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Zheng C, Cao Y, Li Y, Ye Z, Jia X, Li M, Yu Y, Liu W. Long-term table tennis training alters dynamic functional connectivity and white matter microstructure in large scale brain regions. Brain Res 2024; 1838:148889. [PMID: 38552934 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Table tennis training has been employed as an exercise treatment to enhance cognitive brain functioning in patients with mental illnesses. However, research on its underlying mechanisms remains limited. In this study, we investigated functional and structural changes in large-scale brain regions between 20 table tennis players (TTPs) and 21 healthy controls (HCs) using 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Compared with those of HCs, TTPs exhibited significantly greater fractional anisotropy (FA) and axial diffusivity (AD) values in multiple fiber tracts. We used the locations with the most significant structural changes in white matter as the seed areas and then compared static and dynamic functional connectivity (sFC and dFC). Brodmann 11, located in the orbitofrontal cortex, showed altered dFC values to large-scale brain regions, such as the occipital lobe, thalamus, and cerebellar hemispheres, in TTPs. Brodmann 48, located in the temporal lobe, showed altered dFC to the parietal lobe, frontal lobe, cerebellum, and occipital lobe. Furthermore, the AD values of the forceps minor (Fmi) and right anterior thalamic radiations (ATRs) were negatively correlated with useful field of view (UFOV) test scores in TTPs. Our results suggest that table tennis players exhibit a unique pattern of dynamic neural activity, this provides evidence for potential mechanisms through which table tennis interventions can enhance attention and other cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanying Zheng
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Cao
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuyang Li
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Xize Jia
- School of Psychology, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Mengting Li
- School of Psychology, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China.
| | - Yang Yu
- Psychiatry Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Wenming Liu
- Department of Sport Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Chen KF, Chueh TY, Hung TM. Differences in visuospatial cognition among table tennis players of different skill levels: an event-related potential study. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17295. [PMID: 38827290 PMCID: PMC11144390 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the influence of sport skill levels on behavioural and neuroelectric performance in visuospatial attention and memory visuospatial tasks were administered to 54 participants, including 18 elite and 18 amateur table tennis players and 18 nonathletes, while event-related potentials were recorded. In all the visuospatial attention and memory conditions, table tennis players displayed faster reaction times than nonathletes, regardless of skill level, although there was no difference in accuracy between groups. In addition, regardless of task conditions, both player groups had a greater P3 amplitude than nonathletes, and elite players exhibited a greater P3 amplitude than amateurs players. The results of this study indicate that table tennis players, irrespective of their skill level, exhibit enhanced visuospatial capabilities. Notably, athletes at the elite level appear to benefit from an augmented allocation of attentional resources when engaging in visuospatial tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Fu Chen
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Chueh
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Min Hung
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Huang Q, Mao X, Shi J, Pan J, Li A. Enhanced Cognitive Inhibition in Table Tennis Athletes: Insights from Color-Word and Spatial Stroop Tasks. Brain Sci 2024; 14:443. [PMID: 38790422 PMCID: PMC11117886 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability to inhibit conflicting information is pivotal in the dynamic and high-speed context of fast-ball sports. However, the behavioral and electrophysiological characteristics underlying the cognitive inhibition processes associated with table tennis expertise remain unexplored. This study aims to bridge these research gaps by utilizing the color-word Stroop task and the spatial Stroop task alongside event-related potential (ERP) measurements to investigate domain-general and domain-specific cognitive inhibition among table tennis athletes. The study involved a total of 40 participants, including 20 table tennis athletes (11 males and 9 females; mean age 20.75 years) and 20 nonathletes (9 males and 11 females; mean age 19.80 years). The group differences in the Stroop effect on behavioral outcomes and ERP amplitudes were compared within each task, respectively. In the color-word Stroop tasks, athletes exhibited smaller incongruent-related negative potential amplitudes (Ninc; 300-400 ms; p = 0.036) and a diminished Stroop effect on late sustained potential amplitudes (LSP; 500-650 ms; p = 0.028) than nonathletes, although no significant differences were observed in behavioral outcomes (p > 0.05). Conversely, in the spatial Stroop tasks, athletes not only responded more swiftly but also exhibited reduced Stroop effects on both LSP amplitudes (350-500 ms; p = 0.004) and reaction times (p = 0.002) relative to nonathletes. These findings suggest that table tennis athletes excel in cognitive inhibition in the context of both domain-general and domain-specific tasks, particularly exhibiting enhanced performance in tasks that are closely aligned with the demands of their sport. Our results support the neural efficiency hypothesis and improve our understanding of the interactions between cognitive functions and table tennis expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Huang
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; (Q.H.); (X.M.); (J.S.); (J.P.)
- Center for Exercise and Brain Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xuechen Mao
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; (Q.H.); (X.M.); (J.S.); (J.P.)
- Center for Exercise and Brain Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jilong Shi
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; (Q.H.); (X.M.); (J.S.); (J.P.)
