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Executive function (EF) skills are crucial for pupils' learning. Therefore, incorporating well-considered instructional strategies may reduce the EF demands placed on pupils with insufficient EF skills in the classroom. Hence, educators are critically positioned. In the present study, 303 student teachers answered the Mathematics Skills Questionnaire. The aim of the study was to (a) examine how student teachers rated the importance of EF skills and EF-related skills involved in pupils' learning and (b) investigate whether there were any differences in rating between regular student teachers and special needs student educators. The results of a two-way mixed ANOVA showed a significant main effect of skill in the total sample. Follow-up tests revealed that skills such as reasoning and proof, inhibition, shifting, and creativity were rated as more important when compared to other skills. Follow-up comparison of the significant interaction effect between skill and student teacher group revealed that the special needs student teachers regarded working memory skills as more important, while the regular student teachers rated EF-related skills that are grounded in core EF skills to have higher importance. The science of learning and its educational implications are discussed.

Inom tävlingsidrott kan kognitiva färdigheter utgöra ett viktigt element för framgång. En faktor som kan påverka prestation inom ishockey är utvisningsminuter, dock finns idag begränsat med kunskap om vilken roll kognition har i detta. Det övergripande syftet med denna studie var att undersöka om komponenterna och , som alla utgör en del av konstruktet exekutiv funktion (EF), har ett samband med antalet utvisningsminuter per match (UPM) bland ishockeyspelare. Därtill undersöktes om självrapporterade hjärnskakningar, enskilt men även i interaktion med EF, har ett samband med UPM. Totalt genomförde 36 manliga ishockeyspelare tre datoriserade kognitiva tester för att undersöka varje komponent av EF. Självrapporterade hjärnskakningar samlades in via ett formulär. Statistik kring utvisningar är hämtades online från en ishockeystatistikdatabas. Korrelationsanalyser och hierarkisk multipel regressionsanalys genomfördes för att undersöka relationen mellan de insamlade variablerna. Resultaten från regressionsanalysen visade på en negativ effekt av inhibition på utvisningsminuter, vilken innebär att spelare med bättre förmåga till inhibition hade färre utvisningsminuter. Resultaten påvisade även en positiv effekt av shifting på utvisningsminuter, vilket innebär att spelare med bättre förmåga till shifting också hade fler utvisningsminuter. Inga andra statistisk signifikanta effekter observerades. Dessa resultat visade på en komplex relation mellan EF och utvisningsminuter. Resultaten diskuteras utifrån möjliga metodologiska brister och behov för framtida studier, exempelvis tillgång till mer data. Mer forskning behövs för att kunna dra definitiva slutsatser gällande relationen mellan faktorerna inkluderade i denna studie och implikationer detta i så fall kan få inom ishockey., In competitive sports cognition can be a central contributor to success. One factor that can influence performance in ice hockey is penalty minutes, however, today there is a limited understanding of what role cognition plays in this relationship. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the components: inhibition, shifting and updating, which are all part of the general construct of executive function (EF), in relation to penalty minutes per game (UPM) amongst ice hockey players. In addition to this, we investigated if self-reported incidents of concussion, individually and in interaction with EF, were related to UPM. 36 male ice-hockey players were included in the study. Measures of the players EF were collected through a series of computerized cognitive tests and self-reports of concussion were collected through a survey. Penalty statistics were collected through an online ice-hockey statistics database. Correlation analysis and linear regression modelling were used to investigate the relationship between the variables. The results showed that inhibition had a negative effect on penalty minutes, meaning that players with better inhibition had lower counts of UPM. Furthermore, that shifting had a positive effect, which means that players with better shifting ability also had higher counts of UPM. No other statistically significant effects were observed. These results reveal the complex relationship between EF and penalty minutes. This relationship is discussed in the light of possible methodological limitations and the need for further studies. Further research is needed for definitive conclusions regarding this relationship and the implications for ice hockey.

Inom tävlingsidrott kan kognitiva färdigheter utgöra ett viktigt element för framgång. En faktor som kan påverka prestation inom ishockey är utvisningsminuter, dock finns idag begränsat med kunskap om vilken roll kognition har i detta. Det övergripande syftet med denna studie var att undersöka om komponenterna och , som alla utgör en del av konstruktet exekutiv funktion (EF), har ett samband med antalet utvisningsminuter per match (UPM) bland ishockeyspelare. Därtill undersöktes om självrapporterade hjärnskakningar, enskilt men även i interaktion med EF, har ett samband med UPM. Totalt genomförde 36 manliga ishockeyspelare tre datoriserade kognitiva tester för att undersöka varje komponent av EF. Självrapporterade hjärnskakningar samlades in via ett formulär. Statistik kring utvisningar är hämtades online från en ishockeystatistikdatabas. Korrelationsanalyser och hierarkisk multipel regressionsanalys genomfördes för att undersöka relationen mellan de insamlade variablerna. Resultaten från regressionsanalysen visade på en negativ effekt av inhibition på utvisningsminuter, vilken innebär att spelare med bättre förmåga till inhibition hade färre utvisningsminuter. Resultaten påvisade även en positiv effekt av shifting på utvisningsminuter, vilket innebär att spelare med bättre förmåga till shifting också hade fler utvisningsminuter. Inga andra statistisk signifikanta effekter observerades. Dessa resultat visade på en komplex relation mellan EF och utvisningsminuter. Resultaten diskuteras utifrån möjliga metodologiska brister och behov för framtida studier, exempelvis tillgång till mer data. Mer forskning behövs för att kunna dra definitiva slutsatser gällande relationen mellan faktorerna inkluderade i denna studie och implikationer detta i så fall kan få inom ishockey., In competitive sports cognition can be a central contributor to success. One factor that can influence performance in ice hockey is penalty minutes, however, today there is a limited understanding of what role cognition plays in this relationship. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the components: inhibition, shifting and updating, which are all part of the general construct of executive function (EF), in relation to penalty minutes per game (UPM) amongst ice hockey players. In addition to this, we investigated if self-reported incidents of concussion, individually and in interaction with EF, were related to UPM. 36 male ice-hockey players were included in the study. Measures of the players EF were collected through a series of computerized cognitive tests and self-reports of concussion were collected through a survey. Penalty statistics were collected through an online ice-hockey statistics database. Correlation analysis and linear regression modelling were used to investigate the relationship between the variables. The results showed that inhibition had a negative effect on penalty minutes, meaning that players with better inhibition had lower counts of UPM. Furthermore, that shifting had a positive effect, which means that players with better shifting ability also had higher counts of UPM. No other statistically significant effects were observed. These results reveal the complex relationship between EF and penalty minutes. This relationship is discussed in the light of possible methodological limitations and the need for further studies. Further research is needed for definitive conclusions regarding this relationship and the implications for ice hockey.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate executive functioning (EF) among patients 10 years after stroke onset through comparing subjective patients’ and informants’ perceptions as well as objective neuropsychological assessments (NPAs). Materials and Method: One month prior to the neuropsychological assessment, 36 patients and their informants completed the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult Version (Brief-A) around 10 years after stroke onset. The patients’ EF was assessed with verbal fluency (FAS), backward Digit span backward and Trail making test (TMT)-B. Results: We found no significant differences between patient and informant ratings on EF on a group level, but more patients reported clinically significant executive dysfunctions (T > 65) than their informants. Only poor to slight agreements were observed between the patient and informant ratings of the BRIEF-A. Digit span backward was the only executive test that demonstrated significant improvement of EF 10 years post-stroke in the cohort. Neither patient nor informant ratings on EF showed any significant association with objective EF test performance. Conclusions: Mismatch patient-informant agreement on perceived executive dysfunction showed no clear association with EF test performance in this study. This may indicate the complexity of EF among persons with stroke at chronic phase.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate executive functioning (EF) among patients 10 years after stroke onset through comparing subjective patients’ and informants’ perceptions as well as objective neuropsychological assessments (NPAs). Materials and Method: One month prior to the neuropsychological assessment, 36 patients and their informants completed the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult Version (Brief-A) around 10 years after stroke onset. The patients’ EF was assessed with verbal fluency (FAS), backward Digit span backward and Trail making test (TMT)-B. Results: We found no significant differences between patient and informant ratings on EF on a group level, but more patients reported clinically significant executive dysfunctions (T > 65) than their informants. Only poor to slight agreements were observed between the patient and informant ratings of the BRIEF-A. Digit span backward was the only executive test that demonstrated significant improvement of EF 10 years post-stroke in the cohort. Neither patient nor informant ratings on EF showed any significant association with objective EF test performance. Conclusions: Mismatch patient-informant agreement on perceived executive dysfunction showed no clear association with EF test performance in this study. This may indicate the complexity of EF among persons with stroke at chronic phase.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate executive functioning (EF) among patients 10 years after stroke onset through comparing subjective patients’ and informants’ perceptions as well as objective neuropsychological assessments (NPAs). Materials and Method: One month prior to the neuropsychological assessment, 36 patients and their informants completed the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult Version (Brief-A) around 10 years after stroke onset. The patients’ EF was assessed with verbal fluency (FAS), backward Digit span backward and Trail making test (TMT)-B. Results: We found no significant differences between patient and informant ratings on EF on a group level, but more patients reported clinically significant executive dysfunctions (T > 65) than their informants. Only poor to slight agreements were observed between the patient and informant ratings of the BRIEF-A. Digit span backward was the only executive test that demonstrated significant improvement of EF 10 years post-stroke in the cohort. Neither patient nor informant ratings on EF showed any significant association with objective EF test performance. Conclusions: Mismatch patient-informant agreement on perceived executive dysfunction showed no clear association with EF test performance in this study. This may indicate the complexity of EF among persons with stroke at chronic phase.

