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Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Jul 2023Ancient and culturally universal, dance pervades many areas of life and has multiple benefits. In this article, we provide a conceptual framework and systematic review,... (Review)
Review
Ancient and culturally universal, dance pervades many areas of life and has multiple benefits. In this article, we provide a conceptual framework and systematic review, as a guide for researching the neuroscience of dance. We identified relevant articles following PRISMA guidelines, and summarised and evaluated all original results. We identified avenues for future research in: the interactive and collective aspects of dance; groove; dance performance; dance observation; and dance therapy. Furthermore, the interactive and collective aspects of dance constitute a vital part of the field but have received almost no attention from a neuroscientific perspective so far. Dance and music engage overlapping brain networks, including common regions involved in perception, action, and emotion. In music and dance, rhythm, melody, and harmony are processed in an active, sustained pleasure cycle giving rise to action, emotion, and learning, led by activity in specific hedonic brain networks. The neuroscience of dance is an exciting field, which may yield information concerning links between psychological processes and behaviour, human flourishing, and the concept of eudaimonia.
Topics: Humans; Brain; Emotions; Learning; Music; Pleasure
PubMed: 37100162
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105197 -
Journal of Eating Disorders Nov 2023Recent research suggests that individuals with eating disorders (EDs) report elevated anhedonia, or loss of pleasure. Although individuals with avoidant/restrictive food...
BACKGROUND
Recent research suggests that individuals with eating disorders (EDs) report elevated anhedonia, or loss of pleasure. Although individuals with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) often express that they do not look forward to eating, it is unclear whether they experience lower pleasure than those without EDs. Thus, identifying whether individuals with ARFID experience anhedonia may yield important insights that inform clinical conceptualization and treatment.
METHODS
A sample of 71 participants ages 10-23 with full and subthreshold ARFID and 33 healthy controls (HCs) completed the Pica, ARFID, and Rumination Disorder Interview, a diagnostic interview to assess ARFID profile severity (lack of interest in food, sensory sensitivity, fear of aversive consequences) and the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS), a self-report measure of consummatory and anticipatory pleasure. Statistical analyses were performed using the full TEPS and also the TEPS with food-related items removed.
RESULTS
The ARFID group reported significantly lower anticipatory and consummatory pleasure compared to HCs, but these differences were no longer significant after controlling for depression, nor after removing food items from the TEPS. Within the ARFID sample, greater ARFID severity was associated with lower anticipatory pleasure across analyses, and greater endorsement of the lack of interest in food profile was related to lower anticipatory pleasure. ARFID severity was also associated with lower consummatory pleasure using the full TEPS, but this relationship was no longer significant with food items removed.
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide initial evidence for lower pleasure before potentially pleasurable events in individuals with more severe ARFID, particularly those with the lack of interest phenotype. Our findings also suggest that depression is likely to contribute low pleasure in this population. Future research should seek to further characterize how dimensions of pleasure relate to the maintenance and treatment of ARFID symptoms.
PubMed: 37950288
DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00921-w -
Harm Reduction Journal Jul 2023Opioid and methamphetamine co-use is increasing across the USA with overdoses involving these drugs also rising. West Virginia (WV) has led the US in opioid overdose...
BACKGROUND
Opioid and methamphetamine co-use is increasing across the USA with overdoses involving these drugs also rising. West Virginia (WV) has led the US in opioid overdose death rates since at least 2013 and rising co-use of methamphetamine with opioids has played a greater role in deaths over the last 5 years.
METHODS
This study used rapid ethnography to examine methods and motivations behind opioids and methamphetamine co-use from the viewpoint of their consumers. Participants (n = 30) were people who injected heroin/fentanyl also using methamphetamine who participated in semi-structured interviews.
RESULTS
We found multiple methods of co-using opioids and methamphetamine, whether alternately or simultaneously and in varying order. Most prioritized opioids, with motives for using methamphetamine forming three thematic categories: 'intrinsic use', encompassing both inherent pleasure of combined use greater than using both drugs separately or for self-medication of particular conditions; 'opioid assisting use' in which methamphetamine helped people manage their existing heroin/fentanyl use; and 'reluctant or indifferent use' for social participation, reflecting methamphetamine's low cost and easy availability.
CONCLUSIONS
Methamphetamine serves multiple functions among people using opioids in WV. Beliefs persist that methamphetamine can play a role in preventing and reversing opioid overdose, including some arguments for sequential use being protective of overdose. 'Reluctant' uptake attests to methamphetamine's social use and the influence of supply. The impact on overdose risk of the many varied co-use patterns needs further investigation.
