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Objective: To consider the possible role of the vagus nerve (VN) in the pathophysiology of sleep bruxism (SB) and introduce a multimodal protocol of transcutaneous auricular stimulation of the VN in the treatment of SB patients. Methods: Ten patients with SB underwent four sessions of electric transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) in specific auricular areas. The patients were advised to manually stimulate the same areas between sessions. Masticatory muscle activity and sleep parameters were measured by a polysomnography (PSG) before and after the treatment. Heart rate variability (HRV) parameters were measured during each stimulation. Results: PSG analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in tonic SB index and tonic contraction time. HRV parameters showed a statistically significant increase in mean values of the vagal tone after each session of stimulation. No side effect was reported. Conclusion: The stimulation of the VN might have a role in the treatment of SB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusions\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION1) to develop two maximum heart rate (HRmax) prediction equations for individuals after stroke; 2) to investigate its validity.The HRmax was obtained by a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET). Participants also completed the Six-minute Walking Test (6MWT) and the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT).60 individuals (54(12) years; 64(69) months after stroke) were included. Twenty individuals (58(10) years; 67(61) months after stroke) were included in the cross-validation group. For the first model, the following equation was generated (equation-1): HRmax= 87.655 + 0.726 (HRpeak in the 6MWT) − 0.386 (age in years), (R2=0.53; Standard Error of the Estimate (SEE)= 15.35; p < 0.0001). For the second model, the following equation was generated (equation-2): HRmax= 96.523 + 0.681 (HRpeak in the ISWT) − 0.039 (walking distance in meters in the ISWT) − 0.400 (age in years), (R2=0.53; SEE = 15.51; p < 0.0001). Significant and high magnitude agreement was found between the HRmax obtained by the CPET and the predicted HRmax by equation-1 (ICC= 0.85; 95% CI= 0.63 − 0.94) and equation-2 (ICC= 0.72; 95% CI= 0.29 − 0.89).Two HRmax prediction equations have been developed and showed adequate validity. Professionals will have the option of choosing one of the two equations to use.Two maximum heart rate prediction equations, with clinical applicability and adequate validity, were provided for individuals after strokeTo apply the equations, it is necessary to perform the Six-Minute Walking Test or the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test.Both equations are valid and suitable for use in this population for the prescription of aerobic exercise intensity in clinical practice.Two maximum heart rate prediction equations, with clinical applicability and adequate validity, were provided for individuals after strokeTo apply the equations, it is necessary to perform the Six-Minute Walking Test or the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test.Both equations are valid and suitable for use in this population for the prescription of aerobic exercise intensity in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractExecutive functions (EF) decline with age and this decline in older adults with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) may be influenced by heart rate variability (HRV), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and physical fitness. Understanding these relationships is important for tailored treatments in this population. In this study, 51 adults with GAD (M age = 66.46, SD = 4.08) and 51 healthy controls (M age = 67.67, SD = 4.04) were assessed on cognitive inhibition (Stroop task), shifting (Trails part 4), flexibility (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test – Perseverative errors), working memory (Digit Span Backwards), IQ (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence), high frequency HRV, serum mature BDNF levels, and VO2 max. Results indicated that participants with GAD exhibited better cognitive inhibition compared to controls, with no general reduction in EF. Cognitive inhibition was predicted by gender, HRV, and BDNF levels, while cognitive shifting was predicted by gender and IQ, and cognitive flexibility and working memory by IQ. The enhanced cognitive inhibition in GAD participants might stem from maladaptive use of this function, characteristic of GAD, or protection from EF decline due to normal HRV. Increased BDNF levels, possibly due to good fitness, or compensatory mechanisms related to the disorder, might also play a role. These findings highlight the complexity of EF and related mechanisms in GAD, highlighting the need for interventions that consider both cognitive and physiological factors for optimal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmented Reality (AR) training is a cost-effective and safe alternative to traditional instructional methods. However, training novices in basic mid-air AR interactions remains challenging. To address this, we aimed to: (a) develop a robust metric to evaluate user performance across different AR interaction techniques and develop adaptation models to predict additional training requirements; (b) evaluate the adaptation models using a neuroergonomics approach. We conduct a two-phase study during which, novice participants perform simple AR interactions: poking and raycasting. In Phase-I, twenty-seven participants' data is used to identify a bi-variate performance metric based on median completion ime and consistency. Unsupervised models are trained using this metric to classify participants as low/high performers. In Phase-II, we evaluate the models on twenty-one new participants and analyze the differences in performance, neural activity and heart-rate variability between low/high performers. Our study showcases the effectiveness of our models and further discusses the potential of integrating neuroergonomics for advanced AR-based training applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThis study aimed to explore the effects of a four-week intensive eye-tracking intervention on children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP), focusing on goal attainment, communication competencies, stress levels, subjective workload, and caregivers’ perception of psychosocial impact. A multiple case study design with non-concurrent, staggered multiple baselines was employed, involving three children aged 7, 12, and 13 years. The study included a randomized baseline period of two or three weeks, an intensive eye-tracking intervention, and a six-month follow-up. Two individual eye-tracking goals were identified and assessed using the Goal Attainment Scale, while communication competencies were evaluated with the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Profile: A Continuum of Learning. Stress levels were monitored through Heart Rate Variability measured by the Bittium Faros 360° ECG Holter during eye-tracking tasks. Subjective workload and psychosocial impact were assessed using pictograms and the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale, respectively. Descriptive statistics were applied for analysis. All participants attained and retained their eye-tracking goals, regardless of their initial functional profiles or prior experience with eye-tracking technology. Post-intervention improvements in communication competencies were maintained at the six-month follow-up. Variations in stress levels, subjective workload, and psychosocial impact were observed among participants across different phases of the study, aiding the interpretation of the results. The study concludes that a structured, tailored, four-week intensive eye-tracking intervention can yield successful results in children with DCP, irrespective of their baseline communication abilities or functional profile. Recommendations for future research, including more robust methodologies and reliable computerized tests, are provided.A four-week intensive and structured eye-tracking intervention in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy appears feasible and may lead to the acquisition and retention of meaningful eye-tracking goals, regardless of functional profile or prior eye-tracking experience.Objective measurement of baseline communication competencies could assist the clinical practice in identifying areas of difficulty, thereby facilitating a tailored goal-setting and goal-attainment approach.Cognition, effort, and motivation may influence intervention outcomes and should be strongly considered in future studies with more robust methodology.Reliable computerized versions of pen-paper assessments with eye-tracking as a response modality are needed to enable a better understanding of skill-acquisition processes in the goal group.A four-week intensive and structured eye-tracking intervention in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy appears feasible and may lead to the acquisition and retention of meaningful eye-tracking goals, regardless of functional profile or prior eye-tracking experience.Objective measurement of baseline communication competencies could assist the clinical practice in identifying areas of difficulty, thereby facilitating a tailored goal-setting and goal-attainment approach.Cognition, effort, and motivation may influence intervention outcomes and should be strongly considered in future studies with more robust methodology.Reliable computerized versions of pen-paper assessments with eye-tracking as a response modality are needed to enable a better understanding of skill-acquisition processes in the goal group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of two protocols