task with ERP measurement. ERP components (P3, LFSW) and behavioural data were investigated by A) comparing use of only matching trials (n = 384) versus all trials (n = 768), and B) examining if reduced duration of assessment, by analysing only a subset of the data, impacts ERP findings. RESULTS We observed minimal differences when analysing data from only matching trial types compared to all trial types. Further, ERP amplitudes and latency findings were replicated when analysing only a subset of the data. CONCLUSIONS The duration of the avatar task can be reduced to avoid long testing times, thus making it better suited for use in clinical populations.
Collapse
|
46
|
Nakashima A, Moriuchi T, Matsuda D, Hasegawa T, Nakamura J, Anan K, Satoh K, Suzuki T, Higashi T, Sugawara K. Corticospinal excitability during motor imagery is diminished by continuous repetition-induced fatigue. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1031-1036. [PMID: 33269747 PMCID: PMC8224107 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.300448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Application of continuous repetition of motor imagery can improve the performance of exercise tasks. However, there is a lack of more detailed neurophysiological evidence to support the formulation of clear standards for interventions using motor imagery. Moreover, identification of motor imagery intervention time is necessary because it exhibits possible central fatigue. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the development of fatigue during continuous repetition of motor imagery through objective and subjective evaluation. The study involved two experiments. In experiment 1, 14 healthy young volunteers were required to imagine grasping and lifting a 1.5-L plastic bottle using the whole hand. Each participant performed the motor imagery task 100 times under each condition with 48 hours interval between two conditions: 500 mL or 1500 mL of water in the bottle during the demonstration phase. Mental fatigue and a decrease in pinch power appeared under the 1500-mL condition. There were changes in concentration ability or corticospinal excitability, as assessed by motor evoked potentials, between each set with continuous repetition of motor imagery also under the 1500-mL condition. Therefore, in experiment 2, 12 healthy volunteers were required to perform the motor imagery task 200 times under the 1500-mL condition. Both concentration ability and corticospinal excitability decreased. This is the first study to show that continuous repetition of motor imagery can decrease corticospinal excitability in addition to producing mental fatigue. This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee at the Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (approval No. 18121302) on January 30, 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Nakashima
- Department of Rehabilitation, Juzenkai Hospital; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takefumi Moriuchi
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Daiki Matsuda
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Hasegawa
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Jirou Nakamura
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kimika Anan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Katsuya Satoh
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Suzuki
- School of Rehabilitation, Kanagawa University of Human Services, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Toshio Higashi
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kenichi Sugawara
- School of Rehabilitation, Kanagawa University of Human Services, Yokosuka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Ismail LE, Karwowski W. Applications of EEG indices for the quantification of human cognitive performance: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242857. [PMID: 33275632 PMCID: PMC7717519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroergonomics combines neuroscience with ergonomics to study human performance using recorded brain signals. Such neural signatures of performance can be measured using a variety of neuroimaging techniques, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and electroencephalography (EEG). EEG has an excellent temporal resolution, and EEG indices are highly sensitive to human brain activity fluctuations. OBJECTIVE The focus of this systematic review was to explore the applications of EEG indices for quantifying human performance in a variety of cognitive tasks at the macro and micro scales. To identify trends and the state of the field, we examined global patterns among selected articles, such as journal contributions, highly cited papers, affiliations, and high-frequency keywords. Moreover, we discussed the most frequently used EEG indices and synthesized current knowledge regarding the EEG signatures of associated human performance measurements. METHODS In this systematic review, we analyzed articles published in English (from peer-reviewed journals, proceedings, and conference papers), Ph.D. dissertations, textbooks, and reference books. All articles reviewed herein included exclusively EEG-based experimental studies in healthy participants. We searched Web-of-Science and Scopus databases using specific sets of keywords. RESULTS Out of 143 papers, a considerable number of cognitive studies focused on quantifying human performance with respect to mental fatigue, mental workload, mental effort, visual fatigue, emotion, and stress. An increasing trend for publication in this area was observed, with the highest number of publications in 2017. Most studies applied linear methods (e.g., EEG power spectral density and the amplitude of event-related potentials) to evaluate human cognitive performance. A few papers utilized nonlinear methods, such as fractal dimension, largest Lyapunov exponent, and signal entropy. More than 50% of the studies focused on evaluating an individual's mental states while operating a vehicle. Several different methods of artifact removal have also been noted. Based on the reviewed articles, research gaps, trends, and potential directions for future research were explored. CONCLUSION This systematic review synthesized current knowledge regarding the application of EEG indices for quantifying human performance in a wide variety of cognitive tasks. This knowledge is useful for understanding the global patterns of applications of EEG indices for the analysis and design of cognitive tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Elsherif Ismail
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems, Computational Neuroergonomics Laboratory, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America
| | - Waldemar Karwowski
