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A positive association between pubertal maturity as assessed by skeletal development, and specific cognitive abilities has recently been demonstrated in a cohort of adolescent girls. The current study explores the impact of chronological age and relative pubertal maturity on executive function within the same cohort. Relative maturity, determined by the difference between chronological age and skeletal age, establishes the criteria for enrolling participants into average, advanced, or delayed relative maturity subgroups. Performance is assessed using the Numerical Stroop test and analyzed across four conditions, each with varying task requirements related to inhibition and task switching. The effects of chronological age and relative maturity on executive functions are tested by a linear mixed model. Within the examined age-range (12-15 y), a more protracted development was found for inhibition as compared to switching. In line with the previous findings, the results reveal significant development in executive performance as a function of chronological age, and relative maturity also demonstrated significant effect on the development of executing functioning. The significant interaction effect between Chronological Age and Relative Maturity suggests that the degree of interplay between these factors varies across the examined age range. Specifically, relative maturity may have a more noticeable impact on EF functioning in middle adolescence compared to early adolescence., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

In genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome (DS) and Williams syndrome (WS), difficulties with executive functioning (EF) are a commonly reported feature and a key correlate of long-term success in everyday life. Despite a robust literature in children with these syndromes, it remains unclear how cross-syndrome characteristics of everyday EF relate to adaptive functioning and intelligence among adults with DS and WS, and if these relationships differ between these groups. This study aimed to characterise the profile of strengths and weaknesses in everyday EF using the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Informant Version (BRIEF-A) in older adolescents and young adults with DS and WS. Associations between distinct EFs, adaptive/maladaptive functioning, and intellectual ability were also investigated. Results showed that the WS group displayed profound impairments in almost all BRIEF-A scales, with a large percentage of scores in the clinically significant range. Further, selective EFs (Inhibit, Organisation of Materials, Task Monitor) were able to discriminate between the two genetic syndromes. Contrary to previous research, in WS, Working Memory was linked to adaptive functioning and IQ. In DS, the Task-Monitor and Shift scales were unique predictors of externalising and internalising behaviours, respectively. These findings could have important implications for targeted cognitive interventions in these genetic syndromes., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Executive function (EF) has a significant impact on career achievement in adolescence and later adulthood, and there are many factors that influence EF. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important factor in the physical fitness of adolescents and is of great significance to healthy development. However, the current association between CRF and EF in Chinese adolescents is still unclear. For this reason, this study analysed the association between CRF and EF. A three-stage stratified cluster sampling method was used to investigate the demographic information, CRF, EF and multiple covariates of 1245 adolescents in China. One-way analysis of variance and chi-square test were used to compare the EF status of different CRFs. The association between CRF and EF was analysed using multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for relevant confounding factors, compared with Chinese adolescents with VO 2max  < P 25 , the inhibition function reaction time, 1back reaction time, 2back reaction time, and cognitive flexibility response time of adolescents with VO 2max  > P 75 decreased by 1.41 ms, 238.73 ms, 273.09 ms, 74.14 ms. Logistic regression analysis showed that compared with Chinese adolescents with VO 2max  > P 75 , Chinese adolescents with VO 2max  < P 25 developed inhibitory function dysfunction (OR 2.03, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.20), 1back dysfunction (OR 6.26, 95% CI 3.94, 9.97), 2back dysfunction (OR 8.94, 95% CI 5.40, 14.82), cognitive flexibility dysfunction (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.44, 3.57) The risk was higher (P < 0.01). There is a positive association between CRF and EF in Chinese adolescents. High-grade CRF adolescents have higher EF levels, that is, shorter response times. This study provides reference and lessons for better promoting adolescents' executive function development in the future., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Abstract A positive association between pubertal maturity as assessed by skeletal development, and specific cognitive abilities has recently been demonstrated in a cohort of adolescent girls. The current study explores the impact of chronological age and relative pubertal maturity on executive function within the same cohort. Relative maturity, determined by the difference between chronological age and skeletal age, establishes the criteria for enrolling participants into average, advanced, or delayed relative maturity subgroups. Performance is assessed using the Numerical Stroop test and analyzed across four conditions, each with varying task requirements related to inhibition and task switching. The effects of chronological age and relative maturity on executive functions are tested by a linear mixed model. Within the examined age-range (12–15 y), a more protracted development was found for inhibition as compared to switching. In line with the previous findings, the results reveal significant development in executive performance as a function of chronological age, and relative maturity also demonstrated significant effect on the development of executing functioning. The significant interaction effect between Chronological Age and Relative Maturity suggests that the degree of interplay between these factors varies across the examined age range. Specifically, relative maturity may have a more noticeable impact on EF functioning in middle adolescence compared to early adolescence.

Belonging to multiple groups is an important feature of our social lives. However, it is largely unknown if it is related to individual differences in cognitive performance. Given that changing self-identities linked to each group requires cognitive operations on knowledge bases associated with each group, the extent to which people belong to multiple groups may be related to individual differences in cognitive performance. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to test if multiple group membership is related to executive function task performance. A socioeconomically diverse sample of 395 individuals in Indonesia participated in this study. Our results show that multiple group membership was positively related to the 3-back working memory performance. However, we also found that this relationship was significant only among participants with high (not median or low) SES. We also observed that Contact diversity was negatively related to working memory performance among participants with low SES. Our results show that the complexity of our social lives is related to individual differences in executive function performance, although this seems to be constrained by SES., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This work presents data from 148 German native speakers (20-55 years of age), who completed several speaking tasks, ranging from formal tests such as word production tests to more ecologically valid spontaneous tasks that were designed to mimic natural speech. This speech data is supplemented by performance measures on several standardised, computer-based executive functioning (EF) tests covering domains of working-memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, and attention. The speech and EF data are further complemented by a rich collection of demographic data that documents education level, family status, and physical and psychological well-being. Additionally, the dataset includes information of the participants' hormone levels (cortisol, progesterone, oestradiol, and testosterone) at the time of testing. This dataset is thus a carefully curated, expansive collection of data that spans over different EF domains and includes both formal speaking tests as well as spontaneous speaking tasks, supplemented by valuable phenotypical information. This will thus provide the unique opportunity to perform a variety of analyses in the context of speech, EF, and inter-individual differences, and to our knowledge is the first of its kind in the German language. We refer to this dataset as SpEx since it combines speech and executive functioning data. Researchers interested in conducting exploratory or hypothesis-driven analyses in the field of individual differences in language and executive functioning, are encouraged to request access to this resource. Applicants will then be provided with an encrypted version of the data which can be downloaded., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

