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Insufficient sleep compromises cognitive performance, diminishes vigilance, and disrupts daily functioning in hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Despite extensive research revealing significant variability in vigilance vulnerability to sleep deprivation, the underlying mechanisms of these individual differences remain elusive. Locus coeruleus (LC) plays a crucial role in the regulation of sleep–wake cycles and has emerged as a potential marker for vigilance vulnerability to sleep deprivation. In this study, we investigate whether LC microstructural integrity, assessed by fractional anisotropy (FA) through diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at baseline before sleep deprivation, can predict impaired psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) performance during sleep deprivation in a cohort of 60 healthy individuals subjected to a rigorously controlled in‐laboratory sleep study. The findings indicate that individuals with high LC FA experience less vigilance impairment from sleep deprivation compared with those with low LC FA. LC FA accounts for 10.8% of the variance in sleep‐deprived PVT lapses. Importantly, the relationship between LC FA and impaired PVT performance during sleep deprivation is anatomically specific, suggesting that LC microstructural integrity may serve as a biomarker for vigilance vulnerability to sleep loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the effects of the smell environment in the work booth on autonomic nervous activity (ANS) and psychomotor vigilance levels (PVLs) using linalool (LNL) and trans-2-nonenal (T2N). The subjects were six healthy males (31 ± 6 years old) and six healthy females (24 ± 5 years old). They sat in the work booth filled with the smells of LNL and T2N for 10 min, and their electrocardiograms (ECGs), skin conductance levels, pulse wave variabilities, skin temperatures, and seat pressure distributions were measured. In addition, the orthostatic load test (OLT) and psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) were performed before and after entering the work booth, and a subjective evaluation of the smell was also performed after the experiment. This paper focused on ECG and PVT data and analyzed changes in heart rate variability indices and PVT scores. Males felt slightly comfortable with the LNL smell and showed promoted sympathetic nerve activity in the OLT after the smell presentation. Females felt slightly uncomfortable with the T2N smell and showed promoted sympathetic nerve activity and a decrease in PVT scores in the OLT after the smell presentation. Gender differences were observed in ANS and PVLs, and it is possible that the comfort of LNL increased sympathetic nervous activity in males, while the uncomfortableness of T2N may have reduced work performance in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behaviors, negatively impacting mental and physical health. Engaging in physical activity at home during quarantine became essential to counteracting these adverse effects. To develop appropriate physical activity programs, assessing individuals' fitness levels and the impact of inactivity is crucial. This study aims to compare motor abilities—including flexibility, balance, reaction time, cardiovascular endurance, and lower and upper limb strength—assessed both in-person and remotely, to determine the accuracy and repeatability of self-administered tests. Methods: A total of 35 young subjects (age 24.2 ± 1.97 years, BMI 22.4 ± 2.61 kg/m2) participated in this study. Each participant underwent a battery of motor ability tests designed to assess various fitness components. The tests were administered twice for each subject: once in a laboratory setting and once remotely at home. The sequence of tests was randomly assigned to ensure unbiased results. Both the in-person and remote assessments were used to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of self-administered tests. Results: The comparison of test results between the laboratory and remote settings revealed percentage differences ranging from 5% to 10%. This variation is considered an acceptable margin of error, suggesting that the tests conducted remotely were relatively accurate when compared to those performed in a controlled laboratory environment. Conclusions: The findings indicate that remote fitness testing is a promising method for evaluating motor abilities. With an acceptable margin of error, remote assessments can be effectively used to personalize training programs based on individuals' physiological characteristics. This approach may be particularly beneficial during times of limited access to fitness facilities, such as during quarantine, or for individuals seeking more flexible fitness evaluation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Approximately 40% of Japanese physicians report working more than 960 hr of overtime annually, with 10% exceeding 1860 hr. To protect their health, annual overtime limits went into effect in 2024. The objective of this study was to investigate associations of self‐reported sleep duration with psychological health and objective alertness. This was a cross‐sectional National Survey for The Work Style Reform of Long Working Physicians. Physicians self‐reported daily sleep duration, burnout (Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory), depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) and traffic accidents. Alertness was then evaluated using the brief Psychomotor Vigilance Test. Of 20,382 physicians invited, 1226 completed the survey and brief Psychomotor Vigilance Test. Daily sleep duration was inversely associated with weekly work hours (β = −5.4; 95% confidence interval −6.8 to −4.0, p < 0.0001). Sleep duration < 6 hr and ≥ 8 hr per day was associated with slower responses on the brief Psychomotor Vigilance Test (adjusted p < 0.05). An additional 10 hr worked per week was associated with a 0.40 point (95% confidence interval 0.08–0.72) increase in burnout severity and a 1.7% (95% confidence interval 0.1–3.3%) increase in odds of reporting a traffic accident. Increased brief Psychomotor Vigilance Test lapses, indicating lower alertness, were associated with worse symptoms of depression (β = 0.23 points; 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.31, p < 0.0001) and burnout (β = 0.25 points; 95% confidence interval 0.13–0.36, p < 0.0001). This study emphasizes the importance of sufficient sleep to maintain alertness, and supports limiting work hours for Japanese physicians to protect psychological health. Performance on the brief Psychomotor Vigilance Test may be a useful indicator of psychological health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) have emerged as biomarkers for cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). We investigated their role in a hereditary SVD model, retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukoencephalopathy and systemic manifestations (RVCL-S). Methods: NfL and GFAP levels of 17 pre-symptomatic, 22 symptomatic RVCL-S mutation carriers and 69 controls were measured using a Simoa assay. We assessed the association of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of NfL and GFAP with RVCL-S symptomatology and neuropsychological functioning. Results: Serum and CSF NfL levels were higher in symptomatic RVCL-S compared to controls ≥ 45 years (33.5 pg/mL vs. 9.2 pg/mL, p < 0.01; 8.5*102 pg/mL vs. 3.9*102 pg/mL, p < 0.01, respectively). Serum NfL levels were higher in symptomatic RVCL-S than pre-symptomatic carriers (33.5 pg/mL vs. 5.9 pg/mL, p = 0.02). Pre-symptomatic RVCL-S carriers had increased CSF NfL levels compared to controls < 45 years (5.2*102 pg/mL vs. 1.9*102 pg/mL, p < 0.01). No differences were found in GFAP levels across groups, but in RVCL-S carriers higher serum levels of both NfL and GFAP were linked to poorer global cognitive functioning (β[95%CI] = − 2.86 [− 5.58 to − 0.13], p = 0.04 and β[95%CI] = − 6.85 [− 11.54 to − 2.15], p = 0.01, respectively) and prolonged psychomotor test times (β[95%CI] = 6.71 [0.78–12.65], p = 0.03 and β[95%CI] = 13.84 [3.09–24.60], p = 0.01). Discussion: Higher levels of serum NfL and GFAP are associated with worse cognitive functioning in RVCL-S carriers and may serve as marker for disease progression. CSF NfL levels may serve as early marker as pre-symptomatic RVCL-S patients already show differences compared to young controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on laboratory objectives in engineering education research is scattered and inconsistent. Systematic literature reviews identified the need for better understanding. This paper ranks the laboratory learning objectives across the cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains to improve scaffolding. It provides an opportunity for reflection, a pathway to confirm assessment alignment, and opens future research areas. To accomplish this, the Laboratory Learning Objectives Measurement (LLOM) instrument is used to survey 160 academics from around the world representing 18 engineering disciplines. The results suggest that the collective ranking order does represent a framework that can be used broadly. However, for greater alignment with consensus thinking, discipline rankings should be used. The cognitive domain was deemed