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Chang YK, Etnier JL, Li RH, Chen YC, Hung CS, Chen FT, Chen CY, Chu CH. Cardiorespiratory fitness, independent of APOE genotype, is associated with better neurocognitive function in older adults: An ERP study. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2024; 76:102748. [PMID: 39307327 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
This study assessed the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and carriage of the apolipoprotein-E ε4 (APOE ε4) alleles and cognitive function using behavioral and neuroelectric measures obtained from cognitively normal older adults. A total of 159 adults aged 50-70 years were categorized into four groups based on cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., higher vs. lower fitness) and the APOE genotype status (i.e., APOE ε4 carrier vs. non-carrier). Neurocognitive functions were indexed using response time and accuracy measures from the Stroop task and averaged mean P3 amplitudes of event-related potentials obtained during task performance. A significant main effect of cardiorespiratory fitness (p = .01) and the Stroop congruency (p < .001), but not the APOE genotype status, with shorter response times for the higher fitness group than for the lower fitness group and for the congruent condition relative to the incongruent condition, were observed. Similar findings were also revealed, with larger averaged mean P3 amplitudes for the higher fitness group than those in the lower fitness group, and in the congruent condition than in the incongruent condition. These findings suggest that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is linked to better neurocognitive function, and the positive association is evident regardless of the APOE ε4 status and the cognitive domain assessed in cognitively normal older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kai Chang
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jennifer L Etnier
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Ruei-Hong Li
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chu Chen
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Sin Hung
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Tzu Chen
- Department of Kinesiology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yu Chen
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Heng Chu
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Yoopat P, Thoicharoen P, Liammanee W, Aribarg T, Yongsiriwit K, Chaisiriprasert P. Assessment of work-related stress utilizing the Find My Stress mobile application among university students and adult workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2024; 39:415-422. [PMID: 38876661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate work-related stress and the efficacy associated with the newly developed Find My Stress mobile application. The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced the quality of life, transcending geographical boundaries and inducing stress that has detrimentally affected health and work efficiency. METHODS A total of 440 male and female participants, comprising university students and adult workers, were enrolled in the study. Participants completed an assessment in the application that consisted of three components: 1) perceived work stress, 2) environmental stress factors, and 3) application efficiency. RESULTS University students exhibited higher perceived stress levels compared to adult workers (p = 0.031). The predominant physical factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders in university students were identified as movement and posture factors, particularly related to vibration and organization. Conversely, environmental factors took precedence in adult workers, followed by posture and movement. The reliability of the perceived work stress questionnaire was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and yielded a value of 0.96. The Find My Stress application demonstrated high efficiency. CONCLUSIONS Elevated levels of work stress were observed in both university students and adult workers. Initial signs of musculoskeletal disorders in university students primarily manifested in the neck and upper back, arms, and hands, while adult workers predominantly reported complaints related to the arms and hands. The Find My Stress application emerges as a valuable tool for screening occupational stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongjan Yoopat
- Ergonomics Unit, Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Patumthani, 12000, Thailand.
| | - Pornkamon Thoicharoen
- Ergonomics Unit, Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Patumthani, 12000, Thailand
| | - Weerawat Liammanee
- Ergonomics Unit, Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Patumthani, 12000, Thailand
| | - Thannob Aribarg
- College of Digital Innovation Technology, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, 12000, Thailand
| | - Karn Yongsiriwit
- College of Digital Innovation Technology, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, 12000, Thailand
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Li J, Zhang X, Gesang M, Luo B. The changes of central auditory processing function and its electroencephalogram in patients with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15641. [PMID: 37180907 PMCID: PMC10172894 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15641] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study is to assess the central auditory processing (CAP) function and its electroencephalogram (EEG) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods In this study, 25 patients with early AD, 22 patients with MCI, and 22 matched healthy controls (HC) were included. After cognitive assessment, binaural processing function was assessed using the staggered spondaic word (SSW) test, and auditory working memory was assessed by auditory n-back paradigm, while EEG was recorded. Patients' behavioral indicators, event-related potentials (ERPs) components, and function connection (FC) were compared between groups and the related factors were analyzed. Results The difference of the accuracy of behavioral tests for the three groups of subjects was significant and all the behavioral indicators were positively correlated with cognitive function scores. Intergroup differences in amplitude (p < 0.05) and latency (p < 0.01) were significant for P3 in the 1-back paradigm. In the SSW test, AD and MCI patients showed reduced connectivity between the left frontal lobe and the whole brain in the δ-band, while in the n-back paradigm, patients with MCI and early AD showed reduced association of frontal leads with central and parietal leads in the δ-band. Conclusions Patients with MCI and early AD have reduced CAP functions including binaural processing function and auditory working memory functions. This reduction is significantly associated with reduced cognitive function, and is reflected in different patterns of changes in ERP as well as functional connectivity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Li
- Department of Neurology and Brain Medical Center, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Meiduo Gesang
- Department of Neurology, Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Benyan Luo
- Department of Neurology and Brain Medical Center, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Corresponding author.
