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Frontal Midline Theta (FMT) is an oscillation of roughly 4-8Hz with a source estimated to be in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) (Cavanagh & Frank, 2014; Mitchell et al., 2008). It is associated with several behavioral measures, such as those of cognitive control, anxiety and flow experience (Cavanagh & Frank, 2014; Katahira et al., 2018; Mitchell et al., 2008; Osinsky et al., 2017; Schmidt et al., 2018). Neurofeedback (NF) is a method that presents feedback of a user's brain activity measured in real-time (e.g., by EEG or fMRI). This allows users to become aware of specific neuronal activity (e.g., FMT amplitude) and to learn to voluntarily modify it. Thus, NF provides a unique opportunity to validate links between brain activity and behavior (Kvamme et al., 2022). The main goal of this study is to provide a systematic review and a quantitative meta-analysis of studies investigating the effectiveness of neurofeedback, as a tool to modulate FMT. Further, specific variables influencing the behavioral effects induced by FMT modulation will be investigated.

Frontal Midline Theta (FMT) is an oscillation of roughly 4-8Hz with a source estimated to be in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) (Cavanagh & Frank, 2014; Mitchell et al., 2008). It is associated with several behavioral measures, such as those of cognitive control, anxiety and flow experience (Cavanagh & Frank, 2014; Katahira et al., 2018; Mitchell et al., 2008; Osinsky et al., 2017; Schmidt et al., 2018). Neurofeedback (NF) is a method that presents feedback of a user's brain activity measured in real-time (e.g., by EEG or fMRI). This allows users to become aware of specific neuronal activity (e.g., FMT amplitude) and to learn to voluntarily modify it. Thus, NF provides a unique opportunity to validate links between brain activity and behavior (Kvamme et al., 2022). The main goal of this study is to provide a systematic review and a quantitative meta-analysis of studies investigating the effectiveness of neurofeedback, as a tool to modulate FMT. Further, specific variables influencing the behavioral effects induced by FMT modulation will be investigated.

Einleitung: Die Riesenzellarteriitis (RZA) stellt die häufigste systemische Vaskulitis des älteren Menschen dar, in bis zu 40% der Fälle tritt begleitend eine Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) auf. Patienten berichten zumeist starke körperliche Beeinträchtigungen. Mögliche [zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL]

Hintergrund: An der Universität Würzburg wurde bereits im Wintersemester 2018/19 eine 90-minütige Lehrveranstaltung zur Nikotinentwöhnung als Präsenz- oder E-Learning-Seminar im 6. Semester implementiert. In 2020 wurden weitere Bausteine ergänzt: eine Kurzinfo zur [zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL]

Non-invasive Mental Task-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (MT-BCIs) enable their users to interact with the environment through their brain activity alone (measured using electroencephalography for example), by performing mental tasks such as mental calculation or motor imagery. Current developments in technology hint at a wide range of possible applications, both in the clinical and non-clinical domains. MT-BCIs can be used to control (neuro)prostheses or interact with video games, among many other applications. They can also be used to restore cognitive and motor abilities for stroke rehabilitation, or even improve athletic performance. Nonetheless, the expected transfer of MT-BCIs from the lab to the marketplace will be greatly impeded if all resources are allocated to technological aspects alone. We cannot neglect the Human End-User that sits in the centre of the loop. Indeed, self-regulating one’s brain activity through mental tasks to interact is an acquired skill that requires appropriate training. Yet several studies have shown that current training procedures do not enable MT-BCI users to reach adequate levels of performance. Therefore, one significant challenge for the community is that of improving end-user training. To do so, another fundamental challenge must be taken into account: we need to understand the processes that underlie MT-BCI performance and user learning. It is currently estimated that 10 to 30% of people cannot control an MT-BCI. These people are often referred to as “BCI inefficient”. But the concept of “BCI inefficiency” is debated. Does it really exist? Or, are low performances due to insufficient training, training procedures that are unsuited to these users or is the BCI data processing not sensitive enough? The currently available literature does not allow for a definitive answer to these questions as most published studies either include a limited number of participants (i.e., 10 to 20 participants) and/or training sessions (i.e., 1 or 2). We still have very little insight into what the MT-BCI learning curve looks like, and into which factors (including both user-related and machine-related factors) influence this learning curve. Finding answers will require a large number of experiments, involving a large number of participants taking part in multiple training sessions. It is not feasible for one research lab or even a small consortium to undertake such experiments alone. Therefore, an unprecedented coordinated effort from the research community is necessary. We are convinced that combining forces will allow us to characterise in detail MT-BCI user learning, and thereby provide a mandatory step toward transferring BCIs “out of the lab”. This is why we gathered an international, interdisciplinary consortium of BCI researchers from more than 20 different labs across Europe and Japan, including pioneers in the field. This collaboration will enable us to collect considerable amounts of data (at least 100 participants for 20 training sessions each) and establish a large open database. Based on this precious resource, we could then lead sound analyses to answer the previously mentioned questions. Using this data, our consortium could offer solutions on how to improve MT-BCI training procedures using innovative approaches (e.g., personalisation using intelligent tutoring systems) and technologies (e.g., virtual reality). The CHIST-ERA programme represents a unique opportunity to conduct this ambitious project, which will foster innovation in our field and strengthen our community.

