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This study aimed to examine the psychological effects of forest activities in a campus forest. A pre-test and post-test control group design was employed to evaluate the psychological effect of forest activities in a campus forest. A total of 38 participants participated in this study (19 in the forest activities group, 19 in the control group). The Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire, the Concise Measure of Subjective Well-Being (COMOSWB), and the modified form of the Stress Response Inventory (SRI-MF) were administered to each participant to assess psychological effects. This study revealed that participants in the forest activities intervention group had significantly positive increases in their mood, stress response, and subjective well-being, comparing with those of control group participants who did not partake in any forest activities. In conclusion, the implementation of forest activities in a campus forest is an efficient strategy to provide psychological well-being benefits to college students.

Background and objectives: Unhealthy, physically inactive lifestyles increase the risk of future cardiovascular events and impaired physical fitness in individuals with schizophrenia. Insufficient literature exists to provide fundamental information about appropriate exercise training modality for this population. This pilot study preliminarily investigated the effects of a 12-week moderate-intensity bench-step exercise training (BSET) program on cardiopulmonary fitness, mood state, and cognition in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with schizophrenia completed this study. The participants were allocated into either bench-step exercise-training (BSET, N = 14) or control (CTRL, N = 14) groups according to their preferences. The BSET group received a 12-week bench-step intervention, whereas the CTRL group did not participate in any training. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), 6-min walk test (6MWD), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) were assessed at baseline (PRE) and at the end of the intervention (POST) to determine mood state, endurance fitness, and attention, respectively. Results: After a 12-week BSET intervention, the 6MWD was significantly increased in the BSET (p = 0.007) but not in the CTRL (p &gt, 0.05). The participants with BSET intervention showed a significant decrease in BDI-II at the end of the intervention (p = 0.03). However, SDMT scores were not different in both BSET and CTRL (p &gt, 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the 12-week intervention of moderate-intensity bench-step exercise training (frequency: 1 session/week, each session of 30 min, step cadence: 96 beats/min) might effectively enhance cardiopulmonary fitness and mood state in patients with schizophrenia. However, attention did not change after the bench-step exercise intervention.

Background and objectives: It has been suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic impaired people&rsquo, s moods and general levels of physical activity, but the way in which each country is coping with the situation may result in different outcomes. The aim of the present study was to compare the mental health and physical activity levels between residents of Brazil and Switzerland during the social distancing period associated with COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire aiming to assess personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders data was answered by 114 participants (57 from each country) of both sexes. Results: Swiss participants presented a higher frequency of people (47.4%) not abiding by social distancing measures compared to Brazilian participants (1.8%, p &lt, 0.001, effect size = 0.56). There were no significant differences between the participants from the two countries regarding physical activity levels (p = 0.09). The Swiss presented a higher frequency (78.9%) of people without symptoms of depression compared to Brazilians (31.6%, 0.001, effect size = 0.48). The Swiss also presented a higher frequency (77.2%) of people without symptoms of anxiety compared to Brazilians (35.1%, 0.001, effect size = 0.43). There was a significant association between the restriction level and depression symptoms (p = 0.01, effect size = 0.25) but not with anxiety symptoms (p = 0.21, effect size = 0.16). Conclusions: According to the preliminary results, Brazilians presented a much higher frequency of depression and anxiety symptoms, which can be explained by characteristics other than the restriction level.

Links between olfactory sensory function and effect have been well established. A robust literature exists in both humans and animals showing that disrupting olfaction sensory function can elicit disordered mood state, including serve as a model of depression. Despite this, considerably less is known regarding the directionality and neural basis of this relationship, e.g. whether disruptions in sensory function precede and contribute to altered mood or if altered mood state precipitates changes in olfactory perception. Further, the neural basis of altered olfactory function in depression remains unclear. In conjunction with clinical studies, animal models represent a valuable tool to understand the relationship between altered mood and olfactory sensory function. Here, we review the relevant literature assessing olfactory performance in depression in humans and in rodent models of depressive-like behavioral states. Rodents allow for detailed characterization of alterations in olfactory perception, manipulation of experiential events that elicit depressive-like phenotypes, and allow for interrogation of potential predictive markers of disease and the cellular basis of olfactory impairments associated with depressive-like phenotypes. We synthesize these findings to identify paths forward to investigate and understand the complex interplay between depression and olfactory sensory function.