To evaluate the effect of 16 weeks of different aerobic activity on physical fitness and executive functions in primary school students. 90 right-handed students from China (Boys = 46; Girls = 44) participated in our study and were randomly separated into four groups: 20 in the control group (Con), 23 in the physical activity group (PA), 25 in the intellectual activity group (IA), 22 in the physical activity and intellectual activity group (PA + IA). The students in PA, IA and PA + IA group received aerobic exercise program lasted 40 min daily, 4 days a week for 16 weeks, regular physical activity in the PA group, intellectual activity in the IA group, physical activity couple with intellectual activity in the PA + IA group, respectively. All the students participate the experiment for body composition, physical fitness (cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, speed sensitivity, flexibility quality), executive functions and saliva analysis test before and after 16 weeks. There was no significant effect of 16 weeks different aerobic exercise interventions on body composition before and after exercise interventions among four groups in children (p > 0.05). The results were obtained by inter-group and intra-group comparisons that different exercise interventions (physical activity, intellectual activity, physical combine with intellectual activity), all can significantly improve physical fitness parameters (cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, speed sensitivity and flexibility quality), and executive functions parameters (inhibitory control, working memory, reaction time cognitive flexibility), as well as the concentration of saliva GH and IGF-I (p < 0.05) in children. Our experiment further demonstrated that the improvement effect of the two exercises together is more significant than that of the single exercise ways. Both physical and intellectual activity can effectively improve physical fitness and executive function in children, and the improvement effect of the two exercises together is more significant than that of the single exercise ways., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Abstract Patients with mental illnesses, particularly psychosis and obsessive‒compulsive disorder (OCD), frequently exhibit deficits in executive function and visuospatial memory. Traditional assessments, such as the Rey‒Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT), performed in clinical settings require time and effort. This study aimed to develop a deep learning model using the RCFT and based on eye tracking to detect impaired executive function during visuospatial memory encoding in patients with mental illnesses. In 96 patients with first-episode psychosis, 49 with clinical high risk for psychosis, 104 with OCD, and 159 healthy controls, eye movements were recorded during a 3-min RCFT figure memorization task, and organization and immediate recall scores were obtained. These scores, along with the fixation points indicating eye-focused locations in the figure, were used to train a Long Short-Term Memory + Attention model for detecting impaired executive function and visuospatial memory. The model distinguished between normal and impaired executive function, with an F 1 score of 83.5%, and identified visuospatial memory deficits, with an F 1 score of 80.7%, regardless of psychiatric diagnosis. These findings suggest that this eye tracking-based deep learning model can directly and rapidly identify impaired executive function during visuospatial memory encoding, with potential applications in various psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Abstract This study explored the relationship between parenting stress, parenting style, parenting quality, and young children's executive function. In total, 243 firstborns aged 2–9 years old (SD = 3.82) and their parents from two-child families in Beijing participated in the study, which used executive function tasks and parenting questionnaires. The results found that (1) parenting stress negatively predicted parenting quality; (2) parenting style partially mediated the relationship between parenting stress and parenting quality; (3) children's executive function partially mediated the relationship between parenting stress and parenting quality; and (4) the spoiled, democratic, permissive, and authoritarian parenting styles each play a chain mediating role with young children's executive function between parenting stress and parenting quality. Taken together, these findings provide implications for scientific parenting of children with different psychological characteristics (such as executive function) in multiple-child families under Parenting stress.

Abstract In genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome (DS) and Williams syndrome (WS), difficulties with executive functioning (EF) are a commonly reported feature and a key correlate of long-term success in everyday life. Despite a robust literature in children with these syndromes, it remains unclear how cross-syndrome characteristics of everyday EF relate to adaptive functioning and intelligence among adults with DS and WS, and if these relationships differ between these groups. This study aimed to characterise the profile of strengths and weaknesses in everyday EF using the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Informant Version (BRIEF-A) in older adolescents and young adults with DS and WS. Associations between distinct EFs, adaptive/maladaptive functioning, and intellectual ability were also investigated. Results showed that the WS group displayed profound impairments in almost all BRIEF-A scales, with a large percentage of scores in the clinically significant range. Further, selective EFs (Inhibit, Organisation of Materials, Task Monitor) were able to discriminate between the two genetic syndromes. Contrary to previous research, in WS, Working Memory was linked to adaptive functioning and IQ. In DS, the Task-Monitor and Shift scales were unique predictors of externalising and internalising behaviours, respectively. These findings could have important implications for targeted cognitive interventions in these genetic syndromes.

Aerobic exercise acutely improves cognitive function (e.g., executive function (EF); memory recognition (MR)) and increases circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In addition, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) ingestion acutely shortens the choice reaction time and increases brain BDNF. We examined whether the ingestion of essential amino acid (EAA) supplements (mainly composed of BCAA) would positively impact on cognitive function and circulating BDNF after moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Twenty-two healthy young men received either an EAA supplements or the placebo (PL) 30 min before undergoing aerobic exercise. The participants performed a cycling exercise at 60% of peak oxygen uptake for 30 min. EF after aerobic exercise was better after the EAA treatment than after the PL treatment (P = 0.02). MR (P = 0.38 for response accuracy; P = 0.15 for reaction time) and circulating BDNF (P = 0.59) were not altered by EAA supplements. EF improvement was correlated with increases in some amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, phenylalanine; all Ps < 0.05) that are potential substrates for synthesizing neurotransmitters in the brain. These results suggest that EAA supplements ingestion had a positive effect on EF after moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, while MR and BDNF were not altered., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Abstract Executive function (EF) has a significant impact on career achievement in adolescence and later adulthood, and there are many factors that influence EF. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important factor in the physical fitness of adolescents and is of great significance to healthy development. However, the current association between CRF and EF in Chinese adolescents is still unclear. For this reason, this study analysed the association between CRF and EF. A three-stage stratified cluster sampling method was used to investigate the demographic information, CRF, EF and multiple covariates of 1245 adolescents in China. One-way analysis of variance and chi-square test were used to compare the EF status of different CRFs. The association between CRF and EF was analysed using multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for relevant confounding factors, compared with Chinese adolescents with VO2max P 75 decreased by 1.41 ms, 238.73 ms, 273.09 ms, 74.14 ms. Logistic regression analysis showed that compared with Chinese adolescents with VO2max > P 75, Chinese adolescents with VO2max