- Center for Exercise and Brain Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jun Pan
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; (Q.H.); (X.M.); (J.S.); (J.P.)
- Center for Exercise and Brain Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Anmin Li
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; (Q.H.); (X.M.); (J.S.); (J.P.)
- Center for Exercise and Brain Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
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Gao Q, Luo N, Liang M, Zhou W, Li Y, Li R, Hu X, Zou T, Wang X, Yu J, Leng J, Chen H. A Stepwise Multivariate Granger Causality Method for Constructing Hierarchical Directed Brain Functional Network. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL NETWORKS AND LEARNING SYSTEMS 2024; 35:4974-4984. [PMID: 36099216 DOI: 10.1109/tnnls.2022.3202535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The directed brain functional network construction gives us the new insights into the relationships between brain regions from the causality point of view. The Granger causality analysis is one of the powerful methods to model the directed network. The complex brain network is also hierarchically constructed, which is particularly suited to facilitate segregated functions and the global integration of the segregated functions. Therefore, it is of great interest to explore new approach to model the hierarchical architecture of the directed network. In the present study, we proposed a new approach, namely, stepwise multivariate Granger causality (SMGC), considering both the directed and hierarchical features of brain functional network to explore the stepwise causal relationship in the network. The simulation study demonstrated that the diverse and complex hierarchical organization could be embedded in the apparently simple directed network. The proposed SMGC method could capture the multiple hierarchy of the directed network. When applying to the real functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) datasets, the core triple resting-state networks in human brain showed within-network directed connections in the first-level directed network and rich and diverse between-network pathways in the second-level hierarchical network. The default mode network (DMN) had a prominent role in the resting-state acting as both the causal source and the important relay station. Further exploratory research on the adaption of directed hierarchical network in athletes suggested the enhanced bidirectional communication between the DMN and the central executive network (CEN) and the enhanced directed connections from the salience network (SN) to the CEN in the athlete group. The SMGC approach is capable of capturing the hierarchical architecture of the brain directed functional network, which refreshes the new stepwise causal relationship in the directed network. This might shed light on the potential application for exploring the altered hierarchical organization of brain directed network in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Wang B, Jiang J, Guo W. Effects of a single bout of mobile action video game play on attentional networks. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16409. [PMID: 37965289 PMCID: PMC10642364 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Video game play has been linked to a range of cognitive advantages, and investigations in this domain have predominantly utilized cross-sectional designs or long-term training paradigms. Nevertheless, the specific effects of engaging in a single bout of video game play remain poorly understood. Consequently, the objective of this study is to examine the influence of a single session of mobile action video game (MAVG) play on attentional networks among college students. Methods Seventy-two nonvideo game players were assigned randomly into an MAVG and a control game group. Participants in the MAVG group engaged in a 60-minute session of an action video game played on mobile phones, while the control group played a mobile card game for the same duration. All participants completed the attentional network test (ANT), which assesses alerting, orienting, and executive control network efficiencies, before and after the intervention. Results The MAVG group had significantly improved alerting network efficiency following the intervention, compared to before (p < 0.05); the control game group did not. Neither executive control network efficiency nor orienting network efficiency were found to be improved by the intervention. Conclusion The present data demonstrated that a single bout of MAVG play can improve alerting network efficiency selectively in young-adult college students. MAVGs may be useful for promoting attentional function with the advantages of being accessible virtually any time and anywhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biye Wang
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Sports, Exercise and Brain, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahui Jiang
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Guo
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Sports, Exercise and Brain, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Li Y, Zhao M, Cao Y, Gao Y, Wang Y, Yun B, Luo L, Liu W, Zheng C. Static and dynamic resting-state brain activity patterns of table tennis players in 7-Tesla MRI. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1202932. [PMID: 37521699 PMCID: PMC10375049 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1202932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Table tennis involves quick and accurate motor responses during training and competition. Multiple studies have reported considerably faster visuomotor responses and expertise-related intrinsic brain activity changes among table tennis players compared with matched controls. However, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we performed static and dynamic resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) analyses of 20 table tennis players and 21 control subjects using 7T ultra-high field imaging. We calculated the static and dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) of the two groups. The results revealed that table tennis players exhibited decreased static ALFF in the left inferior temporal gyrus (lITG) compared with the control group. Voxel-wised static functional connectivity (sFC) and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) analyses using lITG as the seed region afforded complementary and overlapping results. The table tennis players exhibited decreased sFC in the right middle temporal gyrus and left inferior parietal gyrus. Conversely, they displayed increased dFC from the lITG to prefrontal cortex, particularly the left middle frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus-medial, and left superior frontal gyrus-dorsolateral. These findings suggest that table tennis players demonstrate altered visuomotor transformation and executive function pathways. Both pathways involve the lITG, which is a vital node in the ventral visual stream. These static and dynamic analyses provide complementary and overlapping results, which may help us better understand the neural mechanisms underlying the changes in intrinsic brain activity and network organization induced by long-term table tennis skill training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengqi Zhao
- School of Psychology, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Yuting Cao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Gao
- School of Psychology, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Yadan Wang
- College of Information and Electronic Technology, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Bing Yun
- Department of Public Physical and Art Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Le Luo
- Hangzhou Wuyunshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenming Liu