Anticipatory behaviour occurs in the period before a reward or other positive event is presented and has been interpreted as an indicator of the welfare and emotional state of animals. The use of this indicator has received limited attention in dairy calves. Therefore, we investigated how anticipatory behaviour is affected by housing environment and reward quality, and if anticipatory behaviour changes when reward quality changes unexpectedly. Sixteen pairs of calves were assigned to treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design (two housing environment and two reward quality combinations). Housing was either basic (2 m2/calf, river stone surface) or enriched (5 m2/calf, woodchip, and enrichment items), and the reward was access to either an additional basic or enriched pen. Calves were conditioned to anticipate reward pen access; anticipatory behaviour toward receiving the reward pen was measured. Signaling reward access increased the frequency of transitions between behaviours and duration of touching and looking at the signal and exit door. Basic-housed calves showed more anticipatory behaviour (increased frequency of transitions between behaviours) and decreased latency to access the reward compared to enriched-housed calves, but the reward pen quality had no effect on anticipatory behaviour. When the reward pen quality changed from enriched to basic unexpectedly, resulting in sudden reward loss, basic-housed calves decreased, while enriched-housed calves increased, anticipatory behaviour. However, there was no change in anticipatory behaviour during reward gain (change from basic to enriched reward pen). Our findings align with previous work showing that animals in basic housing show more anticipation for a reward, and demonstrate suppressed behavioural response when experiencing reward loss, suggesting greater sensitivity to reward. Sensitivity to reward has associations with mood state; thus, calves in basic environments may experience a more negative emotional state, and thus reduced welfare, compared to calves in enriched environments.

At the end of the period of home confinement due to Covid-19 lockdown, the 12-item Health Survey (SF-12) questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. Participants also completed the Profile of Mood State (POMS) for the assessment of mood. Data were collected through an online form on a sample of 143 adults (71% aged 18-30, 12% 31-40, 11% 41-50 and 6% aged >50, 58% males and 42% females). Subjects were divided into 5 groups according to the corresponding training condition followed during the first lockdown. Training classes were carried out via online guided distance learning. 19 subjects (Group FT) received functional training classes as they did before the confinement. Group FTL (29 subjects) followed another functional training only during the lockdown. Group DT (46 subjects) continued a non-functional type training also during lockdown; group TL performed one training only during lockdown. Finally, group NT (25 subjects) received no training. Results from SF-12 showed no significant differences between groups. POMS result indicated that only the FT group had positive effects on anxiety and depression, whereas a functional training performed with a different program (FTL) resulted in no significant effects on anxiety compared to NA group.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people’s general health and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity during social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information’s was answered by 2,140 female and male Brazilians who were recruited through online advertising. RESULTS: Thirty percent of the participants presented symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 23.3% displayed moderate/severe anxiety symptoms. A greater presence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression were associated with low physical activity levels, low family monthly income, and younger age. A higher percentage of men who had no mood disorders was observed among those who were very active than among those less active. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, considering all the non-communicable diseases and mental diseases associated with physical inactivity, humans are likely to be much more vulnerable during this period of social distancing, including that of combating a possible COVID-19 disease. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

PurposeThe aim of the study was to establish the differences in affective states of swimmers depending on the subjective rank of the competition and the relationship between affective states and performance in sports competitions of low, medium and high subjectively perceived rank.MethodsThe respondents (n = 31) aged from 15 to 23 years (18.1 ± 2.397) were studied using the psychological questionnaires Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Profile of Mood State (POMS), and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) during sports events. 362 measurements using POMS and 232 measurements using PANAS before the starts were collected. The significance of intergroup differences was determined using the Kruskal-Wallis test. A stepwise regression analysis was used to determine the emotional predictors of sports results.ResultsSubjective rank of sports competition differentiated significantly anger (chi2 = 6.826; p = 0.033), confusion (chi2 = 11.345; p = 0.003), depression (chi2 = 10.2; p = 0.006), fatigue (chi2 = 49.394; p ≤ 0.001), vigour (chi2 = 11.345; p ≤ 0.001), positive emotions (chi2 = 51.233; p ≤ 0.001), and negative emotions (chi2 = 11.552; p = 0.003). Regression analysis showed the influence of mood states and positive emotions on the sports result.ConclusionThe swimmers’ affective state changed depending on the subjective rank of the competition. Depression and positive emotional state made it possible to predict the result in medium- and high-rank competition.