It is one of the primary goals of medical care to secure good quality of life (QoL) while prolonging survival. This is a major challenge in severe medical conditions with a prognosis such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Further, the definition of QoL and the question whether survival in this severe condition is compatible with a good QoL is a matter of subjective and culture-specific debate. Some people without neurodegenerative conditions believe that physical decline is incompatible with satisfactory QoL. Current data provide extensive evidence that psychosocial adaptation in ALS is possible, indicated by a satisfactory QoL. Thus, there is no fatalistic link of loss of QoL when physical health declines. There are intrinsic and extrinsic factors that have been shown to successfully facilitate and secure QoL in ALS which will be reviewed in the following article following the four ethical principles (1) Beneficence, (2) Non-maleficence, (3) Autonomy and (4) Justice, which are regarded as key elements of patient centered medical care according to Beauchamp and Childress. This is a JPND-funded work to summarize findings of the project NEEDSinALS (www.NEEDSinALS.com) which highlights subjective perspectives and preferences in medical decision making in ALS.

Proceedings of the 8th Graz Brain Computer Interface Conference 2019, Bridging Science and Application

Proceedings of the 8th Graz Brain Computer Interface Conference 2019, Bridging Science and Application

Current brain-computer interface (BCIs) software is often tailored to the needs of scientists and technicians and therefore complex to allow for versatile use. To facilitate home use of BCIs a multifunctional P300 BCI with a graphical user interface intended for non-expert set-up and control was designed and implemented. The system includes applications for spelling, web access, entertainment, artistic expression and environmental control. In addition to new software, it also includes new hardware for the recording of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The EEG system consists of a small and wireless amplifier attached to a cap that can be equipped with gel-based or dry contact electrodes. The system was systematically evaluated with a healthy sample, and targeted end users of BCI technology, i.e., people with a varying degree of motor impairment tested the BCI in a series of individual case studies. Usability was assessed in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction. Feedback of users was gathered with structured questionnaires. Two groups of healthy participants completed an experimental protocol with the gel-based and the dry contact electrodes (N = 10 each). The results demonstrated that all healthy participants gained control over the system and achieved satisfactory to high accuracies with both gel-based and dry electrodes (average error rates of 6 and 13%). Average satisfaction ratings were high, but certain aspects of the system such as the wearing comfort of the dry electrodes and design of the cap, and speed (in both groups) were criticized by some participants. Six potential end users tested the system during supervised sessions. The achieved accuracies varied greatly from no control to high control with accuracies comparable to that of healthy volunteers. Satisfaction ratings of the two end-users that gained control of the system were lower as compared to healthy participants. The advantages and disadvantages of the BCI and its applications are discussed and suggestions are presented for improvements to pave the way for user friendly BCIs intended to be used as assistive technology by persons with severe paralysis.