Studies have demonstrated that exercise benefits executive function. However, it remains unclear which type of exercise is optimal for preserving executive function among young adults and the cerebral blood flow (CBF) mechanisms that underlie exercise-induced cognitive benefits. Therefore, this study aims to compare the intervention effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on executive function and the CBF mechanism. This was a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial study conducted between October 2020 and January 2021 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04830059). Ninety-three healthy young adults (25.23 ± 2.18 years old; 49.82% male) were randomized into the HIIT (N = 33), MICT (N = 32), and control (N = 28) groups. Participants in exercise groups were guided to perform 40 min of HIIT and MICT three times a week for 12 weeks, while the control group received health education for the same period. The primary outcomes, changes in executive function assessed by the trail-making test (TMT), and CBF measured by transcranial Doppler flow analyzer (EMS-9WA), were evaluated before and after the interventions. The time taken to complete the TMT task improved significantly in the MICT group compared to the control group [β = -10.175, 95%, confidence interval (CI) =  -20.320, -0.031]. Additionally, the MICT group showed significant improvements in the pulsatility index (PI) (β = 0.120, 95% CI = 0.018, 0.222), resistance index (RI) (β = 0.043, 95% CI = 0.005, 0.082), and peak-systolic/end-diastolic velocity (S/D) (β = 0.277, 95% CI = 0.048, 0.507) of CBF compared to the control group. The time taken to complete the TMT was associated with the velocity of peak-systolic (F = 5.414, P = 0.022), PI (F = 4.973, P = 0.012), and RI (F = 5.845, P = 0.006). Furthermore, the accuracy of TMT was associated with PI (F = 4.797, P = 0.036), RI (F = 5.394, P = 0.024), and S/D (F = 4.312, P = 0.05) of CBF. A 12-week MICT intervention improved CBF and executive function more effectively than HIIT among young adults. Furthermore, the findings suggest that CBF was one of the potential mechanisms underlying the cognitive benefits of exercise in young people. These results provide practical evidence supporting the promotion of regular exercise to maintain executive function and improve brain health., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Abstract Belonging to multiple groups is an important feature of our social lives. However, it is largely unknown if it is related to individual differences in cognitive performance. Given that changing self-identities linked to each group requires cognitive operations on knowledge bases associated with each group, the extent to which people belong to multiple groups may be related to individual differences in cognitive performance. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to test if multiple group membership is related to executive function task performance. A socioeconomically diverse sample of 395 individuals in Indonesia participated in this study. Our results show that multiple group membership was positively related to the 3-back working memory performance. However, we also found that this relationship was significant only among participants with high (not median or low) SES. We also observed that Contact diversity was negatively related to working memory performance among participants with low SES. Our results show that the complexity of our social lives is related to individual differences in executive function performance, although this seems to be constrained by SES.

The speed and accuracy of decision-making (i.e., executive function (EF) domains) is an integral factor in many sports. At rest, prolonged cognitive load (pCL) impairs reaction time (RT). In contrast, exercise improves RT and EF. We hypothesized that RT and EF during exercise would be diminished by prolonged 'dual tasking' as a consequence of pCL. To test the hypothesis, twenty healthy male participants performed four conditions [resting control (Rest), pCL only (pCL Rest ), exercise only (EX), and pCL + exercise (pCL EX )] in a randomized-crossover design. Both exercise conditions utilized a 50-min cycling exercise protocol (60% VO 2 peak) and the pCL was achieved via a 50-min colour-word Stroop task (CWST). Compared with Rest, pCL Rest caused a slowed CWST RT (P < 0.05) and a large SD (i.e., intraindividual variability) of CWST RT (P < 0.01). Similarly, compared with EX, the slowed CWST RT (P < 0.05) and large SD of CWST RT (P < 0.01) were also observed in pCL EX . Whereas the reverse-Stroop interference was not affected in pCL Rest (P = 0.46), it was larger (i.e., declined EF) in pCL EX than EX condition (P < 0.05). These observations provide evidence that the effort of pCL impairs RT and EF even during exercise., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Microgravity has been shown to be a significant stressor on the cardiovascular system and the brain due to the redistribution of fluids that occurs in the absence of gravitational force, but there is scarce literature surrounding the effects of microgravity on cerebral hemodynamics and cognition. Understanding the early effects that simulated gravity has on cognitive function is essential for developing proper physical and cognitive countermeasures to assure safe and effective cognitive/decisions making while astronauts prepare for the initial launch or when they arrive in a microgravity environment. Therefore, this study aims to determine how an acute simulation of microgravity would alter cerebral oxygenation and executive functions. Sixty-five young healthy participants (22 ± 6 years, 21 females) completed a thirty (30) minute horizontal (0 0 tilt) followed by a 90-min - 6° head-down-tilt (HDT) protocol. Cerebral oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex was monitored throughout the testing session using near-infrared spectroscopy. Cognition was also measured using a computerized Stroop Task. Our results demonstrate that cerebral oxygenation was higher during HDT compared to the horizontal supine position (9.11 ± 1.3 vs. 7.51 ± 1.8, p = 0.02). For the cognitive results, the non-executive performance of the Stroop task remained stable during HDT (652.46 ± 19.3 vs. 632.49 ± 14.5, p = 0.09). However, reaction time during the executive task performance was improved after the HDT (1058 ± 195-950 ± 158 ms, p < 0.01). Our results suggest that an acute bout of simulated microgravity can enhance executive functioning., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Abstract This work presents data from 148 German native speakers (20–55 years of age), who completed several speaking tasks, ranging from formal tests such as word production tests to more ecologically valid spontaneous tasks that were designed to mimic natural speech. This speech data is supplemented by performance measures on several standardised, computer-based executive functioning (EF) tests covering domains of working-memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, and attention. The speech and EF data are further complemented by a rich collection of demographic data that documents education level, family status, and physical and psychological well-being. Additionally, the dataset includes information of the participants’ hormone levels (cortisol, progesterone, oestradiol, and testosterone) at the time of testing. This dataset is thus a carefully curated, expansive collection of data that spans over different EF domains and includes both formal speaking tests as well as spontaneous speaking tasks, supplemented by valuable phenotypical information. This will thus provide the unique opportunity to perform a variety of analyses in the context of speech, EF, and inter-individual differences, and to our knowledge is the first of its kind in the German language. We refer to this dataset as SpEx since it combines speech and executive functioning data. Researchers interested in conducting exploratory or hypothesis-driven analyses in the field of individual differences in language and executive functioning, are encouraged to request access to this resource. Applicants will then be provided with an encrypted version of the data which can be downloaded.