Highlights • The Covid-19 lockdown affect severity of emotional and mood behaviors in ADHD • Children and adolescents with low severity degree resulted more vulnerable to lockdown • Boredom and Little enjoyment/interest are the most affected dimensions during lockdown, The current study examined the impact of the lockdown due to the Covid-19 disease on mood state and behaviours of children and adolescents with ADHD. Nine hundred ninety-two parents of children and adolescents with ADHD filled out an anonymous online survey through the ADHD family association website. The survey investigated the degree of severity of six emotional and mood states (sadness, boredom, little enjoyment/interest, irritability, temper tantrums, anxiety) and five disrupted behaviours (verbal and physical aggression, argument, opposition, restlessness) based on their frequency/week (absent; low: 1-2 days/week; moderate: 3-4 days/week; severe: 5-7 days/week) before and during the lockdown. Important fluctuations were found in all dimensions during the lockdown independently by the severity degree. Subjects with previous low severity degree of these behaviors significantly worsened in almost all dimensions during the lockdown. On the contrary, ADHD patients with moderate and severe degree showed important improvement during the lockdown. Little enjoyment/interests and boredom resulted the dimensions more strongly affected by the condition of restriction, overall in children. Children vs. adolescents showed substantially similar trend but the former resulted significantly more vulnerable to emotive changes. The results provided both the individuation of domains affected, and the indirect benefits produced by restriction condition.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of fitness level and mood states in the basic military training (BMT) for midshipmen using latent growth model analysis. A total of 285 midshipmen were selected as participants in BMT. The results were as follow: First, the slope of low initial fitness level increase higher than high initial fitness level. Second, there is no significant on relation between the slope of total mood disturbance score (TMD) and initial TMD level. Third, initial fitness level might increase the difference in participants&rsquo, mood state. To Sum up, participants in low initial fitness level scored lower on the results of initial TMD than people in high initial fitness level, and the rate of change in TMD of the stronger participants was larger than the others. Thus, we suggested that to consideration not only fitness level but also psychological, social aspect during in BMT.

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people’s general health and quality of life.The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity caused by social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age.MethodsA self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information’s was answered by 2140 Brazilians of both sex who were recruited through online advertising.ResultsThe physical activity level adopted during the period of social distancing (2.9 ± 1.1) was lower than that adopted prior to the pandemic period (3.5 ± 0.8,p ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

Verbal encouragement (VE) is considered as external motivation provided by physical education teacher. For this reason, this study aimed to examine the effects of VE on psychophysiological and affective responses during small-sided games (SSG). Sixteen male school students (age: 17.37 &plusmn, 0.48 years) completed four sessions of a 4-a-side SSG. Two sessions occurred with VE (SSGE), and two sessions did not include VE (SSGNE). Heart rate was continuously recorded, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate concentration ([La]b) were measured after each training session. Physical enjoyment was assessed after each protocol. Mood state was recorded before and after each training session using the profile of mood-state. HR max, [La]b, RPE, Physical enjoyment, and vigor were higher in SSGE compared to SSGNE (all, p &lt, 0.001). The SSGE and SSGNE resulted in a decreased total mood disturbance (TMD) (p = 0.001, ES = 0.60, p = 0.04, ES = 0.33, respectively) and tension (p &lt, 0.001, ES = 0.91, p = 0.004, ES = 0.47, respectively), and the vigor was increased after the SSGE (p &lt, 0.001, ES = 0.76). SSGE and SSGNE induce similar improvement in TMD and tension. However, SSGE induced higher physiological responses, RPE, enjoyment, and positive mood than SSGNE. Physical education teachers could use VE during specific soccer sessions to improve physical aspects, enjoyment, and mood in participants.

Background Previous studies suggested bipolar disorder caused an aberrant alteration in the insular, putamen, and left superior frontal gyrus, which are the main components of the hate circuit. However, the relationship between the hate circuit and the pathophysiologic substrate underlying different phases of bipolar disorder remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify group differences of resting-state functional connectivity within the hate circuit in healthy controls (HCs) and bipolar patients in different mood states. Methods Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were acquired from 54 HCs and 81 patients with bipolar disorder including 20 with bipolar mania (BM), 35 with bipolar depression (BD), and 26 with bipolar euthymia (BE). We selected bilateral insula (L.INS and R.INS), bilateral putamen (L.PUT and R.PUT), and left superior frontal gyrus (L.SFGd) as seed regions, and conducted the seed-based functional connectivity analysis to identify group differences of connectivity strength within the hate circuit. Spearman correlations were performed to evaluate the relationship between the hate circuit and manic/depressive symptoms. Results Significant group differences of connectivity strength within the hate circuit were found in links of the R.INS-L.SFGd, R.PUT-L.SFGd, and L.INS- R.PUT after false discovery rate was corrected. The BM group showed an opposite hate circuit pattern to BD, BE, and HCs. The BD group showed decreased hate circuit connectivity in the L.INS-R.PUT compared with the BE group. No significant difference was detected among BD, BE, and HCs. Furthermore, functional connectivity of the R.INS-L.SFGd and R.PUT-L.SFGd were positively correlated with manic symptoms, while the L.INS- R.PUT was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions Our preliminary findings suggest that altered functional connectivity of the hate circuit in different mood phases may be related to state markers and underpin the neuropathological basis of bipolar disorder.