In this paper, we present BNCI Horizon 2020, an EU Coordination and Support Action (CSA) that will provide a roadmap for brain-computer interaction research for the next years, starting in 2013, and aiming at research efforts until 2020 and beyond. The project is a successor of the earlier EU-funded Future BNCI CSA that started in 2010 and produced a roadmap for a shorter time period. We present how we, a consortium of the main European BCI research groups as well as companies and end user representatives, expect to tackle the problem of designing a roadmap for BCI research. In this paper, we define the field with its recent developments, in particular by considering publications and EU-funded research projects, and we discuss how we plan to involve research groups, companies, and user groups in our effort to pave the way for useful and fruitful EU-funded BCI research for the next ten years.

Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) involves slow paced breathing (approximately six breaths per minute), thereby maximizing low-frequent heart rate oscillations and baroreflex gain. Mounting evidence suggests that HRV-BF promotes symptom reductions in a variety of physical and mental disorders. It may also positively affect eating behavior by reducing food cravings. The aim of the current study was to investigate if slow paced breathing can be useful for attenuating momentary food craving. Female students performed paced breathing either at six breaths per minute (n=32) or at nine breaths per minute (n=33) while watching their favorite food on the computer screen. Current food craving decreased during a first resting period, increased during paced breathing, and decreased during a second resting period in both conditions. Although current hunger increased in both conditions during paced breathing as well, it remained elevated after the second resting period in the nine breaths condition only. Thus, breathing rate did not influence specific food craving, but slow paced breathing appeared to have a delayed influence on state hunger. Future avenues are suggested for the study of HRV-BF in the context of eating behavior. (VLID)1911354

Background Accidents or neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can lead to progressing, extensive, and complete paralysis leaving patients aware but unable to communicate (locked-in state). Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) based on electroencephalography represent an important approach to establish communication with these patients. The most common BCI for communication rely on the P300, a positive deflection arising in response to rare events. To foster broader application of BCIs for restoring lost function, also for end-users with impaired vision, we explored whether there were specific time windows during the day in which a P300 driven BCI should be preferably applied. Methods The present study investigated the influence of time of the day and modality (visual vs. auditory) on P300 amplitude and latency. A sample of 14 patients (end-users) with ALS and 14 healthy age matched volunteers participated in the study and P300 event-related potentials (ERP) were recorded at four different times (10, 12 am, 2, & 4 pm) during the day. Results Results indicated no differences in P300 amplitudes or latencies between groups (ALS patients v. healthy participants) or time of measurement. In the auditory condition, latencies were shorter and amplitudes smaller as compared to the visual condition. Conclusion Our findings suggest applicability of EEG/BCI sessions in patients with ALS throughout normal waking hours. Future studies using actual BCI systems are needed to generalize these findings with regard to BCI effectiveness/efficiency and other times of day. peerReviewed

Event-related potentials (ERP) have been proposed to improve the differential diagnosis of non-responsive patients. We investigated the potential of the P300 as a reliable marker of conscious processing in patients with locked-in syndrome (LIS). Eleven chronic LIS patients and 10 healthy subjects (HS) listened to a complex-tone auditory oddball paradigm, first in a passive condition (listen to the sounds) and then in an active condition (counting the deviant tones). Seven out of nine HS displayed a P300 waveform in the passive condition and all in the active condition. HS showed statistically significant changes in peak and area amplitude between conditions. Three out of seven LIS patients showed the P3 waveform in the passive condition and five of seven in the active condition. No changes in peak amplitude and only a significant difference at one electrode in area amplitude were observed in this group between conditions. We conclude that, in spite of keeping full consciousness and intact or nearly intact cortical functions, compared to HS, LIS patients present less reliable results when testing with ERP, specifically in the passive condition. We thus strongly recommend applying ERP paradigms in an active condition when evaluating consciousness in non-responsive patients.