Abstract To evaluate the effect of 16 weeks of different aerobic activity on physical fitness and executive functions in primary school students. 90 right-handed students from China (Boys = 46; Girls = 44) participated in our study and were randomly separated into four groups: 20 in the control group (Con), 23 in the physical activity group (PA), 25 in the intellectual activity group (IA), 22 in the physical activity and intellectual activity group (PA + IA). The students in PA, IA and PA + IA group received aerobic exercise program lasted 40 min daily, 4 days a week for 16 weeks, regular physical activity in the PA group, intellectual activity in the IA group, physical activity couple with intellectual activity in the PA + IA group, respectively. All the students participate the experiment for body composition, physical fitness (cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, speed sensitivity, flexibility quality), executive functions and saliva analysis test before and after 16 weeks. There was no significant effect of 16 weeks different aerobic exercise interventions on body composition before and after exercise interventions among four groups in children (p > 0.05). The results were obtained by inter-group and intra-group comparisons that different exercise interventions (physical activity, intellectual activity, physical combine with intellectual activity), all can significantly improve physical fitness parameters (cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, speed sensitivity and flexibility quality), and executive functions parameters (inhibitory control, working memory, reaction time cognitive flexibility), as well as the concentration of saliva GH and IGF-I (p

Abstract Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are recognised as precursors to numerous physical and mental health challenges. However, research on their impact on inhibitory control and working memory, particularly among healthy young adults, remains limited. The role played by the stress response as a moderator in these effects is likewise underexplored. Our study addresses this gap by examining cognitive impairments in non-clinical adults with early childhood trauma, specifically trauma before the age of 13 years, and by assessing the influence of the stress response on these effects. A total of 15 participants with early ACEs were compared with a control group (n = 18) using the Corsi Block Tapping Test (CBTT) and Stroop Word Colour Test (SCWT). Results showed that participants with early ACEs exhibited lower scores on the SCWT but not the CBTT. The stress response emerged as a potential factor in the relationship between early ACEs and cognitive performance. The implications of these findings are then discussed in relation to the existing literature.

Parkinson's disease is characterized by motor and cognitive deficits. While previous work suggests a relationship between both, direct empirical evidence is scarce or inconclusive. Therefore, we examined the relationship between walking features and executive functioning in patients with Parkinson's disease using state-of-the-art machine learning approaches. A dataset of 103 geriatric Parkinson inpatients, who performed four walking conditions with varying difficulty levels depending on single task walking and additional motor and cognitive demands, was analyzed. Walking features were quantified using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) system positioned at the patient's lower back. The analyses included five imputation methods and four regression approaches to predict executive functioning, as measured using the Trail-Making Test (TMT). Multiple imputation by chained equations (MICE) in combination with support vector regression (SVR) reduce the mean absolute error by about 4.95% compared to baseline. Importantly, predictions solely based on walking features obtained with support vector regression mildly but significantly correlated with Δ-TMT values. Specifically, this effect was primarily driven by step time variability, double limb support time variability, and gait speed in the dual task condition with cognitive demands. Taken together, our data provide direct evidence for a link between executive functioning and specific walking features in Parkinson's disease., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Regular physical activity is associated with healthier brains and improved cognition among older adults. Yet, the impact of a short bout of exercise on older adults' cognition still is not fully clarified. The present study explored the effects of 20 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (on a cycle ergometer) on cognition. Forty-eight healthy older adults were randomly assigned to an exercise or a control group and completed four cognitive tests: Affective Go/No-Go (AGN), Simple Reaction Time (SRT), Spatial Working Memory (SWM) and a Backward Counting task. Tests were administered prior to and immediately after 20 min of cycling (exercise group) or rest (control group). Mixed-design 2 × 2 ANOVAs indicated a significant interaction of Group x Session, for commission errors on the positive valence of the Affective Go/No-go task, indicating that the exercise group performed better on one aspect of this inhibition test after cycling (p = 0.004), while the control group's performance declined after rest. A similar pattern was found for the SWM, with the exercise group showing a significantly better performance after the exercise both for total error (p = 0.027) and the strategy (p = 0.002), while no improvement was observed after rest (controls). The study suggests that inhibitory control functions and working memory may be improved by a single relatively short bout of moderate exercise. However, the null effects of exercise on the other cognitive measures indicate that the neurocognitive benefits of acute exercise for older adults may be selectively sensitive to exercise parameters and to specific aspects of cognition., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The cultural background and age shape the cognitive and social development of children. This study aimed to compare perceptual, executive, and social functioning in two age groups of preschoolers from Germany and Iran. One hundred sixty-five children (83 Iranian and 82 German) participated in the study, with 87 children aged three years and 78 children aged four years. The participants completed a series of tasks to assess different cognitive functions, including the theory of mind as a measure of social cognition, picture mental rotation test to evaluate spatial ability, and several tests including digit span, Corsi block tapping, day-night, grass-snow, dimensional change card sort, and active and passive vocabulary tests to assess executive functions. The findings revealed that German children performed better than their Iranian peers regarding spatial ability and theory of mind. Additionally, German children outperformed Iranian children in working memory, cognitive flexibility, and verbal fluency, while Iranian children demonstrated better inhibitory control. Furthermore, the correlational analysis indicated that in German children, executive function correlated with the theory of mind, whereas in Iranian children, executive function was associated with perceptual functions. Age impacted the results. These results highlight the role of cultural factors in shaping cognitive functioning and emphasize the need to consider cultural influences when examining cognitive development in different populations., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Subthreshold depression (StD) is associated an increased risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidality. Suicidality could be linked to distress intolerance and use of context-dependent strategies. We identified neural correlates of executive functioning among the hubs in the resting-state functional connectome (rs-FCN) and examined associations with recent suicidality in StD and MDD. In total, 79 young adults [27 StD, 30 MDD, and 23 healthy controls (HC)] were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging. Neurocognitive measures of the mean latency to correct five moves in the One Touch Stockings of Cambridge (OTSMLC5), spatial working memory between errors (SWMBE), rapid visual information processing A' (RVPA'), and the stop signal reaction time in the stop signal test (SSTSSRT) were obtained. Global graph metrics were calculated to measure the network integration, segregation, and their balance in the rs-FCN. Regional graph metrics reflecting the number of neighbors (degree centrality; DC), participation in the shortcuts (betweenness centrality; BC), and accessibility to intersections (eigenvector centrality; EC) in the rs-FCN defined group-level hubs for StD, HC, and MDD, separately. Global network metrics were comparable among the groups (all P > 0.05). Among the group-level hubs, regional graph metrics of left dorsal anterior insula (dAI), right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), right rostral temporal thalamus, right precuneus, and left postcentral/middle temporal/anterior subgenual cingulate cortices were different among the groups. Further, significant associations with neurocognitive measures were found in the right dmPFC with SWMBE, and left dAI with SSTSSRT and RVPA'. Shorter OTSMLC5 was related to the lower centralities of right thalamus and suffer of recent 1-year suicidal ideation (all Ps < 0.05 in ≥ 2 centralities out of DC, BC, and EC). Collectively, salience and thalamic networks underlie spatial strategy and planning, response inhibition, and suicidality in StD and MDD. Anti-suicidal therapies targeting executive function and modulation of salience-thalamic network in StD and MDD are required., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Abstract Aerobic exercise acutely improves cognitive function (e.g., executive function (EF); memory recognition (MR)) and increases circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In addition, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) ingestion acutely shortens the choice reaction time and increases brain BDNF. We examined whether the ingestion of essential amino acid (EAA) supplements (mainly composed of BCAA) would positively impact on cognitive function and circulating BDNF after moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Twenty-two healthy young men received either an EAA supplements or the placebo (PL) 30 min before undergoing aerobic exercise. The participants performed a cycling exercise at 60% of peak oxygen uptake for 30 min. EF after aerobic exercise was better after the EAA treatment than after the PL treatment (P = 0.02). MR (P = 0.38 for response accuracy; P = 0.15 for reaction time) and circulating BDNF (P = 0.59) were not altered by EAA supplements. EF improvement was correlated with increases in some amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, phenylalanine; all Ps