Background: The relationship between bipolar disorder (BD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is investigated in several studies. According to the reports, the comorbidity of these two-disorders is more than the general population. Objectives: The current study aimed to compare the severity of OCD in different episodes of BD. Methods: This cross-sectional (descriptive-analytic) study included 90 patients referred to Baharan Psychiatric Center affiliated to the Zahedan University of Medical Science in 2019 with a primary diagnosis of BD according to Semi-structured interview (SCID). The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive scale was used to measure the severity of OCD symptoms in different episodes of BD. Results: The severity of OCD symptoms in the depression group was significantly higher than the manic (P < 0.01) and remission groups (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Mood state influences the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Since the course of disorder in the comorbidity of these two disorders become chronic and diagnosis, and the OCD is difficult in the manic episode; it is necessary to be aware when diagnosing BD or OCD.

Some published studies discussed the potential deterioration in human performance and increase in the risk of accidents due to the negative effects of shift work on the mood state of workers. Ageing of workers can also affect workers' coping with night work demands. The effects of age and shiftwork on the mood state of cement workers require more investigation and study due to the harsh working environment in the cement industry. This study aims to assess the relation and the impact of both age and shift timing on the mood state of cement factory workers. A sample of 70 cement production workers was asked to fill in the Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire which consists of 65 questions covering six mood dimensions at a day shift. Then after two weeks, the same workers were asked to fill in the same questionnaire at night shift. In terms of shift timing, results showed that cement production workers who worked night shifts reported significantly more mental health issues and experienced more tension, depression and fatigue, and less vigor than workers performing day shifts. In terms of age, night shift effects on the mental health of older workers was less when compared to younger workers. Fatigue and tension were also found to increase and vigor was found to decrease with older ages. Overall, results indicated that age has significant effects on the mood state of shift workers. Implications of those findings in terms of enhancing safety at cement production plants are discussed at the end.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of time-of-day and morning vs. evening chronotype on the relationships between mood state and performance of extreme intensity cycling exercise. A quasi-experimental between-groups design was used to test the hypothesis that there would be an effect of time-of-day on mood state and physical performance, that mood state and physical performance would be interrelated, and that the relationships would be influenced by participants' morning

Background and objectives Abstract and concrete modes of rumination may be associated with different mental health outcomes; whereby concrete rumination strategies increase the individual's tendency to seek solutions to problems and thus leading to significant improvements in the mood state as well as reductions in the intensity of ruminative thoughts. However, related studies also are suggestive of other variables that are potentially effective in the outcome of abstract and concrete processing. The current study aimed to examine how abstract and concrete processing are associated with state rumination and explore the role of cognitive flexibility in this relationship. Method A total of 111 (78 female) participants were assessed for state rumination prior and post induction of abstract versus concrete processing. Results Although all participants reported higher levels of state rumination following both processing inductions, participants that were instructed to engage in abstract processing reported higher levels of state rumination as opposed to concrete processing group. Moreover, participants with lower levels of cognitive flexibility reported significant increases in state rumination following the manipulation, independent of type of processing induction. Limitations The impact of the manipulation was assessed only via the BSRI and lacks physiological assessment of arousal levels of participants. Conclusions Clinical implications that involve concrete processing and CF ability trainings may be beneficial for the management of state rumination.

Experiential avoidance (EA) has been linked to various negative psychological outcomes and is believed to play a key role in many forms of psychopathology. While EA has been studied in the context of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other diagnoses, this study is the first to investigate the role of EA in bipolar disorder (BD). Eight participants in treatment for BD answered questions about mood state and EA twice per day for 60 days, using an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) design. Within-person hierarchical linear modeling analyses revealed that EA was negatively correlated with mood. Although EA did not predict subsequent mood, the reverse was true; EA increased following reports of blunted positive mood. Clinical implications, study limitations, and future research directions are discussed.