the most important. These results provide the community's opinion and may not necessarily be best practice, providing an opportunity for reflection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vigilant attention (VA) is a fundamental neurocognitive function. However, the association between habitual snoring (HS) and VA in community-based children remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the association. The study included 2014 children from grades 1–6 across six elementary schools. Snoring frequency was evaluated using a questionnaire administered to parents. VA was assessed using a brief 3-min psychomotor vigilance test (PVT-B). Generalized linear models and multivariate logistic regression analysis were utilized to examine the association between snoring frequency and PVT-B performance. Impaired PVT-B performance was defined as the worst quartile of PVT-B metrics. The PVT-B performance significantly improved with advancing school grade level (p trend < 0.0001). A significant negative correlation was observed between snoring frequency and PVT-B performance. Particularly, in grade 1, HS was associated with a higher risk of impaired PVT-B performance, including response speed (mean reciprocal reaction time) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–5.50), more slowest 10% RT (aOR 3.28, 95% CI: 1.51–6.88), and more lapse500 (number of lapse of reaction time ≥ 500 ms) (aOR 3.18, 95% CI: 1.45–6.80) compared to children without snoring. Our findings show that VA rapidly improves throughout elementary school. Additionally, younger children with HS are at risk of VA deficits, emphasizing the importance of early intervention for HS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For basketball technique elements to become stable and automated, the technique must be executed correctly from the initial stages of the learning process. The jump shot is considered the most crucial shooting action, equally effective in various on-court situations. Ideal techniques may not unconditionally be the best for every player because they differ in motor and morphological characteristics. One of the shooting methods is shot with one hand from the spot, which, in terms of complexity and required motor abilities, is at a lower level of demand when compared to the jump shot. The first aim of this research is to define the kinematic pattern of the jump shot and the shot with one hand from the spot and determine if there are differences between them. The second aim is to establish whether there is a significant difference in the level of motor skills between the two groups. The participant sample consists of 29 junior basketball players. They were divided into two groups: G1 = players who perform the shot with one hand from the spot (N = 14); G2 = players who execute the jump shot (N = 15). MANOVA was used to determine the differences in observed kinematic parameters between the group and in the measured tests assessing motor abilities. The kinematic parameters of the upper extremities, the parameters of the basketball player's take-off, and the angle of the ball's impact were analyzed. It was determined that the kinematic pattern of these two shooting techniques significantly differs (F = 12.86, p = 0.00). There was a statistically significant difference between the group of participants performing the jump shot and the group performing the one-handed chest shot from the spot (F = 5.51, p = 0.00) in motor ability tests. The group that performed the jump shot showed significantly better results in three of the five measured tests (PLANK, MED_THR, POL_BACK). Shooting with one hand from the spot is a technically correct shooting method recommended to be performed until the player possesses a certain level of motor skills that enables proper execution of the jump shot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to detect changes in a functional state during the performance of monotonous psychomotor test. We propose that these changes represent the repeated episodes of short sleep and spontaneous awakenings from them. We also argue that spontaneous awakenings from sleep stage 2 are accompanied by high-amplitude slow oscillations (SO). 20 subjects participated in 27 experiments during daytime. They performed continuous psychomotor test in a supine position with eyes closed for 1 h. Expert scoring of SOs in the EEG, including K-complexes and other single slow waves, was performed in sleep episodes reaching sleep stage 2, defined as pauses in task performance longer than 3 s. 248 episodes with SOs occurred in time intervals without activity lasting from 3 s to 10 min. In 195 cases, at least one SO was recorded before the test performance was resumed. 248 sleep episodes with 1255 SOs were taken into analysis. It was shown that SOs occur much more frequently just before awakenings (SO1, 12 or less seconds before awakening) than within sleep episodes (12 of more seconds before awakening, SO2). Some SOs were recorded within a few seconds after behavioral awakening (SO3), which has not been previously reported. We propose the hypothesis that SOs which occurred just before resuming performance (SO1) are associated with the unconscious episodic memory that triggers awakening followed by recovery of conscious activity performed prior to falling asleep. We also describe the novel type of SO (SO3) which occurs just after awakening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective measures of activity recovery performance in monotonous psychomotor task after brief episodes of daytime sleep were investigated. We used a psychomotor test in which the partially sleep-deprived subjects had to press the button 10 times with alternating left and right hands for 70 min. The task-induced short episodes of sleep, after which subjects had to resume the task. EEG of the anterior and central lead areas was studied when resuming the task after awakening from the first stage of sleep. We compared the situations of resumption of the pattern with left and right hands. The power of beta- and gamma-EEG oscillations during preparation and beginning of psychomotor activity was found to be higher when the subject starts to press the button with the left (nondominant) hand which may be a manifestation of sleep inertia. We attribute this to the fact that in this case the strategy for resuming activity interrupted by the short sleep is suboptimal and energy intensive, requiring greater cognitive activity. We also assume that this situation is preceded by a lower level of consciousness, in which the subject correctly remembers the instruction, but does reliably start with the dominant hand. However, the subject fully recovers and correctly performs the motor and synchronized cognitive account task immediately after awakening. This study contributes to an objective assessment of fluctuations in the human condition in monotonous work, which can lead to loss of concentration, reduced response time, drowsiness and negatively affect work safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Awakening is a transitional process from sleep to wakefulness. There is a certain restructuring in the work of brain structures during this period, which further allows a person to perform conscious activity. The study of interhemispheric asymmetry of amplitude–amplitude couplings of EEG rhythms was carried out. A psychomotor test was used in experiments. This test allows us to observe the moments of falling asleep and waking up when performing monotonous work. Multichannel EEG was recorded simultaneously with the test. The data of 14 subjects who reached the second stage of sleep during the experiment were analyzed. The selected 20 s EEG segments prior to awakening were processed using a continuous wavelet transform based on the "mother" complex Morlet wavelet. The Kendall correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the measure of EEG rhythms coupling. Quantitative changes in the couplings of EEG rhythms were revealed as the moment of awakening approached: in the two most distant time intervals, the total number of asymmetric connections was five to three, and in the two closest segments, there was only one coupling of EEG rhythms. This is not just a decrease in the number of connections, but also a change of EEG rhythms coupling throughout the entire 20-s segment. The dynamic nature of the EEG rhythms coupling in the hemispheres before awakening to resume the task is shown, which may indicate the dynamic relationship of structural and functional associations of the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of hemispheric asymmetry in humans during sleep and falling asleep give contradictory results—there is evidence of the dominance of both the right and left hemispheres when falling asleep. Such a discrepancy in the results may be due to both the high heterogeneity of asymmetry patterns and the difficulty of ensuring homogeneous experimental conditions in neurophysiological testing. 