The development of highly automated vehicles can meet elderly drivers' mobility needs; however, worse driving performance after a takeover request (TOR) is frequently found, especially regarding non-driving related tasks (NDRTs). This study aims to detect the correlation between takeover performance and underlying cognitive factors comprising a set of higher order cognitive processes including executive functions. Thirty-five young and 35 elderly participants were tested by computerized cognitive tasks and simulated driving tasks to evaluate their executive functions and takeover performance. Performance of n-back tasks, Simon tasks, and task switching were used to evaluate updating, inhibition, and shifting components of executive functions by principal component analysis. The performance of lane changing after TOR was measured using the standard deviation of the steering wheel angle and minimum time-to-collision (TTC). Differences between age groups and NDRT engagement were assessed by two-way mixed analysis of variance. Older participants had significantly lower executive function ability and were less stable and more conservative when engaged in NDRT. Furthermore, a significant correlation between executive function and lateral driving stability was found. These findings highlight the interaction between age-related differences in executive functions and takeover performance; thus, provide implications for designing driver screening tests or human-machine interfaces., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Abstract Subthreshold depression (StD) is associated an increased risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidality. Suicidality could be linked to distress intolerance and use of context-dependent strategies. We identified neural correlates of executive functioning among the hubs in the resting-state functional connectome (rs-FCN) and examined associations with recent suicidality in StD and MDD. In total, 79 young adults [27 StD, 30 MDD, and 23 healthy controls (HC)] were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging. Neurocognitive measures of the mean latency to correct five moves in the One Touch Stockings of Cambridge (OTSMLC5), spatial working memory between errors (SWMBE), rapid visual information processing A′ (RVPA′), and the stop signal reaction time in the stop signal test (SSTSSRT) were obtained. Global graph metrics were calculated to measure the network integration, segregation, and their balance in the rs-FCN. Regional graph metrics reflecting the number of neighbors (degree centrality; DC), participation in the shortcuts (betweenness centrality; BC), and accessibility to intersections (eigenvector centrality; EC) in the rs-FCN defined group-level hubs for StD, HC, and MDD, separately. Global network metrics were comparable among the groups (all P > 0.05). Among the group-level hubs, regional graph metrics of left dorsal anterior insula (dAI), right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), right rostral temporal thalamus, right precuneus, and left postcentral/middle temporal/anterior subgenual cingulate cortices were different among the groups. Further, significant associations with neurocognitive measures were found in the right dmPFC with SWMBE, and left dAI with SSTSSRT and RVPA′. Shorter OTSMLC5 was related to the lower centralities of right thalamus and suffer of recent 1-year suicidal ideation (all Ps

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are frequently associated with impaired executive function and verbal fluency. Given limited knowledge concerning HAND in Sub-Saharan-Africa and lack of Cameroonian adult neuropsychological (NP) test norms, we administered four executive function [Halstead Category Test (HCT), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Color Trails-II (CTT2), and Stroop Color-Word-Interference (SCWT)] and three verbal fluency (Category, Action, and Letter Fluency) tests to 742 adult Cameroonians (395 HIV-, 347 HIV+). We developed demographically-corrected NP test norms and examined the effects of HIV and related variables on subjects' executive function and verbal fluency. HIV+ subjects had significantly lower T-scores on CTT2 (P = 0.005), HCT (P = 0.032), WCST (P

Abstract Studies have demonstrated that exercise benefits executive function. However, it remains unclear which type of exercise is optimal for preserving executive function among young adults and the cerebral blood flow (CBF) mechanisms that underlie exercise-induced cognitive benefits. Therefore, this study aims to compare the intervention effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on executive function and the CBF mechanism. This was a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial study conducted between October 2020 and January 2021 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04830059). Ninety-three healthy young adults (25.23 ± 2.18 years old; 49.82% male) were randomized into the HIIT (N = 33), MICT (N = 32), and control (N = 28) groups. Participants in exercise groups were guided to perform 40 min of HIIT and MICT three times a week for 12 weeks, while the control group received health education for the same period. The primary outcomes, changes in executive function assessed by the trail-making test (TMT), and CBF measured by transcranial Doppler flow analyzer (EMS-9WA), were evaluated before and after the interventions. The time taken to complete the TMT task improved significantly in the MICT group compared to the control group [β = −10.175, 95%, confidence interval (CI) = −20.320, −0.031]. Additionally, the MICT group showed significant improvements in the pulsatility index (PI) (β = 0.120, 95% CI = 0.018, 0.222), resistance index (RI) (β = 0.043, 95% CI = 0.005, 0.082), and peak-systolic/end-diastolic velocity (S/D) (β = 0.277, 95% CI = 0.048, 0.507) of CBF compared to the control group. The time taken to complete the TMT was associated with the velocity of peak-systolic (F = 5.414, P = 0.022), PI (F = 4.973, P = 0.012), and RI (F = 5.845, P = 0.006). Furthermore, the accuracy of TMT was associated with PI (F = 4.797, P = 0.036), RI (F = 5.394, P = 0.024), and S/D (F = 4.312, P = 0.05) of CBF. A 12-week MICT intervention improved CBF and executive function more effectively than HIIT among young adults. Furthermore, the findings suggest that CBF was one of the potential mechanisms underlying the cognitive benefits of exercise in young people. These results provide practical evidence supporting the promotion of regular exercise to maintain executive function and improve brain health.