Psychological intervention has a positive impact on the competitive psychological ability and performance of athletes, while there are few studies on this subject. To improve the psychological ability of athletes’ mood and coping styles and promote the smooth progress of the competition, a single-subject experimental design model is used carry out psychological intervention on four high-level athletes for 8 months. According to the characteristics of Wushu routines, the psychological measurement and social validity evaluation are combined to explore the effect of psychological intervention. The results show that the mood state of four athletes improved obviously with the same trend. The coping styles showed a positive upward trend after psychological intervention. The results of three athletes also improved in the City Games. In addition, the results of “social validation” obtained from the coaches and athletes support the effectiveness of the intervention. Psychological intervention can effectively improve the bad mood and negative coping style of Wushu routine athletes so as to improve the competition of athletes.

Ramadan observance is characterized by several changes in behaviors, such as food and sleep, which could affect physical and cognitive performance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a 35-min nap (N35) opportunity on physical performance during the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT), attention, feelings, mood states, and perceptual measures of stress, fatigue, and muscle soreness during Ramadan observance. Fourteen physically active men (22 &plusmn, 3 years, 177 &plusmn, 4 cm, 76 &plusmn, 5 kg) were tested after a no-nap condition (N0), N35 15 days before Ramadan (BR), the last 10 days of Ramadan (DR), and 20 days after Ramadan (AR). Measures included the digit cancellation test (attention estimation), the profile of mood state (POMS), and the Hooper questionnaires. After a 5-min standard warm-up, participants performed the 5mSRT (6 &times, 30 s with 35 s in between, best distance (BD), total distance (TD), and fatigue index (FI) were recorded), along with the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after each test repetition. After the 5mSRT test, participants responded to the feeling scale (FS). The results showed that TD and FI during the 5mSRT were not affected by Ramadan observance. However, BD was significantly lower than DR compared to AR after N0 (∆ = &minus, 4.3 &plusmn, 1.3%, p &lt, 0.01) and N35 (∆ = &minus, 2.6 &plusmn, 1.0%, 0.05). After N0, attention decreased significantly at DR in comparison with BR (p &lt, 0.05) and AR (p &lt, 0.001). BD and TD improved after N35 compared to N0 at BR (∆ = +4.4 &plusmn, 2.1%, p &lt, 0.05 for BD and ∆ = +4.8 &plusmn, 1.6%, p &lt, 0.01 for TD), DR (∆ = +7.1 &plusmn, 2.2%, p &lt, 0.05 for BD and ∆ = +5.1 &plusmn, 0.01 for TD), and AR (∆ = +5.5 &plusmn, 1.5%, p &lt, 0.01 for BD and ∆ = +5.2 &plusmn, 1.2%, p &lt, 0.001 for TD). A significant increase in attention was observed after N35 in comparison with N0 at DR (p &lt, 0.01) and AR (p &lt, 0.01). However, no changes were found for the perception of mood states, stress, sleep, muscle soreness, and the FI during the 5mSRT. Also, N35 was better than N0 for RPE at DR (p &lt, 0.05), feelings at AR (p &lt, 0.05), and fatigue estimation at AR (p &lt, 0.01). A 35-min nap opportunity may have beneficial effects on physical and cognitive performances before, during, and after Ramadan.

Objective: To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on residents, and investigate the relationship between home-based physical activity, boredom and mood state. Method: A sample survey of 501 residents completed the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3, the Multidimensional State Boring Scale and Profile of Mood States. Results: ① In this epidemic, residents showed boredom and mood disturbance. In less severe areas, residents’ negative psychological experiences are more severe than those in more severe areas. ② Home-based physical activity was negatively correlated with boredom and mood disturbance, and boredom is positively correlated with mood disturbance. ③ Boredom mediated the relation between home-based physical activity and mood disturbance. Conclusion: The COVID-19 epidemic has caused residents to experience more boredom and mood disturbance; home physical exercise can not only improve emotional state directly, but also improve emotional state through boredom.