- Department of Sport Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chanying Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Frikha M, Alharbi RS. Optimizing Fine Motor Coordination, Selective Attention and Reaction Time in Children: Effect of Combined Accuracy Exercises and Visual Art Activities. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10050786. [PMID: 37238334 DOI: 10.3390/children10050786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Optimizing fine motor coordination and cognitive abilities in middle childhood through new intervention programs remains one of the most essential orientations in motor development and skills proficiency. The present study aims to identify the effect of a structure-based program intervention, combining motor accuracy exercises with visual art activities (ceramics, pottery, and creations using raw materials), on fine motor coordination, selective attention, and reaction time in middle childhood. Sixty, right-handed typically developed male schoolchildren (age = 8.29 ± 0.74 years; body height = 130.25 ± 0.05 cm and body mass = 29.83 ± 4.68 kg; mean ± SD) volunteered to participate in the study. They were randomly assigned to a combined group intervention (MG) receiving a mixed program integrating visual art activities and motor accuracy exercises; an accuracy group intervention (AG) receiving oriented motor accuracy exercises; and a control group (CG). Selective attention, reaction time, and fine motor coordination skills (accuracy: darts throw; manual dexterity: grooved pegboard test) were measured. Repeated measure ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA were performed for analysis. The results showed higher changes in MG compared to AG in manual dexterity (p < 0.001), in motor accuracy (p < 0.001), and in reaction time (p < 0.01), but not in selective attention (p = 0.379). In addition, higher changes were recorded in AG compared to CG in motor accuracy (p < 0.05), reaction time (p < 0.05), and in selective attention (p < 0.01), but not in manual dexterity (p = 0.082). The structured combined program best assists accuracy, manual dexterity, reaction time, and selective attention. Therefore, instructors in sports academies and teachers at schools are advised to use the combined program in the training sessions and in the non-curricular activities, respectively, to improve fine motor coordination, selective attention, and reaction time in middle childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Frikha
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Research Laboratory-Education, Motricity, Sport and Health (LR19JS01), High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Sfax University, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
| | - Raghad Saad Alharbi
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
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Li N, Li C, Xie X, Liu G, Wang K, Zhang W, Fan J. Impairment of attention network function in posterior circulation ischemia-evidence from the Attention Network Test. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 16:1001500. [PMID: 36684832 PMCID: PMC9853055 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.1001500] [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: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of posterior circulation ischemia (PCI) on attention network function and to determine whether PCI is holistic or selective attention network deficit and which attention network is affected. Methods Thirty-six PCI patients aged 30 to 75 were assessed using the Attention Network Test and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). There were no significant differences in age, sex, and education between PCI group and the control group (n = 32). All data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 23.0 software. Result There were no significant difference in the MMSE scores between the two groups. Compared with the control group, the PCI group had significantly shorter response time for alerting and orienting network. The executive control network response time was significantly longer in PCI group than in the control group. The overall mean response time was also significantly longer in PCI group than in normal control group. There was no significant difference in mean accuracy between the two groups. Conclusion The alerting, orienting, and executive control networks were significantly less efficient in PCI group than in the control group (P < 0.01). This indicates impaired attention network in PCI patients. Since transient nerve seizures caused by vertebrobasilar ischemia may precede posterior circulation stroke, early assessment of cognitive function in patients with PCI is particularly important, and ANT is an excellent tool for this assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- The Third Department of Encephalopathy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chuanjin Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohui Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Gang Liu
- The Third Department of Encephalopathy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China,*Correspondence: Gang Liu,
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wendong Zhang
- Department of Encephalopathy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jin Fan
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Shi P, Feng X. Motor skills and cognitive benefits in children and adolescents: Relationship, mechanism and perspectives. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1017825. [PMID: 36478944 PMCID: PMC9721199 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1017825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a strong interaction between motor skills and cognitive benefits for children and young people. The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between motor skill types and their development and the cognitive benefits of children and adolescents. In turn, on this basis, it proposes pathways and mechanisms by which motor skills improve cognition, and provide a basis for subsequent teaching of skills that follow the laws of brain cognitive development. METHODS This paper summarizes the research on the relationship between different types of motor skills and their development and cognitive benefits of children and adolescents. Based on these relationships, pathways, and mechanisms for motor skills to improve cognition are tentatively proposed. RESULTS There is an overall pattern of "open > closed, strategy > interception, sequence > continuous" between motor skill types and the cognitive benefits of children and adolescents. Long-term motor skill learning practice is accompanied by increased cognitive benefits as skill proficiency increases. The dynamic interaction between motor skills and physical activity exposes children and adolescents to environmental stimuli and interpersonal interactions of varying complexity, promoting the development of agility, coordination and cardiorespiratory fitness, enhancing their motor experience, which in turn improves brain structure and functional activity. CONCLUSION Motor skills training promote cognitive efficiency in children and adolescents. Motor skill interventions that are open-ended, strategic and sequential in nature are more effective. Environmental stimuli, interpersonal interaction, agility, coordination, and cardiorespiratory fitness can be considered as skill attribute moderators of motor skills to improve cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Shi
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaosu Feng
- Physical Education College, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
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Effects of Physical Activity Level on Attentional Networks in Young Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095374. [PMID: 35564768 PMCID: PMC9105944 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Although physical activity is associated with better attentional functioning in elderly populations or in specific clinical populations, the association between physical activity level and attention has been less studied in young adult populations. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the positive effects of physical activity on attentional networks extend to young adults. In total, 57 college students were recruited and assigned to one of three groups of physical activity levels (high, moderate, and low) based on their self-reported exercise. Each participant completed the Attention Network Test to evaluate the efficiency of three components of attention: alerting, orienting, and executive control. Compared with the low physical activity group, both the high and moderate physical activity groups exhibited better executive control. In addition, the efficiency of the executive control network was positively correlated with physical activity. By contrast, no statistically significant differences were detected among these three groups for the functioning of the alerting or orienting networks. These findings suggested that physical activity had a positive effect on attention in young adults, with the benefit primarily observed for the executive control component rather than for the alerting and orienting components of attention.