Proceedings Of The 6Th International Bci Meeting: Bci Past, Present, And Future

Proceedings Of The 6Th International Bci Meeting: Bci Past, Present, And Future

Proceedings Of The 6Th International Bci Meeting: Bci Past, Present, And Future

Proceedings Of The 6Th International Bci Meeting: Bci Past, Present, And Future

Proceedings Of The 6Th International Bci Meeting: Bci Past, Present, And Future

Proceedings Of The 6Th International Bci Meeting: Bci Past, Present, And Future

Proceedings Of The 6Th International Bci Meeting: Bci Past, Present, And Future

Proceedings Of The 6Th International Bci Meeting: Bci Past, Present, And Future

Proceedings Of The 6Th International Bci Meeting: Bci Past, Present, And Future

Proceedings Of The 6Th International Bci Meeting: Bci Past, Present, And Future

Proceedings Of The 6Th International Bci Meeting: Bci Past, Present, And Future

Proceedings Of The 6Th International Bci Meeting: Bci Past, Present, And Future

For the current study the Lazarian stress-coping theory and the appendant model of psychosocial adjustment to chronic illness and disabilities (Pakenham, 1999) has shaped the foundation for identifying determinants of adjustment to ALS. We aimed to investigate the evolution of psychosocial adjustment to ALS and to determine its long-term predictors. A longitudinal study design with four measurement time points was therefore, used to assess patients' quality of life, depression, and stress-coping model related aspects, such as illness characteristics, social support, cognitive appraisals, and coping strategies during a period of 2 years. Regression analyses revealed that 55% of the variance of severity of depressive symptoms and 47% of the variance in quality of life at T2 was accounted for by all the T1 predictor variables taken together. On the level of individual contributions, protective buffering, and appraisal of own coping potential accounted for a significant percentage in the variance in severity of depressive symptoms, whereas problem management coping strategies explained variance in quality of life scores. Illness characteristics at T2 did not explain any variance of both adjustment outcomes. Overall, the pattern of the longitudinal results indicated stable depressive symptoms and quality of life indices reflecting a successful adjustment to the disease across four measurement time points during a period of about two years. Empirical evidence is provided for the predictive value of social support, cognitive appraisals, and coping strategies, but not illness parameters such as severity and duration for adaptation to ALS. The current study contributes to a better conceptualization of adjustment, allowing us to provide evidence-based support beyond medical and physical intervention for people with ALS.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can serve as muscle independent communication aids. Persons, who are unable to control their eye muscles (e.g., in the completely locked-in state) or have severe visual impairments for other reasons, need BCI systems that do not rely on the visual modality. For this reason, BCIs that employ auditory stimuli were suggested. In this study, a multiclass BCI spelling system was implemented that uses animal voices with directional cues to code rows and columns of a letter matrix. To reveal possible training effects with the system, 11 healthy participants performed spelling tasks on 2 consecutive days. In a second step, the system was tested by a participant with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in two sessions. In the first session, healthy participants spelled with an average accuracy of 76% (3.29 bits/min) that increased to 90% (4.23 bits/min) on the second day. Spelling accuracy by the participant with ALS was 20% in the first and 47% in the second session. The results indicate a strong training effect for both the healthy participants and the participant with ALS. While healthy participants reached high accuracies in the first session and second session, accuracies for the participant with ALS were not sufficient for satisfactory communication in both sessions. More training sessions might be needed to improve spelling accuracies. The study demonstrated the feasibility of the auditory BCI with healthy users and stresses the importance of training with auditory multiclass BCIs, especially for potential end-users of BCI with disease.

Modulation of sensorimotor rhythms (SMR) was suggested as a control signal for brain-computer interfaces (BCI). Yet, there is a population of users estimated between 10 to 50% not able to achieve reliable control and only about 20% of users achieve high (80–100%) performance. Predicting performance prior to BCI use would facilitate selection of the most feasible system for an individual, thus constitute a practical benefit for the user, and increase our knowledge about the correlates of BCI control. In a recent study, we predicted SMR-BCI performance from psychological variables that were assessed prior to the BCI sessions and BCI control was supported with machine-learning techniques. We described two significant psychological predictors, namely the visuo-motor coordination ability and the ability to concentrate on the task. The purpose of the current study was to replicate these results thereby validating these predictors within a neurofeedback based SMR-BCI that involved no machine learning.Thirty-three healthy BCI novices participated in a calibration session and three further neurofeedback training sessions. Two variables were related with mean SMR-BCI performance: (1) a measure for the accuracy of fine motor skills, i.e., a trade for a person’s visuo-motor control ability; and (2) subject’s “attentional impulsivity”. In a linear regression they accounted for almost 20% in variance of SMR-BCI performance, but predictor (1) failed significance. Nevertheless, on the basis of our prior regression model for sensorimotor control ability we could predict current SMR-BCI performance with an average prediction error of M = 12.07%. In more than 50% of the participants, the prediction error was smaller than 10%. Hence, psychological variables played a moderate role in predicting SMR-BCI performance in a neurofeedback approach that involved no machine learning. Future studies are needed to further consolidate (or reject) the present predictors.