Semantic verbal fluency (sVF) tasks are commonly used in clinical diagnostic batteries as well as in a research context. When performing sVF tasks to assess executive functions (EFs) the sum of correctly produced words is the main measure. Although previous research indicates potentially better insights into EF performance by the use of finer grained sVF information, this has not yet been objectively evaluated. To investigate the potential of employing a finer grained sVF feature set to predict EF performance, healthy monolingual German speaking participants (n = 230) were tested with a comprehensive EF test battery and sVF tasks, from which features including sum scores, error types, speech breaks and semantic relatedness were extracted. A machine learning method was applied to predict EF scores from sVF features in previously unseen subjects. To investigate the predictive power of the advanced sVF feature set, we compared it to the commonly used sum score analysis. Results revealed that 8 / 14 EF tests were predicted significantly using the comprehensive sVF feature set, which outperformed sum scores particularly in predicting cognitive flexibility and inhibitory processes. These findings highlight the predictive potential of a comprehensive evaluation of sVF tasks which might be used as diagnostic screening of EFs.

Abstract The speed and accuracy of decision-making (i.e., executive function (EF) domains) is an integral factor in many sports. At rest, prolonged cognitive load (pCL) impairs reaction time (RT). In contrast, exercise improves RT and EF. We hypothesized that RT and EF during exercise would be diminished by prolonged ‘dual tasking’ as a consequence of pCL. To test the hypothesis, twenty healthy male participants performed four conditions [resting control (Rest), pCL only (pCLRest), exercise only (EX), and pCL + exercise (pCLEX)] in a randomized-crossover design. Both exercise conditions utilized a 50-min cycling exercise protocol (60% VO2 peak) and the pCL was achieved via a 50-min colour-word Stroop task (CWST). Compared with Rest, pCLRest caused a slowed CWST RT (P

Having good digital skills is essential today, yet little is known about the cognitive factors that influence the development of these skills. Given the importance of executive functions (EFs) in adapting to environmental changes and acquiring skills, EFs might contribute to acquiring digital skills too. EFs might also influence people's approach toward ICTs and affect digital skills through emotional variables. Therefore, here, we tested whether cognitive control and flexibility are connected to computer and smartphone skills through emotional factors (learning confidence, stress, and attitude). A total of 269 participants (56 males, M = 30 years) filled out our survey which included questionnaires on demographic variables (age, education, and socioeconomic status), ICT motivation, digital skills, EFs, and technology-related emotional factors. EFs were also investigated through two performance-based measures. We used generalized linear models and structural equation modeling to test the associations between these variables. The results showed that smartphone skills were positively associated with self-reported cognitive flexibility through ICT learning confidence and technology-induced stress. Self-reported cognitive control and age were connected to smartphone skills directly. Self-reported cognitive flexibility was also associated with computer skills through ICT learning confidence. In addition, performance-based cognitive control and the level of education were directly linked to computer skills. These results may provide guidance to support digital skills and create digital skill training., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for alleviating negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia commonly targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC). However, the therapeutic effectiveness of rTMS at this site remains inconclusive and increasingly, studies are focusing on cerebellar rTMS. Recently, prolonged intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) has emerged as a rapid-acting form of rTMS with promising clinical benefits. This study explored the cognitive and neurophysiological effects of prolonged iTBS administered to the LDLPFC and cerebellum in a healthy cohort. 50 healthy participants took part in a cross-over study and received prolonged (1800 pulses) iTBS targeting the LDLPFC, cerebellar vermis, and sham iTBS. Mixed effects repeated measures models examined cognitive and event-related potentials (ERPs) from 2-back (P300, N200) and Stroop (N200, N450) tasks after stimulation. Exploratory non-parametric cluster-based permutation tests compared ERPs between conditions. There were no significant differences between conditions for behavioural and ERP outcomes on the 2-back and Stroop tasks. Exploratory cluster-based permutation tests of ERPs did not identify any significant differences between conditions. We did not find evidence that a single session of prolonged iTBS administered to either the LDLPFC or cerebellum could cause any cognitive or ERP changes compared to sham in a healthy sample., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The evaluation of cognitive functions interactions has become increasingly implemented in the cognition exploration. In the present study, we propose to examine the organization of the cognitive network in healthy participants through the analysis of behavioral performances in several cognitive domains. Specifically, we aim to explore cognitive interactions profiles, in terms of cognitive network, and as a function of participants' handedness. To this end, we proposed several behavioral tasks evaluating language, memory, executive functions, and social cognition performances in 175 young healthy right-handed and left-handed participants and we analyzed cognitive scores, from a network perspective, using graph theory. Our results highlight the existence of intricate interactions between cognitive functions both within and beyond the same cognitive domain. Language functions are interrelated with executive functions and memory in healthy cognitive functioning and assume a central role in the cognitive network. Interestingly, for similar high performance, our findings unveiled differential organizations within the cognitive network between right-handed and left-handed participants, with variations observed both at a global and nodal level. This original integrative network approach to the study of cognition provides new insights into cognitive interactions and modulations. It allows a more global understanding and consideration of cognitive functioning, from which complex behaviors emerge., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study intended to explore the neuropsychological ramifications in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors in Malaysia and to examine treatment-related sequelae. A case-control study was conducted over a 2-year period. Seventy-one survivors of childhood ALL who had completed treatment for a minimum of 1 year and were in remission, and 71 healthy volunteers were enlisted. To assess alertness (processing speed) and essential executive functioning skills such as working memory capacity, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and sustained attention, seven measures from the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks (ANT) program were chosen. Main outcome measures were speed, stability and accuracy of responses. Mean age at diagnosis was 4.50 years (SD ± 2.40) while mean age at study entry was 12.18 years (SD ± 3.14). Survivors of childhood ALL underperformed on 6 out of 7 ANT tasks, indicating poorer sustained attention, working memory capacity, executive visuomotor control, and cognitive flexibility. Duration of treatment, age at diagnosis, gender, and cumulative doses of chemotherapy were not found to correlate with any of the neuropsychological outcome measures. Childhood ALL survivors in our center demonstrated significantly poorer neuropsychological status compared to healthy controls., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Abstract Microgravity has been shown to be a significant stressor on the cardiovascular system and the brain due to the redistribution of fluids that occurs in the absence of gravitational force, but there is scarce literature surrounding the effects of microgravity on cerebral hemodynamics and cognition. Understanding the early effects that simulated gravity has on cognitive function is essential for developing proper physical and cognitive countermeasures to assure safe and effective cognitive/decisions making while astronauts prepare for the initial launch or when they arrive in a microgravity environment. Therefore, this study aims to determine how an acute simulation of microgravity would alter cerebral oxygenation and executive functions. Sixty-five young healthy participants (22 ± 6 years, 21 females) completed a thirty (30) minute horizontal (00 tilt) followed by a 90-min − 6° head-down-tilt (HDT) protocol. Cerebral oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex was monitored throughout the testing session using near-infrared spectroscopy. Cognition was also measured using a computerized Stroop Task. Our results demonstrate that cerebral oxygenation was higher during HDT compared to the horizontal supine position (9.11 ± 1.3 vs. 7.51 ± 1.8, p = 0.02). For the cognitive results, the non-executive performance of the Stroop task remained stable during HDT (652.46 ± 19.3 vs. 632.49 ± 14.5, p = 0.09). However, reaction time during the executive task performance was improved after the HDT (1058 ± 195–950 ± 158 ms, p