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Attentional Span Is Determined by Sport Discipline. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14052524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have highlighted the impact of sport on cognitive functioning. However, more evidence is needed to explain which type of sport is more relevant. The main purpose of this study was to determine the level of attention span based on the type of sport practiced (open vs. closed). In addition, this problem was also analyzed based on gender and training hours. The study sample consisted of 547 participants (27.20% male; 72.80% female), aged between 19 and 35 years old (M = 24.19; SD = 3.74). The “Modrian Images” computerized test, hosted in MenPas Cell software(MenPas 1.0), was used to assess the attention span. The results showed that athletes playing open sports have a better attentional span than others playing closed sports. Moreover, this was also replicated when assessing by gender. Likewise, a greater number of hours in a week participating in sports is related to a better level of attentional span, being less determinant than the type of sport practiced. Data obtained suggest that playing open sports would be more related to the greater development of attention span than playing more closed sports.
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Roberts SD, Wilson A, Rahimi A, Gorbet D, Sergio L, Stevens WD, Wojtowicz M. Investigation of baseline attention, executive control, and performance variability in female varsity athletes. Brain Imaging Behav 2022; 16:1636-1645. [PMID: 35182290 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-022-00635-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
To examine attention, executive control, and performance variability in healthy varsity athletes and identify unique resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) patterns associated with measures of speed, stability, and attention. A sample of 29 female university varsity athletes completed cognitive testing using the Attention Network Test- Interactions (ANT-I) and underwent resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) scans. Performance was characterized by examining mean reaction time (RT), variability in performance (ISD), and attention network scores on the ANT-I. RsfMRI data were analyzed using an independent component analysis (ICA) in the frontoparietal (FPN), dorsal attention (DAN), default mode, (DMN), salience (SN), and sensorimotor (SMN) networks. Group-level analyses using the performance variables of interest were conducted. Athletes' performance on the ANT-I revealed a main effect of orienting and executive control (ps<0.001; partial η2 = 0.68 and 0.89, respectively), with performance facilitated (i.e., faster RT) when athletes were presented with valid cues and congruent flankers. Alerting, orienting, and executive control performance were associated with differences in rsFC within the SN, DMN, and FPN, respectively. Slower RTs were associated with greater rsFC between DAN and bilateral postcentral gyri (p<.001), whereas more stable performance was associated with greater FC between the SMN and the left precuneus (p<.05). Consistent with prior studies, we observed that efficiency in alerting, orienting, and executive control aspects of attention was associated with differences in rsFC in regions associated with the SN, DMS, and FPN. In addition, we observed differential patterns of rsFC for overall speed and variability of performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha D Roberts
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - Alyssia Wilson
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - Alma Rahimi
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - Diana Gorbet
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren Sergio
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - W Dale Stevens
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - Magdalena Wojtowicz
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada.