Syftet med studien var att med en explorativ ansats undersöka huruvida inflammation och blodfetter kan mediera sambandet mellan fysisk aktivitet och kognitiv funktion hos äldre vuxna. Longitudinell data över ett tidsspann om nio år hämtades från The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Urvalet bestod av 2380 deltagare, där samtliga var minst 50 år gamla. Fysisk aktivitet (FA) mättes genom självskattning vid intervju. Mått för kognitiv funktion utgjordes av resultat från tester som avser mäta domänerna minne och exekutiv funktion. För minne användes ett Word-list learning-test som mäter omedelbar och fördröjd återgivning (OÅ & FÅ). För exekutiv funktion användes ett Animal Naming-test som mäter verbal fluency (VF). Data för inflammationsmarkörer och blodfetter inhämtades genom blodprov. Inflammationsmarkörer som undersöktes var C-reactive Protein (CRP) och fibrinogen. Blodfetter som undersöktes var High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL-kolesterol), Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL-kolesterol) samt triglycerider. Medieringsanalys med strukturell ekvationsmodellering (SEM) indikerade att blodfetter, men inte inflammation, medierar sambandet mellan fysisk aktivitet och minne. Resultaten indikerade inte på någon mediering av varken blodfetter eller inflammation avseende domänen exekutiv funktion. I motsats till vad som beskrivs i stora delar av litteraturen pekade resultaten dock på att LDL-kolesterol hade en skyddande roll för kognitiv funktion, och att HDL-kolesterol påverkade kognitiv funktion negativt. Studiens resultat visade att blodfetter kan utgöra en underliggande mekanism för sambandet mellan fysisk aktivitet och minne., The purpose of the study was to investigate, with an exploratory approach, whether inflammation and blood lipids can mediate the relation between physical activity and cognitive function in older adults. Longitudinal data over a time span of nine years was collected from The English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA). The sample consisted of 2380 participants, all of whom were at least 50 years old. Physical activity (FA) was measured through self-assessment at an interview. Measures of cognitive function consisted of results from tests aimed at measuring the domains of memory and executive function. Memory was assessed with a Word-list learning task which measures immediate and delayed recall. Executive function was assessed with an Animal Naming task which measures verbal fluency. Data for inflammatory markers and blood lipids were obtained through blood samples. Inflammatory markers that were examined consisted of C-reactive Protein (CRP) and fibrinogen. Blood lipids that were examined consisted of High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL cholesterol), Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol) and triglycerides. Mediation analysis with structural equation modelling (SEM) indicated that blood lipids, but not inflammatory markers, mediate the relation between physical activity and memory. Results did not indicate any mediation of neither inflammatory markers nor blood lipids in the physical activity-executive function relation. In contrast to what is commonly described in the literature, the results indicated that LDL-cholesterol has a protective role of cognitive function, and that HDL-cholesterol had a negative effect on cognitive function. The study showed that blood lipids can be an underlying mechanism of the relation between physical activity and memory.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate executive functioning (EF) among patients 10 years after stroke onset through comparing subjective patients’ and informants’ perceptions as well as objective neuropsychological assessments (NPAs). Materials and Method: One month prior to the neuropsychological assessment, 36 patients and their informants completed the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult Version (Brief-A) around 10 years after stroke onset. The patients’ EF was assessed with verbal fluency (FAS), backward Digit span backward and Trail making test (TMT)-B. Results: We found no significant differences between patient and informant ratings on EF on a group level, but more patients reported clinically significant executive dysfunctions (T > 65) than their informants. Only poor to slight agreements were observed between the patient and informant ratings of the BRIEF-A. Digit span backward was the only executive test that demonstrated significant improvement of EF 10 years post-stroke in the cohort. Neither patient nor informant ratings on EF showed any significant association with objective EF test performance. Conclusions: Mismatch patient-informant agreement on perceived executive dysfunction showed no clear association with EF test performance in this study. This may indicate the complexity of EF among persons with stroke at chronic phase.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate executive functioning (EF) among patients 10 years after stroke onset through comparing subjective patients’ and informants’ perceptions as well as objective neuropsychological assessments (NPAs). Materials and Method: One month prior to the neuropsychological assessment, 36 patients and their informants completed the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult Version (Brief-A) around 10 years after stroke onset. The patients’ EF was assessed with verbal fluency (FAS), backward Digit span backward and Trail making test (TMT)-B. Results: We found no significant differences between patient and informant ratings on EF on a group level, but more patients reported clinically significant executive dysfunctions (T > 65) than their informants. Only poor to slight agreements were observed between the patient and informant ratings of the BRIEF-A. Digit span backward was the only executive test that demonstrated significant improvement of EF 10 years post-stroke in the cohort. Neither patient nor informant ratings on EF showed any significant association with objective EF test performance. Conclusions: Mismatch patient-informant agreement on perceived executive dysfunction showed no clear association with EF test performance in this study. This may indicate the complexity of EF among persons with stroke at chronic phase.

Syftet med studien var att med en explorativ ansats undersöka huruvida inflammation och blodfetter kan mediera sambandet mellan fysisk aktivitet och kognitiv funktion hos äldre vuxna. Longitudinell data över ett tidsspann om nio år hämtades från The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Urvalet bestod av 2380 deltagare, där samtliga var minst 50 år gamla. Fysisk aktivitet (FA) mättes genom självskattning vid intervju. Mått för kognitiv funktion utgjordes av resultat från tester som avser mäta domänerna minne och exekutiv funktion. För minne användes ett Word-list learning-test som mäter omedelbar och fördröjd återgivning (OÅ & FÅ). För exekutiv funktion användes ett Animal Naming-test som mäter verbal fluency (VF). Data för inflammationsmarkörer och blodfetter inhämtades genom blodprov. Inflammationsmarkörer som undersöktes var C-reactive Protein (CRP) och fibrinogen. Blodfetter som undersöktes var High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL-kolesterol), Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL-kolesterol) samt triglycerider. Medieringsanalys med strukturell ekvationsmodellering (SEM) indikerade att blodfetter, men inte inflammation, medierar sambandet mellan fysisk aktivitet och minne. Resultaten indikerade inte på någon mediering av varken blodfetter eller inflammation avseende domänen exekutiv funktion. I motsats till vad som beskrivs i stora delar av litteraturen pekade resultaten dock på att LDL-kolesterol hade en skyddande roll för kognitiv funktion, och att HDL-kolesterol påverkade kognitiv funktion negativt. Studiens resultat visade att blodfetter kan utgöra en underliggande mekanism för sambandet mellan fysisk aktivitet och minne., The purpose of the study was to investigate, with an exploratory approach, whether inflammation and blood lipids can mediate the relation between physical activity and cognitive function in older adults. Longitudinal data over a time span of nine years was collected from The English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA). The sample consisted of 2380 participants, all of whom were at least 50 years old. Physical activity (FA) was measured through self-assessment at an interview. Measures of cognitive function consisted of results from tests aimed at measuring the domains of memory and executive function. Memory was assessed with a Word-list learning task which measures immediate and delayed recall. Executive function was assessed with an Animal Naming task which measures verbal fluency. Data for inflammatory markers and blood lipids were obtained through blood samples. Inflammatory markers that were examined consisted of C-reactive Protein (CRP) and fibrinogen. Blood lipids that were examined consisted of High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL cholesterol), Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol) and triglycerides. Mediation analysis with structural equation modelling (SEM) indicated that blood lipids, but not inflammatory markers, mediate the relation between physical activity and memory. Results did not indicate any mediation of neither inflammatory markers nor blood lipids in the physical activity-executive function relation. In contrast to what is commonly described in the literature, the results indicated that LDL-cholesterol has a protective role of cognitive function, and that HDL-cholesterol had a negative effect on cognitive function. The study showed that blood lipids can be an underlying mechanism of the relation between physical activity and memory.