Objective: The aim of this longitudinal study was to identify predictors of instantaneous well-being in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Based on flow theory well-being was expected to be highest when perceived demands and perceived control were in balance, and that thinking about the past would be a risk factor for rumination which would in turn reduce well-being. Methods: Using the experience sampling method, data on current activities, associated aspects of perceived demands, control, and well-being were collected from 10 patients with ALS three times a day for two weeks. Results: Results show that perceived control was uniformly and positively associated with well-being, but that demands were only positively associated with well-being when they were perceived as controllable. Mediation analysis confirmed thinking about the past, but not thinking about the future, to be a risk factor for rumination and reduced well-being. Discussion: Findings extend our knowledge of factors contributing to well-being in ALS as not only perceived control but also perceived demands can contribute to well-being. They further show that a focus on present experiences might contribute to increased well-being.

Background: Executive functions such as working memory are tightly intertwined with self-regulation and working memory training has been proposed for potentially enhancing self-regulation. Food-cues and preoccupation with food cravings have been found to impair working memory performance. Furthermore,[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], 4. Wissenschaftlicher Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Essstörungen

Many patients with Disorders of Consciousness (DOC) are misdiagnosed for a variety of reasons. These patients typically cannot communicate. Because such patients are not provided with the needed tools, one of their basic human needs remains unsatisfied, leaving them truly locked in to their bodies. This chapter first reviews current methods and problems of diagnoses and assistive technology for communication, supporting the view that advances in both respects are needed for patients with DOC. The authors also discuss possible solutions to these problems and introduce emerging developments based on EEG (Electroencephalography), fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and fNIRS (Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) that have been validated with patients and healthy volunteers.

Background People with severe disabilities, e.g. due to neurodegenerative disease, depend on technology that allows for accurate wheelchair control. For those who cannot operate a wheelchair with a joystick, brain-computer interfaces (BCI) may offer a valuable option. Technology depending on visual or auditory input may not be feasible as these modalities are dedicated to processing of environmental stimuli (e.g. recognition of obstacles, ambient noise). Herein we thus validated the feasibility of a BCI based on tactually-evoked event-related potentials (ERP) for wheelchair control. Furthermore, we investigated use of a dynamic stopping method to improve speed of the tactile BCI system. Methods Positions of four tactile stimulators represented navigation directions (left thigh: move left; right thigh: move right; abdomen: move forward; lower neck: move backward) and N = 15 participants delivered navigation commands by focusing their attention on the desired tactile stimulus in an oddball-paradigm. Results Participants navigated a virtual wheelchair through a building and eleven participants successfully completed the task of reaching 4 checkpoints in the building. The virtual wheelchair was equipped with simulated shared-control sensors (collision avoidance), yet these sensors were rarely needed. Conclusion We conclude that most participants achieved tactile ERP-BCI control sufficient to reliably operate a wheelchair and dynamic stopping was of high value for tactile ERP classification. Finally, this paper discusses feasibility of tactile ERPs for BCI based wheelchair control.