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Yin D, Wang X, Zhang X, Yu Q, Wei Y, Cai Q, Fan M, Li L. Dissociable plasticity of visual-motor system in functional specialization and flexibility in expert table tennis players. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:1973-1990. [PMID: 34041612 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02304-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Specialization and flexibility are two basic attributes of functional brain organization, enabling efficient cognition and behavior. However, it is largely unknown what plastic changes in specialization and flexibility in visual-motor areas occur in support of extraordinary motor skills in expert athletes and how the selective adaptability of the visual-motor system affects general perceptual or cognitive domains. Here, we used a dynamic network framework to investigate intrinsic functional specialization and flexibility of visual-motor system in expert table tennis players (TTP). Our results showed that sensorimotor areas increased intrinsic functional flexibility, whereas visual areas increased intrinsic functional specialization in expert TTP compared to nonathletes. Moreover, the flexibility of the left putamen was positively correlated with skill level, and that of the left lingual gyrus was positively correlated with behavioral accuracy of a sport-unrelated attention task. This study has uncovered dissociable plasticity of the visual-motor system and their predictions of individual differences in skill level and general attention processing. Furthermore, our time-resolved analytic approach is applicable across other professional athletes for understanding their brain plasticity and superior behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhi Yin
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education and Shanghai), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Xuefei Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Xiaoyou Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Qiurong Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Qing Cai
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education and Shanghai), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Mingxia Fan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
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14
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Vestberg T, Tedeholm PG, Ingvar M, Larsson AC, Petrovic P. Executive Functions of Swedish Counterterror Intervention Unit Applicants and Police Officer Trainees Evaluated With Design Fluency Test. Front Psychol 2021; 12:580463. [PMID: 34113276 PMCID: PMC8185326 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.580463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Executive functions (EF) represent higher order top-down mechanisms regulating information processing. While suboptimal EF have been studied in various patient groups, their impact on successful behavior is still not well described. Previously, it has been suggested that design fluency (DF)-a test including several simultaneous EF components mainly related to fluency, cognitive flexibility, and creativity-predicts successful behavior in a quickly changing environment where fast and dynamic adaptions are required, such as ball sports. We hypothesized that similar behaviors are of importance in the selection process of elite police force applicants. To test this hypothesis, we compared elite police force applicants (n = 45) with a control group of police officer trainees (n = 30). Although both groups were better than the norm, the elite police force applicants had a significantly better performance in DF total correct when adjusting for sex and age [F(1,71) = 18.98, p < 0.001]. To understand how this capacity was altered by stress and tiredness, we re-tested the elite police force applicants several days during an extreme field assessment lasting 10 days. The results suggested that there was a lower than expected improvement in DF total correct and a decline in the DF3-subtest that includes a larger component of cognitive flexibility than the other subtests (DF1 and DF2). Although there was a positive correlation between the baseline session and the re-test in DF3 [r(40) = 0.49, p = 0.001], the applicants having the highest scores in the baseline test also displayed the largest percentage decline in the re-test [r(40) = -0.46, p = 0.003]. In conclusion, our result suggests that higher order EF (HEF) that include cognitive flexibility and creativity are of importance in the application for becoming an elite police officer but relatively compromised in a stressful situation. Moreover, as the decline is different between the individuals, the results suggest that applicants should be tested during baseline conditions and during stressful conditions to describe their cognitive capacity fully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torbjörn Vestberg
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter G. Tedeholm
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Ingvar
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta C. Larsson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Predrag Petrovic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuropsychiatry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Guo W, Wang B, Smoter M, Yan J. Effects of Open-Skill Exercises on Cognition on Community Dwelling Older Adults: Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11050609. [PMID: 34068726 PMCID: PMC8151174 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11050609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Cognitive function may benefit from physical exercise in older adults. However, controversy remains over which mode of exercise is more beneficial. (2) The aim of the proposed study is to investigate the effect of open-skill exercise training on cognitive function in community dwelling older adults compared with closed-skill exercise, cognitive training, and active control. (3) One hundred and sixty participants, aged between 60 and 80 years old, will be recruited from community senior centers in Yangzhou, China and randomly assigned to one of four groups: open-skill exercise group, closed-skill exercise group, mobile game playing group, and active control group. All participants will join a 24-week program involving 50 min sessions three times a week. The primary outcome measure is visuospatial working memory. Secondary measures include subjective memory complaint, attention network, nonverbal reasoning ability, and physical activities. All participants will be measured before, mid-way, and immediately after intervention, and three months later. (4) If successful, this study is expected to provide evidence-based recommendations for older adults to select the most efficient and effective mode of exercise to improve cognitive function. Importantly, the three intervention groups provide an opportunity to separate the cognitive activity component from the physical activity component. Comparison of these components is expected to help elucidate possible mechanisms contributing to the additional cognitive benefit of open-skill exercises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (W.G.); (B.W.)
- Institute of Sports, Exercise and Brain, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Biye Wang
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (W.G.); (B.W.)
- Institute of Sports, Exercise and Brain, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Małgorzata Smoter
- Gdańsk Academy of Physical Education and Sport, 80-001 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Jun Yan
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (W.G.); (B.W.)