Background and objective: The trajectories of long-term and domain-specific cognitive alterations over a decade after stroke are largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the dynamic alterations of domain-specific cognitive performance among young stroke survivors over 10 years after their first stroke. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out on 38 young stroke survivors (aged 18-65 at stroke onset) living in the community at 10 years after their first stroke. The cognitive outcomes were assessed repeatedly at 1 week, 7 months, and 10 years after their first stroke on the sub-domains: process speed (Symbol search and Coding from WAIS, TMT-A), visual attention (Bells test), visuospatial function (Block design from WAIS, RCFT), executive function (TMT-B, verbal fluency), verbal function [Letter fluency (FAS) from D-KEFS and CD], working memory (Digit Span from WAIS), immediate memory (RCFT and CD), and delayed memory (RCFT and CD). Global cognition was evaluated with Mini mental state examination at the two later time-points. Results: We found a delayed significant improvement of working memory with total recovery 10 years after participants' stroke. Visuospatial function recovered already at 7 months and remained stable at 10-year follow-up. Process speed demonstrated a significant decrease at 10 years compared to 7 months after stroke onset, a decrease which could be compensated by enhancements of other cognitive domains. No further deterioration was found in verbal function, immediate-, and delayed memory, and executive function during 10-year follow-up. Global cognition improved by on average two points between 7 months and 10 years. Education level and fatigue showed low to moderate positive correlations with cognitive improvements. Conclusions: The concordance of cognitive improvements between domain-specific and global cognitions strongly suggest that some young stroke survivors do improve their cognitive outcome over a 10-year period followin

Background and objective: The trajectories of long-term and domain-specific cognitive alterations over a decade after stroke are largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the dynamic alterations of domain-specific cognitive performance among young stroke survivors over 10 years after their first stroke. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out on 38 young stroke survivors (aged 18-65 at stroke onset) living in the community at 10 years after their first stroke. The cognitive outcomes were assessed repeatedly at 1 week, 7 months, and 10 years after their first stroke on the sub-domains: process speed (Symbol search and Coding from WAIS, TMT-A), visual attention (Bells test), visuospatial function (Block design from WAIS, RCFT), executive function (TMT-B, verbal fluency), verbal function [Letter fluency (FAS) from D-KEFS and CD], working memory (Digit Span from WAIS), immediate memory (RCFT and CD), and delayed memory (RCFT and CD). Global cognition was evaluated with Mini mental state examination at the two later time-points. Results: We found a delayed significant improvement of working memory with total recovery 10 years after participants' stroke. Visuospatial function recovered already at 7 months and remained stable at 10-year follow-up. Process speed demonstrated a significant decrease at 10 years compared to 7 months after stroke onset, a decrease which could be compensated by enhancements of other cognitive domains. No further deterioration was found in verbal function, immediate-, and delayed memory, and executive function during 10-year follow-up. Global cognition improved by on average two points between 7 months and 10 years. Education level and fatigue showed low to moderate positive correlations with cognitive improvements. Conclusions: The concordance of cognitive improvements between domain-specific and global cognitions strongly suggest that some young stroke survivors do improve their cognitive outcome over a 10-year period followin

Background and objective: The trajectories of long-term and domain-specific cognitive alterations over a decade after stroke are largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the dynamic alterations of domain-specific cognitive performance among young stroke survivors over 10 years after their first stroke. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out on 38 young stroke survivors (aged 18-65 at stroke onset) living in the community at 10 years after their first stroke. The cognitive outcomes were assessed repeatedly at 1 week, 7 months, and 10 years after their first stroke on the sub-domains: process speed (Symbol search and Coding from WAIS, TMT-A), visual attention (Bells test), visuospatial function (Block design from WAIS, RCFT), executive function (TMT-B, verbal fluency), verbal function [Letter fluency (FAS) from D-KEFS and CD], working memory (Digit Span from WAIS), immediate memory (RCFT and CD), and delayed memory (RCFT and CD). Global cognition was evaluated with Mini mental state examination at the two later time-points. Results: We found a delayed significant improvement of working memory with total recovery 10 years after participants' stroke. Visuospatial function recovered already at 7 months and remained stable at 10-year follow-up. Process speed demonstrated a significant decrease at 10 years compared to 7 months after stroke onset, a decrease which could be compensated by enhancements of other cognitive domains. No further deterioration was found in verbal function, immediate-, and delayed memory, and executive function during 10-year follow-up. Global cognition improved by on average two points between 7 months and 10 years. Education level and fatigue showed low to moderate positive correlations with cognitive improvements. Conclusions: The concordance of cognitive improvements between domain-specific and global cognitions strongly suggest that some young stroke survivors do improve their cognitive outcome over a 10-year period followin

Background and objective: The trajectories of long-term and domain-specific cognitive alterations over a decade after stroke are largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the dynamic alterations of domain-specific cognitive performance among young stroke survivors over 10 years after their first stroke. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out on 38 young stroke survivors (aged 18-65 at stroke onset) living in the community at 10 years after their first stroke. The cognitive outcomes were assessed repeatedly at 1 week, 7 months, and 10 years after their first stroke on the sub-domains: process speed (Symbol search and Coding from WAIS, TMT-A), visual attention (Bells test), visuospatial function (Block design from WAIS, RCFT), executive function (TMT-B, verbal fluency), verbal function [Letter fluency (FAS) from D-KEFS and CD], working memory (Digit Span from WAIS), immediate memory (RCFT and CD), and delayed memory (RCFT and CD). Global cognition was evaluated with Mini mental state examination at the two later time-points. Results: We found a delayed significant improvement of working memory with total recovery 10 years after participants' stroke. Visuospatial function recovered already at 7 months and remained stable at 10-year follow-up. Process speed demonstrated a significant decrease at 10 years compared to 7 months after stroke onset, a decrease which could be compensated by enhancements of other cognitive domains. No further deterioration was found in verbal function, immediate-, and delayed memory, and executive function during 10-year follow-up. Global cognition improved by on average two points between 7 months and 10 years. Education level and fatigue showed low to moderate positive correlations with cognitive improvements. Conclusions: The concordance of cognitive improvements between domain-specific and global cognitions strongly suggest that some young stroke survivors do improve their cognitive outcome over a 10-year period followin

Background and objective: The trajectories of long-term and domain-specific cognitive alterations over a decade after stroke are largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the dynamic alterations of domain-specific cognitive performance among young stroke survivors over 10 years after their first stroke. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out on 38 young stroke survivors (aged 18-65 at stroke onset) living in the community at 10 years after their first stroke. The cognitive outcomes were assessed repeatedly at 1 week, 7 months, and 10 years after their first stroke on the sub-domains: process speed (Symbol search and Coding from WAIS, TMT-A), visual attention (Bells test), visuospatial function (Block design from WAIS, RCFT), executive function (TMT-B, verbal fluency), verbal function [Letter fluency (FAS) from D-KEFS and CD], working memory (Digit Span from WAIS), immediate memory (RCFT and CD), and delayed memory (RCFT and CD). Global cognition was evaluated with Mini mental state examination at the two later time-points. Results: We found a delayed significant improvement of working memory with total recovery 10 years after participants' stroke. Visuospatial function recovered already at 7 months and remained stable at 10-year follow-up. Process speed demonstrated a significant decrease at 10 years compared to 7 months after stroke onset, a decrease which could be compensated by enhancements of other cognitive domains. No further deterioration was found in verbal function, immediate-, and delayed memory, and executive function during 10-year follow-up. Global cognition improved by on average two points between 7 months and 10 years. Education level and fatigue showed low to moderate positive correlations with cognitive improvements. Conclusions: The concordance of cognitive improvements between domain-specific and global cognitions strongly suggest that some young stroke survivors do improve their cognitive outcome over a 10-year period followin

