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Author(s): F. Richard Ferraro [sup.1] , Kathryn Feltman [sup.1] [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.266862.e, 0000 0004 1936 8163, Department of Psychology, 2921 Columbia Hall (Former School of Medicine and Health [...], Students who self-reported having had a concussion (C, n = 25) or not having had a concussion (NC, n = 63) took the Sports Concussion Knowledge questionnaire (9 true statements/17 false statements about concussions), responding true or false to each statement and indicating their confidence level (0-100%) in their answer. They also took the Executive Function Index. Groups did not differ on TT statements (true statements responded to as true) and TF statements (true statements responded to as false), F&apos;s < 1.0. However, for the FF statements (false statements responded to as false), the C group (79% correct) was more accurate than the NC group (74% correct; p < .05). Confidence levels were high for both groups (78-80%). For the FT statements (false statements responded to as being true), the C group (21% errors) was more accurate than the NC group (26% errors; p < .05). Confidence levels were, again, high 70%. No group differences emerged for the EFI. Those in the C group a) were more accurate when indicating a false statement was false and b) displayed less misconception about Sports Concussions. In some cases, having had a concussion facilitates concussion knowledge.

Introduction: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method, popular due to its low cost, ease-of-application, and portability. As such, it has gained traction in examining its potential for cognitive enhancement in a diverse range of populations, including active-duty military. However, current literature presents mixed results regarding its efficacy and limited evaluations of possible undesirable side-effects (such as degradation to cognitive processes). Methods: To further examine its potential for enhancing cognition, a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, within-subjects design, was used to evaluate both online active-anodal and -cathodal on several cognitive tasks administered. Potential undesirable side effects related to mood, sleepiness, and cognitive performance, were also assessed. Active tDCS was applied for 30 min, using 2 mA, to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with an extracephalic reference placed on the contralateral arm of 27 (14 males) active-duty Soldiers. Results: We report mixed results. Specifically, we found improvements in sustained attention (active-anodal) for males in reaction time (p = 0.024, ηp² = 0.16) and for sensitivity index in females (p = 0.013, ηp² = 0.18). In addition, we found faster reaction time (p = 0.034, ηp² = 0.15) and increased accuracy (p = 0.029, ηp² = 0.16) associated with executive function (active-anodal and -cathodal), and worsened working memory performance (active-cathodal; p = 0.008, ηp² = 0.18). Additionally, we found increased risk-taking with active-anodal (p = 0.001, ηp² = 0.33). Discussion: tDCS may hold promise as a method for cognitive enhancement, as evidenced by our findings related to sustained attention and executive function. However, we caution that further study is required to better understand additional parameters and limitations that may explain results, as our study only focused on anode vs. cathode stimulation. Risk-taking was examined secondary to our main interests which warrants further experimental investigation isolating potential tradeoffs that may be associated with tDCS simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising method for maintaining cognitive performance. Anticipated changes in rotary-wing aircraft are expected to alter aviator performance. METHODS: A single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study evaluated effects of 2-mA anodal tDCS to the right posterior parietal cortex on aviator performance within a Black Hawk simulator. A mixed design with one between-subjects factor was assessed: stimulation prior to flight (20 constant min) and during flight (two timepoints for 10 min each). The within-subjects factor included active vs. sham stimulation. Randomly assigned to each stimulation group were 22 aviators. Aircraft state metrics derived from the simulator were used to evaluate performance. Subjects completed two flights (active stimulation and sham stimulation) with an in-flight emergency introduced at the end to assess whether the timing of tDCS application (prior or during flight) affected the ability to maintain attention and respond to an unexpected event. RESULTS: Results found active stimulation during flight produced statistically significant improvements in performance during the approach following the in-flight emergency. Subjects maintained a more precise approach path with glideslope values closer to zero (M = 0.05) compared to the prior-to-flight group (M = 0.15). The same was found for localizer values (during flight, M = 0.07; prior to flight, M = 0.17). There were no statistically significant differences between groups on secondary outcome measures. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest stimulation during flight may assist in maintaining cognitive resources necessary to respond to an unexpected in-flight emergency. Moreover, blinding efficacy was supported with 32% of subjects correctly guessing when active stimulation was being delivered (52% correctly guessed the sham condition). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The overarching objective was to evaluate whether workload sensory-domain specificity could be identified through electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings during simulated rotary-wing operations. Background: Rotary-wing aviators experience workload from different sensory domains, although predominantly through auditory and visual domains. Development of real-time monitoring tools using psychophysiological indices, such as EEG recordings, could enable identification of aviator overload in real time. Method: Two studies were completed, both of which recorded EEG, task performance, and self-report data. In Study 1, 16 individuals completed a basic auditory and a basic visual laboratory task where workload was manipulated. In Study 2, 23 Army aviators completed simulated aviation flights where workload was manipulated within auditory and visual sensory domains. Results: Results from Study 1 found differences in frontal alpha activity during the auditory task, and that alpha and beta activities were associated with perceived workload. Frontal theta activity was found to differ during the visual task while frontal alpha was associated with perceived workload. Study 2 found support for frontal beta activity and the ratio of beta to alpha + theta to differentiate level of workload within the auditory domain. Conclusion: There is likely a role of frontal alpha and beta activities in response to workload manipulations within the auditory domain; however, this role becomes more equivocal when examined in a multifaceted flight scenario. Application: Results from this study provide a basis for understanding changes in EEG activity when workload is manipulated in sensory domains that can be used in furthering the development of real-time monitoring tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) as a method of cognitive enhancement in both diseased and healthy individuals has gained popularity. Its potential for enhancing cognition in healthy individuals has gained the interest of the military. However, before it being implemented into military training or operational settings, further work is needed to determine its efficacy and safety. Although a considerable amount of literature exists, few studies have specifically evaluated its use in enhancing cognition relative to operational, military tasks. Therefore, in a first step to evaluate its efficacy, we completed a systematic literature review of studies using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a type of tES, to enhance cognitive processes in healthy individuals.Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify literature published between 2008 and 2018 that used a method of tES for cognitive enhancement. As part of a larger literature review effort, 282 articles were initially retrieved. These were then screened to identify articles meeting predetermined criteria, to include those using various methods of tES, resulting in 44 articles. Next, the articles were screened for those using tDCS or high-definition tDCS, resulting in 34 articles for review and information extraction.Results: Of the 34 articles reviewed, 28 reported some degree of enhancement (eg, improved accuracy on tasks and reduced reaction times). Areas of cognitive enhancements included executive functioning, creativity/cognitive flexibility, attention/perception, decision-making, memory, and working memory. However, the precise outcomes of enhancement varied given the range in tasks that were used to assess the constructs. Additionally, the stimulation parameters in terms of intensity applied, duration of stimulation, and brain region targeted for stimulation varied.Conclusions: The conclusions to be drawn from this systematic literature review include the identification of a brain region for targeting with stimulation to enhance a broad range of cognitive constructs applicable to military tasks, as well as stimulation parameters for duration and intensity. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was most frequently targeted in the studies that found enhanced performance across several cognitive constructs. Stimulation intensities of 2 mA and durations of 20 minutes or longer appeared frequently as well. Although several parameters were identified, further work is required before this type of technology can be recommended for operational use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]