Abstract The development of highly automated vehicles can meet elderly drivers’ mobility needs; however, worse driving performance after a takeover request (TOR) is frequently found, especially regarding non-driving related tasks (NDRTs). This study aims to detect the correlation between takeover performance and underlying cognitive factors comprising a set of higher order cognitive processes including executive functions. Thirty-five young and 35 elderly participants were tested by computerized cognitive tasks and simulated driving tasks to evaluate their executive functions and takeover performance. Performance of n-back tasks, Simon tasks, and task switching were used to evaluate updating, inhibition, and shifting components of executive functions by principal component analysis. The performance of lane changing after TOR was measured using the standard deviation of the steering wheel angle and minimum time-to-collision (TTC). Differences between age groups and NDRT engagement were assessed by two-way mixed analysis of variance. Older participants had significantly lower executive function ability and were less stable and more conservative when engaged in NDRT. Furthermore, a significant correlation between executive function and lateral driving stability was found. These findings highlight the interaction between age-related differences in executive functions and takeover performance; thus, provide implications for designing driver screening tests or human–machine interfaces.

Abstract Running, compared to pedaling is a whole-body locomotive movement that may confer more mental health via strongly stimulating brains, although running impacts on mental health but their underlying brain mechanisms have yet to be determined; since almost the mechanistic studies have been done with pedaling. We thus aimed at determining the acute effect of a single bout of running at moderate-intensity, the most popular condition, on mood and executive function as well as their neural substrates in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Twenty-six healthy participants completed both a 10-min running session on a treadmill at 50% $${\dot{\text{V}}\text{O}}_{{{\text{2peak}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2peak and a resting control session in randomized order. Executive function was assessed using the Stroop interference time from the color-word matching Stroop task (CWST) and mood was assessed using the Two-Dimensional Mood Scale, before and after both sessions. Prefrontal hemodynamic changes while performing the CWST were investigated using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Running resulted in significant enhanced arousal and pleasure level compared to control. Running also caused significant greater reduction of Stroop interference time and increase in Oxy-Hb signals in bilateral PFCs. Besides, we found a significant association among pleasure level, Stroop interference reaction time, and the left dorsolateral PFCs: important brain loci for inhibitory control and mood regulation. To our knowledge, an acute moderate-intensity running has the beneficial of inducing a positive mood and enhancing executive function coinciding with cortical activation in the prefrontal subregions involved in inhibitory control and mood regulation. These results together with previous findings with pedaling imply the specificity of moderate running benefits promoting both cognition and pleasant mood.

The purpose of this study was to explore whether dietary live microbe intake is associated with various cognitive domains using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2014. And the specific relationship between low, medium and high dietary live microbe intake groups and cognitive ability of the elderly. Dietary live microbe intake was calculated from 24-h diet recall interviews. Cognitive function was assessed using the number symbol substitution test (DSST, which measures processing speed), the animal fluency test (AFT, which measures executive function), the Alzheimer's Registry sub-test (CERAD, which measures memory), and the Composite Z-score, which adds the Z-values of individual tests. Multiple linear regression models and restricted cubic bar graphs were used to investigate the relationship between live microbe intake and cognitive performance. A total of 2,450 participants aged 60 or older were included. Live microbe intake was positively correlated with cognitive ability on the whole. Specifically, when the intake of low, medium and high live microbe was > 2640 g, > 39 g and > 0 g respectively, the CERAD, DSST, AFT and compositive-Z score of the subjects increased with the increase of microbial intake (P < 0.05). In American adults age 60 or older, higher intakes of live microbes were associated with better cognitive performance, especially after a certain amount was reached., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Preservation of executive function, like inhibition, closely links to the quality of life in senior adults. Although neuroimaging literature has shown enhanced inhibitory function followed by aerobic exercise, current evidence implies inconsistent neuroplasticity patterns along different time durations of exercise. Hence, we conducted a 12-week exercise intervention on 12 young and 14 senior volunteers and repeatedly measured the inhibitory functionality of distinct aspects (facilitation and interference effects) using the numerical Stroop task and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Results showcased improved accuracy and reduced reaction times (RT) after 12-week exercise, attributed to frontoparietal and default mode network effects. In young adults, the first phase (0 to six weeks) exercise increased the activation of the right superior medial frontal gyrus, associated with reduced RT in interference, but in the second intervention phase (six to twelve weeks), the decreased activation of the left superior medial frontal gyrus positively correlated with reduced RT in facilitation. In senior adults, the first six-week intervention led to reduced activations of the inferior frontal gyrus, inferior parietal gyrus, and default mode network regions, associated with the reduced RT in interference. Still, in the second intervention phase, only the visual area exhibited increased activity, associated with reduced RT in interference. Except for the distinctive brain plasticity between the two phases of exercise intervention, the between-group comparison also presented that the old group gained more cognitive benefits within the first six weeks of exercise intervention; however, the cognitive improvements in the young group occurred after six weeks of intervention. Limited by the sample size, these preliminary findings corroborated the benefits of aerobic exercise on the inhibitory functions, implying an age × exercise interaction on the brain plasticity for both facilitation and interference., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

There is conjecture that our modern urban environments place high demand on our attentional resources, which can become depleted over time and cause mental fatigue. Natural environments, on the other hand, are thought to provide relief from this demand and allow our resources to be replenished. While these claims have been assessed with self-report and behavioral measures, there is limited understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying these attentional benefits. The present randomized controlled trial fills this gap in the literature by using electroencephalography to explore three aspects of attention-alerting, orienting, and executive control-from a behavioral and neural perspective. Participants (N = 92) completed the Attention Network Task before and after either a 40-min walk in nature or a 40-min walk in a control, urban environment. Participants that walked in nature reported their walk to be more restorative than those that walked in the urban environment. Furthermore, the nature group showed an enhanced error-related negativity after their walk, an event-related brain component that indexes executive control capacity, whereas the urban group did not. These findings demonstrate that a 40-min nature walk enhances executive control at a neural level, providing a potential neural mechanism for attention restoration in nature., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