BackgroundThe importance of the hippocampus and amygdala for disrupted emotional memory formation in depression is well-recognized, but it remains unclear whether functional abnormalities are state-dependent and whether they are affected by the persistence of depressive symptoms.MethodsThirty-nine patients with major depressive disorder and 28 healthy controls were included from the longitudinal functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sub-study of the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. Participants performed an emotional word-encoding and -recognition task during fMRI at baseline and 2-year follow-up measurement. At baseline, all patients were in a depressed state. We investigated state-dependency by relating changes in brain activation over time to changes in symptom severity. Furthermore, the effect of time spent with depressive symptoms in the 2-year interval was investigated.ResultsSymptom change was linearly associated with higher activation over time of the left anterior hippocampus extending to the amygdala during positive and negative word-encoding. Especially during positive word encoding, this effect was driven by symptomatic improvement. There was no effect of time spent with depression in the 2-year interval on change in brain activation. Results were independent of medication- and psychotherapy-use.ConclusionUsing a longitudinal within-subjects design, we showed that hippocampal–amygdalar activation during emotional memory formation is related to depressive symptom severity but not persistence (i.e. time spent with depression or ‘load’), suggesting functional activation patterns in depression are not subject to functional ‘scarring’ although this hypothesis awaits future replication.

Background Prevention of age-related cognitive decline and depression is becoming urgent because of rapid growing aging populations. Effects of vagal nerve activation on brain function by food ingredients are inadequately investigated; matured hop bitter acid (MHBA) administration reportedly improves cognitive function and depression via vagal nerve activation in model mice. Objective We investigated the effects of MHBA supplementation on cognitive function and mood state in healthy older adults with perceived subjective cognitive decline. Methods Using a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial design, 100 subjects (aged 45-69 years) were randomly assigned into placebo (n = 50) and MHBA (n = 50) groups, and received placebo or MHBA capsules daily for 12 weeks. Results Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) score assessing divided attention at week 12 was significantly higher (p = 0.045) and β-endorphin at week 12 was significantly lower (p = 0.043) in the subjects receiving MHBA. Transthyretin in serum, a putative mild cognitive impairment marker, was significantly higher at week 12 in the MHBA group than in the placebo group (p = 0.048). Subgroup analysis classified by the subjective cognitive decline questionnaire revealed that in addition to improved SDMT scores, memory retrieval assessed using the standard verbal paired-associate learning tests and the Ray Verbal Learning Test at week 12 had significantly improved in the subgroup with perceived subjective cognitive decline and without requirement for medical assistance in the MHBA group compared with that in the placebo group. Conclusion This study suggested that MHBA intake improves cognitive function, attention, and mood state in older adults.

The study investigated physiological and psychological responses to taekwondo combat sessions as a function of different area sizes and within-round sparring partners. Twenty-four adolescent (age: 17 ± 1years) male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) taekwondo athletes participated in the study. Each athlete confronted 1 (1vs.1; no sparring partner change) or 2 (1vs.2; within-round sparring partner change every minute) opponents in different area sizes (i.e., 4 × 4 m, 6 × 6 m, and 8 × 8 m) for 2 min. Blood lactate concentration ([La]) was measured before and after bouts. Heart rate (HR) was measured throughout the contests and rating of perceived exertion was assessed after bouts. Mean HR (HRmean) and percentage of maximum HR (%HRmax) determined during a 20-m multistage shuttle run test were used for analysis. Mood states were assessed before and after bouts and physical enjoyment was analyzed after bouts. The results showed higher HRmean and %HRmax values for the 1vs.1 compared to the 1vs.2 condition (p < 0.001) and [La] values were higher at post-combat measurements (p < 0.001). Moreover, tension and fatigue were higher in 6 × 6 m compared with 8 × 8 m (p = 0.022 and p = 0.023, respectively) and anger was higher in 6 × 6 m and 8 × 8 m in comparison with 4 × 4 m (p = 0.012 and p = 0.043, respectively). Confusion increased from before to after bouts (p < 0.001), from 4 × 4 m and 6 × 6 m area sizes to 8 × 8 m (p = 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively), and from 1vs.1 to 1vs.2 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, vigour decreased from before to after bouts (p < 0.01). Taekwondo combat sessions are a specific conditioning exercise for athletes. Thus, coaches can use the 1vs.1 condition to elicit higher HR responses and 6 × 6 m area size to induce higher psychological stress, mimicking what occurs during a competition.