Background and objective: The trajectories of long-term and domain-specific cognitive alterations over a decade after stroke are largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the dynamic alterations of domain-specific cognitive performance among young stroke survivors over 10 years after their first stroke. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out on 38 young stroke survivors (aged 18-65 at stroke onset) living in the community at 10 years after their first stroke. The cognitive outcomes were assessed repeatedly at 1 week, 7 months, and 10 years after their first stroke on the sub-domains: process speed (Symbol search and Coding from WAIS, TMT-A), visual attention (Bells test), visuospatial function (Block design from WAIS, RCFT), executive function (TMT-B, verbal fluency), verbal function [Letter fluency (FAS) from D-KEFS and CD], working memory (Digit Span from WAIS), immediate memory (RCFT and CD), and delayed memory (RCFT and CD). Global cognition was evaluated with Mini mental state examination at the two later time-points. Results: We found a delayed significant improvement of working memory with total recovery 10 years after participants' stroke. Visuospatial function recovered already at 7 months and remained stable at 10-year follow-up. Process speed demonstrated a significant decrease at 10 years compared to 7 months after stroke onset, a decrease which could be compensated by enhancements of other cognitive domains. No further deterioration was found in verbal function, immediate-, and delayed memory, and executive function during 10-year follow-up. Global cognition improved by on average two points between 7 months and 10 years. Education level and fatigue showed low to moderate positive correlations with cognitive improvements. Conclusions: The concordance of cognitive improvements between domain-specific and global cognitions strongly suggest that some young stroke survivors do improve their cognitive outcome over a 10-year period followin

Background: Safe and stable walking is a complex process involving the interaction of neuromuscular, sensory and cognitive functions. As physical and cognitive functions deteriorate with ageing, training of both functions may have more beneficial effects on walking and falls prevention than either alone. This article describes the study design, recruitment strategies and interventions of the PASSWORD study investigating whether a combination of physical and cognitive training (PTCT) has greater effects on walking speed, dual-task cost in walking speed, fall incidence and executive functions compared to physical training (PT) alone among 70-85-year-old community-dwelling sedentary or at most moderately physically active men and women. Methods: Community-dwelling sedentary or at most moderately physically active, men and women living in the city of Jyvaskyla will be recruited and randomized into physical training (PT) and physical and cognitive training (PTCT). The 12-month interventions include supervised training sessions and home exercises. Both groups attend physical training intervention, which follows the current physical activity guidelines. The PTCT group performes also a web-based computer program targeting executive functions. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months thereafter. Falls data are collected during the interventions and the subsequent one-year follow-up. The primary outcome is 10-m walking speed. Secondary outcomes include 6-min walking distance, dual-task cost in walking speed, fall incidence and executive function assessed with color Stroop and Trail Making A and B tests. Explanatory outcomes include e.g. body composition and bone characteristics, physical performance, physical activity, life-space mobility, fall-related self-efficacy, emotional well-being and personality characteristics. Discussion: The study is designed to capture the additive and possible synergistic effects of physical and cognitive training. When comple

Background: Safe and stable walking is a complex process involving the interaction of neuromuscular, sensory and cognitive functions. As physical and cognitive functions deteriorate with ageing, training of both functions may have more beneficial effects on walking and falls prevention than either alone. This article describes the study design, recruitment strategies and interventions of the PASSWORD study investigating whether a combination of physical and cognitive training (PTCT) has greater effects on walking speed, dual-task cost in walking speed, fall incidence and executive functions compared to physical training (PT) alone among 70-85-year-old community-dwelling sedentary or at most moderately physically active men and women. Methods: Community-dwelling sedentary or at most moderately physically active, men and women living in the city of Jyvaskyla will be recruited and randomized into physical training (PT) and physical and cognitive training (PTCT). The 12-month interventions include supervised training sessions and home exercises. Both groups attend physical training intervention, which follows the current physical activity guidelines. The PTCT group performes also a web-based computer program targeting executive functions. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months thereafter. Falls data are collected during the interventions and the subsequent one-year follow-up. The primary outcome is 10-m walking speed. Secondary outcomes include 6-min walking distance, dual-task cost in walking speed, fall incidence and executive function assessed with color Stroop and Trail Making A and B tests. Explanatory outcomes include e.g. body composition and bone characteristics, physical performance, physical activity, life-space mobility, fall-related self-efficacy, emotional well-being and personality characteristics. Discussion: The study is designed to capture the additive and possible synergistic effects of physical and cognitive training. When comple

Background: Safe and stable walking is a complex process involving the interaction of neuromuscular, sensory and cognitive functions. As physical and cognitive functions deteriorate with ageing, training of both functions may have more beneficial effects on walking and falls prevention than either alone. This article describes the study design, recruitment strategies and interventions of the PASSWORD study investigating whether a combination of physical and cognitive training (PTCT) has greater effects on walking speed, dual-task cost in walking speed, fall incidence and executive functions compared to physical training (PT) alone among 70-85-year-old community-dwelling sedentary or at most moderately physically active men and women. Methods: Community-dwelling sedentary or at most moderately physically active, men and women living in the city of Jyvaskyla will be recruited and randomized into physical training (PT) and physical and cognitive training (PTCT). The 12-month interventions include supervised training sessions and home exercises. Both groups attend physical training intervention, which follows the current physical activity guidelines. The PTCT group performes also a web-based computer program targeting executive functions. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months thereafter. Falls data are collected during the interventions and the subsequent one-year follow-up. The primary outcome is 10-m walking speed. Secondary outcomes include 6-min walking distance, dual-task cost in walking speed, fall incidence and executive function assessed with color Stroop and Trail Making A and B tests. Explanatory outcomes include e.g. body composition and bone characteristics, physical performance, physical activity, life-space mobility, fall-related self-efficacy, emotional well-being and personality characteristics. Discussion: The study is designed to capture the additive and possible synergistic effects of physical and cognitive training. When comple

Background: Safe and stable walking is a complex process involving the interaction of neuromuscular, sensory and cognitive functions. As physical and cognitive functions deteriorate with ageing, training of both functions may have more beneficial effects on walking and falls prevention than either alone. This article describes the study design, recruitment strategies and interventions of the PASSWORD study investigating whether a combination of physical and cognitive training (PTCT) has greater effects on walking speed, dual-task cost in walking speed, fall incidence and executive functions compared to physical training (PT) alone among 70-85-year-old community-dwelling sedentary or at most moderately physically active men and women. Methods: Community-dwelling sedentary or at most moderately physically active, men and women living in the city of Jyvaskyla will be recruited and randomized into physical training (PT) and physical and cognitive training (PTCT). The 12-month interventions include supervised training sessions and home exercises. Both groups attend physical training intervention, which follows the current physical activity guidelines. The PTCT group performes also a web-based computer program targeting executive functions. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months thereafter. Falls data are collected during the interventions and the subsequent one-year follow-up. The primary outcome is 10-m walking speed. Secondary outcomes include 6-min walking distance, dual-task cost in walking speed, fall incidence and executive function assessed with color Stroop and Trail Making A and B tests. Explanatory outcomes include e.g. body composition and bone characteristics, physical performance, physical activity, life-space mobility, fall-related self-efficacy, emotional well-being and personality characteristics. Discussion: The study is designed to capture the additive and possible synergistic effects of physical and cognitive training. When comple

Background: Safe and stable walking is a complex process involving the interaction of neuromuscular, sensory and cognitive functions. As physical and cognitive functions deteriorate with ageing, training of both functions may have more beneficial effects on walking and falls prevention than either alone. This article describes the study design, recruitment strategies and interventions of the PASSWORD study investigating whether a combination of physical and cognitive training (PTCT) has greater effects on walking speed, dual-task cost in walking speed, fall incidence and executive functions compared to physical training (PT) alone among 70-85-year-old community-dwelling sedentary or at most moderately physically active men and women. Methods: Community-dwelling sedentary or at most moderately physically active, men and women living in the city of Jyvaskyla will be recruited and randomized into physical training (PT) and physical and cognitive training (PTCT). The 12-month interventions include supervised training sessions and home exercises. Both groups attend physical training intervention, which follows the current physical activity guidelines. The PTCT group performes also a web-based computer program targeting executive functions. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months thereafter. Falls data are collected during the interventions and the subsequent one-year follow-up. The primary outcome is 10-m walking speed. Secondary outcomes include 6-min walking distance, dual-task cost in walking speed, fall incidence and executive function assessed with color Stroop and Trail Making A and B tests. Explanatory outcomes include e.g. body composition and bone characteristics, physical performance, physical activity, life-space mobility, fall-related self-efficacy, emotional well-being and personality characteristics. Discussion: The study is designed to capture the additive and possible synergistic effects of physical and cognitive training. When comple

Clinical burnout has been associated with impaired cognitive functioning; however, inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the pattern and magnitude of cognitive deficits. The aim of this systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis was to assess cognitive function in clinical burnout as compared to healthy controls and identify the pattern and severity of cognitive dysfunction across cognitive domains. We identified 17 studies encompassing 730 patients with clinical burnout and 649 healthy controls. Clinical burnout was associated with impaired performance in episodic memory (g = −0.36, 95% CI −0.57 to −0.15), short-term and working memory (g = −0.36, 95% CI −0.52 to −0.20), executive function (g = −0.39, 95% CI −0.55 to −0.23), attention and processing speed (g = −0.43, 95% CI −0.57 to −0.29) and fluency (g = −0.53, 95% CI −1.04 to −0.03). There were no differences between patients and controls in crystallized (k = 6 studies) and visuospatial abilities (k = 4). Our findings suggest that clinical burnout is associated with cognitive impairment across multiple cognitive domains. Cognitive dysfunction needs to be considered in the clinical and occupational health management of burnout to optimise rehabilitation and support return-to-work.