A sedentary lifestyle offers immediate gratification, but at the expense of long-term health. It is thus critical to understand how the brain evaluates immediate rewards and long-term health effects in the context of deciding whether to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or sedentary behaviour (SB). In this secondary analysis of a 6-month randomized controlled trial to increase MVPA and reduce SB among community-dwelling adults, we explored how neural activity during an executive control task was associated with MVPA and SB levels. At baseline, a subset of participants (n = 26/61) underwent task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine neural activity underlying executive control using the Now/Later task. MVPA and SB were measured objectively using the Sensewear Mini at baseline, and 2, 4, and 6 months follow-up. We then examined the associations of baseline neural activation underlying executive control with: (1) baseline MVPA or SB; and (2) changes in MVPA and SB over 6 months. Our results determined that there is a complex neurocognitive system associated with MVPA levels, while SB appears to lack any neurocognitive control. In other words, MVPA appears to require neurocognitive effort, while SB may be the default behavioural pattern in adults., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Running, compared to pedaling is a whole-body locomotive movement that may confer more mental health via strongly stimulating brains, although running impacts on mental health but their underlying brain mechanisms have yet to be determined; since almost the mechanistic studies have been done with pedaling. We thus aimed at determining the acute effect of a single bout of running at moderate-intensity, the most popular condition, on mood and executive function as well as their neural substrates in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Twenty-six healthy participants completed both a 10-min running session on a treadmill at 50% V ˙ O 2peak and a resting control session in randomized order. Executive function was assessed using the Stroop interference time from the color-word matching Stroop task (CWST) and mood was assessed using the Two-Dimensional Mood Scale, before and after both sessions. Prefrontal hemodynamic changes while performing the CWST were investigated using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Running resulted in significant enhanced arousal and pleasure level compared to control. Running also caused significant greater reduction of Stroop interference time and increase in Oxy-Hb signals in bilateral PFCs. Besides, we found a significant association among pleasure level, Stroop interference reaction time, and the left dorsolateral PFCs: important brain loci for inhibitory control and mood regulation. To our knowledge, an acute moderate-intensity running has the beneficial of inducing a positive mood and enhancing executive function coinciding with cortical activation in the prefrontal subregions involved in inhibitory control and mood regulation. These results together with previous findings with pedaling imply the specificity of moderate running benefits promoting both cognition and pleasant mood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a novel approach, this study explores feasibility and relevance of an inhibition task for studying age-related differences in motor inhibition during gait initiation. When presented with a go-signal, young adults (YA, n = 24) and older adults (OA, n = 55) were required to promptly initiate gait. Participants completed 3 blocks of 12 gait trials. Each block contained 3 stop trials in which the go-signal was followed by a stop-signal that required the person to block gait initiation and remain standing. Stop-signals were presented randomly and with different delays. Data analyses focused on changes in the centre of pressure (COP) and success of motor inhibition. Compared to go-trials, stop trials resulted in a marked decrease of timing and amplitude of COP displacement. Overall success rate of motor inhibition was low (29% in YA vs. 19% in OA) and decreased with increasing COP displacement. Inhibitory success was associated with two strategies: a pro-active cautious COP displacement; and the inhibition of further COP displacement after a stop-signal. Results demonstrate age-related differences in adaptive behavior as well as boundaries beyond which neither old nor young persons were successful. This study yields important insights into motor inhibition during gait and essential input nto further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of prolonged infrasound (IS) exposure on brain function and behavior are largely unknown, with only one prior study investigating functional connectivity (FC) changes. In a long-term randomized-controlled trial, 38 participants were exposed to inaudible airborne IS (6 Hz, 80–90 dB) or sham devices for four weeks (8 h/night). We assessed FC changes in resting-state networks (auditory, default mode (DMN), sensorimotor (SMN), and executive control (ECN)), and explored IS 'sensitivity' as a predictor of identified significant FC changes. We also examined correlations between somatic symptoms and FC. IS exposure led to decreased FC in the right precuneus (DMN) and increased FC in the Vermis IV and V (SMN). In the ECN, we observed increased FC in the right frontal middle gyrus (BA8) and the right inferior parietal lobe, and decreased FC in another region of the right frontal middle gyrus. Changes in the ECN (right inferior parietal lobe) were negatively associated with self-reported annoyance from IS/low-frequency noise. A significant negative association was found between FC changes in the DMN (right precuneus) and somatic symptoms. Our study is the first to investigate prolonged IS exposure effects on brain FC, revealing changes in the vDMN, SMN, and ECN, but not in the auditory network. Future studies should assess annoyance and sensitivity markers, fine-grained measures of somatic symptoms, and stratify samples by sensitivity to uncover individual differences in response to IS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood adversity and adulthood adversity affect cognition later in life. However, the mechanism through which adversity exerts these effects on cognition remains under-researched. We aimed to investigate if the effect of adversity on cognition was mediated by distress or neuroticism. The UK Biobank is a large, population-based, cohort study designed to investigate risk factors of cognitive health. Here, data were analysed using a cross-sectional design. Structural equation models were fitted to the data with childhood adversity or adulthood adversity as independent variables, distress and neuroticism as mediators and executive function and processing speed as latent dependent variables that were derived from the cognitive scores in the UK Biobank. Complete data were available for 64,051 participants in the childhood adversity model and 63,360 participants in the adulthood adversity model. Childhood adversity did not show a direct effect on processing speed. The effect of childhood adversity on executive function was partially mediated by distress and neuroticism. The effects of adulthood adversity on executive function and processing speed were both partially mediated by distress and neuroticism. In conclusion, distress and neuroticism mediated the deleterious effect of childhood and adulthood adversity on cognition and may provide a mechanism underlying the deleterious consequences of adversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract While a replicability crisis has shaken psychological sciences, the replicability of multivariate approaches for psychometric data factorization has received little attention. In particular, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) is frequently promoted as the gold standard in psychological sciences. However, the application of EFA to executive functioning, a core concept in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, has led to divergent conceptual models. This heterogeneity severely limits the generalizability and replicability of findings. To tackle this issue, in this study, we propose to capitalize on a machine learning approach, OPNMF (Orthonormal Projective Non-Negative Factorization), and leverage internal cross-validation to promote generalizability to an independent dataset. We examined its application on the scores of 334 adults at the Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS), while comparing to standard EFA and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We further evaluated the replicability of the derived factorization across specific gender and age subsamples. Overall, OPNMF and PCA both converge towards a two-factor model as the best data-fit model. The derived factorization suggests a division between low-level and high-level executive functioning measures, a model further supported in subsamples. In contrast, EFA, highlighted a five-factor model which reflects the segregation of the D-KEFS battery into its main tasks while still clustering higher-level tasks together. However, this model was poorly supported in the subsamples. Thus, the parsimonious two-factors model revealed by OPNMF encompasses the more complex factorization yielded by EFA while enjoying higher generalizability. Hence, OPNMF provides a conceptually meaningful, technically robust, and generalizable factorization for psychometric tools.