102 healthy participants repeatedly performed a monotonous bimanual psychomotor test at home. 227 trials were selected for analysis. We extracted sequences of microsleep episodes, indicating which hand executed motor activity last before falling asleep, and calculated various complexity measures (Shannon entropy, ordinary/normalized Lempel–Ziv complexity, ordinary/conditional permutation entropy, Petrosyan dimension). After clustering the data, the extracted clusters were pairwise compared according to the indicators of the psychomotor test (total tap number, number of sleep episodes, total sleep duration, inter-tap interval). We obtained four clusters based on the complexity measures estimates. They are characterized by similar psychomotor characteristics of the research participants. The third cluster is of the greatest interest, characterized by the absence of "global" asymmetry (i.e., without a clearly expressed dominance of one of the hands), high drowsiness level and the existence of temporary hand dominances for relatively short time intervals. The results indicate against the existence of a pronounced hemispheric asymmetry when falling asleep, while at the same time testifying to the existence of short-term hand dominance episodes, possibly due to the local dynamics of functional connectivity during the wake–sleep transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated developmental changes from childhood to adulthood in neurobehavioral performance and sleep measures. While many studies have examined age-related changes between childhood and adolescence and from mid-to-late adulthood, young adulthood has been overlooked. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sleep loss on developmental changes in neurobehavioral performance and sleepiness in a natural setting. A total of 119 children, adolescents, and young adults (38 children aged 6–9; 38 adolescents aged 13–19; and 43 young adults aged 20–27) wore an actigraph for a continuous five-weekday night. Subjective sleepiness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale) and neurobehavioral performance (using the psychomotor vigilance test and the digit symbol substitution test) were measured on five school days. The results showed that adolescents and young adults outperformed children on both the digit symbol substitution test and the psychomotor vigilance test measures. However, adolescents committed more errors of commission on the psychomotor vigilance test and reported higher levels of subjective sleepiness. The results are discussed in relation to brain maturation in various cognitive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the College Of Basic Education is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: It is widely recommended for teachers to provide positive feedback to foster the development and maintenance of children’s motivation and perseverance. However, not all positive feedback has positive consequences and an important differentiation can be made between positive person-oriented feedback (i.e. ‘you are very talented’) and process-oriented feedback (i.e. ‘you showed great perseverance’). Specific evidence- and theory-based recommendations regarding the impact of different types of positive feedback will benefit children’s experiences in physical education and sports. Purpose: The present study addressed this topic by carrying out an experimental study on the provision of different types of positive feedback on children’s perseverance following failure experience in motor tasks. Since it has been suggested that children’s ability as well as their degree of insecurity or self-esteem may affect how they respond to different types of feedback, we also consider the role of individual differences between children. Specifically, it was examined whether the impact of the different types of feedback depends on children’s actual and perceived motor competence and narcissism levels. Methods: A sample of 176 Flemish children (44.3% boys, 9–13 years) received either person-oriented, process-oriented or neutral positive feedback after a set of easy motor tasks in which they succeeded. Next, children engaged in motor tasks that were too difficult for their age so that they had a failure experiences after which they received negative feedback. Children’s perseverance following failure was measured by monitoring at which difficulty level and how long they kept on practicing. Prior to the experiment, children’s level of actual and perceived motor competence and narcissism was measured. Results: Children who received process-oriented positive feedback chose more difficult exercises than children in the neutral positive feedback condition. Children in the process-oriented feedback condition also persisted longer than children in the person-oriented positive feedback and control condition. These effects were independent of both children’s level of actual and perceived motor competence and narcissism. Conclusion: This study shows that not all forms of positive feedback are equally effective to increase perseverance. The results highlight the importance of offering process-oriented rather than person-oriented positive feedback to increase children’s perseverance when facing difficult tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous work has demonstrated the modest impact of environmental interventions that manipulate lighting, sound, or temperature on sleep inertia symptoms. The current study sought to expand on previous work and measure the impact of a multimodal intervention that collectively manipulated light, sound, and ambient temperature on sleep inertia. Participants slept in the lab for four nights and were awoken each morning by either a traditional alarm clock or the multimodal intervention. Feelings of sleep inertia were measured each morning through Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) assessments and ratings of sleepiness and mood at five time-points. While there was little overall impact of the intervention, the participant's chronotype and the length of the lighting exposure on intervention mornings both influenced sleep inertia symptoms. Moderate evening types who received a shorter lighting exposure (≤15 min) demonstrated more lapses relative to the control condition, whereas intermediate types exhibited a better response speed and fewer lapses. Conversely, moderate evening types who experienced a longer light exposure (>15 min) during the intervention exhibited fewer false alarms over time. The results suggest that the length of the environmental intervention may play a role in mitigating feelings of sleep inertia, particularly for groups who might exhibit stronger feelings of sleep inertia, including evening types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study purpose. This study aims to investigate motor skills and motivation to learn physical education through traditional games. Materials and methods. The study was conducted using an experimental method and involved 60 students from primary schools in Purwodadi District, Grobogan Regency, Indonesia. Data were collected by measuring motor skills and learning motivation through affective, cognitive and psychomotor tests that were examined for validity and reliability. In addition, students' character was also measured through observational tests of students' basic movement skills. The measurement of basic movement skills was carried out before and after the intervention, which lasted for 8 sessions over one month. Data analysis was carried out using the Anova technique, reinforced by regression of research results using SPSS 22 software. Results. The results showed that the traditional game approach had a significant effect on increasing students' motivation to learn physical education. The traditional games approach also contributed positively to students' learning outcomes. Through hands-on experience in these traditional games, students can develop motor skills, coordination, speed, strength, as well as cognitive aspects such as strategy, spatial intelligence and situation analysis. Conclusions. By participating in traditional games, students can understand and respect cultural heritage and broaden their horizons about cultural diversity. Suggestions for future investigations include extending the research and development activities by including a larger sample, which may provide greater statistical power to support research findings in the area of traditional games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance on the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT; Dinges & Powell, 1985)—a common index of sustained attention—is affected by the opposing forces of fatigue and sustained effort, where reaction times and error rates typically increase across trials and are sometimes offset by additional efforts deployed toward the end of the task (i.e., an "end‐spurt"; cf. Bergum & Klein, 1961). In ACT‐R (Adaptive Control of Thought‐Rational; Anderson et al., 2004), these influences on task performance have been modeled as latent variables that are inferred from performance (e.g., Jongman, 1998; Veksler & Gunzelmann, 2018) without connections to directly observable variables. We propose the use of frontal gamma (γ) spectral power as a direct measure of vigilant effort and demonstrate its efficacy in modeling performance on the PVT in both the aggregate and in individuals. Performance decrements across time‐on‐task during sustained attention tasks are difficult to simulate in computational frameworks, as are the relationships between behavioral and neural outcomes related to fatigue. We propose the use of frontal gamma spectral power computed from EEG data as a direct measure of both positive (i.e., compensatory) and