of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on performance fatigability and its neural and muscular determinants. On different days, 14 healthy males performed two HIIE protocols with different work and recovery durations (matched for total duration, work and recovery intensities, and density): 1) 4 × 4 min at 90% HRpeak,180-s recovery at 70% HRpeak; and 2) 16 × 1 min at 90% HRpeak, 45-s recovery at 70% HRpeak. Pre- to post-HIIE reduction in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was used as marker of performance fatigability, while voluntary activation (VA) and potentiated quadriceps twitch force (Qtw) as markers of the neural (i.e. central fatigue) and muscular (i.e. peripheral fatigue) determinants, respectively. In addition, pre- to post-HIIE reduction in twitch force stimulated at 100 Hz (Qtw100) and 10:100 Hz ratio (Qtw10:Qtw100) were used as markers of high- and low-frequency performance fatigability, respectively. The MVIC, VA, Tw, Qtw100, and Qtw10:Qtw100 ratio decreased similarly from pre- to post-HIIE in both HIIE protocols (p < .05). The rating of perceived effort, blood pH, and plasma lactate responses were similar between HIIE protocols (p > .05), but the heart rate was higher in the longer HIIE protocol (p < .05). In conclusion, performance fatigability and its neural and muscular determinants seemed to be independent of the work and recovery durations of the HIIE, at least when HIIE protocols were matched for total work duration, work and recovery intensities, and density. Further, HIIE with long work and recovery might be preferable when the intention is to stress the chronotropic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present cross-sectional study aimed to compare climacteric symptoms and arterial stiffness indices between perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The study sample comprised 70 healthy female participants, including 27 perimenopausal (49.8 ± 3.8 years) and 43 postmenopausal (55.7 ± 4 years) individuals. Validated methods were used to assess physical activity level, quality of life, climacteric symptoms, and anthropometric data. Arterial stiffness parameters were measured using Mobil-O-Graph. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) had a higher mean in the postmenopausal group than in the perimenopause group [8.04 m/s (SD 0.79) vs 7.01 m/s (SD 0.78), p <.001). PWV was strongly correlated with peripheral (r = 0.619) and central (r = 0.632) Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) in postmenopausal group and an even stronger correlation was observed in perimenopausal group (r = 0.779 pSBP and 0.782 cSBP). BMI was a risk predictor in the perimenopausal group contributing positively to increase Pulse Pressure Amplification (PPA) (0.458, p <.05). In postmenopausal women, heart rate (HR) was a stronger predictor for central SBP, cardiac output, and total vascular resistance, whereas perimenopausal women HR influenced central diastolic blood pressure and PPA. Vascular changes initiating during perimenopause may contribute to the development of cardiovascular pathologies in the postmenopausal period. Further research with larger, representative samples is warranted to corroborate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn recent years, social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter have seen rapid growth and are favored by users of all ages. However, in the age of information overload, the quality of interactions on social media platforms varies significantly, leading to negative feelings among users and affecting their overall experience and loyalty. This study takes the Flow theory as its starting point and investigates the needs of social media users at various stages of the flow experience. We propose modifications to the flow theory model with the aim of enhancing user experience and satisfaction. Firstly, based on literature review, we identify micro-level issues of the product, propose hypotheses, and construct validation experiments in the context of social media. The experiment collects Electrodermal Activity (EDA) and heart rate variability (HRV) data of 31 participants using a multi-channel physiological instrument and collects their emotional experience data using the Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance (PAD) scale. Results indicate that a combined textual-graphical interface layout is superior to other layouts in positively inducing flow and emotional experiences. Positive content tonality is more effective at eliciting positive flow and emotional experiences than negative or neutral content. Video presentations have a stronger sense of immersion and emotional expression, making them more conducive to inducing flow experiences and positive emotional feedback. This study, grounded in user psychology, provides a theoretical framework based on flow and emotional experiences for social media product design, quantitatively examining the positive psychological activities of users when using social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a growing interest in head-mounted display (HMD)-based virtual reality (VR) environments, there have been lots of studies enhancing user experience (UX) in the context. In particular, the study of motion sickness (MS) symptoms, which are a major barrier to providing a positive UX, is of high importance. This study investigated the effects of degree of freedom (DOF) and field of view (FOV) of HMD on MS symptoms. A user experiment was designed based on a 2 × 2 mixed design with DOF as a between-subject design variable (3-DOF and 6-DOF) and FOV as a within-subject design variable (Narrow and Wide). Participants experienced VR game content in four conditions in random order. MS symptoms were captured using heart rate variability (HRV) and virtual reality sickness questionnaire (VRSQ) at the pre- and post-task moment. The results showed that MS symptoms occurred more in the 3-DOF condition than in the 6-DOF. Further, MS symptoms in DOF conditions were adjusted depending on the FOV. In the Wide condition, we found a significant difference in MS symptoms depending on the DOF, but in the Narrow condition, no significant differences were found. Through this finding, we were able to not only show the effectiveness of HRV as MS measures but also provide meaningful design insights into HMD-based VR practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychopathy in women has gained the attention of the scientific community, but research on the emotional processing in individuals with psychopathic traits and its role in criminal behavior is still scarce. The present systematic review aims to aggregate existing literature that analyze emotional processing in women with psychopathy traits. The search terms, conducted in six databases, identified 13 relevant studies, meeting the following criteria: women, 18 years or older, prison or community contexts, and written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Studies pointed to a compromise in the understanding, management, and categorization of emotions, especially those with negative valence, and the presence of alexithymia in women with higher scores of psychopathic traits. Some studies revealed that women with psychopathy had reduced limbic activation, cortical deficits in emotional processing, and an absence of aversive startle response when exposed to aversive stimuli. Significant relationships between psychopathic traits, heart rate, and skin conductance response were documented. Additionally, the interpersonal-affective facet of psychopathy was linked to emotion management difficulties, while the antisocial-impulsive dimension seems linked to alexithymia and deficits in the processing of negatively valenced emotions. These findings carry practical implications for interventions with psychopathic women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Early Exercise Intolerance (EEI) is associated with delayed recovery and longer time to Return To Play (RTP), but this has not been established. Participants; (n = 52, male n = 30) UK university-aged rugby-union student-athletes. Methods: Student-athletes completed baseline screening (July–October 2021 and 2022). The test battery was repeated within 48 h, 4, 8 and 14 days after a Sports-Related Concussion (SRC) with the Buffalo Concussion Bike or Treadmill Test to set sub-symptom heart rate threshold. Student-athletes then completed a controlled early exercise protocol in-between reassessment (days 3, 5–7 and 9–13). Those with EEI were compared to those with early-exercise tolerance. Outcome measures: Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, Immediate Post-Concussion and Cognitive Test, Vestibular-Ocular Motor Screening Tool and the Revised Perceived Academic Impact Tool. Results: EEI was seen throughout the initial 14-days post-SRC (23.8%, 22.4%, 25.5%. 25.0%). EEI was associated with a slower reaction time within 48 h (−0.01 (−0.030–0.043) Vs 0.06 (0.033–0.24), p = 0.004) and greater VOMS scores within 48 h; (0.00 (0.00–4.00) Vs 5.50 (2.75–9.00), p = 0.016) and 4 days (0.00 (0.00–2.00) Vs 5.00 (0.00–6.00), p = 0.044). RTP was 12.5 days longer in those with EEI at 14-days post-SRC. Conclusion: EEI is prevalent following an SRC in university-aged student-athletes and was associated with delayed recovery and RTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the association of neighborhood quality with poorer adult health, limited research has explored the association between neighborhood disadvantage, e.g. Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and older Black adults' health, prospectively. This observational study examined the association between ADI and changes in longitudinal physical health within older Black adults. The analytic sample (n = 317) included data from waves 1 & 2 of the Baltimore Study of Black Aging: Patterns of Cognitive Aging (BSBA-PCA). Study variables included the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), objective (e.g. average heart rate) and subjective (e.g. activities of daily living) measures of physical health. Multiple linear regression models were conducted controlling for sociodemographic and social support characteristics. Participants living in more disadvantaged neighborhoods, based on national and state ADIs, were more likely to have a decreasing heart rate even after adjusting for covariates. Likewise, participants reporting increasing levels of ADL difficulty were living in a neighborhood with greater disadvantage based on national and state ADI rankings. Significant social support received and ADI (national and state) interactions were observed for average heart rate. The findings suggest that research on the effect of neighborhood quality and social support can enhance our understanding of its impact on older Black adults' health prospectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is clear that people experience physiological arousal in anticipation of news-focused medical consultations, our knowledge of people's experiences during and throughout these consultations is scarce. We examine interbeat interval responses (IBI) of patients and doctors during real-life medical consultations to understand how the experiences of both parties change throughout these encounters and whether they differ from each other. We also examine how the type of news delivered affects responses. We measured the IBI responses of patients and their oncologists throughout 102 consultations in which providers delivered news (classified as good, bad, or status quo) to patients about a recent computerized tomography scan. We observed two distinct phases of consultations: an initial "news" delivery phase and a subsequent "information" phase. During the news phase, on average, patients' IBI responses rapidly increased–indicating less autonomic arousal over time – whereas doctors' responses did not change over time. In contrast, throughout the information phase, on average, both patients' and doctors' responses remained steady. During the information phase, responses differed based on news type: on average, status quo consultations involved an increase in autonomic arousal, whereas good and bad news consultations involved no changes. Lastly, we observed significant variability in patients' responses during both phases. In sum, on average, patients (but not doctors) experience decreases in autonomic arousal while news is being delivered, suggesting that anticipatory distress regarding these consultations wanes quickly. However, our results also indicate that patients' experiences vary from one another, and future research should focus on factors explaining this variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: surgery under local anaesthesia can be a stressful experience for patients. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of a non-pharmacological psychotropic measures (NPTM) on the anxiety and stress levels of individuals undergoing ophthalmic surgery. This is the first study to use a bilateral haptic NPTM for this purpose. Methods: In this clinical interventional case-control study, we assessed objective and subjective stress parameters immediately pre- and postoperatively. We randomly assigned patients to one of two groups: an intervention group with NPTM (n = 70) and a control group (n = 68). Results: When comparing objective parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, and sweat secretion), there were no significant differences between the two groups pre- and postoperatively (p ≥ 0.05). Subjectively, 79% of patients in the intervention group perceived a positive effect from the NPTM (p < 0.01). Patients undergoing eye surgery for the first time described a positive effect significantly more often (p = 0.027). Conclusions: Our study results show that subjectively perceived anxiety and stress during eye surgery is significantly improved by using a bimanual NPTM. The majority of the patients experienced a positive effect on their wellbeing, particularly those undergoing eye surgery for the first time, although there was also a positive effect for patients who had previously undergone eye surgery. While the haptic NPTM used in this study has a positive impact on patients' perception of ophthalmic surgery, all patients undergoing surgery under local anaesthesia may benefit from this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of motor imagery (MI), action observation (AO), and action execution (AE) interventions on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in individuals with chronic stroke. Methods: This was a single-center, randomized, case-control study. Thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to MI (n = 10), AO (n = 15), and the AE group (n = 11). Heart rate (HR)-based measurements (HR, heart rate variability (HRV)) and blood pressure were evaluated before the practice of each group. In the MI group, participants were instructed to imagine themselves walking at their own comfortable pace for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in the AO group, participants were shown a video of a person walking for 5 minutes. Finally, in the AE group, participants were instructed to actually walk for 5 minutes. Then, all measurements were taken again. Results: A statistically significant difference was found in HR and mean RR interval within the AE group (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the Root Mean Square of Successive Differences Between Normal Heartbeats (RMSSD) (ms) within the AO group (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in HR and mean RR intervals (ms) between groups (p < 0.05). According to post-hoc analyses, HR was statistically significantly higher in the AE group compared to the other groups, and the mean RR interval was statistically significantly lower (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, in patients with chronic stroke, AE and AO may affect ANS by increasing sympathetic activation. It is recommended for future studies to evaluate whether patients actually engage in imagery during the MI task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LEDs simplify the personalization of lighting. However, research on the effects of personalizable lighting is in its infancy. The present study investigates the impact of personalizable workplace lighting on subjective parameters, cognition, and physiological stress while performing cognitive tests. In a cross-over design, 22 participants were randomly assigned to standard workplace lighting and lighting with adjustable illuminance and color temperature for two hours on two separate days. Subjective outcome measures were sleepiness, affect, and asthenopic complaints. We further assessed vigilance and three cognitive domains (task switching, working memory, and information processing) and derived heart rate variability parameters from an electrocardiogram. Some beneficial effects of personalizable lighting on cognitive performance were observed, although the overall results remain inconclusive. Standard and personalizable lighting did not differ in subjective ratings and physiological stress responses. Exploratory analysis of personalizable lighting revealed significant variation in self-selected workplace illuminances and limited variation in self-selected correlated color temperatures. Despite the preference for increased workplace illuminance under personalizable lighting, no visual impairment was observed compared to standard lighting. Personalizable workplace lighting is a promising new design feature to support individual visual and nonvisual lighting needs in daylight-deprived environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light has been demonstrated to influence transient mood states in healthy populations and can be used as a treatment for clinical mood disorders. However, it is still interesting to know whether stimulus with relatively low light levels can moderate the transient mood state of people with depressive tendencies, and what are the effects respectively from light levels and light color. In this study, 10 subjects with depressive tendencies were recruited and screened to receive a typical lighting intervention, including five crossover conditions with the 300 l×-isoluminance groups (red, 6500 K-white, blue) and 6500 K-isospectral groups (50 lx, 300 lx, and 1500 lx). Negative cognitive bias, high-frequency heart rate variability, and subjective emotion were measured at different stages during the lighting intervention. Statistical results demonstrated that the lighting condition of 1500 lx-6500 K was associated with a transient positive mood state (p < 0.001) and had a significant positive moderating effect on the negative cognitive biases compared with the other groups (p =.017). Colored lights are more likely to trigger negative emotions and negative cognitive biases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scoping review aimed to identify and summarise evidence on the comfort and functional performance of police officer personal protective equipment (PPE). The Arksey and O'Malley (2005) five-stage framework for scoping reviews was followed. PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched, and 35 articles were included in the review. The findings show that increased police PPE mass increases heart rate, metabolic energy expenditure, and perceived exertion in response to exercise. Unisex armour designs cause increased discomfort for females with larger bra sizes. PPE reduces joint-specific range of motion, with the design and location impairing movement more than mass. Jumping and sprinting performance is decreased with heavy PPE but unaffected by lighter protection, while agility is compromised with most forms of protection. Future research is needed on the fit and function of PPE for specialist police units, such as mounted police, along with further investigations on how fit can affect functional performance. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY: This paper identifies and reviews existing evidence on the comfort and functional performance of police officer personal protective equipment (PPE). This is significant because it summarises and categorises key concepts that underpin research in this area, whilst highlighting gaps in the current knowledge and areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionMethodResultsDiscussionPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) have negative consequences on the health, rehabilitation, and quality of life for many United States (U.S.) military personnel. Digital technologies offer opportunities for the co-treatment of music therapy and occupational therapy to enhance the rehabilitation of injured service members.After sustaining multiple TBIs and experiencing prolonged bouts of excessive traumatic stress, an active duty service member in the U.S. military presented with intractable dyspnea and anxiety. An interdisciplinary team approach addressed these comorbid symptoms through music therapy, occupational therapy, and co-treatment. Initially, active music-making was introduced for regulation and coping; however, this elevated the patient’s stress. Therefore, the treatment pivoted to incorporate active music listening, intentional music selection, and song segmenting using digital music technology in conjunction with relaxation exercises to help the patient design desired physiological and emotional environments.This intervention supported emotional state shifting from stress/anxiety to calm/regulated to stabilize their respiratory functioning and stress symptoms. Relaxation was further measured using heart rate variability (HRV) via biofeedback.Music technology played an essential role in the co-treatment space. Active music-making through traditional instrumentation and music listening to unaltered recorded songs did not comprehensively address the patient’s treatment goals. Combining a customized music listening tool, relaxation exercises, and HRV biofeedback demonstrated improvement in the service member’s physiological and psychological symptoms. Further investigation is needed to understand the impact of integrating digital music, health technologies, and a supportive co-treatment environment on rehabilitation success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveMethodResultsConclusionsAltered reactivity to emotional stimuli is common after traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is suggested to reflect difficulties with emotion regulation. While disinhibition is common after moderate-to-severe TBI, limited research has investigated the link between disinhibition and emotional reactivity in this clinical group. The aim of this research, therefore, was to investigate the relationship between disinhibition and TBI to anger provocation.Thirty-five individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI and thirty-one controls completed an anger induction task. Participants rated their experience of emotions and subjective arousal before and after the induction. Heart rate, respiration and skin conductance were also measured. Disinhibition was measured using the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale.In the full sample, the mood induction led to increased skin conductance, respiration, and self-reported anger, tension, arousal and negative mood. There were no differences between those with TBI and controls. Disinhibition interacted with the impact of anger provocation on subjective, but not objective, outcomes such that those elevated in disinhibition reported increased feelings of anger and tension in response to the mood induction. Disinhibition did not interact with TBI across any subjective and objective emotional measures examined in response to mood induction.While anger causes emotional changes for all individuals, these changes are particularly pronounced among those who are disinhibited, irrespective of whether an individual has sustained a TBI. This is an important consideration when examining emotional regulation post-TBI as the degree of disinhibition appears to alter subjective interpretations of emotional events, which could lead to emotion dysregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the number of football-specific industry-related qualifications offered by the post-16 education sector has grown exponentially in recent years. Due to technological advancements and access to enhanced equipment, these courses tend to include wearable technology in their curricular to support student cohorts understanding of specific internal and external load patterns. Despite these technological and education developments, there is a dearth of pedagogic research on the application of various wearable technology in post-16 football education. Using a mixed-method research design, we established the type of technology, and how it is being employed across a range of post-16 educational settings. Survey responses suggested that Global Positioning System (GPS) vests and heart rate chest strap were the most prominent wearable technology. Qualitative findings suggested that there are pedagogic challenges and barriers to using this kind of technology, a lack of understanding, and poor feedback and communication strategies. Having established some preliminary findings, a series of 1–1 interviews with identified practitioners working in post-16 educational settings explored these barriers and challenges within contextualised settings in more depth. The results identified disconnect between coaching performance and coaching education, suggesting a lack of knowledge surrounding the uses and capabilities of wearable technology used in football-related FE settings. These findings can help sport, academia and the technology industry to better align and understand in order to meet the educational needs of students seeking to enter a career in sports such as football that use wearable technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractHazard perception, as a dynamic indicator, intuitively characterizes drivers’ ability to detect potential hazard events in complex driving environments. However, current quantitative research on the hazard perceptions of drivers in the human–machine codriving phase is lacking. A total of 30 drivers were recruited to carry out a driving simulator experiment, and a total of 8 risky driving scenarios were experienced. The physiological characteristics and eye movement characteristics of the drivers were collected. An expert evaluation method was selected to quantify the situational hazard degree (SHD). The questionnaire was used to collect the drivers’ subjective hazard evaluations (SHEs) of the scenarios. Paired samples t test and correlation analysis were adopted to screen the evaluation indexes of the drivers’ hazard perceptions. A gray near-optimal comprehensive evaluation model was established to quantify the human–machine codrivers’ hazard perceptions in various risky driving scenarios. The results show that the drivers’ SHEs increased with the SHD. The standard deviation of heart rate, mean pupil diameter, and mean fixation duration can be used as evaluation indexes for the human–machine codrivers’ hazard perceptions. The proposed quantitative method is expected to shift the development of human–machine codrivers’ hazard perception from qualitative analysis to quantitative calculation. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for increasing safety in the human–machine codriving phase, improving road safety and reducing the incidence of accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the weekly training load (TL) variation across different measures. Fifty-two runners reported their heart rate and distance ran for each training session during four weeks of training. Heart rate measures were used to calculate the weekly TRaining IMPulse (W-TRIMP), whereas the distance ran was used to calculate the weekly distance covered (W-DIST). At the end of each week, participants reported their weekly perceived TL (W-RPE). W-DIST was analyzed alone and combined with W-RPE and W-TRIMP. The weekly overall TL variation was compared using paired-t tests. Compared to W-DIST, the W-RPE (ES: −0.29), W-DIST combined with W-RPE (ES: −0.40) and W-DIST combined with W-TRIMP (ES: −0.31) presented a significant difference in week-to-week overall TL variation. Our results suggest that running coach and athletes include, at minimum, an RPE-based TL measure combined with W-DIST in their training routines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the impact of person-centered communication on bereaved young adults' physiological stress responses when they talked about the death of their parent. Heart rate variability – indexed by the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD), and the heart rate variability index (HRVi) – was monitored before, during, and after the interaction as an objective measure of stress reactivity and recovery. The final sample included 69 subjects, and they conversed with research confederates who provided varying levels of person-centered support. The results showed that participants who received highly person-centered support experienced faster stress recovery, as indicated by increased HRVi, compared to those who received moderately or low person-centered support. Bereaved adults' SDNN during the interaction was positively associated with subjective evaluations of cognitive reappraisal, emotional improvement, and support quality. The discussion highlights the significance of supportive interactions on physiological, psychological, and emotional well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many people are listening to fiction stories in podcasts and audiobooks. Some techniques, such as 3D or binaural sound, might improve the listeners' sensory experience in this kind of format. However, few audio productions are produced with binaural sound, and research about their effects on cognitive processing is scarce. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact of binaural sound in audio stories compared to their stereo versions on the listeners' cognitive processing and physiological responses. Fifty participants listened to two stories produced in two versions: binaural and stereo, and they assessed enjoyment, engagement, and imagery while their physiological responses were measured (heart rate and electrodermal activity). Also, they performed a recognition test. The results showed that the binaural version achieved higher narrative engagement, enjoyment, imagery, and information recognition than the stereo stories. The psychophysiological responses indicated the highest attention and arousal in binaural stories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore in a primary care setting the associations between patients' daily self-measured blood pressure (BP) during eight weeks and concurrent self-reported values of wellbeing, lifestyle, symptoms, and medication intake. We also explore these associations for men and women separately. Design and setting: The study is a secondary post-hoc analysis of the randomised controlled trial PERson-centeredness in Hypertension management using Information Technology (PERHIT). The trial was conducted in primary health care in four regions in Southern Sweden. Patients: Participants (n = 454) in the intervention group in the PERHIT-trial used an interactive web-based system for self-management of hypertension for eight consecutive weeks. Each evening, participants reported in the system their wellbeing, lifestyle, symptoms, and medication adherence as well as their self-measured BP and heart rate. Main outcome measures: Association between self-reported BP and 10 self-report lifestyle-related variables. Results: Self-reported less stress and higher wellbeing were similarly associated with BP, with 1.0 mmHg lower systolic BP and 0.6/0.4 mmHg lower diastolic BP (p < 0.001). Adherence to medication had the greatest impact on BP levels (5.2/2.6 mmHg, p < 0.001). Restlessness and headache were also significantly associated with BP, but to a lesser extent. Physical activity was only significantly associated with BP levels for men, but not for women. Conclusion: In hypertension management, it may be important to identify patients with high-stress levels and low wellbeing. The association between medication intake and BP was obvious, thus stressing the importance of medication adherence for patients with hypertension. KEY POINTS: Associations between daily home blood pressure (BP) and self-reports of lifestyle and symptoms have not been previously well explored. Self-reported higher wellbeing, lower restlessness, less stress, and higher medication adherence were significantly associated with lower same-day BP levels. Physical activity was significantly associated with same-day BP for men, but not for women. Using a hypertension management system may be a valuable tool for communication between the patient and physician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The preferences of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) often remain unfulfilled since it stays challenging to decode their idiosyncratic behavior resulting in a negative impact on their quality of life (QoL). Physiological data (i.e. heart rate (variability) and motion data) might be the missing piece for identifying emotions of people with PIMD, which positively affects their QoL. Method: Machine learning (ML) processes and statistical analyses are integrated to discern and predict the potential relationship between physiological data and emotional states (i.e. numerical emotional states, descriptive emotional states and emotional arousal) in everyday interactions and activities of two participants with PIMD. Results: Emotional profiles were created enabling a differentiation of the individual emotional behavior. Using ML classifiers and statistical analyses, the results regarding the phases partially confirm previous research, and the findings for the descriptive emotional states were good and even better for the emotional arousal. Conclusion: The results show the potential of the emotional profiles especially for practitioners and the possibility to get a better insight into the emotional experience of people with PIMD including physiological data. This seems to be the missing piece to better recognize emotions of people with PIMD with a positive impact on their QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it was reported both rest and physical activity can alleviate cognitive fatigue to some extent, there is no direct scientific evidence determining which approach is more effective. This study aimed to investigate the effect of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on the alleviation of cognitive fatigue. A 30-min TloadDback task was used to induce cognitive fatigue in 20 healthy adults, and 12-min quiet rest and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise were performed in random order. During the cognitive task, standard deviation of the NN interval (SDNN), total frequency (TP, 0–0.4 Hz) and very low frequency (VLF, 0–0.15 Hz) of heart rate variability increased significantly. The blink duration and number, fixation number, saccade amplitude and number increased significantly with time, while fixation duration and pupil size decreased significantly. After 12-min intervention protocols, the participants' feeling of fatigue, vigour and boredom recovered significantly. The recovery of fixation duration was better after quiet rest, while the pupil size was significantly larger after aerobic exercise. It was found that both quiet rest and aerobic exercise can alleviate cognitive fatigue, but aerobic exercise may be more effective in the recovery of arousal levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arterial stiffening is believed to contribute to the worsening of insulin resistance, and factors which are associated with needing pharmacological treatment of gestational diabetes (GDM), such as maternal obesity or advanced age, are associated with impaired cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy. In this observational study, we aimed to investigate causal relationships between maternal haemodynamics and treatment requirement amongst women with GDM. Methods: We assessed maternal haemodynamics in women with GDM, comparing those who remained on dietary treatment with those who required pharmacological management. Maternal haemodynamics were assessed using the Arteriograph® (TensioMed Ltd, Budapest, Hungary) and the NICOM® non-invasive bio-reactance method (Cheetah Medical, Portland, Oregon, USA). A graphical causal inference technique was used for statistical analysis. Results: 120 women with GDM were included in the analysis. Maternal booking BMI was identified as having a causative influence on treatment requirement, with each unit increase in BMI increasing the odds of needing metformin and/or insulin therapy by 12% [OR 1.12 (1.02 - 1.22)]. The raw values of maternal heart rate (87.6 ±11.7 vs. 92.9 ±11.90 bpm, p = 0.014) and PWV (7.8 ±1.04 vs. 8.4 ±1.61 m/s, p = 0.029) were both significantly higher amongst the women requiring pharmacological management, though these relationships did not remain significant in causal logistic regression. Conclusions: Maternal BMI at booking has a causal, rather than simply associational, relationship on the need for pharmacological treatment of GDM. No significant causal relationships were found between maternal haemodynamics and the need for pharmacological treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on equine-assisted therapy (EAT) has primarily been centered on human health. Relatively few studies have addressed the impact of EAT on horses. This study sought to monitor four experienced therapy horses’ cardiovascular and glucocorticoid activity over the course of standardized EAT sessions designed to support women with intellectual disability. In the control condition, horses completed the EAT protocol solely with the therapist, thereby resembling a training session. Descriptive data analysis revealed higher levels of heart rate during an experimental EAT session and increased salivary cortisol when horses were navigated by the client through an obstacle course during the “challenge” phase of the protocol, pointing at a greater physical demand due to the recipient on horseback. Given the parasympathetic activity and overall heart rate variability across experimental EAT sessions and the cortisol recovery after the sessions, the findings do not give rise to any acute animal welfare concerns. For a more holistic interpretation of the present research results, further investigation into the horse perception of EAT, based on a bigger sample size and additional markers of welfare, is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe unpredictability of bipolar disorder is highly distressing for family caregivers, who differ in their needs and preferences for stress-reducing or educational interventions. Applying Ryan and Sawin’s model, this study examined associations between caregiver demographics (age, gender, and race) as contextual factors and caregiver needs and preferences for three interventions as process factors within a preliminary descriptive analysis of 306 family caregivers from a randomized clinical trial. Caregiver needs for education about bipolar disorder, biofeedback, and Resourcefulness Training© were determined by established cut scores on validated measures of bipolar knowledge, heart rate variability, and