One of the most often used instruments for the assessment of food cravings is the Food Cravings Questionnaire (FCQ), which consists of a trait (FCQ-T; 39 items) and state (FCQ-S; 15 items) version. Scores on the FCQ-T have been found to be positively associated with eating pathology, body mass index (BMI), low dieting success and increases in state food craving during cognitive tasks involving appealing food stimuli. The current studies evaluated reliability and validity of a reduced version of the FCQ-T consisting of 15 items only (FCQ-T-r). Study 1 was a questionnaire study conducted online among students (N = 323). In study 2, female students (N = 70) performed a working memory task involving food and neutral pictures. Study 1 indicated a one-factorial structure and high internal consistency (α = 0.94) of the FCQ-T-r. Scores of the FCQ-T-r were positively correlated with BMI and negatively correlated with dieting success. In study 2, participants reported higher state food craving after the task compared to before. This increase was positively correlated with the FCQ-T-r. Hours since the last meal positively predicted food craving before the task when controlling for FCQ-T-r scores and the interaction of both variables. Contrarily, FCQ-T-r scores positively predicted food craving after the task when controlling for food deprivation and the interaction term. Thus, trait food craving was specifically associated with state food craving triggered by palatable food-cues, but not with state food craving related to plain hunger. Results indicate high reliability of the FCQ-T-r. Replicating studies that used the long version, small-to-medium correlations with BMI and dieting success could be found. Finally, scores on the FCQ-T-r predicted cue-elicited food craving, providing further support of its validity. The FCQ-T-r constitutes a succinct, valid and reliable self-report measure to efficiently assess experiences of food craving as a trait.

ObjectiveBrain-computer interfaces (BCIs) provide a non-muscular communication channel for patients with late-stage motoneuron disease (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)) or otherwise motor impaired people and are also used for motor rehabilitation in chronic stroke. Differences in the ability to use a BCI vary from person to person and from session to session. A reliable predictor of aptitude would allow for the selection of suitable BCI paradigms. For this reason, we investigated whether P300 BCI aptitude could be predicted from a short experiment with a standard auditory oddball.MethodsForty healthy participants performed an electroencephalography (EEG) based visual and auditory P300-BCI spelling task in a single session. In addition, prior to each session an auditory oddball was presented. Features extracted from the auditory oddball were analyzed with respect to predictive power for BCI aptitude.ResultsCorrelation between auditory oddball response and P300 BCI accuracy revealed a strong relationship between accuracy and N2 amplitude and the amplitude of a late ERP component between 400 and 600 ms. Interestingly, the P3 amplitude of the auditory oddball response was not correlated with accuracy.ConclusionsEvent-related potentials recorded during a standard auditory oddball session moderately predict aptitude in an audiory and highly in a visual P300 BCI. The predictor will allow for faster paradigm selection.SignificanceOur method will reduce strain on patients because unsuccessful training may be avoided, provided the results can be generalized to the patient population.

Proceedings of the fifth International Brain-Computer Interface Meeting

Proceedings of the fifth International Brain-Computer Interface Meeting

Proceedings of the fifth International Brain-Computer Interface Meeting

Proceedings of the fifth International Brain-Computer Interface Meeting

Proceedings of the fifth International Brain-Computer Interface Meeting

Proceedings of the fifth International Brain-Computer Interface Meeting

Body image disturbances are core symptoms of eating disorders (EDs). Recent evidence suggests that changes in body image may occur prior to ED onset and are not restricted to in-vivo exposure (e.g. mirror image), but also evident during presentation of abstract cues such as body shape and weight-related words. In the present study startle modulation, heart rate and subjective evaluations were examined during reading of body words and neutral words in 41 student female volunteers screened for risk of EDs. The aim was to determine if responses to body words are attributable to a general negativity bias regardless of ED risk or if activated, ED relevant negative body schemas facilitate priming of defensive responses. Heart rate and word ratings differed between body words and neutral words in the whole female sample, supporting a general processing bias for body weight and shape-related concepts in young women regardless of ED risk. Startle modulation was specifically related to eating disorder symptoms, as was indicated by significant positive correlations with self-reported body dissatisfaction. These results emphasize the relevance of examining body schema representations as a function of ED risk across different levels of responding. Peripheral-physiological measures such as the startle reflex could possibly be used as predictors of females' risk for developing EDs in the future.