negative (i.e., fatigue‐related) changes in vigilant attention and introduce a method for incorporating these estimates into ACT‐R models of the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT). Simulations using gamma power successfully recover observed response patterns in both the aggregate and within individual participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This research was performed to examine the effects of air and oxygen prebreathing on bubble formation, flow-mediated dilatation, and psychomotor performance after scuba dives. Methods: Twelve scuba divers performed two dives using a gas mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium (trimix). In a randomized protocol, they breathed air or oxygen 30 min before the trimix dives. Venous bubble formation, flow-mediated dilatation, and psychomotor performance were evaluated. The participants solved three psychomotor tests: determining the position of a light signal, coordination of complex psychomotor activity, and simple arithmetic operations. The total test solving time, minimum single-task solving time, and median solving time were analyzed. Results: The bubble grade was decreased in the oxygen prebreathing protocol in comparison to the air prebreathing protocol (1.5 vs. 2, p < 0.001). The total test solving times after the dives, in tests of complex psychomotor coordination and simple arithmetic operations, were shorter in the oxygen prebreathing protocol (25 (21–28) vs. 31 (26–35) and 87 (82–108) vs. 106 (90–122) s, p = 0.028). Conclusions: In the oxygen prebreathing protocol, the bubble grade was significantly reduced with no change in flow-mediated dilatation after the dives, indicating a beneficial role for endothelial function. The post-dive psychomotor speed was faster in the oxygen prebreathing protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor sleep and attention deficits are common in COPD. To assess the relationship between self-reported poor sleep and attention deficits in COPD. We also studied the association between self-reported sleep and the attention tests with the objective characteristics of sleep. Fifty-nine COPD patients were prospectively studied. Self-reported sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Objective characteristics of sleep were assessed by actigraphy and polysomnography. Attention was evaluated with the Oxford sleep resistance test (OSLER) and the Psychomotor vigilance test (PVT). 28 (47 %) patients referred poor sleep (PSQI >5). In the OSLER test they showed earlier sleep onset than patients with good sleep, median (Interquartil range): 31.2 min (25.4–40) vs 40 min (28.5–40), p: 0.048. They also spent more time making errors: 4.5 % (0.6–7.6) of total test time vs 0.7 % (0.2–5.3), p: 0.048. In PVT, patients with poor sleep presented a greater dispersion of the reaction time values with a higher value in the slowest 10 % of the reactions, 828 (609–1667) msec. vs 708 (601–993) msec, p: 0.028. No association was found between self-reported poor sleep and objective sleep variables. We found no correlation between OSLER and PVT results and polysomnographic variables except between sleep efficiency and PVT response speed (β: 0.309, p: 0.018). Self-reported poor sleep in COPD is associated with attention deficits. Sleep quality should be included in future studies of this facet of cognition in COPD, as well as to assess its potential usefulness as a therapeutic target. • Poor sleep quality is frequent in COPD patients. • Self-reported poor sleep is associated with attention deficits in COPD patients. • COPD patients with reported poor sleep make more errors and have slower reactions. • Pittsburgh questionnaire and polysomnographic variables are not related in COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the status of motor skill of balance and possible differences between girls and boys, of younger school age, in predicting the performance of selected gymnastic elements on the floor (shoulder stand, headstand, handstand). Eighty-four young participants were divided into two groups participating in the study (Group Males: n=42; Group Females: n=42). The participants had to perform four tests to evaluate motor ability of balance that have the necessary metric characteristics: standing on one leg with eyes open transversely on a balance bench - MBAP, standing on two legs longitudinally on a balance bench with eyes closed - MBAU2Z, standing on two legs longitudinally on balance benches with eyes open - MBAU2O and Flamingo test - FLAM. The success of the execution of the selected gymnastics elements was evaluated by the commission, which consisted of five licensed judges of the Gymnastics Federation of the Republic of Srpska, with marks from 0 to 10. Minor differences were found in the motor ability of balance and the results of predictable values for these gymnastic elements (p=0.05). Girls had lower results in the motor tests but better scores in the performance of the gymnastic elements, but it is no significant differences. The average results of all respondents in this research are lower than in previous research. The relatively low scores of the motor ability test results indicate the need to introduce additional pre-exercises to improve results in performing essential gymnastic elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In midwifery education based on theoretical and practical foundations, students encounter midwifery profession education which based on for the first time in the Basic Clinical Skills in Midwifery Course. The aim of the Basic Clinical Skills in Midwifery Course is to help students understand the basic philosophy of midwifery and the role of the midwife in the health system, and to provide the student with knowledge, skills and attitudes about the basic concepts, principles and methods in midwifery care. In the Basic Clinical Skills in Midwifery Course, students are offered learning methods that will enable them to develop behaviors in the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains. In this context, the course is carried out in skill development laboratories and clinical environments, after the lecturer in the classroom explains the basic concepts, the health system and midwifery, the protection and development of health, the fulfillment of physiological care needs, and the demonstration of the skills related to the psychomotor domain. Clinical practices are an indispensable element of midwifery education. The Midwifery Basic Clinical Skills Course has a very important place in clinical skills training, as students experience the hospital environment for the first time in their education life and experience midwifery practices for the first time on real patients. The aim here is to discuss a case that can be experienced after the correct application of vital sign measurement techniques and erroneous measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety profile of vornorexant were investigated in healthy Japanese participants in three double‐blind studies: a single ascending dose of 1–30 mg (Study 101; n = 6) and multiple ascending doses of 10–30 mg (Study 102; n = 6). Study 202 consisted of two steps: an open‐label, 20 mg repeated‐dose in non‐elderly individuals (Step 1; n = 12) and a double‐blind, 20 mg repeated‐dose in elderly individuals (Step 2; n = 8/3 for vornorexant/placebo). Vornorexant was rapidly absorbed and eliminated under fasting conditions, with a time to maximum plasma concentration of 0.500–3.00 h (range) and elimination half‐life of 1.32–3.25 h. The area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) of vornorexant increased proportionally with dose increments. Sleepiness‐related pharmacodynamic outcome changes (Karolinska sleepiness scale, digit symbol substitution test and psychomotor vigilance task) were generally increased with dose increments at 1 and 4 h post‐dose, whereas no consistent dose‐related changes were detected the next morning. Food intake did not affect the maximum observed plasma concentration of vornorexant but increased the AUC0–inf. Exposure in elderly individuals was generally comparable to that in non‐elderly individuals. Altogether, vornorexant may have a favourable profile for insomnia treatment, including rapid onset of action and minimal next‐day residual effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To assess the objectivity of measurements of the level of drowsiness in subjects using a previously developed monotonous psychomotor bimanual tapping test performed on mobile devices running Android OS. Materials and methods. A total of 494 1-h experiments were run in 102 students using a psychomotor test. Correlations between sleepiness levels on the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and behavioral test scores were assessed using linear mixed models. Results. Statistically significant relationships were demonstrated between increases in KSS scores and indicators such as decreases in the total number of button presses and increases in the frequency of microsleep episodes. There were no statistically significant relationships between ESS scores and performance on behavioral tests. Conclusions. studies using a large statistical dataset showed significant correlations between psychomotor test parameters and the level of drowsiness on the KSS, which supports the validity of a