resourcefulness. Frequencies for need and preference for intervention were compared by caregiver age, gender, and race. Discrepancies between caregiver need and preference for interventions were analyzed. Non-White caregivers showed greater need for education (X2=33.68, p < 0.001). Middle-aged caregivers showed greatest need for biofeedback (X2=19.58, p < 0.001). Need for Resourcefulness Training© was similar across age, gender, and race. We found 58% needed biofeedback, 34% education, and 18% Resourcefulness Training©; 46% of those in the preference group chose Resourcefulness Training©. Further caregiver intervention research should consider the effect of caregiver needs and preferences on their health. The findings support the essentiality of assessing caregiver demographics, needs, and preferences before implementing interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is a commonly used measure to predict heat strain in workers. Different combinations of environmental conditions can create equivalent WBGT, yet it remains unknown whether biophysical, physiological, and perceptual responses vary when working in different but equivalent hot conditions. The purpose of the study was to compare body heat storage and physiological and perceptual strain during walking in hot-dry and warm-wet conditions of the same WBGT. Twelve subjects (age: 22 ± 2 y) walked for 90 min at 60% maximum heart rate in a 27.8°C WBGT environment of hot-dry (HD: 40°C, 19% relative humidity) or warm-wet (WW: 30°C, 77% relative humidity) conditions. Partitional calorimetry was used to estimate heat storage. Core temperature at 90 min (HD: 38.5 ± 0.5°C; WW: 38.4 ± 0.3°C, p = 0.244) and cumulative heat storage (HD: 115 ± 531 Kj; WW: 333 ± 269 Kj, p = 0.242) were not different. At 90 min, heart rate was not different (HD: 160 ± 19 bpm; WW: 154 ± 15 bpm, p = 0.149) but skin temperature (HD: 36.6 ± 0.9°C; WW: 34.7 ± 0.6°C, p < 0.001), thirst (HD: 6.8 a.u.; WW: 5.3 a.u. p = 0.043), and sweat rate (HD: 15.1 ± 4.4 g·min−1; WW: 10.0 ± 4.1 g·min−1, p < 0.001) were greater in HD compared to WW. Hot environments of equivalent 27.8°C WBGT created equivalent core temperature despite differences in physiological strain during exercise, including earlier onset of cardiovascular strain, greater sweat rate, and higher skin temperature compared to a WW environment. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04624919. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMaterials/MethodsResultsConclusion\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONParkinson’s disease creates an inability to perform previous learned autonomic tasks, such as walking, which worsens with disease progression. Recommendations to incorporate exercise at moderate to high intensities for this population has been established but there is limited knowledge about its impact on clinical based outcomes. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of a 6-week intensity-driven walking program on clinical-based outcomes in individuals with PD.Five individuals with PD were recruited for this single-subject withdrawal design (A-B-A-B) study. 6-minute walk performance and other core neurological measures of gait were collected. Intervention phases incorporated a 30-minute individualized intensity-driven treadmill walking program practiced at 65% or more of ones maximum heart rate. Increased treadmill speed, incline, and resistance were manipulated to reach the target heart rate zone.6-minute walk test within condition visual analysis demonstrated a therapeutic change during intervention phases and a countertherapeutic change during withdraw periods for all 5 individuals. An abrupt therapeutic effect was demonstrated for all individuals between conditions with the percent of nonoverlapping data ranging from 70-90%. Band method analysis revealed a range of 9-19 sessions two standard deviations above baseline mean performances for all individuals.To achieve sufficient walking performance, gait practiced at higher intensity levels may provide the optimal solution as an adjunct to standard care for individuals with PD who want to improve their walking. Parkinson’s disease creates an inability to perform previous learned autonomic tasks, such as walking, which worsens with disease progression.Exercise practiced at higher levels of intensity has been recommended to improve clinical based outcomes for the neurological population.Walking practice at higher intensity levels can provide a solution to improve gait endurance for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.Parkinson’s disease creates an inability to perform previous learned autonomic tasks, such as walking, which worsens with disease progression.Exercise practiced at higher levels of intensity has been recommended to improve clinical based outcomes for the neurological population.Walking practice at higher intensity levels can provide a solution to improve gait endurance for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of a back-support exoskeleton on the trunk and hip joint angles, lower back muscle activity and heart rate during four patient handling tasks: assisting a patient from sitting to lying, laterally repositioning the patient and turning the patient in two directions. Eight participants performed these tasks with and without the exoskeleton. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in the lower back muscle activity, but less pronounced effects for other tasks involving minimal trunk flexion. Hip flexion angles were reduced for all tasks when the exoskeleton was worn. The amount of reduction in the muscle activity and changes in the trunk and hip angles varied by task. The exoskeleton did not affect the heart rate across all tasks. The exoskeleton appeared to be more effective in tasks requiring substantial trunk flexion, indicating its potential benefits for reducing lower back muscle strain during such activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the independent and combined association of resting heart rate (RHR) and physical activity (PA) with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. RHR was categorized as < 60, 60–69, 70–79, and ≥ 80 bpm. Meeting PA guidelines was defined as ≥ 150 min/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD mortality associated with RHR and PA. Among 31,697 participants, 311 CVD deaths occurred during 9.2 years of follow-up. Compared to RHR of 60–69 bpm, the risk of CVD mortality was higher in RHR of < 60 bpm (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.05–2.10) and ≥ 80 bpm (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.06–1.91). Participants who met PA guidelines had a lower risk of CVD mortality (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.44–0.78). Among physically inactive adults compared to participants in RHR of 60–69 bpm with meeting PA guidelines, the adjusted HR for CVD mortality was 2.41 (95% CI, 1.42–4.08) for RHR of < 60 bpm, 1.59 (95% CI, 1.01–2.49) for RHR of 60–69 bpm, 1.98 (95% CI, 1.23–3.20) for RHR of 70–79 bpm and 2.41 (95% CI, 1.50–3.89) for RHR of ≥ 80 bpm Exceeding the minimum level of PA guidelines may attenuate the risk of CVD mortality associated with RHR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review examined the effect of acute heat mitigation strategies on physiological strain and exercise performance in females exercising in the heat. Three databases were searched for original research with an acute heat mitigation (intervention) and control strategy in active females and reporting core temperature, heart rate and/or aerobic exercise performance/capacity with ≥ 24°C wet bulb globe temperature. Hedges' g effect sizes were calculated to evaluate outcomes. Thirteen studies (n = 118) were included. Most studies that applied an acute heat mitigation strategy to females did not reduce thermal (9/10) or cardiovascular (6/6) strain or improve exercise performance/capacity (8/10). The most effective strategies for attenuating thermal strain were pre-cooling with ice-slurry (effect size = −2.2 [95% CI, −3.2, −1.1]) and ice-vests (−1.9 [−2.7, −1.1]), and pre- and per-cooling with an ice-vest (−1.8 [−2.9, −0.7]). Only pre-cooling with an ice-vest improved running performance (−1.8 [−2.9, −0.7]; ~0.43 min) whilst sodium hyperhydration improved cycling capacity at 70% V O2peak (0.8 [0.0, 1.6]; ~20.1 min). There is currently limited research on acute heat mitigation strategies in females, so the evidence for the efficacy is scarce. Some studies show beneficial effects with ice-slurry, ice-vests and sodium hyperhydration, which can guide future research to support female exercise performance in the heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcycles are fundamental structures for training prescription and load management, helping to optimise training effects and performance. This study quantified external and internal loads of Italian Serie A youth soccer players across competitive weeks and their periodisation within microcycles. Data were collected from 90 players belonging to four age groups (under-19, -17, -16, -15) across a season. Methods of monitoring external [duration and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS)] and internal load [heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE)] were employed. Linear mixed models determined differences in training loads across age groups, training days and player positions. Under-19 and under-17 players trained five times per week, while younger players trained four times. Late-stage academy players (under-19 and -17) demonstrated higher weekly accumulated external and sRPE training load compared to their younger counterparts (p < 0.05 between groups). Weekly accumulated HR internal loads were higher in under-15 players (p < 0.05 between groups). Marked fluctuations of daily load were observed across microcycles in under-19 and under-17 groups (p < 0.05 between days). These findings highlight progressive increases in training load throughout the development pathway, with late-stage academy players training with higher frequency, volume and marked periodisation compared to younger players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and training load in team-sport is unknown. We therefore assessed relations between completed training-load in the previous 1-, 3- and 7-days and waking HRV in professional Australian Rules Football. Linear-mixed models analysed changes in HRV, considering training load from the previous 1-, 3- and 7-days. Total Distance (TD), distance >14.4 km ‧ h−1 (HSR) and >24.9 km ‧ h−1 (Sprint-Distance), duration >85% max heart rate and Rating of Perceived Exertion were included as independent variables. Sub-group analysis of season-phase and years of professional experience was also conducted. Increased three-day Sprint-Distance reduced HRV in the first 8-weeks of pre-season (−13.1 ms, p = 0.03) and across the data collection period (−3.75 ms, p = 0.01). In first-year players, higher previous-day (−63.3 ms, p=0.04) and seven-day TD (−38.2 ms, p = 0.02) reduced HRV, whilst higher seven-day HSR increased HRV (34.5 ms, p = 0.01). In players with five-to-seven years of professional experience, higher three-day (−14.4 ms, p = 0.02) and seven-day TD (−15.7 ms, p = 0.01) reduced HRV, while higher three-day HSR increased HRV (12.5 ms, p = 0.04). In players with greater than eight years of professional experience, higher previous-day Sprint-Distance reduced HRV (−13.1 ms, p < 0.008). Completed training load across the previous 7-days influences HRV, but the relation between variables is complex and influenced by professional experience and season-phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worry proneness is a transdiagnostic trait that predicts increased negative affect (NA), potentially in the service of preventing negative emotional contrasts. Although discrete types of NA vary along the dimension of arousal, the extent to which trait worry predicts high vs. low arousal forms of NA in daily life is unclear. This distinction has important implications for conceptualising how worry may perturb adaptive emotionality in various disorders. The present study (not pre-registered) aimed to isolate the effects of trait worry on high (N = 88) and low (N = 122) arousal NA in daily life using ecological momentary assessment while controlling for potential physical and psychological confounds. Participants were assessed for trait worry and depressive symptoms at baseline then reported their affect, heart rate, and exercise three times per day for one week. Multilevel models revealed that trait worry predicted both increased high and low arousal NA after controlling for momentary heart rate, daily exercise, and depression. In contrast, baseline depressive symptoms only predicted low arousal NA in daily life. Findings support the contrast avoidance model of worry and suggest that worry is linked to increased state NA in daily life, independent of arousal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Investigate acute locomotor, internal (heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE)) and neuromuscular responses to using wearable resistance loading for soccer-specific training. Methods: Twenty-six footballers from a French 5th division team completed a 9-week parallel-group training intervention (intervention group: n = 14, control: n = 12). The intervention group trained with wearable resistance (200-g on each posterior, distal-calf) for full-training sessions on Day + 2, D + 4 and unloaded on D + 5. Between-group differences in locomotor (GPS) and internal load were analyzed for full-training sessions and game simulation drills. Neuromuscular status was evaluated using pre- and post-training box-to-box runs. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-modelling, effect size ±90% confidence limits (ES ± 90%CL) and magnitude-based decisions. Results: Full-training sessions: Relative to the control, the wearable resistance group showed greater total distance (ES [lower, upper limits]: 0.25 [0.06, 0.44]), sprint distance (0.27 [0.08, 0.46]) and mechanical work (0.32 [0.13, 0.51]). Small game simulation (<190 m2/player): wearable resistance group showed small decreases in mechanical work (0.45 [0.14, 0.76]) and moderately lower average HR (0.68 [0.02, 1.34]). Large game simulation (>190 m2/player): no meaningful between-group differences were observed for all variables. Training induced small to moderate neuromuscular fatigue increases during post-training compared to pre-training box-to-box runs for both groups (Wearable resistance: 0.46 [0.31, 0.61], Control: 0.73 [0.53, 0.93]). Conclusion: For full training, wearable resistance induced higher locomotor responses, without affecting internal responses. Locomotor and internal outputs varied in response to game simulation size. Football-specific training with wearable resistance did not impact neuromuscular status differently than unloaded training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequent extreme cold events in recent years have brought serious threats to outdoor workers and rescuers. Changes in ambient temperature are associated with altered cardiac autonomic function. The study aims to investigate heart rate variability (HRV) and its relationship to other physiological parameters under extreme cold exposures. Twelve males underwent a 30-min preconditioning phase in a neutral environment followed by a 30-min cold exposure (−5, −10, −15, and −20 °C). Time-domain indexes(meanRR, SDNN, RMSSD, and pNN50), frequency domain indexes [Log(HF), Log(LF), and low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF)], parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) were analysed. Results showed all HRV indexes of four cold exposures were significant. The decrease in temperature was accompanied by progressive PNS activation with SNS retraction. SDNN was the most sensitive HRV index and had good linear relationships with blood pressure, pulse, and hand temperature. The results are significant for formulating safety protection strategies for workers in extremely cold environments. Practitioner Summary: This study investigated heart rate variability (HRV) in 12 males during a 30-min cold exposure (−5, −10, −15, and −20 °C). Results showed all HRV indexes of four cold exposures were significant. The decrease in temperature was accompanied by progressive PNS activation with SNS retraction. SDNN was the most sensitive HRV index and had good linear relationships with blood pressure, pulse, and hand temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Working memory tasks, such as n-back and arithmetic tasks, are frequently used in studying mental workload. The present study investigated and compared the sensitivity of several physiological measures at three levels of difficulty of n-back and arithmetic tasks. The results showed significant differences in fixation duration and pupil diameter among three task difficulty levels for both n-back and arithmetic tasks. Pupil diameters increase with increasing mental workload, whereas fixation duration decreases. Blink duration and heart rate (HR) were significantly increased as task difficulty increased in the n-back task, while root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN) were significantly decreased in the arithmetic task. On the other hand, blink rate and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) were not sensitive enough to assess the differences in task difficulty for both tasks. All significant physiological measures yielded significant differences between low and high task difficulty except for SDNN. Practitioner summary: This study aimed to assess the sensitivity levels of several physiological measures of mental workload in n-back and arithmetic tasks. It showed that pupil diameter was the most sensitive in both tasks. This study also found that most physiological indices are sensitive to an extreme change in task difficulty levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is crucial to explore whether optimized design spaces can have a positive impact on the emotions of elderly people. Based on the problems in the space of elderly facilities, this study proposes a 'Functional Boundary' optimization design method. The effect of this method on the emotions of elderly people is measured through subjective evaluation and physiological measurements. First, two models were established: Model A was based on the most typical corridor, and Model B was an optimized design of Model A by using the 'Functional Boundary'; a walking-through video was created for each model. Second, while the subjects were watching the walking-through video, their Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Electroencephalogram (EEG) were collected, which was followed by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and satisfaction surveys. The analysis of STAI, HRV, EEG showed statistically significant differences between Model A and Model B, indicating that 'Functional Boundary' is effective in improving the performance of corridor space. Additionally, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed the high correlation between satisfaction and comprehensive. Therefore, this study is expected to make an important contribution to the development of elderly facilities by exploring how to improve the emotional and psychological state of the elderly through environmental optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractExisting research has explored how walking can stimulate creativity through the rhythm of footsteps. Researchers have also studied the positive effects of various sounds on creativity and creative thinking. However, the effects and potential benefits on creativity of the combination of footsteps and sounds