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Acta Psychologica Oct 2022The mechanisms underlying increased dual-task costs in the comparison of modality compatible stimulus-response mappings (e.g., visual-manual, auditory-vocal) and...
The mechanisms underlying increased dual-task costs in the comparison of modality compatible stimulus-response mappings (e.g., visual-manual, auditory-vocal) and modality incompatible mappings (e.g., visual-vocal, auditory-manual) remain elusive. To investigate whether additional control mechanisms are at work in simultaneously processing two modality incompatible mappings, we applied a transfer logic between both types of dual-task mappings in the context of a mental fatigue induction. We expected an increase in dual-task costs for both modality mappings after a fatigue induction with modality compatible tasks. In contrast, we expected an additional, selective increase in modality incompatible dual-task costs after a fatigue induction with modality incompatible tasks. We tested a group of 45young individuals (19-30 years) in an online pre-post design, in which participants were assigned to one of three groups. The two fatigue groups completed a 90-min time-on-task intervention with a dual task comprising either compatible or incompatible modality mappings. The third group paused for 90 min as a passive control group. Pre and post-session contained single and dual tasks in both modality mappings for all participants. In addition to behavioral performance measurements, seven subjective items (effort, focus, subjective fatigue, motivation, frustration, mental and physical capacity) were analyzed. Mean dual-task performance during and after the intervention indicated a practice effect instead of the presumed fatigue effect for all three groups. The modality incompatible intervention group showed a selective performance improvement for the modality incompatible mapping but no transfer to the modality compatible dual task. In contrast, the compatible intervention group showed moderately improved performance in both modality mappings. Still, participants reported increased subjective fatigue and reduced motivation after the fatigue intervention. This dynamic interplay of training and fatigue effects suggests that high control demands were involved in the prolonged performance of a modality incompatible dual task, which are separable from modality compatible dual-task demands.
Topics: Humans; Reaction Time; Psychomotor Performance; Photic Stimulation; Acoustic Stimulation; Mental Fatigue
PubMed: 36242924
DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103766 -
Cognitive Neurodynamics Oct 2022The forced oscillations of hair bundle of inner hair cells of auditory nervous system evoked by external force from steady state are related to the fast adaption of hair...
The forced oscillations of hair bundle of inner hair cells of auditory nervous system evoked by external force from steady state are related to the fast adaption of hair cells, which are very important for auditory amplification. In the present paper, comprehensive and deep understandings to nonlinear dynamics of forced oscillations are acquired in four aspects. Firstly, the complex dynamics underlying the twitch (fast recoil of displacement which is fast variable) induced from Case-1 and Case-2 steady states by external pulse force are obtained. With help of vector fields and nullclines, the phase trajectory of forced oscillations is identified to be an evolution process between two equilibrium points corresponding to zero force and pulse force, respectively, and then the twitch is obtained as the behavior running along the nonlinear part of -nullcline. Especially, twitch observed in experiment are classified into 6 types, which are induced by negative change of force, negative and positive changes of force, and positive change of force, respectively, and further build relationships to three subcases of Case-2 steady state with N-shaped -nullcline (equilibrium point locates on the left, middle, and right branches of -nullcline, respectively). Secondly, the experimental observation of fatigue of twitch induced by continual two pulse forces, i.e. the reduced amplitude of the latter twitch when interval between two forces is short, is also explained as a nonlinear behavior beginning from an initial value different from that of the former one. Thirdly, the experimental observation of transition between sustained oscillations and steady state induced by pulse force can be simulated for Case-1 steady state with Z-shaped -nullcline instead of Case-2, due to that there exists bifurcations with respect to external force for Case-1 while no bifurcations for Case-2. Last, the threshold phenomenon induced by simple pulse stimulation exists for Case-1 steady state rather than Case-2, due to that the upper and lower branches of Z-shaped -nullcline close to the middle branch exhibit coexisting behaviors of variable while N-shaped -nullcline does not. The nonlinear dynamics of forced oscillations are helpful for explanations to the complex experimental observations, which presents potential measures to modulate the functions of twitch such as the fast adaption.
PubMed: 36237408
DOI: 10.1007/s11571-021-09745-3 -
Physiotherapy Mar 2023Although growing evidence has shown beneficial effects of motor imagery (MI) training in different populations including people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), not all... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Although growing evidence has shown beneficial effects of motor imagery (MI) training in different populations including people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), not all patients with neurological diseases may benefit from MI.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate factors and strategies affecting and enhancing MI ability in pwMS.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Scopus, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, Web of Science and REHABDATA databases, clinical trials registries, dissertation repositories, study bibliographies and internet search engines were searched through August 2021.