Clinical burnout has been associated with impaired cognitive functioning; however, inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the pattern and magnitude of cognitive deficits. The aim of this systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis was to assess cognitive function in clinical burnout as compared to healthy controls and identify the pattern and severity of cognitive dysfunction across cognitive domains. We identified 17 studies encompassing 730 patients with clinical burnout and 649 healthy controls. Clinical burnout was associated with impaired performance in episodic memory (g = −0.36, 95% CI −0.57 to −0.15), short-term and working memory (g = −0.36, 95% CI −0.52 to −0.20), executive function (g = −0.39, 95% CI −0.55 to −0.23), attention and processing speed (g = −0.43, 95% CI −0.57 to −0.29) and fluency (g = −0.53, 95% CI −1.04 to −0.03). There were no differences between patients and controls in crystallized (k = 6 studies) and visuospatial abilities (k = 4). Our findings suggest that clinical burnout is associated with cognitive impairment across multiple cognitive domains. Cognitive dysfunction needs to be considered in the clinical and occupational health management of burnout to optimise rehabilitation and support return-to-work.

Clinical burnout has been associated with impaired cognitive functioning; however, inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the pattern and magnitude of cognitive deficits. The aim of this systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis was to assess cognitive function in clinical burnout as compared to healthy controls and identify the pattern and severity of cognitive dysfunction across cognitive domains. We identified 17 studies encompassing 730 patients with clinical burnout and 649 healthy controls. Clinical burnout was associated with impaired performance in episodic memory (g = −0.36, 95% CI −0.57 to −0.15), short-term and working memory (g = −0.36, 95% CI −0.52 to −0.20), executive function (g = −0.39, 95% CI −0.55 to −0.23), attention and processing speed (g = −0.43, 95% CI −0.57 to −0.29) and fluency (g = −0.53, 95% CI −1.04 to −0.03). There were no differences between patients and controls in crystallized (k = 6 studies) and visuospatial abilities (k = 4). Our findings suggest that clinical burnout is associated with cognitive impairment across multiple cognitive domains. Cognitive dysfunction needs to be considered in the clinical and occupational health management of burnout to optimise rehabilitation and support return-to-work.

Clinical burnout has been associated with impaired cognitive functioning; however, inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the pattern and magnitude of cognitive deficits. The aim of this systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis was to assess cognitive function in clinical burnout as compared to healthy controls and identify the pattern and severity of cognitive dysfunction across cognitive domains. We identified 17 studies encompassing 730 patients with clinical burnout and 649 healthy controls. Clinical burnout was associated with impaired performance in episodic memory (g = −0.36, 95% CI −0.57 to −0.15), short-term and working memory (g = −0.36, 95% CI −0.52 to −0.20), executive function (g = −0.39, 95% CI −0.55 to −0.23), attention and processing speed (g = −0.43, 95% CI −0.57 to −0.29) and fluency (g = −0.53, 95% CI −1.04 to −0.03). There were no differences between patients and controls in crystallized (k = 6 studies) and visuospatial abilities (k = 4). Our findings suggest that clinical burnout is associated with cognitive impairment across multiple cognitive domains. Cognitive dysfunction needs to be considered in the clinical and occupational health management of burnout to optimise rehabilitation and support return-to-work.

Clinical burnout has been associated with impaired cognitive functioning; however, inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the pattern and magnitude of cognitive deficits. The aim of this systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis was to assess cognitive function in clinical burnout as compared to healthy controls and identify the pattern and severity of cognitive dysfunction across cognitive domains. We identified 17 studies encompassing 730 patients with clinical burnout and 649 healthy controls. Clinical burnout was associated with impaired performance in episodic memory (g = −0.36, 95% CI −0.57 to −0.15), short-term and working memory (g = −0.36, 95% CI −0.52 to −0.20), executive function (g = −0.39, 95% CI −0.55 to −0.23), attention and processing speed (g = −0.43, 95% CI −0.57 to −0.29) and fluency (g = −0.53, 95% CI −1.04 to −0.03). There were no differences between patients and controls in crystallized (k = 6 studies) and visuospatial abilities (k = 4). Our findings suggest that clinical burnout is associated with cognitive impairment across multiple cognitive domains. Cognitive dysfunction needs to be considered in the clinical and occupational health management of burnout to optimise rehabilitation and support return-to-work.

Objective: To examine changes in odor identification performance and cognitive measures in healthy aging individuals. While cross-sectional studies reveal associations between odor identification and measures of episodic memory, processing speed, and executive function, longitudinal studies so far have been ambiguous with regard to demonstrating that odor identification may be predictive of decline in cognitive function. Method: One hundred and 7 healthy aging individuals (average age 60.2 years, 71% women) were assessed with an odor identification test and nonolfactory cognitive measures of verbal episodic memory, mental processing speed, executive function, and language 3 times, covering a period of 6.5 years. Results: The cross-sectional results revealed odor identification performance to be associated with age, measures of verbal episodic memory, and processing speed. Using linear mixed models, the longitudinal analyses revealed age-associated decline in all measures. Controlling for retest effects, the analyses demonstrated that gender was a significant predictor for episodic memory and mental processing speed. Odor identification performance was further shown to be a significant predictor for episodic verbal memory. Conclusion: This study shows age-related decline in odor identification as well as nonolfactory cognitive measures. The finding showing that odor identification is a significant predictor for verbal episodic memory is of great clinical interest as odor identification has been suggested as a sensitive measure of incipient pathologic cognitive decline.

The study of high-contact sport athletes and the implications of repetitive head injury (RHI) associated with these sports has been at the forefront of traumatic brain injury (TBI) research for the last decade. The present study represents a quasi-experimental study exploring whether an experimental group (N=39) consisting of amateur and professional competitive mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes differ in three operations of executive functioning ability (shifting, updating and inhibition) when compared to a control group (N=44) of non-contact sports athletes. Participants completed a self-report measure of executive functioning ability as well as six computerized executive function (EF) tasks. The results from the study demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group on the performance of each executive functioning operation. A moderate negative correlation was found between the number of years competing and performance on shifting and updating in the experimental group. A moderate negative correlation between the number of reported competitive fights and all three EF operations within the experimental group was also reported. The results also showed a statistically significant difference in the beliefs of executive functioning abilities between the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group reported a higher level of belief in poorer executive functioning ability than that of the control group. These findings provide evidence that while competing in MMA does have implications on executive functioning abilities, they are not in line with previous research done on other high-contact sports athletes., Att studera hur utövare av fullkontaktsporter påverkas av upprepade huvudskador (RHI), associerat med utövandet av sporten, har varit ett fokusområde för forskningsfältet inom traumatiska huvudskador (TBI). Denna uppsats utgör en kvasi-experimentell studie som undersöker huruvida en experimentell grupp (N=39) bestående av amatörer och professionella ’mixed martial arts’ (MMA)- atleter skiljer sig i sin förmåga inom tre typer av exekutiva funktioner (skiftning, uppdatering och inhibition) jämfört med en kontrollgrupp (N=44) som inte utövar fullkontaktsport. Deltagarna fick först fylla i ett formulär där de skattade sin egen förmåga inom exekutiva funktioner, varpå de slutförde sex digitala test som gav ett mått på deras exekutiva funktioner. Studien påvisade ingen signifikant skillnad mellan de två grupperna för någon av de testade exekutiva förmågorna. Däremot fann studien en moderat negativ korrelation mellan antal år av tävlan och prestation på skifte och uppdatering, liksom en moderat negativ korrelation mellan antal tävlingstillfällen och de tre måtten på exekutiva funktioner, för den experimentella gruppen. Resultaten visade även en signifikant skillnad i självskattningen av exekutiv förmåga, mellan den experimentella gruppen och kontrollgruppen där experimentgruppen rapporterade sämre upplevda exekutiva förmågor, jämfört med kontrollgruppen. Dessa fynd indikerar att tävlan inom MMA har implikationer för exekutiva förmågor, även om de inte är i linje med tidigare forskning gjord på utövare av andra fullkontaktsporter.