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems, Computational Neuroergonomics Laboratory, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Cogoni C, Carnaghi A, Silani G. Reduced shared emotional representations toward women revealing more skin. Cogn Emot 2020; 35:225-240. [PMID: 32998646 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2020.1826409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Extensive experimental research has been conducted to investigate how individuals empathise with others depending on contextual and motivational factors. However, the effect of sexual objectification (i.e. focus on the individual's physical appearance over his/her mental state) on empathy is scarce at best thus far. The aim of this work is to shed light on whether objectification modulates empathic responses toward humans and human-like objects. In Experiment 1, participants either underwent visuo-tactile stimulation or witnessed another person (a mannequin, a sexualized or a non-sexualized female confederate) being stimulated with pleasant or unpleasant objects. Participants were then asked to report either their own or the other's emotional experience. Results showed that shared representations (i.e. similarity between self-other emotional ratings) are significantly lower for the mannequin, intermediate for the sexualized woman, and reach the highest values for the non-sexualized woman. In Experiment 2, shared representations were assessed during a ball-tossing game in which the participants or one of the two confederates (sexualized or non-sexualized woman) were excluded from the game. Again, results showed reduced similarity between self-other emotional ratings toward sexualized as compared to non-sexualized women. The findings suggest that interacting with sexually objectified women reduces empathic responses typically observed within human relations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Cogoni
- Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.,Neuroscience Sector, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Carnaghi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giorgia Silani
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
In the fatigue state, the neural response characteristics of the brain might be different from those in the normal state. Brain functional connectivity analysis is an effective tool for distinguishing between different brain states. For example, comparative studies on the brain functional connectivity have the potential to reveal the functional differences in different mental states. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between human mental states and brain control abilities by analyzing the effect of fatigue on the brain response connectivity. In particular, the phase‐scrambling method was used to generate images with two noise levels, while the N‐back working memory task was used to induce the fatigue state in subjects. The paradigm of rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) was used to present visual stimuli. The analysis of brain connections in the normal and fatigue states was conducted using the open‐source eConnectome toolbox. The results demonstrated that the control areas of neural responses were mainly distributed in the parietal region in both the normal and fatigue states. Compared to the normal state, the brain connectivity power in the parietal region was significantly weakened under the fatigue state, which indicates that the control ability of the brain is reduced in the fatigue state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shangen Zhang
- Department of School of Computer and Communication Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jingnan Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaorong Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Liu J, Zhang C, Zhu Y, Liu Y, Sun H, Ristaniemi T, Cong F, Parviainen T. Dissociable Effects of Reward on P300 and EEG Spectra Under Conditions of High vs. Low Vigilance During a Selective Visual Attention Task. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:207. [PMID: 32670036 PMCID: PMC7327118 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The influence of motivation on selective visual attention in states of high vs. low vigilance is poorly understood. To explore the possible differences in the influence of motivation on behavioral performance and neural activity in high and low vigilance levels, we conducted a prolonged 2 h 20 min flanker task and provided monetary rewards during the 20- to 40- and 100- to 120-min intervals of task performance. Both the behavioral and electrophysiological measures were modulated by prolonged task engagement. Moreover, the effect of reward was different in high vs. low vigilance states. The monetary reward increased accuracy and decreased the reaction time (RT) and number of omitted responses in the low but not in the high vigilance state. The fatigue-related decrease in P300 amplitude recovered to its level in the high vigilance state by manipulating motivation, whereas the fatigue-related increase in P300 latency was not modulated by reward. Additionally, the fatigue-related increase in event-related spectral power at 1-4 Hz was sensitive to vigilance decrement and reward. However, the spectral power at 4-8 Hz was only affected by the decrease in vigilance. These electrophysiological measures were not influenced by motivation in the state of high vigilance. Our results suggest that neural processing capacity, but not the timing of processing, is sensitive to motivation. These findings also imply that the fatigue-related impairments in behavioral performance and neural activity underlying selective visual attention only partly recover after manipulating motivation. Furthermore, our results provide evidence for the dissociable neural mechanisms underlying the fatigue-related decrease vs. reward-related increase in attentional resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- Faculty of Information Technology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- Faculty of Information Technology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Yunmeng Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Hongjin Sun
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Tapani Ristaniemi
- Faculty of Information Technology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Fengyu Cong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- Faculty of Information Technology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Circuit and Biomedical Electronic System, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Tiina Parviainen
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Brain Research, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| |
Collapse
|