remain unexplored. To fill this gap, we designed a FSI framework which we call Footstep and Sound Interactions. FSI encompasses three modes - Footstep-driven Sound Stimulation (FSS), Sound-driven Footstep Regulation (SFR), and Random Footstep and Sound Interactions (RFSI). We then conducted a user study in indoor and outdoor environments which compares the effects of three FSI modes with a walking only condition. Our results indicate that: (1) The FSS mode demonstrated higher performance in body awareness and attention regulation in both indoor and outdoor environments; (2) the creativity scores of indoor participants were higher than those of outdoor participants; (3) The indoor FSS mode produced greater creativity compared to the indoor RFSI mode; (4) Participants in the indoor FSS mode showed a significant correlation between heart rate and cadence with creativity compared to other groups; etc. Based on the findings, we discuss the FSI framework, the effects of FSI related to attention and creativity in the context of the walking experience, and we also discuss design implications and future work for the investigation and development of interactive (Footstep and Sound) technologies aimed at enhancing creativity while walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionThe aim of this study was to investigate changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and QT dispersion (QTd) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer at different TSH suppression levels.The study included 125 DTC patients, who had been on TSH suppression treatment (TSHST) for at least 1 year. The patients were categorized into three groups: patients with TSH < 0.1 mIU/L (n:30), those with TSH 0.1 to 0.5 mIU/L (n:56), and those with TSH 0.5 to 2 mIU/L (n:39). The first two groups were classified as suppression groups, and the last as replacement (control) group. All patients underwent 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recording and 24-hour rhythm holter echocardiography analysis.The HRV results derived from a 24-hour rhythm holter did not exhibit any significant difference (p < 0.05). In dispersion evaluations, the QTd was significantly longer in the suppression groups (groups 1 and 2), than in the replacement group (group 3) (p < 0.001 and p:0.002, respectively). The same was found for corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) (p < 0.001 and p: 0.008, respectively). In multivariate linear regression analysis, TSH was found to affect QTd (β = -0.299; p = 0.002) and QTcd (β = -0.300; p = 0.002) values independently.In this study, it was shown that in patients with DTC receiving TSHST, QT dispersion prolonged as the TSH suppression level increased. Especially in high-risk DTC patients, evaluation of QTd may be useful in terms of evaluating cardiovascular risk and regulating TSHST level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionsHereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN) is a progressive fatal disorder caused by deposition of mutant transthyretin (TTR) amyloids mainly in the nerves and heart. Autonomic dysfunction is a major disabling manifestation, affecting 90% of patients with late-onset ATTRv-PN. The current study aimed to investigate brain functional alterations associated with dysautonomia due to peripheral autonomic nerve degeneration in ATTRv-PN.Resting-state functional MRI data were acquired from 43 ATTRv-PN patients predominantly of A97S (p.A117S) genotype, and the functional connectivity of central autonomic regions was assessed.Compared with age-matched healthy controls, the ATTRv-PN patients exhibited (1) reduced functional connectivity of the central autonomic regions such as hypothalamus, amygdala, anterior insula, and middle cingulate cortex with brain areas of the limbic, frontal, and somatosensory systems, and (2) correlations of reduced functional autonomic connectivity with the severity of autonomic dysfunction especially orthostatic intolerance, decreased heart rate variability, and greater clinical disability.Our findings provide evidence linking peripheral autonomic dysfunction with altered connectivity in the central autonomic network in ATTRv-PN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractComputing involving physiological data such as heart rate and electrodermal activity has been used as a way to enrich K-12 students’ computing learning experiences. This study explored a novel way to engage elementary students of color as “developers” through a series of physiological computing lessons during a summer learning program. Learners used real-time physiological data (i.e. muscle energy) as computer inputs to build computer programs. The study used an explanatory mixed method by combining multi-dimensional eye-tracking metrics data with qualitative investigation to reveal the visual attention of students with different programming proficiency levels. The regression analysis revealed three statistically significant predictors of students’ programming performances. Subsequent qualitative case studies provided additional insights into students’ problem-solving processes. Interpretations and caveats are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of different exercise interventions on cardiopulmonary function in male tobacco-dependent college students. Forty-five male tobacco-dependent college students were recruited as the tobacco-dependent (TB) group, and 45 non-tobacco-dependent college students were recruited as the control group. The TB group was randomly assigned to three subgroups: non-exercise (NE), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). The HIIT and MICT groups underwent a 10-week exercise training, while the NE group received no intervention. Cardiac parameters, including maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), heart rate max (HRmax), and heart rate reserve (HRR), and pulmonary indicators, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), vital capacity (VC), maximum ventilation volume (MVV), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were investigated. The results showed that the TB group had significantly lower cardiopulmonary function than the control group. The degree of tobacco dependence was negatively correlated with VO2max, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and MVV. Furthermore, both HIIT and MICT training improved cardiopulmonary function. HIIT training exhibited superior efficacy compared to MICT in improving HRmax, HRR, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEF. In conclusion, tobacco dependence adversely affects cardiopulmonary function in male college students. Both HIIT and MICT effectively improved cardiopulmonary function, with HIIT showing superior efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to test whether a machine learning model can accurately predict VO2 across different exercise intensities by combining muscle oxygen (MO2) with heart rate (HR). Twenty young highly trained athletes performed the following tests: a ramp incremental exercise, three submaximal constant intensity exercises, and three severe intensity exhaustive exercises. A Machine Learning model was trained to predict VO2, with model inputs including heart rate, MO2 in the left (LM) and right legs (RM). All models demonstrated equivalent results, with the accuracy of predicting VO2 at different exercise intensities varying among different models. The LM+RM+HR model performed the best across all intensities, with low bias in predicted VO2 for all intensity exercises (0.08 ml/kg/min, 95% limits of agreement: −5.64 to 5.81), and a very strong correlation (r = 0.94, p < 0.001) with measured VO2. Furthermore, the accuracy of predicting VO2 using LM+HR or RM+HR was higher than using LM+RM, and higher than the accuracy of predicting VO2 using LM, RM, or HR alone. This study demonstrates the potential of a machine learning model combining MO2 and HR to predict VO2 with minimal bias, achieving accurate predictions of VO2 for different intensity levels of exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the validity of six age-predicted maximum heart rate (HRmax) equations after stroke. Sixty individuals (54 (12) years; 64 (69) months after stroke) were included. A Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) performed on a treadmill obtained the HRmax. The most used age-predicted equations were investigated: (1) 220-age, proposed by Fox; (2) 206.9– (0.67 × age), proposed by Gellish; (3) 208– (0.7 × age), proposed by Tanaka; (4) 216.6– (0.84 × age), proposed by Astrand; (5) 164– (0.72 × age) and (6) 200– (0.92 × age) proposed by Brawner. No statistically significant agreement was found between the HRmax obtained by the CPET and the one predicted by the equations 1–5 (–0.18 ≤ 95% confidence interval ≤0.79). A significant and moderate agreement was found between the HRmax obtained by the CPET and the one predicted by equation (6) (95% CI= 0.05–0.75; Intraclass Correlation Coefficient= 0.51). Bland-Altman plots showed that equations (1–4) and (6) overestimated the HRmax. Equation (6) presented the lower mean difference. The equations developed for non-disabled individuals (1–4) are not adequate to be used in individuals after a stroke. Equation (6) (Brawner) showed the best results to be used in individuals after stroke; however, it should be used cautiously. Prediction equations for maximum heart rate (HRmax) are commonly used to prescribe aerobic exercise for individuals following a stroke. The equations developed for non-disabled individuals are not valid for use with individuals after stroke, leading to an overestimation of the HRmax. An age-predicted HRmax equation developed for individuals with coronary heart disease may provide outcomes that are more accurate for stroke survivors, but care should still be taken when using it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]