The study of high-contact sport athletes and the implications of repetitive head injury (RHI) associated with these sports has been at the forefront of traumatic brain injury (TBI) research for the last decade. The present study represents a quasi-experimental study exploring whether an experimental group (N=39) consisting of amateur and professional competitive mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes differ in three operations of executive functioning ability (shifting, updating and inhibition) when compared to a control group (N=44) of non-contact sports athletes. Participants completed a self-report measure of executive functioning ability as well as six computerized executive function (EF) tasks. The results from the study demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group on the performance of each executive functioning operation. A moderate negative correlation was found between the number of years competing and performance on shifting and updating in the experimental group. A moderate negative correlation between the number of reported competitive fights and all three EF operations within the experimental group was also reported. The results also showed a statistically significant difference in the beliefs of executive functioning abilities between the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group reported a higher level of belief in poorer executive functioning ability than that of the control group. These findings provide evidence that while competing in MMA does have implications on executive functioning abilities, they are not in line with previous research done on other high-contact sports athletes., Att studera hur utövare av fullkontaktsporter påverkas av upprepade huvudskador (RHI), associerat med utövandet av sporten, har varit ett fokusområde för forskningsfältet inom traumatiska huvudskador (TBI). Denna uppsats utgör en kvasi-experimentell studie som undersöker huruvida en experimentell grupp (N=39) bestående av amatörer och professionella ’mixed martial arts’ (MMA)- atleter skiljer sig i sin förmåga inom tre typer av exekutiva funktioner (skiftning, uppdatering och inhibition) jämfört med en kontrollgrupp (N=44) som inte utövar fullkontaktsport. Deltagarna fick först fylla i ett formulär där de skattade sin egen förmåga inom exekutiva funktioner, varpå de slutförde sex digitala test som gav ett mått på deras exekutiva funktioner. Studien påvisade ingen signifikant skillnad mellan de två grupperna för någon av de testade exekutiva förmågorna. Däremot fann studien en moderat negativ korrelation mellan antal år av tävlan och prestation på skifte och uppdatering, liksom en moderat negativ korrelation mellan antal tävlingstillfällen och de tre måtten på exekutiva funktioner, för den experimentella gruppen. Resultaten visade även en signifikant skillnad i självskattningen av exekutiv förmåga, mellan den experimentella gruppen och kontrollgruppen där experimentgruppen rapporterade sämre upplevda exekutiva förmågor, jämfört med kontrollgruppen. Dessa fynd indikerar att tävlan inom MMA har implikationer för exekutiva förmågor, även om de inte är i linje med tidigare forskning gjord på utövare av andra fullkontaktsporter.

Background: Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) may be the first sign of cognitive decline in aging. Objective: To examine whether SMCs reported by oneself and informant predict cognitive change over 2 years among at-risk elderly people, and to determine the relationship of different types of SMCs (prospective and retrospective memory complaints) and change in cognitive function. Methods: This investigation is part of the FINGER project, which is a multicenter randomized controlled trial aiming at preventing cognitive decline in cognitively healthy older adults with increased risk of dementia. A subsample of 303 controlgroup participants (aged 60-80 years) and their informants (n = 261) rated the frequency of SMCs, using the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ). Cognitive performance was measured at baseline and at 1- and 2-year follow-up visits using a neuropsychological test battery. Results: Participants who reported more SMCs improved less in global cognition, executive function, and memory during the subsequent 2 years in the fully-adjusted analyses. Self-reported retrospective memory problems predicted less improvement in all cognitive domains, whereas prospective memory problems did not. Informant-reported memory problems were not linked to subsequent change in cognition. Conclusion: Our results indicate that self-reported SMCs, measured with PRMQ, predict future cognitive change in several cognitive domains. By contrast, reports by informants were not linked to changes in cognition. Among cognitively healthy at-risk elderly individuals, the persons themselves observe more easily problems relevant for their future cognitive trajectories than their informants.

Objectives: Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are among the key concerns in the elderly, but their role in detecting objective cognitive problems is unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between SMCs (both prospective and retrospective memory complaints) and neuropsychological test performance in older adults at risk of cognitive decline. Methods: This investigation is part of the FINGER project, a multicenter randomized controlled trial aiming at preventing cognitive decline in high-risk individuals. The cognitive assessment of participants was conducted at baseline using a modified neuropsychological test battery (NTB). SMCs were evaluated with the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ) in a sub-sample of 560 participants (mean age, 69.9 years). Results: Having more prospective SMCs was associated with slower processing speed, but not with other NTB domains. Retrospective SMCs were linked to poorer function on NTB total score, processing speed, and memory. Executive function domain was not associated with any PRMQ ratings. Depressive symptoms and poor quality of life diluted the observed associations for NTB total score and memory. However, the association between PRMQ and processing speed remained even after full adjustments. Conclusions: Our results indicate that self-reported memory problems, measured with PRMQ, are associated with objectively measured cognitive performance. Such complaints in healthy elderly people also seem to reflect reduced mental tempo, rather than memory deficits. Slowing of processing speed may thus be negatively related to memory self-efficacy. It is also important to consider affective factors among those who report memory problems.

This doctoral thesis examines adolescents with a history of antisocial behavior with a focus on investigating executive functioning, impulsivity and experiences of everyday executive problems. The thesis further investigates the associations between self-reported and performance-based measures. Finally, it investigates whether processed-based executive function training can influence trained and non-trained executive functions and related scholastic abilities. Antisocial behavior is a complex concept, associated with high costs of personal, interpersonal and societal nature. In general, people implement the majority of their life´s share of delinquent and antisocial behaviors around the adolescent years, as described by the so-called age-crime curve. This period is associated with rapid cognitive development, and deficits in this period of time have been associated with an increased susceptibility to partake in antisocial behavior. Also, larger impairments are associated with more severe behaviors. In many western countries, there exist a duality of both welfare and judicial considerations in the case of antisocial individuals who are minors. As compared to adults, persons under the age of criminal responsibility typically face a different combination of rehabilitative and penal consequences from maladaptive, delinquent or antisocial behaviors. In this context, increased understanding of the cognitive underpinnings of antisocial behavior, and how best to support sound cognitive development are therefore relevant to the furthering of rehabilitative practice. This thesis expands on existing knowledge by examining interned adolescents from an executive functions framework and also investigates how it relate to other constructs of clinical relevance. This is done in three empirical studies. The first two are cross-sectional and aimed at assessing a number of cognitive constructs and associated behaviors. The third study is aimed at examining the effects of a training in

This doctoral thesis examines adolescents with a history of antisocial behavior with a focus on investigating executive functioning, impulsivity and experiences of everyday executive problems. The thesis further investigates the associations between self-reported and performance-based measures. Finally, it investigates whether processed-based executive function training can influence trained and non-trained executive functions and related scholastic abilities. Antisocial behavior is a complex concept, associated with high costs of personal, interpersonal and societal nature. In general, people implement the majority of their life´s share of delinquent and antisocial behaviors around the adolescent years, as described by the so-called age-crime curve. This period is associated with rapid cognitive development, and deficits in this period of time have been associated with an increased susceptibility to partake in antisocial behavior. Also, larger impairments are associated with more severe behaviors. In many western countries, there exist a duality of both welfare and judicial considerations in the case of antisocial individuals who are minors. As compared to adults, persons under the age of criminal responsibility typically face a different combination of rehabilitative and penal consequences from maladaptive, delinquent or antisocial behaviors. In this context, increased understanding of the cognitive underpinnings of antisocial behavior, and how best to support sound cognitive development are therefore relevant to the furthering of rehabilitative practice. This thesis expands on existing knowledge by examining interned adolescents from an executive functions framework and also investigates how it relate to other constructs of clinical relevance. This is done in three empirical studies. The first two are cross-sectional and aimed at assessing a number of cognitive constructs and associated behaviors. The third study is aimed at examining the effects of a training in

This doctoral thesis examines adolescents with a history of antisocial behavior with a focus on investigating executive functioning, impulsivity and experiences of everyday executive problems. The thesis further investigates the associations between self-reported and performance-based measures. Finally, it investigates whether processed-based executive function training can influence trained and non-trained executive functions and related scholastic abilities. Antisocial behavior is a complex concept, associated with high costs of personal, interpersonal and societal nature. In general, people implement the majority of their life´s share of delinquent and antisocial behaviors around the adolescent years, as described by the so-called age-crime curve. This period is associated with rapid cognitive development, and deficits in this period of time have been associated with an increased susceptibility to partake in antisocial behavior. Also, larger impairments are associated with more severe behaviors. In many western countries, there exist a duality of both welfare and judicial considerations in the case of antisocial individuals who are minors. As compared to adults, persons under the age of criminal responsibility typically face a different combination of rehabilitative and penal consequences from maladaptive, delinquent or antisocial behaviors. In this context, increased understanding of the cognitive underpinnings of antisocial behavior, and how best to support sound cognitive development are therefore relevant to the furthering of rehabilitative practice. This thesis expands on existing knowledge by examining interned adolescents from an executive functions framework and also investigates how it relate to other constructs of clinical relevance. This is done in three empirical studies. The first two are cross-sectional and aimed at assessing a number of cognitive constructs and associated behaviors. The third study is aimed at examining the effects of a training in