- Correspondence:
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16
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Yu M, Liu Y. Differences in executive function of the attention network between athletes from interceptive and strategic sports. J Mot Behav 2020; 53:419-430. [PMID: 32654658 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2020.1790486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The differences in the executive attention network and the related blood oxygen characteristics of the right frontal-parietal network brain area between athletes from interceptive and strategic sport were investigated. Strategic athletes had higher accuracy and longer reaction time (RT) compared with interceptive sports athletes, lower flanker conflict effects on accuracy compared to the other two group. It was accompanied by significant activation of the rdLPFC and the rIFG. Strategic athletes had higher flanker conflict effects on RT compared with interception athletes under the invalid cue condition, which was accompanied by significant activation of the right IFG. The strategic athletes complete the task under the condition of invalid clues indicating top-down control, and which is closely related to the activation of the right frontal-parietal network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Yu
- Jilin Sport University, Changchun, China
| | - Yibing Liu
- Jilin Sport University, Changchun, China
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17
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Vestberg T, Jafari R, Almeida R, Maurex L, Ingvar M, Petrovic P. Level of play and coach-rated game intelligence are related to performance on design fluency in elite soccer players. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9852. [PMID: 32587269 PMCID: PMC7316809 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66180-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Executive brain functions are innate mechanisms for regulating behavior. While the impact of suboptimal executive functions has been characterized in patients, their contribution to individual success has not been elucidated. We set out to understand how executive functions relate to successful human behavior by examining their relation to game intelligence in sport - the ability to read a game and quickly adapt the behavior. In elite soccer players (n = 51), those playing in national teams (national team players) significantly outperformed those only playing at premier league level (premier league players) in Design Fluency (DF), a complex visuo-spatial executive function test that includes measures of creativity and cognitive flexibility. Their result showed a moderate correlation with coach rated game intelligence, remained also when correcting for low level cognitive capacity and was most evident when considering cognitive flexibility. DF capacity also correlated with number of assists made during the season but not with number of made goals during the same period, linking the fast planning of several steps in DF to fast planning of several steps in the soccer game. Altogether, our data suggests that DF capacity relates to success in soccer both on a subjective and on an objective level.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Vestberg
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - R Jafari
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - R Almeida
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Stockholm University, Brain Imaging Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - L Maurex
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Ingvar
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Petrovic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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18
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Wang B, Guo W. Exercise mode and attentional networks in older adults: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8364. [PMID: 31938580 PMCID: PMC6953334 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have indicated that physical exercise enhances attentional function; however, the relationship between exercise mode and attentional networks has not been clarified for older adults (>60 years old). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between attentional networks and different exercise modes in older adults. Methods Two hundred and fifty-nine participants aged between 60 to 81 years were enrolled and classified into three groups (closed-skill group, open-skill group, or sedentary control group) using an exercise-related questionnaire. All participants completed an attention network test (ANT), which measured executive control, orienting, and alerting networks. Results The open-skill group had significantly higher executive network efficiency compared to the closed-skill (p < 0.01) and sedentary (p < 0.01) groups. The closed-skill group had significantly higher values compared to the sedentary control group (p < 0.05). Differences were not detected among groups for alerting and orienting networks (p > 0.05). The open-skill group had significantly higher values compared to the sedentary control group regarding proportion score of executive network (p < 0.01). In comparison, no significant differences were detected among groups for proportion scores of alerting and orienting networks. Conclusion This study extends current knowledge by demonstrating that open-skill exercises selectively enhance the executive control of attentional networks in older adults. Open-skill exercises combines physical exercise and cognitive training, potentially representing a more effective exercise mode to maintain or enhance attentional function in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biye Wang
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Sports, Exercise and Brain, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Guo
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Sports, Exercise and Brain, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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19
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Differences of attentional networks function in athletes from open-skill sports: an functional near-infrared spectroscopy study. Neuroreport 2019; 30:1239-1245. [PMID: 31568205 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the attentional networks function characteristics of interceptive and strategic sports athletes from open-skill sports. METHODS We used a revised lateralized attention network task to measure attentional networks efficiency and activation related to flanker conflict effects, alerting effects, and orienting effects changes on the right frontoparietal network using functional near-infrared spectroscopy in 20 strategic sports athletes, 20 interceptive sports athletes, and 22 college students. RESULTS The interceptive sports athletes had the fastest overall reaction time. Strategic sports athletes had the highest accuracy and smallest flanker conflict effect on accuracy. Compared with non-athletes, strategic sports athletes had a higher alerting effect, validity effect, and disengaging effect on reaction time; the disengaging effect was particularly higher than that in the interceptive sports athletes. This was accompanied by higher activity in the right frontoparietal network. CONCLUSIONS The open-skill athletes demonstrate significantly more efficient attentional function compared to non-athletes. Athletes from interceptive sports demonstrated increased speed when solving conflict, while those from strategic sports demonstrated higher accuracy. In addition, top-down control appears to play an important role in strategic sports athletes making a cautious decision. This can be attributed to the right frontoparietal network.