Objectives: Stress management for human service professionals remains an international issue. Methods: We conducted a primary prevention program using Dohsa-hou designed to provide early-career nurses with an understanding of stress and physical relaxation skills that can be utilized to reduce negative and increase positive mood states. Results: A total of 56 nurses working at a general hospital in Japan participated in the program. As a result, negative mood states were significantly reduced at post-test from the intervention. Also, vigor as a positive mood state showed a marginal increase compared to pre-test. These findings were largely consistent with a previous study implementing Dohsa-hou movement tasks in a stress management program. Conclusions: Although there were some limitations, this study suggested that the stress management program using Dohsa-hou may be a useful approach for preventing burnout by promoting mood state regulation for nurses.

Summary Self-perpetuating activity in lateral orbitofrontal regions has been theorized to sustain the negative thoughts and emotions of depression. A new study demonstrates that disrupting such activity may yield rapid improvements in mood state, pointing the way to novel treatment strategies.

Background: An age-related decrease in functional capacity is consistently reported, but it is not consistently related to a worsening of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) or psychological adjustment. A poor functional capacity and HRQOL have been associated with anxiety or depression, but the possible causal nature and direction of the relationship remain to be explored using long-term longitudinal data. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine age-related changes in functional capacity, HRQOL, and scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and possible causal interrelationships between these variables. Methods: Study participants were 5,124 Japanese aged ≥65 years. After the baseline study (2003), annual follow-up observations continued for 10 years. Generalized linear mixed models examined age-related changes in Barthel index (BI), Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG-IC), HRQOL, and HADS. Cross-lagged effects models tested possible causal interrelationships. Results: With age, functional capacity and HRQOL scores showed similar declines in both sexes. Changes in mental health, anxiety, and depression developed more slowly than decreases in physical health (BI, TMIG-IC, and physical functioning scores). Cross-lagged effects models demonstrated that functional capacity had positive effects on psychological adjustment, and that psychological adjustment had positive effects on functional capacity 5 years later. Interactions between functional capacity and psychological adjustment showed no sex differences. A decline in functional capacity negatively affected psychological adjustment, but reduced psychological adjustment had no significant impact on functional capacity 5 and 10 years later. Moreover, functional capacity and poor psychological adjustment showed no interactions in either sex. Conclusion: Functional capacity and mood state are interrelated. Greater function could sustain vitality and mental health, possibly reducing anxiety and depression.

This paper examines the relationship between common stock return and corporate cultural behaviour of twenty listed firms from Shanghai Stock Exchange. The particular research questions of this study include: whether corporate cultural behaviour impacts common stock returns and under what conditions it impacts shareholder expectations and corporate governance.