This doctoral thesis examines adolescents with a history of antisocial behavior with a focus on investigating executive functioning, impulsivity and experiences of everyday executive problems. The thesis further investigates the associations between self-reported and performance-based measures. Finally, it investigates whether processed-based executive function training can influence trained and non-trained executive functions and related scholastic abilities. Antisocial behavior is a complex concept, associated with high costs of personal, interpersonal and societal nature. In general, people implement the majority of their life´s share of delinquent and antisocial behaviors around the adolescent years, as described by the so-called age-crime curve. This period is associated with rapid cognitive development, and deficits in this period of time have been associated with an increased susceptibility to partake in antisocial behavior. Also, larger impairments are associated with more severe behaviors. In many western countries, there exist a duality of both welfare and judicial considerations in the case of antisocial individuals who are minors. As compared to adults, persons under the age of criminal responsibility typically face a different combination of rehabilitative and penal consequences from maladaptive, delinquent or antisocial behaviors. In this context, increased understanding of the cognitive underpinnings of antisocial behavior, and how best to support sound cognitive development are therefore relevant to the furthering of rehabilitative practice. This thesis expands on existing knowledge by examining interned adolescents from an executive functions framework and also investigates how it relate to other constructs of clinical relevance. This is done in three empirical studies. The first two are cross-sectional and aimed at assessing a number of cognitive constructs and associated behaviors. The third study is aimed at examining the effects of a training in

This doctoral thesis examines adolescents with a history of antisocial behavior with a focus on investigating executive functioning, impulsivity and experiences of everyday executive problems. The thesis further investigates the associations between self-reported and performance-based measures. Finally, it investigates whether processed-based executive function training can influence trained and non-trained executive functions and related scholastic abilities. Antisocial behavior is a complex concept, associated with high costs of personal, interpersonal and societal nature. In general, people implement the majority of their life´s share of delinquent and antisocial behaviors around the adolescent years, as described by the so-called age-crime curve. This period is associated with rapid cognitive development, and deficits in this period of time have been associated with an increased susceptibility to partake in antisocial behavior. Also, larger impairments are associated with more severe behaviors. In many western countries, there exist a duality of both welfare and judicial considerations in the case of antisocial individuals who are minors. As compared to adults, persons under the age of criminal responsibility typically face a different combination of rehabilitative and penal consequences from maladaptive, delinquent or antisocial behaviors. In this context, increased understanding of the cognitive underpinnings of antisocial behavior, and how best to support sound cognitive development are therefore relevant to the furthering of rehabilitative practice. This thesis expands on existing knowledge by examining interned adolescents from an executive functions framework and also investigates how it relate to other constructs of clinical relevance. This is done in three empirical studies. The first two are cross-sectional and aimed at assessing a number of cognitive constructs and associated behaviors. The third study is aimed at examining the effects of a training in

This study address three questions: (a) Do interned adolescents exhibit general or specific deficits in the core executive functions, as compared to an age-matched control group? (b) Do interned adolescents report more executive problems in everyday life, as compared to an age-matched control group? And (c) are performance-based measures of executive functions related to self-reported executive problems? Thirty-one interned youths and 40 non-interned controls participated in the study. To this end, we measured the three constituents (inhibition, shifting, and updating) of the Unity/Diversity model of executive functioning, as well as the participants’ self-reported everyday executive functioning using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions scale. The interned group performed less well compared to the control group on the majority of performance-based tasks but did not show more pronounced deficits in any one executive function, reflective of a more general deficit. Compared to the controls, the interned adolescents also reported more dysfunction in executive behaviors related to the ability to inhibit action, behavioral flexibility, working memory, and the ability to follow through with tasks. Overall, correlations between self-report and performance-based measures were weak. These findings suggest that performance-based and self-report measures may assess different, albeit important, aspects of executive functioning.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute stress on parallel task performance with the Game of Dice Task (GDT) to measure decision making and the Stroop test. Two previous studies have found that the combination of stress and a parallel task with the GDT and an executive functions task preserved performance on the GDT for a stress group compared to a control group. The purpose of this study was to create and use a new parallel task with the GDT and the stroop test to elucidate more information about the executive function contributions from the stroop test and to ensure that this parallel task preserves performance on the GDT for the stress group. Sixteen participants (Mean Age: 26.88) were randomly assigned to either a stress group with the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) or the control group with the placebo-TSST. The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were given before and after the TSST or placebo-TSST and were used as stress indicators. The results showed a trend towards the stress group performing marginally better than the control group on the GDT but not significantly. There were no significant differences between the groups for accuracy on the Stroop test trial types. However, the stress group had significantly slower mean response times on the congruent trial type of the Stroop test, p < .05, though. This study has shown further evidence that stress and a parallel task together preserve performance on the GDT.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute stress on parallel task performance with the Game of Dice Task (GDT) to measure decision making and the Stroop test. Two previous studies have found that the combination of stress and a parallel task with the GDT and an executive functions task preserved performance on the GDT for a stress group compared to a control group. The purpose of this study was to create and use a new parallel task with the GDT and the stroop test to elucidate more information about the executive function contributions from the stroop test and to ensure that this parallel task preserves performance on the GDT for the stress group. Sixteen participants (Mean Age: 26.88) were randomly assigned to either a stress group with the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) or the control group with the placebo-TSST. The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were given before and after the TSST or placebo-TSST and were used as stress indicators. The results showed a trend towards the stress group performing marginally better than the control group on the GDT but not significantly. There were no significant differences between the groups for accuracy on the Stroop test trial types. However, the stress group had significantly slower mean response times on the congruent trial type of the Stroop test, p < .05, though. This study has shown further evidence that stress and a parallel task together preserve performance on the GDT.

Several studies have demonstrated that social influences from having been brought up in a family with few siblings and early in birth order result in higher scores on intelligence tests in childhood and adolescence as compared to having been brought up in large sibships. The present study examined whether influences of such social factors would have long-lasting effects on intelligence (block design and word comprehension) and executive functions (working memory and verbal fluency) in adulthood and old age, i.e., long after the individuals had moved out of the family structure they were born in. After having controlled for socioeconomic status and a variety of health conditions affecting cognition in adult life, a sibship size effect was demonstrated for executive functions but not for intelligence. The social influences of birth order affected only executive functions and working memory in particular; earlier born individuals performed better than later born individuals in tests assessing executive function but not in tests assessing intelligence. Implications for the relationship between executive functioning and intelligence, and implications for the Confluence and Resource Dilution Models (Blake, 1981; Downey, 1995, 2001; Zajonc, 1976) are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The neurocognitive basis of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD; or motor clumsiness) remains an issue of continued debate. This combined systematic review and meta-analysis provides a synthesis of recent experimental studies on the motor control, cognitive, and neural underpinnings of DCD. Methods: The review included all published work conducted since September 2016 and up to April 2021. One-hundred papers with a DCD-Control comparison were included, with 1,374 effect sizes entered into a multi-level meta-analysis. Results: The most profound deficits were shown in: voluntary gaze control during movement; cognitive-motor integration; practice-/context-dependent motor learning; internal modeling; more variable movement kinematics/kinetics; larger safety margins when locomoting, and atypical neural structure and function across sensori-motor and prefrontal regions. Interpretation: Taken together, these results on DCD suggest fundamental deficits in visual-motor mapping and cognitive-motor integration, and abnormal maturation of motor networks, but also areas of pragmatic compensation for motor control deficits. Implications for current theory, future research, and evidence-based practice are discussed. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42020185444.

Aim: The neurocognitive basis of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD; or motor clumsiness) remains an issue of continued debate. This combined systematic review and meta-analysis provides a synthesis of recent experimental studies on the motor control, cognitive, and neural underpinnings of DCD. Methods: The review included all published work conducted since September 2016 and up to April 2021. One-hundred papers with a DCD-Control comparison were included, with 1,374 effect sizes entered into a multi-level meta-analysis. Results: The most profound deficits were shown in: voluntary gaze control during movement; cognitive-motor integration; practice-/context-dependent motor learning; internal modeling; more variable movement kinematics/kinetics; larger safety margins when locomoting, and atypical neural structure and function across sensori-motor and prefrontal regions. Interpretation: Taken together, these results on DCD suggest fundamental deficits in visual-motor mapping and cognitive-motor integration, and abnormal maturation of motor networks, but also areas of pragmatic compensation for motor control deficits. Implications for current theory, future research, and evidence-based practice are discussed. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42020185444.