Topics: Motivation; Methamphetamine; Heroin; West Virginia; Fentanyl; Heroin Dependence; Interviews as Topic; Self Medication; Pleasure; Social Interaction; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Female; Adult
PubMed: 37438812
DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00816-8 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2023While previous research has shown the positive effects of music listening in response to one's favorite music, the negative effects of one's most disliked music have not...
While previous research has shown the positive effects of music listening in response to one's favorite music, the negative effects of one's most disliked music have not gained much attention. In the current study, participants listened to three self-selected disliked musical pieces which evoked highly unpleasant feelings. As a contrast, three musical pieces were individually selected for each participant based on neutral liking ratings they provided to other participants' disliked music. During music listening, real-time ratings of subjective (dis)pleasure and simultaneous recordings of peripheral measures were obtained. Results showed that compared to neutral music, listening to disliked music evoked physiological reactions reflecting higher arousal (heart rate, skin conductance response, body temperature), disgust (levator labii muscle), anger (corrugator supercilii muscle), distress and grimacing (zygomaticus major muscle). The differences between conditions were most prominent during "very unpleasant" real-time ratings, showing peak responses for the disliked music. Hence, disliked music has a strenuous effect, as shown in strong physiological arousal responses and facial expression, reflecting the listener's attitude toward the music.
Topics: Humans; Music; Auditory Perception; Psychophysiology; Emotions; Facial Muscles
PubMed: 38001083
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46963-7 -
BMC Medical Education Sep 2023Physiotherapists show a positive attitude towards playing games in order to be a role model for pediatric patients and to increase the success of therapy. The aim of the...
BACKGROUND
Physiotherapists show a positive attitude towards playing games in order to be a role model for pediatric patients and to increase the success of therapy. The aim of the present study is to investigate the physical playfulness of physiotherapy students and the relationship of physical playfulness and individual and environmental factors.
METHODS
The sociodemographic data, regular physical activity habits of the students were examined as well as their computer game playing status and duration. "Attitudes of 18-22 Age Adults for Playing Games That Contain Physical Activity" scale was used for assessing playfulness.
RESULTS
A total of 268 students participated in the study. Among the game proneness scale subsections, the highest score was obtained in the Social Adjustment while the lowest scores were obtained in the "Desire to Play Game" and "To take pleasure from playing game" subsections. Male students scored higher in "Risk Taking and "To take pleasure from playing game" in comparison with the female students. There was a statistically significant difference between physical activity habits and "Game Compassion", "Risk Taking", "Social Adjustment" and "To take pleasure from playing game scores".
CONCLUSION
Physiotherapy students were found to be more playful, particularly in terms of social adaptation. Men take more risks in the plays and also play the games more enjoyable. Students with regular physical activity habits were more playful overall. The present study suggests that monitoring physical activity levels, computer games types might be beneficial for evaluating the playfulness.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Male; Child; Physical Therapy Modalities; Medicine; Exercise; Physical Therapists; Students
PubMed: 37684677
DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04618-1 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023It has been my great pleasure to publish 17 papers in the Special Issue "Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of COPD and Asthma" [...].
It has been my great pleasure to publish 17 papers in the Special Issue "Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of COPD and Asthma" [...].
PubMed: 37627892
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13162634 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2023There is still a lot of ambiguity about the link between physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors (SBs) and osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to investigate the...
There is still a lot of ambiguity about the link between physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors (SBs) and osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship of PA/SBs on the risk of OA. A univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to investigate the causal effect of five PA phenotypes and three SB phenotypes on overall OA, knee OA, hip OA, total hip arthroplasty, and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MR methods used were inverse-variance weighting, MR-Egger regressions, and weighted median. Sensitivity analysis examined horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity, and confirmed the reliability of the results. After false discovery rate, light do-it-yourself (DIY) activities decreased the risk for overall OA (OR: 0.32, 95% CI 0.16-0.65), and knee OA (OR: 0.26, 95% CI 0.12-0.51). Resulting in a decreased risk of walking for pleasure on overall OA (OR: 0.87, 95% CI 0.70-1.04) and knee OA (OR: 0.14, 95% CI 0.06-0.32) was also observed. Television viewing, however, significantly increased the risk of OA, knee OA, hip OA, and TKA. MVMR findings revealed independent causal impacts of walking for pleasure and watching television on overall and knee OA, taking into account BMI, smoking, and education. This study suggested that light DIY and walking for pleasure were beneficial for preventing OA, and the risk of OA and TKA increased with prolonged television watching.
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis, Hip; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Reproducibility of Results; Exercise; Osteoarthritis, Knee
PubMed: 37938609
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46984-2 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2023This study explores reasons for withdrawal use that is highly prevalent in Iran. A face-to-face semi-structured survey questionnaire was designed and 79 married women...