mobile app which has been developed to determine ongoing drowsiness/vigilance levels in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Habanera de Ciencias Médicas is the property of Universidad de Ciencias Medicas de La Habana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of research that investigates coordination abilities in basic individual sports, such as athletics, gymnastics, climbing, and swimming. The relevant sports that have a process of identifying very young talents are precisely these basic individual sports. The following electronic databases were used: Web of Science and PubMed. A total of 16 studies met the criteria for participation in this study. Since only a few studies have been done on this topic, this review included studies for the last 30 years. The sample of respondents in the included studies consisted of both males and females, and the total number was 642. The study findings indicate that coordination is a crucial motor ability with a significant impact on athletic success in youth. The level of coordination abilities increases with sports experience, so the development of coordination should be one of the priorities in the training process of gymnasts, athletes, sports climbers and swimmers in younger sportsman ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of change of direction (COD) and agility among players engaged in soccer, basketball, and handball. Additionally, the researchers introduced the novel concept of "Agility deficit", aimed at evaluating distinctions between COD and agility during running (COD-R; Agility-R) and dribbling (COD-D; Agility-D). The participant cohort comprises 38 individuals with an average age of 20.63 years, distributed across 13 handball players, 12 soccer players, and 13 basketball players. Statistical analyses, specifically ANOVA accompanied by Tukey's post hoc comparisons, have been employed to discern significant differences among subgroups. While no noteworthy disparities among groups were observed in both COD-D and Agility-D when participants manipulated the balls using their hands, a marked superiority in performance emerged for soccer players when the balls were manipulated with their legs. Soccer players exhibited expedited responses compared to their basketball and handball counterparts when confronted with a visual stimulus during the Agility-R test (reduced Agility-R deficit). Furthermore, the Agility-D deficit underscored the heightened visual challenge to react in visual stimuli during dribbling in soccer. Independent of the type of ball handling, soccer players consistently demonstrated a diminished Agility-D deficit, affirming their superior visual ability. The performance in Agility-D further revealed that visual ability plays a pivotal role in influencing dribbling ability. The study posits that, for a comprehensive assessment of a player's visual ability during running or dribbling, interpretations of both Agility-R deficit and Agility-D deficit are imperative. Consequently, the proposed indexes of Agility-R deficit and Agility-D deficit present valuable tools for evaluating players' COD and Agility abilities during running or dibbling. However, the efficacy of these assessments in real-game situations remains undetermined, requiring further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for novel antiepileptic agents whose modes of action differ from those of current antiepileptic drugs. The objective of this study was to determine whether 1-diethylamino-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (2) could prevent or at least diminish convulsions caused by different mechanisms. This amide afforded protection in the maximal electroshock and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole screens when given intraperitoneally to both mice and rats. A number of specialized tests in mice were conducted and are explained in the text. They revealed (2) to have efficacy in the 6 Hz psychomotor seizure test, the corneal kindling model, the mouse temporal epilepsy screen and a peripheral neuronal transmission test using formalin. Three screens in rats were undertaken, which revealed that (2) blocked chloride channels, inhibited peripheral neuronal transmission (tested using sciatic ligation and von Frey fibres) and afforded protection in the lamotrigine-resistant kindled rat model. The biodata generated reveal that (2) is an important lead molecule in the quest for novel structures to combat epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical abilities are an essential part of the individual physical fitness. It has been found that by purposeful impact on a given physical ability the other abilities are influenced to a certain extent too. The PURPOSE of this study was to establish the strength and character of the relationship among the basic physical abilities of 5-6 aged boys and girls. A total of 208 children - 113 boys and 95 girls, from two age groups - 3rd and 4th preparatory group for school were examined. The following research METHODS were used: theoretical analysis, sports-pedagogical testing, statistical methods, graph analysis. In order to establish the level of the studied physical abilities eleven motor tests were carried out. The RESULTS show that a big part of the registered correlations have low and statistically insignificant values. Some moderate and statistically significant correlations dominated in all age-sex groups were found. CONCLUSION: In the 5-6 years age period, a complex development of physical abilities is recommended, but with an emphasis on one or another ability, depending on its sensitive period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The weakening of the ability of the elderly to perform gait is becoming a major cause of the increase in the frequency of falls. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we designed and manufactured a treadmill capable of restraining walking by providing a sudden repulsive force on the left and right legs of a pedestrian when walking for the fall prevention training of the elderly. Through this, it is possible for the elderly person to strengthen the lower extremity muscles to prevent and prepare for falling through the fall prevention training similar to the fall environment that may occur in daily life. METHOD: The development system includes a motor for generating a driving force in the form of a left and a right driving system and a belt separated from each other, an electromagnetic clutch for rapidly stopping the running belt of the motor transmitted to the running belt to stop the running belt, and a controller for controlling the driver. RESULTS: In order to evaluate the development system, the motor driving ability test and the power transmission, connection and shut-off performance of the electromagnetic clutch were carried out. The subject's muscle activity of the lower extremity muscles was evaluated when the running belt stopped at the beginning of the right folding. CONCLUSION: It is expected that the developed dual function system would be helpful for the fall prevention exercise as well as the rehabilitation exercise for patients who have recovered from surgery or hemiplegic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basis for a player playing effectively during a match are football skills. In turn, a high level of motor preparation (speed, strength, endurance, and coordination skills) allows one to fully demonstrate one's sports potential. It is therefore understandable that significant attention is paid to motor preparation during training. However, it should be remembered that training units must be adapted to the requirements of the competition season and specific matches. In addition, an important aspect is to develop the player's psychomotor skills so that he or she is able to effectively implement the coach's assumptions during the match. The collected research results provided answers to three research questions. First, the level of fitness and coordination abilities of 11-12-year-old players was determined. Based on the research conducted, it can be concluded that young football players of the "Lider" Football Academy are characterized by an average level of fitness and coordination preparation. The next research question concerned the trials in which football players of the "Lider" Football Academy achieved the best and worst results. The highest average point values over the year were obtained by young football players in the jumping test x² = 54.75/57.15 points, and the weakest in the test testing the strength of abdominal muscles x² = 45.00/48.05 points and in the balance test x² = 45 .85/50.50 points. A slight increase in average test results can be observed in one test: "standing long jump" - an increase of 10%. Statistically significant changes were observed in the following tests: "reaching bend in standing", "hanging on bent arms" and "sitting from lying down", where the average results increased by 48% (a = 0.0327), 22% (a = 0.0418) and 12% (a=0.0497). Only in the "equivalent attitude" sample, no improvement in the average value of results was observed between the first and second test dates. The average value obtained in this sample decreased by 1.7%. Conclusions 1. Moderate individual differences in results in fitness and coordination tests of motor skills were observed among the examined football players. 