Aim: The neurocognitive basis of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD; or motor clumsiness) remains an issue of continued debate. This combined systematic review and meta-analysis provides a synthesis of recent experimental studies on the motor control, cognitive, and neural underpinnings of DCD. Methods: The review included all published work conducted since September 2016 and up to April 2021. One-hundred papers with a DCD-Control comparison were included, with 1,374 effect sizes entered into a multi-level meta-analysis. Results: The most profound deficits were shown in: voluntary gaze control during movement; cognitive-motor integration; practice-/context-dependent motor learning; internal modeling; more variable movement kinematics/kinetics; larger safety margins when locomoting, and atypical neural structure and function across sensori-motor and prefrontal regions. Interpretation: Taken together, these results on DCD suggest fundamental deficits in visual-motor mapping and cognitive-motor integration, and abnormal maturation of motor networks, but also areas of pragmatic compensation for motor control deficits. Implications for current theory, future research, and evidence-based practice are discussed. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42020185444.

Aim: The neurocognitive basis of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD; or motor clumsiness) remains an issue of continued debate. This combined systematic review and meta-analysis provides a synthesis of recent experimental studies on the motor control, cognitive, and neural underpinnings of DCD. Methods: The review included all published work conducted since September 2016 and up to April 2021. One-hundred papers with a DCD-Control comparison were included, with 1,374 effect sizes entered into a multi-level meta-analysis. Results: The most profound deficits were shown in: voluntary gaze control during movement; cognitive-motor integration; practice-/context-dependent motor learning; internal modeling; more variable movement kinematics/kinetics; larger safety margins when locomoting, and atypical neural structure and function across sensori-motor and prefrontal regions. Interpretation: Taken together, these results on DCD suggest fundamental deficits in visual-motor mapping and cognitive-motor integration, and abnormal maturation of motor networks, but also areas of pragmatic compensation for motor control deficits. Implications for current theory, future research, and evidence-based practice are discussed. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42020185444.

Aim: The neurocognitive basis of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD; or motor clumsiness) remains an issue of continued debate. This combined systematic review and meta-analysis provides a synthesis of recent experimental studies on the motor control, cognitive, and neural underpinnings of DCD. Methods: The review included all published work conducted since September 2016 and up to April 2021. One-hundred papers with a DCD-Control comparison were included, with 1,374 effect sizes entered into a multi-level meta-analysis. Results: The most profound deficits were shown in: voluntary gaze control during movement; cognitive-motor integration; practice-/context-dependent motor learning; internal modeling; more variable movement kinematics/kinetics; larger safety margins when locomoting, and atypical neural structure and function across sensori-motor and prefrontal regions. Interpretation: Taken together, these results on DCD suggest fundamental deficits in visual-motor mapping and cognitive-motor integration, and abnormal maturation of motor networks, but also areas of pragmatic compensation for motor control deficits. Implications for current theory, future research, and evidence-based practice are discussed. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42020185444.

This study examined school-aged children's time monitoring in relation to individual differences in executive control functions. The present study involved an individual-difference approach with three latent executive functions - mental shifting, information updating and monitoring, and inhibition of prepotent responses. Children between 8 to 12 years completed a series of experimental tasks that were assumed to tap each target executive function as well as a parallel task of time monitoring. The findings are discussed in relation to the unity and diversity of executive functions and their contribution to children's time monitoring.

Objective: Previous studies focused on the benefits of acute exercise on cognition and mood have mostly used specialized laboratory-based equipment, thus little is known about how such protocols generalize to naturalistic settings. Stair climbing is a simple and readily accessible means of exercise that can be performed in naturalistic settings (e.g., at home or at the workplace). In the present study we examined the effects of stair-climbing intervals on subsequent cognitive performance and mood in healthy young adults. Method: Thirty-two undergraduate students (Mage = 19.4 years, SD = 1.3; 21 females) completed a controlled randomized crossover trial with session order counterbalanced across participants. Participants visited the lab on two occasions, one week apart, and completed one control session (no exercise) and one stair-climbing session (3 × 1 min stair-climbing intervals) with cognitive performance and mood assessed at the end of each session. Results: Repeated measures ANCOVA revealed that males (Hedges’ gav = 0.45) showed better switching performance following the stair climbing but females (Hedges’ gav < 0.03) did not. Participants felt more energetic (Hedges’ gav = 1.05), less tense (Hedges’ gav = 0.61), and less tired (Hedges’ gav = 0.43) following the stair climbing. In addition, higher exercise intensity during the stair climbing predicted better subsequent switching performance and higher energetic ratings. Conclusion: These findings indicate that short bouts of stair climbing in a naturalistic setting can induce cognitive benefits for more challenging tasks, albeit only in males, indicating a sex-specific effect. Short bouts of stair climbing can be a practical approach to increase feelings of energy in daily life.

Bilinguals often show a disadvantage in lexical access on verbal fluency tasks wherein the criteria require the production of words from semantic categories. However, the pattern is more heterogeneous for letter (phonemic) fluency wherein the task is to produce words beginning with a given letter. Here, bilinguals often outperform monolinguals. One explanation for this is that phonemic fluency, as compared with semantic fluency, is more greatly underpinned by executive processes and that bilinguals exhibit better performance on phonemic fluency due to better executive functions. In this study, we re-analyzed phonemic fluency data from the Betula study, scoring outputs according to two measures that purportedly reflect executive processes: clustering and switching. Consistent with the notion that bilinguals have superior executive processes and that these can be used to offset a bilingual disadvantage in verbal fluency, bilinguals (35-65 years at baseline) demonstrated greater switching and clustering throughout the 15-year study period.

Objective: Previous studies focused on the benefits of acute exercise on cognition and mood have mostly used specialized laboratory-based equipment, thus little is known about how such protocols generalize to naturalistic settings. Stair climbing is a simple and readily accessible means of exercise that can be performed in naturalistic settings (e.g., at home or at the workplace). In the present study we examined the effects of stair-climbing intervals on subsequent cognitive performance and mood in healthy young adults. Method: Thirty-two undergraduate students (Mage = 19.4 years, SD = 1.3; 21 females) completed a controlled randomized crossover trial with session order counterbalanced across participants. Participants visited the lab on two occasions, one week apart, and completed one control session (no exercise) and one stair-climbing session (3 × 1 min stair-climbing intervals) with cognitive performance and mood assessed at the end of each session. Results: Repeated measures ANCOVA revealed that males (Hedges’ gav = 0.45) showed better switching performance following the stair climbing but females (Hedges’ gav < 0.03) did not. Participants felt more energetic (Hedges’ gav = 1.05), less tense (Hedges’ gav = 0.61), and less tired (Hedges’ gav = 0.43) following the stair climbing. In addition, higher exercise intensity during the stair climbing predicted better subsequent switching performance and higher energetic ratings. Conclusion: These findings indicate that short bouts of stair climbing in a naturalistic setting can induce cognitive benefits for more challenging tasks, albeit only in males, indicating a sex-specific effect. Short bouts of stair climbing can be a practical approach to increase feelings of energy in daily life.

Objective: Previous studies focused on the benefits of acute exercise on cognition and mood have mostly used specialized laboratory-based equipment, thus little is known about how such protocols generalize to naturalistic settings. Stair climbing is a simple and readily accessible means of exercise that can be performed in naturalistic settings (e.g., at home or at the workplace). In the present study we examined the effects of stair-climbing intervals on subsequent cognitive performance and mood in healthy young adults. Method: Thirty-two undergraduate students (Mage = 19.4 years, SD = 1.3; 21 females) completed a controlled randomized crossover trial with session order counterbalanced across participants. Participants visited the lab on two occasions, one week apart, and completed one control session (no exercise) and one stair-climbing session (3 × 1 min stair-climbing intervals) with cognitive performance and mood assessed at the end of each session. Results: Repeated measures ANCOVA revealed that males (Hedges’ gav = 0.45) showed better switching performance following the stair climbing but females (Hedges’ gav < 0.03) did not. Participants felt more energetic (Hedges’ gav = 1.05), less tense (Hedges’ gav = 0.61), and less tired (Hedges’ gav = 0.43) following the stair climbing. In addition, higher exercise intensity during the stair climbing predicted better subsequent switching performance and higher energetic ratings. Conclusion: These findings indicate that short bouts of stair climbing in a naturalistic setting can induce cognitive benefits for more challenging tasks, albeit only in males, indicating a sex-specific effect. Short bouts of stair climbing can be a practical approach to increase feelings of energy in daily life.