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20
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Nour S, Struys E, Stengers H. Attention Network in Interpreters: The Role of Training and Experience. Behav Sci (Basel) 2019; 9:E43. [PMID: 31018592 PMCID: PMC6523145 DOI: 10.3390/bs9040043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship found between interpreting training and experience and the attentional network components: Alerting, orienting, and executive attention using the Attention Network Test (ANT). In the current study we tested three groups of interpreting students, translation students, and professional interpreters as specific forms of multilingual expertise. The student groups were tested longitudinally at the beginning and the end of their Master's programme. The professional interpreters were tested only one point in time. The results showed different attention network dynamics for the interpreting students compared to the translation students regarding alertness and executive network. First, the interpreting students showed a higher conflict effect when the alert cue was presented as well as a reduced accuracy compared to translation students. Second, the interpreting training had less effect on alerting than the translation training. Finally, two student groups showed a faster response time in conflict effect than the professional interpreters. In contrast, the professional interpreters scored a higher accuracy than two-student groups specifically in an incongruent alert condition, which confirms that they used a different responding strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudabeh Nour
- Brussels Institute for Applied Linguistics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussel, Belgium.
- Centre for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussel, Belgium.
| | - Esli Struys
- Brussels Institute for Applied Linguistics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussel, Belgium.
- Centre for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussel, Belgium.
- Centre for Linguistics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussel, Belgium.
| | - Hélène Stengers
- Brussels Institute for Applied Linguistics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussel, Belgium.
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21
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Meng F, Li A, You Y, Xie C. Motor expertise modulates unconscious rather than conscious executive control. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6387. [PMID: 30740277 PMCID: PMC6368002 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Executive control, the ability to regulate the execution of a goal-directed task, is an important element in an athlete’s skill set. Although previous studies have shown that executive control in athletes is better than that in non-athletes, those studies were mainly confined to conscious executive control. Many recent studies have suggested that executive control can be triggered by the presentation of visual stimuli without participant’s conscious awareness. However, few studies have examined unconscious executive control in sports. Thus, the present study investigated whether, similar to conscious executive control, unconscious executive control in table tennis athletes is superior to that in non-athletes. Methods In total, 42 age-matched undergraduate students were recruited for this study; 22 nonathletic students lacking practical athletic experience comprised one group, and 20 table tennis athletes with many years of training in this sport comprised a second group. Each participant first completed an unconscious response priming task, the unconscious processing of visual-spatial information, and then completed a conscious version of this same response priming task. Results Table tennis athletes showed a significant response priming effect, whereas non-athletes did not, when participants were unable to consciously perceive the visual-spatial priming stimuli. In addition, the number of years the table tennis athletes had trained in this sport (a measure of their motor expertise) was positively correlated with the strength of the unconscious response priming effect. However, both table tennis athletes and non-athletes showed a response priming effect when the primes were unmasked and the participants were able to consciously perceive the visual-spatial priming stimuli. Conclusion Our results suggest that motor expertise modulates unconscious, rather than conscious, executive control and that motor expertise is positively correlated with unconscious executive control in table tennis athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanying Meng
- Department of Sport Psychology, School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Anmin Li
- Department of Sport Psychology, School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihong You
- Department of Sport Psychology, School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun Xie
- Department of Sport Psychology, School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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22
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Elferink-Gemser MT, Faber IR, Visscher C, Hung TM, de Vries SJ, Nijhuis-Van der Sanden MWG. Higher-level cognitive functions in Dutch elite and sub-elite table tennis players. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206151. [PMID: 30403711 PMCID: PMC6221298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the higher-level cognitive functions (i.e. metacognition and executive functions) of Dutch competitive table tennis players to better understand its relevance for performance in this fast and complex sport. Thirty elite (age 16 ± 4) and thirty age and sex-matched sub-elite peers (age 16 ± 5) were assessed on metacognition and executive functions (working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility) using D-KEFS tests. Compared to norm scores, both the Dutch competitive elite and sub-elite table tennis players scored above average on all tests (p < 0.05). MANOVA showed a main effect for performance level (elites outscored sub-elites; p < 0.05). T-tests revealed that elite players make less mistakes on tests for inhibitory control (CWI-3: 0.9 ± 0.9; CWI-4: 1.1 ± 1.2) than sub-elite players (CWI-3: 1.8 ± 1.1; CWI-4: 2.6 ± 1.5) (p < 0.05). When controlling for training hours in a MANCOVA, no significant main effect of performance level remained (p > 0.05). In conclusion, Dutch elite and sub-elite table tennis players are characterized by above-average scores on higher-level cognitive functions compared to norm scores. A relation with performance level has been shown, which may be explained by the greater exposure to table tennis for elite compared to sub-elite players. However, longitudinal research is needed to indicate the direction of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije T. Elferink-Gemser
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Irene R. Faber
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- International Table Tennis Federation, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Chris Visscher
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tsung-Min Hung
- International Table Tennis Federation, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Sjoerd J. de Vries