STUDY SELECTION
Any study type but single case studies investigating factors or strategies contributing to MI ability in pwMS.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Case-Control and Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies and Cochrane RoB-2.0 tool for randomised trials. A qualitative synthesis was performed summarising main results.
RESULTS
Eight databases, 4 trial registries, 9 dissertation repositories, and 1 internet search engine were searched. Fourteen studies including 366 pwMS and 236 healthy controls were included. Most frequently, cognitive impairment was reported as a negative factor influencing MI ability in pwMS. Other negative factors were cognitive fatigue and disability. Inconsistent evidence was found on the contribution of MS phenotype, anxiety, and depression. Using a theory-based MI framework and familiarisation to MI and external cueing may enhance MI ability.
LIMITATIONS
Eligible studies were highly heterogeneous.
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS
Cognitive impairment, cognitive fatigue and disability negatively influence MI ability in pwMS. Visual and/or auditory cueing of MI are strategies for facilitating MI ability.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO CRD42020173081 CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Imagery, Psychotherapy
PubMed: 36184292
DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2022.09.005 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Sep 2022Recovery after SARS-CoV-2 infection is extremely variable, with some individuals recovering quickly, and others experiencing persistent long-term symptoms or developing...
BACKGROUND
Recovery after SARS-CoV-2 infection is extremely variable, with some individuals recovering quickly, and others experiencing persistent long-term symptoms or developing new symptoms after the acute phase of infection, including fatigue, poor concentration, impaired attention, or memory deficits. Many existing studies reporting cognitive deficits associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection are limited by the exclusive use of self-reported measures or a lack of adequate comparison groups.
METHODS
Forty-five participants, ages 18-70, (11 Long-COVID, 14 COVID, and 20 No-COVID) underwent behavioral testing with the NIH Toolbox Neuro-Quality of Life survey and selected psychometric tests, including a flanker interference task and the d2 Test of Attention.
RESULTS
We found greater self-reported anxiety, apathy, fatigue, emotional dyscontrol, sleep disturbance and cognitive dysfunction in COVID compared No-COVID groups. After categorizing COVID patients according to self-reported concentration problems, we observed declining performance patterns in multiple attention measures across No-COVID controls, COVID and Long-COVID groups. COVID participants, compared to No-COVID controls, exhibited worse performance on NIH Toolbox assessments, including the Eriksen Flanker, Nine-Hole Pegboard and Auditory Verbal Learning tests.
CONCLUSION
This study provides convergent evidence that previous SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with impairments in sustained attention, processing speed, self-reported fatigue and concentration. The finding that some patients have cognitive and visuomotor dysfunction in the absence of self-reported problems suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection can have unexpected and persistent subclinical consequences.
PubMed: 36172134
DOI: 10.1101/2022.09.22.22280222 -
Trends in Hearing 2022Most human auditory psychophysics research has historically been conducted in carefully controlled environments with calibrated audio equipment, and over potentially...
Most human auditory psychophysics research has historically been conducted in carefully controlled environments with calibrated audio equipment, and over potentially hours of repetitive testing with expert listeners. Here, we operationally define such conditions as having high 'auditory hygiene'. From this perspective, conducting auditory psychophysical paradigms online presents a serious challenge, in that results may hinge on absolute sound presentation level, reliably estimated perceptual thresholds, low and controlled background noise levels, and sustained motivation and attention. We introduce a set of procedures that address these challenges and facilitate auditory hygiene for online auditory psychophysics. First, we establish a simple means of setting sound presentation levels. Across a set of four level-setting conditions conducted in person, we demonstrate the stability and robustness of this level setting procedure in open air and controlled settings. Second, we test participants' tone-in-noise thresholds using widely adopted online experiment platforms and demonstrate that reliable threshold estimates can be derived online in approximately one minute of testing. Third, using these level and threshold setting procedures to establish participant-specific stimulus conditions, we show that an online implementation of the classic probe-signal paradigm can be used to demonstrate frequency-selective attention on an individual-participant basis, using a third of the trials used in recent in-lab experiments. Finally, we show how threshold and attentional measures relate to well-validated assays of online participants' in-task motivation, fatigue, and confidence. This demonstrates the promise of online auditory psychophysics for addressing new auditory perception and neuroscience questions quickly, efficiently, and with more diverse samples. Code for the tests is publicly available through Pavlovia and Gorilla.