2. Players of the "Lider" Football Academy aged 11-12 have an average level of fitness and coordination skills. They achieved the best results in the jumping test, and the weakest in the balance test and in the test assessing abdominal muscle strength. 3. In the "standing reach", "hanging on bent arms" and "sitting from lying down" tests, statistically significant differences were observed between the average results of the first and second test dates, which proves the impact of sports training on changes in motor skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being added to numerous products, little is known about cannabidiol. Drowsiness is a self‐reported side effect, which could impact cognitive functioning. To determine whether cannabidiol impacts cognition and psychomotor function, a volunteer sample of healthy, college students were recruited for this randomized, parallel‐group, double‐blind, feasibility trial from April–November 2021. Participants completed a baseline survey, the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, Visual Analog Mood Scale, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Trail Making Test, Psychomotor Vigilance Test, and Simple Reaction Time Tests. Participants were then randomized and allocated to receive 300 mg cannabidiol oil (N = 21) or placebo (N = 19). After 120 min, participants retook the tests. Performance between groups was compared using Analysis of Covariance and multi‐level Negative Binomial regression. Participants averaged 21 ± 3 years of age, and 52% were female. Self‐reported anxiety did not change posttreatment. Performances on the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, Visual Analog Mood Scale, and Psychomotor Vigilance Test increased for both groups. After accounting for baseline scores, attention lapse duration significantly increased for those receiving cannabidiol compared to placebo in the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (76 vs. 66 ms; p = 0.02). Auditory reaction time improved in the cannabidiol group versus placebo for one sound emitted during the Simple Reaction Time Test (241 vs. 245 ms; p = 0.02), but the number of early responses increased from 0.3 to 0.8 for those receiving cannabidiol. While performance on most tests was similar between those receiving cannabidiol and placebo, cannabidiol might affect certain aspects of vigilance. More research and larger trials are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in children exhibiting attention difficulties has created the need for more classroom-based intervention programmes. A promising link between physical education and improvement in executive functioning has been at the centre of attention. POTENTIAL constitutes a novel classroom-based psychomotor education programme to enhance students' attention and listening skills by improving executive functions. A cluster randomised feasibility study was conducted to explore the feasibility of a definitive trial to assess POTENTIAL's effectiveness regarding (i) recruitment and sampling procedures; (ii) compliance and fidelity; (iii) the acceptability of POTENTIAL by teachers and children; and (iv) the appropriateness of the outcome measures. Four early years classes with an inclusion unit participated: two implemented POTENTIAL and two received no intervention. Eight children in each class (n = 32) were sampled to investigate the appropriateness of the outcome measures. Teachers' diaries were utilised to explore the acceptability of the activities and the fidelity and compliance to the implementation. The findings regarding POTENTIAL's acceptability were positive. The recruitment targets were met, and compliance and fidelity were good. Mixed results were produced about the appropriateness of the outcome measures. Thus, the trial protocol could be scaled up in a definitive trial. This study highlights the need for more physical education programmes to support children's executive functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adhesion G-protein-coupled receptor is a seven-transmembrane receptor protein with a complex structure. Impaired GPR56 has been found to cause developmental damage to the human brain, resulting in intellectual disability and motor dysfunction. To date, studies on gpr56 deficiency in zebrafish have been limited to the nervous system, and there have been no reports of its systemic effects on juvenile fish at developmental stages. In order to explore the function of gpr56 in zebrafish, the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system was used to construct a gpr56-knockout zebrafish. Subsequently, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at the transcriptional level between the 3 days post fertilization (dpf) homozygotes of the gpr56 mutation and the wildtype zebrafish were analyzed via RNA-seq. The results of the clustering analysis, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and in situ hybridization demonstrated that the expression of innate immunity-related genes in the mutant was disordered, and multiple genes encoding digestive enzymes of the pancreatic exocrine glands were significantly downregulated in the mutant. Motor ability tests demonstrated that the gpr56−/− zebrafish were more active, and this change was more pronounced in the presence of cold and additional stimuli. In conclusion, our results revealed the effect of gpr56 deletion on the gene expression of juvenile zebrafish and found that the gpr56 mutant was extremely active, providing an important clue for studying the mechanism of gpr56 in the development of juvenile zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our work, we compare EEG time–frequency features for two types of K-complexes detected in volunteers performing the monotonous psychomotor test with their eyes closed. Type I K-complexes preceded spontaneous awakenings, while after type II K-complexes, subjects continued to sleep at least for 10 s after. The total number of K-complexes in the group of 18 volunteers was 646, of which of which type I K-complexes was 150 and type II K-complexes was 496. Time–frequency analysis was performed using continuous wavelet transform. EEG wavelet spectral power was averaged upon several brain zones for each of the classical frequency ranges (slow wave, δ , θ , α , β 1 , β 2 , γ bands). The low-frequency oscillatory activity (δ -band) preceding type I K-complexes was asymmetrical and most prominent in the left hemisphere. Statistically significant differences were obtained by averaging over the left and right hemispheres, as well as projections of the motor area of the brain, p<0.05. The maximal differences between the types I and II of K-complexes were demonstrated in δ -, θ -bands in the occipital and posterior temporal regions. The high amplitude of the motor cortex projection response in β 2 -band, [ 20 ; 30 ] Hz, related to the sensory-motor modality of task in monotonous psychomotor test. The δ -oscillatory activity preceding type I K-complexes was asymmetrical and most prominent in the left hemisphere may be due to the important role of the left hemisphere in spontaneous awakening from sleep during monotonous work, which is an interesting issue for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Addiction is characterized by intermittent drug seeking despite rising costs. This behavior is heavily influenced by environmental stimuli that signal drug availability and reinforce drug seeking. Objective: To establish the relationship between three key aspects of human drug use in rats: the intermittent, binge nature of drug intake, the motivational conflict of drug seeking in the face of escalating negative costs, and the ability of different drug cues to interact to modulate relapse. Methods: Male and female rats were trained to self-administer cocaine on an intermittent access schedule, where brief drug-availability states were signaled by a shift in the ambient lighting of the environment, and cocaine infusions were signaled by a separate proximal discrete cue. Rats then went through a conflict procedure, where foot shock intensity associated with cocaine seeking was escalated until intake was suppressed. We then completed relapse tests where the drug-delivery cue was noncontingently presented alone, or in the context of dynamic drug-availability state transitions. Results: Intermittent access spurred psychomotor sensitization and binge-like cocaine intake. The intensity of binge-like drug taking during training was predictive of later drug seeking despite escalating costs during conflict. In relapse tests, the ability of a proximal discrete drug cue to trigger relapse was gated by the presence of a global cue signaling drug-availability state transitions. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the pattern of drug intake plays a role in many features of addiction, including modifying an individual's willingness to endure high costs associated with drug seeking. Furthermore, our studies indicate that drug-related sensory information can be hierarchically organized to exert a dynamic modulating influence on drug-seeking motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physical Culture / Fizicka Kultura is the property of University of Belgrade - Faculty of Sport & Physical Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Drivers should be aware of possible impairing effects of alcohol, medicinal substance, or fatigue on driving performance. Such effects are assessed in clinical trials, including a driving task or related psychomotor tasks. However, a choice between predicting tasks must be made. Here, we compare driving performance with on-the-road driving, simulator driving, and psychomotor tasks using the effect of sleep deprivation. Method: This two-way cross over study included 24 healthy men with a minimum driving experience of 3000km per year. Psychomotor tasks, simulated driving, and on-the-road driving were assessed in the morning and the afternoon after a well-rested night and in the morning after a sleep-deprived night. Driving behaviour was examined by calculating the Standard Deviation of Lateral Position (SDLP). Results: SDLP increased after sleep deprivation for simulated (10cm, 95%CI:6.7–13.3) and on-the-road driving (2.8cm, 95%CI:1.9–3.7). The psychomotor test battery detected effects of sleep deprivation in almost all tasks. Correlation between on-the-road tests and simulator SDLP after a well-rested night (0.63, p <.001) was not present after a night of sleep deprivation (0.31, p =.18). Regarding the effect of sleep deprivation on the psychomotor test battery, only adaptive tracking correlated with the SDLP of the driving simulator (-0.50, p =.02). Other significant correlations were related to subjective VAS scores. Discussion: The lack of apparent correlations and difference in sensitivity of performance of the psychomotor tasks, simulated driving and, on-the-road driving indicates that the tasks may not be interchangeable and may assess different aspects of driving behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic properties of the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) in non-demented ALS patients by addressing the Edinburgh Cognitive Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS) as the gold standard, as well as by examining the association between its administrability and scores with motor-functional measures. Materials: N = 348 consecutive patients were administered the ECAS and FAB. Disease severity (ALSFRS-R), duration, progression rate (ΔFS), and stages (via King's and Milano-Torino systems) were considered. Administrability rates and prevalence of below-cut-off FAB scores were compared across clinical stages; regression models allowed to test whether, net of the ECAS-Total, motor features predicted the probability of the FAB not being administrable and of a defective FAB score. Intrinsic and post-test diagnostics were explored against a combined defective ECAS-Executive and ECAS-Fluency scores. Results: 85.3% of patients managed to complete the FAB. FAB administrability rates decreased with advanced clinical stages, whereas the prevalence of below-cut-off FAB scores did not. The probability of the FAB not being administrable was predicted only by lower ALSFRS-R-bulbar and ALSFRS-R-upper-limb scores; no motor features, but the ECAS-Total, predicted a below-cut-off performance on the FAB. Raw and adjusted FAB scores showed high accuracy (AUC =.85 and.81, respectively) and good intrinsic and post-test properties. Discussion: The FAB is featured by optimal diagnostics for detecting executive deficits in ALS, provided that it can be administered according to its original, standardized procedure, and thus that patients have sufficiently spared motor abilities to complete the test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In their structure, indoor sports require quick changes of movement direction. Players should possess a high level of ability to change the direction and speed of movement in response to a stimulus, which is one of the major prerequisites for a high level of performance. During a volleyball match, players are involved in different defensive and offensive activities in which agility plays an important role. The aim of this study was to determine the differences between less successful and more successful youth female volleyball players, as well as their inter-positional and intra-positional differences in agility. The study was conducted on a sample of 204 youth female volleyball players whose mean chronological age was 14.11±0.84 years. The players were divided into 5 subgroups according to their playing position (setters, opposite players, passer-hitters, middle blockers, and libero players). The variable sample used to assess agility consisted of 3 tests: Side steps, 9-3-6-3-9 test, and Step-hop test. Methods of data analysis included the determination of metric characteristics for all three agility tests. The analysis of covariance revealed a significant impact of biological age indicators on all agility tests. Furthermore, discriminant analysis of differences showed that more successful volleyball players achieved better results in all three agility tests. High reliability of the test was determined by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient (0.87-0.96). The results of this study showed a positive effect of agility tests in differentiating less successful and more successful players regardless of their position. More successful players achieved better results than less successful players in all tests. Greater biological maturity and training experience represent great competitive advantage in this age group. The obtained inter-positional and intra-positional differences and the influence of the biological age indicator on inter-positional and intra-positional differences in agility tests imply that higher biological maturity and training experience are great competitive advantages in this age group. The primary goal of training in younger age groups should not be the current success in the competition, but rather the preparation for achieving the best possible results in senior competition.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the scores obtained by the 9-hole peg manual dexterity test of the second-year students of the Faculty of Dentistry at Süleyman Demirel University and the grade point averages that they received from the preclinical practical course tasks. Material and Methods: The study involved 121 dentistry students (46 males and 75 females). A 9-hole peg test (BASELINE Evaluation Instruments, LOT: 120536) was applied to each student twice for dominant and non-dominant hands, and the obtained average scores were recorded in seconds. At the beginning of the education period, Black II. cavity preparation assignments were given for model teeth numbered 15, 26, and 46. The assessment and evaluation criteria of the students' weekly preclinical practice tasks were shared before each assignment, and the same instructor evaluated the tasks given to the students for three weeks. The relationship between 9-hole peg test scores and preclinical course grades was analyzed with Pearson correlation analysis and the change in 9-hole peg test compared to grade point average with one-way ANOVA. Results: Both the 9-hole peg test scores and grade point averages of female students participating in the study were significantly higher than male students (p<0.05). It was determined that there was a negative and high-level correlation between the nine-hole peg test scores and grade point averages (p<0.05, r:-0.712). Conclusion: Although the nine-hole peg test is not used to assess student skills and predict success, it can validate and calibrate educators' grades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To study interhemispheric asymmetry (IHA) by electroencephalography (EEG) in healthy subjects during cognitive waking from stage II daytime sleep prior to recovery of the performance of a psychomotor test. Materials and methods. IHA of the amplitude-amplitude coupling of EEG rhythms was studied in healthy adult subjects using 20-sec trace segments recorded in the state preceding spontaneous waking, as defined by the moment the α rhythm appeared on the EEG, and the subsequent onset of psychomotor activity. The state of subjects during this period (the initial stage of so-called cognitive waking preceding behavioral waking), when theperson is unable to movebut is able to perceive external stimuli, is an experimental model for identifying signs of conscious activity in patients coming out of coma. Wavelet transformation was used to compute the rhythmic characteristics of bioelectrical activity. The Kendall correlation coefficient served as a measure of interactions between rhythms. Results. IHA of the interaction of EEG rhythms was found to be dynamic in nature and to be formed due to the connections of the θ rhythm with the α2 and β rhythms in the left hemisphere of the brain and δ–θ connections in the right. Conclusions. The marked left-hemisphere asymmetry is probably associated with the onset of the retrieval of instructions from memory, which subsequently allows return to the activities interrupted by sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific selection represents one of the most important concerns of contemporary sports, as evidenced by the major world investments made in order to identify unique combinations of physical and mental potential and abilities that can be developed towards human biological limits. Some countries have developed complex systems and programs aimed at identifying and especially transforming sports potential into performance, emphasizing the need to