- Faculty of Human Resource Management and Applied Psychology, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Deventer, The Netherlands
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23
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Gao Q, Yu Y, Su X, Tao Z, Zhang M, Wang Y, Leng J, Sepulcre J, Chen H. Adaptation of brain functional stream architecture in athletes with fast demands of sensorimotor integration. Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 40:420-431. [PMID: 30277624 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Training-induced neuroplasticity has been described in athletes' population. However, it remains largely unknown how regular training and sports proficiency modifies neuronal circuits in the human brain. In this study, we used voxel-based morphometry and stepwise functional connectivity (SFC) analyses to uncover connectivity changes in the functional stream architecture in student-athletes at early stages of sensorimotor skill training. Thirty-two second-year student-athletes whose major was little-ball sports and thirty-four nonathlete controls were recruited for the study. We found that athletes showed greater gray matter volume in the right sensorimotor area, the limbic lobe, and the anterior lobe of the cerebellum. Furthermore, SFC analysis demonstrated that athletes displayed significantly smaller optimal connectivity distance from those seed regions to the dorsal attention network (DAN) and larger optimal connectivity distance to the default mode network (DMN) compared to controls. The Attention Network Test showed that the reaction time of the orienting attention subnetwork was positively correlated with SFC between the seeds and the DAN, while negatively correlated with SFC between the seeds and the DMN. Our findings suggest that neuroplastic adaptations on functional connectivity streams after motor skill training may enable novel information flow from specific areas of the cortex toward distributed networks such as the DAN and the DMN. This could potentially regulate the focus of external and internal attention synchronously in athletes, and consequently accelerate the reaction time of orienting attention in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Gao
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yi Yu
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolong Su
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongping Tao
- Information Technology Center, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Mu Zhang
- Information Technology Center, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifeng Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinsong Leng
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jorge Sepulcre
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Huafu Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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24
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de Sousa AFM, Medeiros AR, Benitez-Flores S, Del Rosso S, Stults-Kolehmainen M, Boullosa DA. Improvements in Attention and Cardiac Autonomic Modulation After a 2-Weeks Sprint Interval Training Program: A Fidelity Approach. Front Physiol 2018; 9:241. [PMID: 29618979 PMCID: PMC5871711 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to: (1) investigate the influence of a 2-weeks sprint interval training (SIT) program on aerobic capacity, cardiac autonomic control, and components of attention in young healthy university students; and (2) to ascertain whether training fidelity would influence these adaptations. One hundred and nine participants were divided into an experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups. The EG performed a SIT program that consisted of 6 sessions of 4 × 30 s “all-out” efforts on a cycle ergometer, interspersed with active rests of 4 min. The criterion for fidelity was achieving >90% of estimated maximum heart rate (HR) during sprint bouts. After analyses, the EG was divided into HIGH (n = 26) and LOW (n = 46) fidelity groups. Components of attention were assessed using the Attention Network Test (ANT). Aerobic capacity (VO2max) was estimated while the sum of skinfolds was determined. Autonomic control of HR was assessed by means of HR variability (HRV) and HR complexity at rest and during ANT. Both HIGH and LOW significantly increased aerobic capacity, vagal modulation before and during ANT, and executive control, and decreased body fatness after SIT (p < 0.05). However, only participants from HIGH showed an increase in HR complexity and accuracy in ANT when compared to LOW (p < 0.05). Two weeks of SIT improved executive control, body fatness, aerobic fitness, and autonomic control in university students with better results reported in those individuals who exhibited high fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arilson F M de Sousa
- Post-Graduation Program in Physical Education, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - André R Medeiros
- Post-Graduation Program in Physical Education, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Stefano Benitez-Flores
- Post-Graduation Program in Physical Education, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Sebastián Del Rosso
- Post-Graduation Program in Physical Education, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel A Boullosa
- Post-Graduation Program in Physical Education, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil.,Sport and Exercise Science, College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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Chueh TY, Huang CJ, Hsieh SS, Chen KF, Chang YK, Hung TM. Sports training enhances visuo-spatial cognition regardless of open-closed typology. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3336. [PMID: 28560098 PMCID: PMC5444361 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of open and closed sport participation on visuo-spatial attention and memory performance among young adults. Forty-eight young adults-16 open-skill athletes, 16 closed-skill athletes, and 16 non-athletes controls-were recruited for the study. Both behavioral performance and event-related potential (ERP) measurement were assessed when participants performed non-delayed and delayed match-to-sample task that tested visuo-spatial attention and memory processing. Results demonstrated that regardless of training typology, the athlete groups exhibited shorter reaction times in both the visuo-spatial attention and memory conditions than the control group with no existence of speed-accuracy trade-off. Similarly, a larger P3 amplitudes were observed in both athlete groups than in the control group for the visuo-spatial memory condition. These findings suggest that sports training, regardless of typology, are associated with superior visuo-spatial attention and memory performance, and more efficient neural resource allocation in memory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yu Chueh
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ju Huang
- Graduate Institute of Sport Pedagogy, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Shih Hsieh
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Fu Chen
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kai Chang
- Graduate Institute of Athletics and Coaching Science, National Taiwan Sport University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Min Hung
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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