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Devos H, Gustafson KM, Liao K, Ahmadnezhad P, Kuhlmann E, Estes BJ, Martin LE, Mahnken JD, Brooks WM, Burns JM. Effect of Cognitive Reserve on Physiological Measures of Cognitive Workload in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairments. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 92:141-151. [PMID: 36710677 PMCID: PMC10023364 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220890] [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: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive reserve may protect against cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study investigated the association between cognitive reserve and physiological measures of cognitive workload in older adults with cognitive impairment. METHODS 29 older adults with cognitive impairment (age: 75±6, 11 (38%) women, MoCA: 20±7) and 19 with normal cognition (age: 74±6; 11 (58%) women; MoCA: 28±2) completed a working memory test of increasing task demand (0-, 1-, 2-back). Cognitive workload was indexed using amplitude and latency of the P3 event-related potential (ERP) at electrode sites Fz, Cz, and Pz, and changes in pupillary size, converted to an index of cognitive activity (ICA). The Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq) evaluated Education, Work Activity, and Leisure Time as a proxy of cognitive reserve. Linear mixed models evaluated the main effects of cognitive status, CRIq, and the interaction effect of CRIq by cognitive status on ERP and ICA. RESULTS The interaction effect of CRIq total score by cognitive status on P3 ERP and ICA was not significant. However, higher CRIq total scores were associated with lower ICA (p = 0.03). The interaction effects of CRIq subscores showed that Work Activity affected P3 amplitude (p = 0.03) and ICA (p = 0.03) differently between older adults with and without cognitive impairments. Similarly, Education affected ICA (p = 0.02) differently between the two groups. No associations were observed between CRIq and P3 latency. CONCLUSION Specific components of cognitive reserve affect cognitive workload and neural efficiency differently in older adults with and without cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Devos
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Kathleen M Gustafson
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Ke Liao
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Pedram Ahmadnezhad
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Emily Kuhlmann
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Bradley J Estes
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Laura E Martin
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jonathan D Mahnken
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - William M Brooks
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Burns
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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Münger M, Sele S, Candrian G, Kasper J, Abdel-Rehim H, Eich-Höchli D, Müller A, Jäncke L. Longitudinal Analysis of Self-Reported Symptoms, Behavioral Measures, and Event-Related Potential Components of a Cued Go/NoGo Task in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Controls. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:767789. [PMID: 35250513 PMCID: PMC8894259 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.767789] [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: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study characterizes a large sample of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and healthy controls regarding their task performance and neurophysiology; cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Self-reported symptoms, behavioral measures, and event-related potentials from a classical cued Go/NoGo task were used to outline the symptom burden, executive function deficits and neurophysiological features, and the associations between these domains. The study participants (N = 210 ADHD, N = 158 controls, age: 18–62 years) were assessed five (ADHD) or three (controls) times over two years. We describe cross-sectional and longitudinal group differences, and associations between symptom burden, and behavioral and event-related potential (ERP) components variables by latent growth curve models, including random slopes and intercepts. The ADHD group showed increased reaction time variability, increased commission and omission errors, and attenuated cueP3, CNV, N2d, and P3d amplitudes. We observed a decrease in self-reported symptoms in the ADHD group over the two years. The behavioral measures (reaction time variability, number of omission, and commission errors) did not change over time, whereas the cueP3, P3d, and N2d amplitude attenuated in both groups. There was no evidence for a robust association between symptom burden and behavioral or ERP measures. The changes in the ERP components with stable task performance, potentially indicate more efficient neuronal processing over the two years. Whether the lack of association between symptom burden and behavioral or ERP measures might be due to the low reliability of the ADHD assessment criteria, or the inappropriateness of the objective measures cannot be inferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marionna Münger
- Division of Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Marionna Münger,
| | - Silvano Sele
- Division of Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program (URPP) “Dynamics of Healthy Aging”, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gian Candrian
- Brain and Trauma Foundation Grisons, Chur, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Kasper
- Praxisgemeinschaft Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Dominique Eich-Höchli
- Division of Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Lutz Jäncke
- Division of Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program (URPP) “Dynamics of Healthy Aging”, Zurich, Switzerland
- Lutz Jäncke,
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Devos H, Gustafson K, Liao K, Ahmadnezhad P, Estes B, Martin LE, Mahnken JD, Brooks WM, Burns JM. EEG/ERP evidence of possible hyperexcitability in older adults with elevated beta-amyloid. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:8. [PMID: 35139917 PMCID: PMC8827181 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00282-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although growing evidence links beta-amyloid (Aβ) and neuronal hyperexcitability in preclinical mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a similar association in humans is yet to be established. The first aim of the study was to determine the association between elevated Aβ (Aβ+) and cognitive processes measured by the P3 event-related potential (ERP) in cognitively normal (CN) older adults. The second aim was to compare the event-related power between CNAβ+ and CNAβ-. METHODS Seventeen CNAβ+ participants (age: 73 ± 5, 11 females, Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] score 26 ± 2) and 17 CNAβ- participants group-matched for age, sex, and MOCA completed a working memory task (n-back with n = 0, 1, 2) test while wearing a 256-channel electro-encephalography net. P3 peak amplitude and latency of the target, nontarget and task difference effect (nontarget-target), and event-related power in the delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands, extracted from Fz, Cz, and Pz, were compared between groups using linear mixed models. P3 amplitude of the task difference effect at Fz and event-related power in the delta band were considered main outcomes. Correlations of mean Aβ standard uptake value ratios (SUVR) using positron emission tomography with P3 amplitude and latency of the task difference effect were analyzed using Pearson Correlation Coefficient r. RESULTS The P3 peak amplitude of the task difference effect at Fz was lower in the CNAβ+ group (P = 0.048). Similarly, power was lower in the delta band for nontargets at Fz in the CNAβ+ participants (P = 0.04). The CNAβ+ participants also demonstrated higher theta and alpha power in channels at Cz and Pz, but no changes in P3 ERP. Strong correlations were found between the mean Aβ SUVR and the latency of the 1-back (r = - 0.69; P = 0.003) and 2-back (r = - 0.69; P = 0.004) of the task difference effect at channel Fz in the CNAβ+ group. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the elevated amyloid in cognitively normal older adults is associated with neuronal hyperexcitability. The decreased P3 task difference likely reflects early impairments in working memory processes. Further research is warranted to determine the validity of ERP in predicting clinical, neurobiological, and functional manifestations of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Devos
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
| | - Kathleen Gustafson
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Ke Liao
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Pedram Ahmadnezhad
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Bradley Estes
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Laura E Martin
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Jonathan D Mahnken
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - William M Brooks
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Burns
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
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Hu Z, Zhang Z, Liang Z, Zhang L, Li L, Huang G. A New Perspective on Individual Reliability beyond Group Effect for Event-related Potentials: A Multisensory Investigation and Computational Modeling. Neuroimage 2022; 250:118937. [PMID: 35091080 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.118937] [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: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The dominant approach in investigating the individual reliability for event-related potentials (ERPs) is to extract peak-related features at electrodes showing the strongest group effects. Such a peak-based approach implicitly assumes ERP components showing a stronger group effect are also more reliable, but this assumption has not been substantially validated and few studies have investigated the reliability of ERPs beyond peaks. In this study, we performed a rigorous evaluation of the test-retest reliability of ERPs collected in a multisensory and cognitive experiment from 82 healthy adolescents, each having two sessions. By comparing group effects and individual reliability, we found that a stronger group-level response in ERPs did not guarantee higher reliability. A perspective of neural oscillation should be adopted for the analysis of reliability. Further, by simulating ERPs with an oscillation-based computational model, we found that the consistency between group-level ERP responses and individual reliability was modulated by inter-subject latency jitter and inter-trial variability. The current findings suggest that the conventional peak-based approach may underestimate the individual reliability in ERPs and a neural oscillation perspective on ERP reliability should be considered. Hence, a comprehensive evaluation of the reliability of ERP measurements should be considered in individual-level neurophysiological trait evaluation and psychiatric disorder diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Hu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China; Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China; Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhen Liang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
| | - Linling Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
| | - Gan Huang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China.
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Devos H, Gustafson K, Ahmadnezhad P, Liao K, Mahnken JD, Brooks WM, Burns JM. Psychometric Properties of NASA-TLX and Index of Cognitive Activity as Measures of Cognitive Workload in Older Adults. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E994. [PMID: 33339224 PMCID: PMC7766152 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive workload is increasingly recognized as an important determinant of performance in cognitive tests and daily life activities. Cognitive workload is a measure of physical and mental effort allocation to a task, which can be determined through self-report or physiological measures. However, the reliability and validity of these measures have not been established in older adults with a wide range of cognitive ability. The aim of this study was to establish the test-retest reliability of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and Index of Cognitive Activity (ICA), extracted from pupillary size. The convergent validity of these measures against event-related potentials (ERPs) was also investigated. A total of 38 individuals with scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment ranging between 17 and 30 completed a working memory test (n-back) with three levels of difficulty at baseline and at a two-week follow-up. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) values of the NASA-TLX ranged between 0.71 and 0.81, demonstrating good to excellent reliability. The mean ICA scores showed fair to good reliability, with ICCs ranging between 0.56 and 0.73. The mean ICA and NASA-TLX scores showed significant and moderate correlations (Pearson's r ranging between 0.30 and 0.33) with the third positive peak of the ERP at the midline channels. We conclude that ICA and NASA-TLX are reliable measures of cognitive workload in older adults. Further research is needed in dissecting the subjective and objective constructs of cognitive workload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Devos
- Laboratory for Advanced Rehabilitation Research in Simulation, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Kathleen Gustafson
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (K.G.); (W.M.B.); (J.M.B.)
- Hoglund Brain Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Pedram Ahmadnezhad
- Laboratory for Advanced Rehabilitation Research in Simulation, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Ke Liao
- Hoglund Brain Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Jonathan D. Mahnken
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - William M. Brooks
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (K.G.); (W.M.B.); (J.M.B.)
- Hoglund Brain Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Jeffrey M. Burns
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (K.G.); (W.M.B.); (J.M.B.)
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
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