This study explores reasons for withdrawal use that is highly prevalent in Iran. A face-to-face semi-structured survey questionnaire was designed and 79 married women aged 15-49, who were only using withdrawal when attending five primary healthcare centers in Tehran during September-October 2021 were interviewed. Results showed that withdrawal mostly was chosen by the couple (67%), and partly by the woman alone (19%) or by the husband alone (14%). Participants evaluated withdrawal positively that has no side effect and cost, is easy to use and accessible, and increases sexual pleasure and intimacy. Most women agreed that husbands use withdrawal to protect their wife's health (76%). Women obtained contraceptive information primarily from gynecologists (42%), the internet (21%), midwives in public health centers (19%), and social networks (18%). "Side effects of modern methods" (37%), "fear of side effects" (16%), and "reduction in sexual pleasure" (14%) were the major reasons reported for using withdrawal. While 'side effects' was given mostly by women who alone or with their husband chose withdrawal (52%, 38%), 'reduction in sexual pleasure' and 'fear of side effects' were mostly reported by women whose husband was the sole decision maker in choosing withdrawal (28%, 25%). The 'fear of side effects' was reported mostly by women who had lower education (21%), used the internet for contraceptive information (23%), and whose husband alone chose withdrawal (25%). Cost of modern methods was a trivial reason for using withdrawal. Most withdrawal users (75%) would not switch to modern methods even if they were freely accessible. More educated women and their husbands would be less likely to switch to modern methods even they were provided freely (OR 0.28, CI 0.10-0.80; OR 0.20, CI 0.07-0.59). However, women who were using modern methods before, and those who alone chose withdrawal would be more likely to switch to modern methods (OR 6.4, CI 2.0-20.2; OR 3.4, CI 1.1-11.2). Access to regular contraceptive counselling and public health campaigns could help women to deal with fears of side effects of modern methods, learn their proper use, and to receive education on how to use withdrawal more effectively to avoid unintended pregnancies.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Contraceptive Agents; Iran; Prevalence; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Educational Status
PubMed: 37386119
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37398-1 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2024Do psychedelics affect sexual functioning postacutely? Anecdotal and qualitative evidence suggests they do, but this has never been formally tested. While sexual...
Do psychedelics affect sexual functioning postacutely? Anecdotal and qualitative evidence suggests they do, but this has never been formally tested. While sexual functioning and satisfaction are generally regarded as an important aspect of human wellbeing, sexual dysfunction is a common symptom of mental health disorders. It is also a common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a first line treatment for depression. The aim of the present paper was to investigate the post-acute effects of psychedelics on self-reported sexual functioning, combining data from two independent studies, one large and naturalistic and the other a smaller but controlled clinical trial. Naturalistic use of psychedelics was associated with improvements in several facets of sexual functioning and satisfaction, including improved pleasure and communication during sex, satisfaction with one's partner and physical appearance. Convergent results were found in a controlled trial of psilocybin therapy versus an SSRI, escitalopram, for depression. In this trial, patients treated with psilocybin reported positive changes in sexual functioning after treatment, while patients treated with escitalopram did not. Despite focusing on different populations and settings, this is the first research study to quantitively investigate the effects of psychedelics on sexual functioning. Results imply a potential positive effect on post-acute sexual functioning and highlight the need for more research on this.
Topics: Humans; Hallucinogens; Sexual Behavior; Psilocybin; Escitalopram; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
PubMed: 38326446
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49817-4 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Depression is a common mental disorder in which patients often experience feelings of sadness, fatigue, loss of interest, and pleasure. Exercise is a widely used... (Review)
Review
Depression is a common mental disorder in which patients often experience feelings of sadness, fatigue, loss of interest, and pleasure. Exercise is a widely used intervention for managing depression, but the specific molecular mechanisms underlying its antidepressant effect are unclear. In this narrative review, we aim to synthesize current knowledge on the molecular, neural, and physiological mechanisms through which exercise exerts its antidepressant effect and discuss the various exercise interventions used for managing depression. We conducted a narrative review of the literature on the topic of exercise and depression. Our review suggests that exercise impacts peripheral tryptophan metabolism, central inflammation, and brain-derived neurotrophic factors through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ activating factor 1α (PGC-1α) in skeletal muscles. The uncarboxylated osteocalcin facilitates "bone-brain crosstalk", and exercise corrects atypical expression of brain-gut peptides, modulates cytokine production and neurotransmitter release, and regulates inflammatory pathways and microRNA expression. Aerobic exercise is recommended at frequencies of 3 to 5 times per week with medium to high intensity. Here we highlight the significant potential of exercise therapy in managing depression, supported by the molecular, neural, and physiological mechanisms underlying its antidepressant effect. Understanding the molecular pathways and neural mechanisms involved in exercise's antidepressant effect opens new avenues for developing novel therapies for managing depression.
PubMed: 37511879
DOI: 10.3390/life13071505