Introduction: Physical exercise at high altitude has become constant. However, the risks associated with this type of exercise represent a major concern, considering the influence of important stressors such as hypoxia and physical exercise on psychobiological and physiological responses. Objective: Analyze the mood state and behavior of physiological variables of volunteers subjected to a progressive loading protocol until they reached maximum volitional exhaustion, both at sea level and at a simulated altitude of 4500 meters. Method: For both conditions studied, the volunteers responded to two instruments that assess mood responses: The Brunel Mood Scale and the Visual Analogue Mood Scale. They also underwent blood sampling to measure blood lactate levels and to evaluate oxygen-hemoglobin saturation. These procedures were performed before, immediately after, and 30 and 60 minutes after the end of the protocol. Results: Hypoxia triggered negative effects on mood responses, especially when compared to sea level conditions. An increase in fatigue level (p=0.02) and mental confusion (p=0.04) was observed immediately after the exercise session, and reduction of vigor (p=0.03) was noted at 30 minutes, accompanied by a reduction in oxygen-hemoglobin saturation immediately after the session and at 30 minutes. There was also an increase in blood lactate levels immediately after the session (p=0.006). Conclusion: The particularities of the hypoxic environment associated with maximum exercise are able to cause a deterioration of mood and physiological responses, which can negatively modulate physical performance. This is a cross-sectional clinical study. RESUMO Introdução: A prática de exercícios físicos em elevadas altitudes tem se tornado constante. Entretanto, os riscos associados a esta representam uma grande preocupação, considerando a influência de importantes agentes estressores, como hipóxia e exercício físico, sobre as respostas psicobiológicas e fisiológicas. Objetivo: Analisar o perfil do humor e o comportamento de variáveis fisiológicas de voluntários submetidos a um protocolo de cargas progressivas até a Exaustão Voluntária Máxima no nível do mar e em altitude simulada de 4.500 metros. Métodos: Para ambas as condições estudadas, os voluntários responderam a dois instrumentos que avaliam as respostas do humor, Escala de Humor de Brunel e o Visual Analogue Mood Scale, e foram submetidos à coleta de sangue para verificar a concentração de lactato sanguíneo, bem como para avaliar a saturação de oxi-hemoglobina. Esses procedimentos foram realizados antes, imediatamente depois e 30 e 60 minutos após o término do protocolo. Resultados: A hipóxia desencadeou efeitos negativos sobre as respostas de humor, principalmente com relação ao nível do mar. Verificou-se aumento da fadiga (p = 0,02) e da confusão mental (p=0,04) imediatamente após a prática e redução do vigor (p = 0,03) aos 30 minutos; acompanhadas da diminuição da saturação da oxi-hemoglobina imediatamente após e aos 30 minutos; constatou-se ainda, o aumento da concentração de lactato sanguíneo no momento imediatamente após (p = 0,006). Conclusão: As particularidades do ambiente hipóxico associadas à realização do exercício físico máximo são capazes de piorar o estado de humor e as respostas fisiológicas, o que pode modular negativamente o desempenho físico. Este estudo é do tipo clínico transversal. RESUMEN Introducción: La práctica de ejercicios físicos en elevadas altitudes se ha vuelto constante. Entretanto, los riesgos asociados a ésta representan una gran preocupación, considerando la influencia de importantes agentes estresantes, como hipoxia y ejercicio físico, sobre las respuestas psicobiológicas y fisiológicas. Objetivo: Analizar el perfil del humor y el comportamiento de variables fisiológicas de los voluntarios sometidos a un protocolo de cargas progresivas hasta el Agotamiento Voluntario Máximo, al nivel del mar y a una altitud simulada de 4500 metros. Métodos: Para ambas condiciones estudiadas, los voluntarios respondieron a dos instrumentos que evalúan las respuestas del humor: la Escala de Humor de Brunel y el Visual Analogue Mood Scale, y fueron sometidos a colecta de sangre para verificar la concentración de lactato sanguíneo, bien como para evaluar la saturación de oxihemoglobina. Estos procedimientos fueron realizados antes, inmediatamente después, y 30 y 60 minutos después de finalizar el protocolo. Resultados: La hipoxia desencadenó efectos negativos sobre las respuestas de humor, principalmente con relación al nivel del mar. Se verificó aumento de fatiga (p = 0,02) y de la confusión mental (p = 0,04) inmediatamente después de la práctica y reducción del vigor (P = 0,03) a los 30 minutos; acompañadas de la disminución de la saturación de la oxihemoglobina inmediatamente después y a los 30 minutos; se constató además el aumento de la concentración de lactato sanguíneo en el momento inmediatamente después (p = 0,006). Conclusión: Las particularidades del ambiente hipóxico asociadas a la realización del ejercicio físico máximo, son capaces de empeorar el estado de humor y las respuestas fisiológicas, lo que puede modular negativamente el desempeño físico. Este estudio es del tipo clínico transversal.

Introduction: The different mood states in our daily life can affect our mental and emotional health. The aim of our study was to explore photoplethysmography to record heart rate variability as a marker of changes in mood states in our daily life.Materials and Methods: Two groups of affective pictures categorized into positive and negative sets were shown to thirty subjects on two different consecutive days with simultaneously recording of heart rate variability for 5 minutes by photoplethysmography technique. Immediately after recording on each day, 0-9 self-assessment scale was used to assess the mood state of the subject after viewing the set of pictures.Results: Sympathetic domains of heart rate variability like low frequency (200.3 ±4.1 vs. 166.7 ±2.8, p

Introdução: O estado de humor relaciona-se diretamente com a qualidade de vida e esta pode ser melhorada com a prática de exercício físico. Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos de uma sessão de treinamento funcional intenso de força e metabólico sobre o estado de humor. Material e Métodos: O grupo de estudo foi constituído por 29 sujeitos com idade média de 32,76±10,39 anos, praticantes de treinamento funcional. Avaliou-se o estado de humor dos sujeitos utilizando a escala de Brunel (BRUMS) e a intensidade do treinamento foi controlada utilizando-se a escala de BORG. Cada sessão de treinamento teve duração 65 minutos. Resultados: Verificou-se melhora no estado de humor, observada pela melhora dos aspectos relacionados a tensão e a raiva nos dois modelos de treinamento e dos aspectos de depressão no treinamento de força quando comparados o pré e o pós treinamento. Conclusão: A intervenção com treinamento físico funcional melhorou o estado de humor nos aspectos de tensão, raiva e depressão dos participantes.