Topics: Auditory Perception; Auditory Threshold; Humans; Noise; Psychophysics
PubMed: 36131515
DOI: 10.1177/23312165221118792 -
HGG Advances Oct 2022Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) syndrome is a rare genetic condition associated with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Preclinical...
Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) syndrome is a rare genetic condition associated with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Preclinical evidence suggests that low-dose ketamine may induce expression of ADNP and that neuroprotective effects of ketamine may be mediated by ADNP. The goal of the proposed research was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and behavioral outcomes of low-dose ketamine in children with ADNP syndrome. We also sought to explore the feasibility of using electrophysiological markers of auditory steady-state response and computerized eye tracking to assess biomarker sensitivity to treatment. This study utilized a single-dose (0.5 mg/kg), open-label design, with ketamine infused intravenously over 40 min. Ten children with ADNP syndrome ages 6 to 12 years were enrolled. Ketamine was generally well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse events. The most common adverse events were elation/silliness (50%), fatigue (40%), and increased aggression (40%). Using parent-report instruments to assess treatment effects, ketamine was associated with nominally significant improvement in a wide array of domains, including social behavior, attention deficit and hyperactivity, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities, a week after administration. Results derived from clinician-rated assessments aligned with findings from the parent reports. Overall, nominal improvement was evident based on the Clinical Global Impressions - Improvement scale, in addition to clinician-based scales reflecting key domains of social communication, attention deficit and hyperactivity, restricted and repetitive behaviors, speech, thinking, and learning, activities of daily living, and sensory sensitivities. Results also highlight the potential utility of electrophysiological measurement of auditory steady-state response and eye-tracking to index change with ketamine treatment. Findings are intended to be hypothesis generating and provide preliminary support for the safety and efficacy of ketamine in ADNP syndrome in addition to identifying useful endpoints for a ketamine clinical development program. However, results must be interpreted with caution given limitations of this study, most importantly the small sample size and absence of a placebo-control group.
PubMed: 36119806
DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2022.100138 -
European Journal of Translational... Sep 2022In multiple sclerosis patients (MS), symptoms such as fatigue, lack of physical energy, spasticity, motor coordination disorders, tremors, dizziness and postural...
In multiple sclerosis patients (MS), symptoms such as fatigue, lack of physical energy, spasticity, motor coordination disorders, tremors, dizziness and postural instability are most common. Cattaneo et al. (2007) studied the effects of stability training on MS patients, describing its efficacy in reducing all risks, by improving stability, and strength. The present study aimed to confirm our 2021 results on MS patients, combining the Taopatch® device with a proprioceptive rehabilitation protocol (PRP) targeting strength, balance, and biochemical parameters including vitamin D levels. Twenty MS patients, 8 males and 12 females, volunteered in the study. A KERN MAP Version 1.2 08/2012, Hand Grip Dynamometer was used to determine handgrip strength, whilst baropodometric and stabilometric measurements were assessed using the Sensor Medica® systems. The proprioceptive rehabilitation protocol included: 10 minutes of Motomed; 10 minutes of Human Tecar proprioceptive path; 15 minutes of physical exercises; and 15 minutes of massage therapy of whole spine. All patients wore the Taopatch photo emission devices (Tao Technologies), applied with the protocol of Carbonari B, et al. (2021) Testing procedures and blood sampling were carried out before and after the rehabilitation protocol. The paired sample t-test revealed statistically significant improvements for the baropodometric measures (p<0.05). In addition, the intervention induced a statistically significant improvement in the right (p = 0.023) and left (p = 0.021) handgrip strength. We didn't highlighted any statistically significant variation in hemathological parameters, but an increasing trend of vitamin D levels was detected. Combination of an adequate and specific rehabilitation protocol with application of Taopatch®, a photon emission device, improved handgrip strength of the upper limbs, rebalanced body structure decompensated in MS patients and also acting on vitamin D levels. In conclusion, Taopatch® is a supportive therapy for home-based PRP intervention, inducing an improvement in the quality of life and reducing spasticity associated with the disease.
PubMed: 36112067
DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2022.10774 -
International Archives of Occupational... Mar 2023Compared to normally-hearing employees, those with hearing loss suffer from higher Need For Recovery (NFR) after work. The aims of this study are to assess the NFR of...
OBJECTIVE
Compared to normally-hearing employees, those with hearing loss suffer from higher Need For Recovery (NFR) after work. The aims of this study are to assess the NFR of employees with hearing loss before and after aural rehabilitation and to examine to what extent change in the NFR can be explained by changes in subjective listening effort, personal adjustments, communication strategies, auditory work demands, and self-reported hearing ability.