Proceedings of the fifth International Brain-Computer Interface Meeting

Proceedings of the fifth International Brain-Computer Interface Meeting

Proceedings of the fifth International Brain-Computer Interface Meeting

Background Positive associations have been found between quality of life, emotion regulation strategies, and heart rate variability (HRV) in people without intellectual disabilities. However, emotion regulation and HRV have rarely been investigated in people with intellectual disabilities. Assessment of subjectively reported quality of life and emotion regulation strategies in this population is even more difficult when participants are also visually impaired. Methods Subjective and objective quality of life, emotion regulation strategies, and HRV at rest were measured in a sample of people with intellectual disabilities and concomitant impaired vision (N = 35). Heart rate was recorded during a 10 min resting period. For the assessment of quality of life and emotion regulation, custom made tactile versions of questionnaire-based instruments were used that enabled participants to grasp response categories. Results The combined use of reappraisal and suppression as emotion regulation strategies was associated with higher HRV and quality of life. HRV was associated with objective quality of life only. Emotion regulation strategies partially mediated the relationship between HRV and quality of life. Conclusions Results replicate findings about associations between quality of life, emotion regulation, and HRV and extend them to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that quality of life and emotion regulation could be assessed in such populations even with concomitant impaired vision with modified tactile versions of established questionnaires. HRV may be used as a physiological index to evaluate physical and affective conditions in this population. ispartof: Psychology of Well-Being: Theory, Research and Practice vol:3 issue:1 status: published

Background: Recent evidence suggests that ‘hyperpalatable’ foods can have an addictive potential. Accordingly, excessive food consumption like in binge eating disorder or obesity could similarly be fostered by addictive components. In humans, such addictive eating patterns can be measured[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], 3. Wissenschaftlicher Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Essstörungen

Manche Menschen bezeichnen sich als süchtig nach bestimmten Nahrungsmitteln wie Schokolade. Des Weiteren wurden auf Verhaltens- und neurobiologischer Ebene Überschneidungen zwischen Substanzabhängigkeiten und exzessivem Essen wie es bei Bulimia nervosa (BN), Binge Eating Störung (BES) oder Adipositas auftritt, gefunden (Davis & Carter, 2009). Bisher mangelte es im deutschen Sprachraum jedoch an einem Messinstrument, das spezifisch das Konstrukt Esssucht erfasst. Um diese Lücke zu schließen, stellt die vorliegende Arbeit die deutsche Version der Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) von Gearhardt, Corbin & Brownell (2009) vor. Diese Skala ermöglicht es, Menschen mit ausgeprägten Symptomen einer Abhängigkeit von bestimmten Nahrungsmitteln zu identifizieren. Die Diagnosestellung orientiert sich hierbei an den DSM-IV-Kriterien für Substanzabhängigkeit. Die Reliabilität und Validität dieses Fragebogens wurde an einer Stichprobe von überwiegend Studierenden (N = 752) in einer Onlinebefragung getestet. Die einfaktorielle Struktur der YFAS konnte bestätigt werden, bei einer zufriedenstellenden internen Konsistenz (Cronbach's α = .81). Konvergente Validität zeigte sich in mittleren bis hohen Korrelationen mit anderen Maßen problematischen Essverhaltens, während sich die YFAS hinsichtlich der diskriminanten Validität von anderen, aber dennoch verwandten Konstrukten, wie Alkoholabhängigkeit und Impulsivität, unterschied. Weiterhin zeigte sich die YFAS als signifikanter Prädiktor für die Häufigkeit von Essanfällen. Die YFAS scheint somit ein brauchbares Instrument für die Erfassung essensbezogener Verhaltensweisen darzustellen, die einen suchthaften Charakter aufweisen.

Introduction: Sleep disturbances are common in adolescents and adversely affect performance, social contact, and susceptibility to stress. We investigated the hypothesis of a relationship between sleep and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and applied self- and proxy ratings. Materials and Methods: The sample comprised 92 adolescents aged 11–17 years. All participants and their parents completed a HRQoL measure and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC ). Children with SDSC T -scores above the normal range (above 60) were classified as poor sleepers. Results: According to self- and proxy ratings, good sleepers reported significantly higher HRQoL than poor sleep- ers. Sleep disturbances were significantly higher and HRQoL significantly lower in self- as compared to parental ratings. Parent-child agreement was higher for subscales measuring observable aspects. Girls experienced significantly stronger sleep disturbances and lower self-rated HRQoL than boys. Discussion: Our findings support the positive relationship of sleep and HRQoL. Furthermore, parents significantly underestimate sleep disturbances and overestimate HRQoL in their children.