develop potentially talented performers and not just to early identify them. The critical analysis of the Romanian selection system in athletics highlights the shortcomings and allows corrections to be outlined. Athletics in particular is a complex sports discipline that requires a multitude of psychomotor and coordinative skills such as rhythm, tempo, balance, segmental coordination, space orientation, and laterality, skills recommended to be detected from the initial phase of the selection in order to foresee the motor endowment of the child and to guide him accordingly. The purpose of this review was to examine the discrepancies between the Romanian selection system in athletics and other successful national systems in order to emphasize the necessity of new perspectives regarding the selection criteria, which need to be relevant in detecting skills in the area of psychomotricity and coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several kinds of motor dysfunction have been studied for predicting future fall risk in community-dwelling older individuals. However, no study has tested the ability of the fine motor index (FINEA) and gross motor index (GROSSA) to predict the risk of falling, as well as the specific fall type. Objective: We investigated the associations of FINEA/GROSSA scores with fall risk, explained falls, and unexplained falls. Methods: A total of 6267 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 50 years from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (TILDA) cohort were included. First, the associations of FINEA and GROSSA scores with the history of total falls, explained falls and unexplained falls were assessed in a cross-sectional study and further verified in a prospective cohort after 2 years of follow-up by Poisson regression analysis. Results: We found that high FINEA and GROSSA scores were positively associated with almost all fall histories (FINEA scores: total falls: adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.28, P = 0.009; explained falls: aPR = 1.15, P = 0.231; unexplained falls: aPR = 1.88, P < 0.001; GROSSA scores: total falls: aPR = 1.39, P < 0.001; explained falls: aPR = 1.28, P = 0.012; unexplained falls: aPR = 2.18, P < 0.001) in a cross-sectional study. After 2 years of follow-up, high FINEA scores were associated with an increased incidence of total falls (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] = 1.42, P = 0.016) and explained falls (aRR = 1.51, P = 0.020) but not with unexplained falls (aRR = 1.41, P = 0.209). High GROSSA scores were associated with an increased incidence of unexplained falls (aRR = 1.57, P = 0.041) and were not associated with either total falls (aRR = 1.21, P = 0.129) or explained falls (aRR = 1.07, P = 0.656). Compared with individuals without limitations in either the FINEA or GROSSA, individuals with limitations in both indices had a higher risk of falls, including total falls (aRR = 1.35, P = 0.002), explained falls (aRR = 1.31, P = 0.033) and unexplained falls (aRR = 1.62, P = 0.004). Conclusion: FINEA scores were positively associated with accidental falls, while GROSSA scores were positively associated with unexplained falls. The group for whom both measures were impaired showed a significantly higher risk of both explained and unexplained falls. FINEA or GROSSA scores should be investigated further as possible tools to screen for and identify community-dwelling adults at high risk of falling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study investigates sex differences in sustained attention among children. Methods: Forty-five children (23 girls) from Grades 2–5 (mean age of 7.47 ± 0.73 years) wore an actigraph for a continuous five to seven days including school and non-school days. Sustained attention using the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) was measured twice a day on two school days and on one non-school day. Results: No sex differences were found for sleep patterns. However, sex differences in PVT performance were documented. While boys were faster (shorter reaction time) and showed fewer lapses than girls, they showed higher number of false starts than girls, on both weekdays and weekends. Conclusions: The findings suggest that sex differences should been taken into account in studies investigating neurobehavioral functioning, particularly, sustained attention across various age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep deprivation (SD) negatively affects several aspects of cognitive performance, and one of the most widely-used tools to evaluate these effects is the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT). The present study investigated the possibility of predicting changes induced by SD in vigilant attention performance by evaluating the baseline electroencephalographic (EEG) activity immediately preceding the PVT stimuli onset. All participants (n = 10) underwent EEG recordings during 10 min of PVT before and after a night of SD. For each participant, the root mean square (RMS) of the baseline EEG signal was evaluated for each 1 s time window, and the respective average value was computed. After SD, participants showed slower (and less accurate) performance in the PVT task. Moreover, a close relationship between the changes in the baseline activity with those in cognitive performance was identified at several electrodes (Fp2, F7, F8, P3, T6, O1, Oz, O2), with the highest predictive power at the occipital derivations. These results indicate that vigilant attention impairments induced by SD can be predicted by the pre-stimulus baseline activity changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SportLogia is the property of University Banja Luka, Faculty of Physical Education & Sports and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Intellectual disability is a global insufficiency aimed at the entire personality, structure, organization, intellectual, affective, psychomotor, behavioral-adaptive development, of a hereditary nature or acquired as a result of an organic or functional damage to the central nervous system, which manifests itself from the first years of life, in different degrees of severity in relation to the average level of the population, with direct consequences in terms of socio-professional adaptation, the degree of competence and personal and social autonomy. The plasticity and dynamism of the nervous system give the disabled child enough opportunities for development, but at a slower pace, of course. It has been proven that the functional deficit of some damaged areas of the brain can be compensated by taking over the respective functions by other nerve centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Fatigue is a challenge in short-haul aviation flight operations due to irregular schedules that often involve circadian disruption. Specifically, schedules that encroach on the window of circadian low, including redeye flights, and those that switch between early starts and late finishes can cause circadian disruptions. These schedules reduce sleep opportunity and may require additional fatigue mitigation. Such sleep loss and circadian disruption, together with high workload factors common to short-haul operations (e.g., fast turnarounds, multiple takeoffs and landings) may impact cognitive performance and safety. The FAA NextGen Human Factors Division has funded this research, conducted by the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute in support of the FAA Aviation Safety Organization. Therefore, we are characterizing the impact of these circadian disrupted schedules on pilot fatigue and performance during short-haul operations using validated objective and subjective methods. METHODS: Participants include commercial passenger pilots from four US airlines (target n = 144). Volunteers collect data for 1-3 days before, during, and 1-3 days after two trip types, one involving circadian disruption (i.e., a trip with a redeye or a trip that switches between early and late duties) and one without circadian disruption (i.e., all duties scheduled between 0700 and 2359). Participants are recruited in a counterbalanced order, with an equal number of pilots completing each trip type first. Data collection includes continuous actigraphy and daily sleep, meal, and exercise logs. Participants also complete the five- minute psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, and Samn-Perelli fatigue scale three times per day on days off, and after waking, pre-duty, at top-of-descent for each flight, post-duty, and before bed on duty days. Pilots report hassle-factors and complete a NASA Task Load Index after each flight to characterize workload. Data are collected using the NASA PVT+ application on an iPod that is provided to the pilots. RESULTS: To date, 116 participants have consented to participate. Participants have contributed 4,613 PVTs over -1,075 days of data collection, suggesting the study methodology do not involve excessive burden to the pilots while on duty. DISCUSSION: This study is ongoing, but preliminary findings suggest that the pilots are compliant with study procedures. Learning Objectives 1. Understand what types of short-haul operations are being targeted for study. 2. Understand how data collection is being approached to characterize short-haul operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]