METHODS
We included patients who received aural rehabilitation in two audiological centers in the Netherlands because of hearing complaints in their work situation. Outcomes were measured by questionnaires at baseline and 3 month follow-up. The NFR before and after the rehabilitation was compared with a t test. Hierarchical multiple analyses were performed.
RESULTS
In total, 60 patients (aged 22-63, working hours ≥8 per week) participated in the study, of which 50 completed the follow-up questionnaires. The NFR was significantly lower after the aural rehabilitation (M = 45.03) compared to before the aural rehabilitation (M = 51.89), t = -3.43, p < 0.01). Change in NFR could best be explained by the change in personal adjustments (R = 0.45, B = -1.23, p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
The NFR of employees with hearing loss can be improved by aural rehabilitation, but this study shows that current practices reduce the NFR only in part of the employees. Therefore, improving current practices should be considered and evaluated, for example by applying a different combination of rehabilitation components. Especially, interventions that affect personal adjustments may be promising to further reduce the NFR in employees with hearing loss.
Topics: Humans; Correction of Hearing Impairment; Listening Effort; Hearing Loss; Hearing; Adaptation, Psychological
PubMed: 36094620
DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01920-1 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2022This study aimed to assess temporary and permanent auditory effects associated with occupational coexposure to low levels of noise and solvents. Cross-sectional study...
This study aimed to assess temporary and permanent auditory effects associated with occupational coexposure to low levels of noise and solvents. Cross-sectional study with 25 printing industry workers simultaneously exposed to low noise (<80 dBA TWA) and low levels of solvents. The control group consisted of 29 industry workers without the selected exposures. Participants answered a questionnaire and underwent auditory tests. Auditory fatigue was measured by comparing the acoustic reflex threshold before and after the workday. Workers coexposed to solvents and noise showed significantly worse results in auditory tests in comparison with the participants in the control group. Auditory brainstem response results showed differences in III−V interpeak intervals (p = 0.046 in right ear; p = 0.039 in left ear). Mean dichotic digits scores (exposed = 89.5 ± 13.33; controls = 96.40 ± 4.46) were only different in the left ear (p = 0.054). The comparison of pre and postacoustic reflex testing indicated mean differences (p = 0.032) between the exposed (4.58 ± 6.8) and controls (0 ± 4.62) groups. This study provides evidence of a possible temporary effect (hearing fatigue) at the level of the acoustic reflex of the stapedius muscle. The permanent effects were identified mainly at the level of the high brainstem and in the auditory ability of binaural integration.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Hearing Disorders; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced; Humans; Industry; Noise, Occupational; Occupational Exposure; Solvents
PubMed: 36011533
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169894 -
Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology :... Nov 2022Studies suggest a large number of patients have persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection-a condition termed "long COVID." Although children and parents often...
OBJECTIVE
Studies suggest a large number of patients have persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection-a condition termed "long COVID." Although children and parents often report cognitive difficulties after COVID, very few if any studies have been published including neuropsychological testing.
METHODS
A retrospective chart review was completed for the first 18 patients referred for a neuropsychological evaluation from a multidisciplinary pediatric post-COVID clinic. The neuropsychological screening battery assessed verbal fluency and category switching, attention, working memory, processing speed, and verbal learning and memory. Patients' caregivers also completed standardized questionnaires regarding day-to-day mood and behavior.
RESULTS
At intake, the most common neurologic symptoms reported by caregivers were attention problems (83.3%), fatigue/lethargy (77.7%), sleep disturbance (77.7%), dizziness/vertigo (72.2%), and headaches (72.2%). On rating scales, most caregivers endorsed concerns for depressed mood and anxiety (14/15 and 12/15). A large proportion of patients had difficulties with attention (9/18) and depressed mood/anxiety (13/18) before COVID. On cognitive testing, the majority of the patients performed within or above broad average range (≥16th percentile) across most domains. However, a little over half of the patients performed below average on auditory attention measures.
CONCLUSIONS
Within our clinically referred sample, children who reported lingering cognitive symptoms after COVID-19 often had a preexisting history of attention and/or mood and anxiety concerns. Many of these patients performed below average in attention testing, but it remains to be seen whether this was due to direct effects of COVID, physical symptoms, and/or preexisting difficulties with attention or mood/anxiety.
Topics: Humans; Child; Neuropsychological Tests; COVID-19; Retrospective Studies; Attention; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
PubMed: 35901463
DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acac056