Photoneuromodulation makes a difficult cognitive task less arduous

AbstractA positive effect of photoneuromodulation (PNM) has been found on cognitive and emotional functions in healthy populations. However, the hemodynamic changes associated with improved cognitive functions (i.e., memory and executive functions) are unexplored. Therefore, the present study investigated the hemodynamic changes associated with PNM using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). In this experiment, 33 young healthy adults were recruited and randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. A single PNM stimulation was applied to the forehead in the experimental group, while a sham stimulation (same procedure without machine activation) was performed for the control group. Before and after the stimulation, all participants performed an n-back task with 0-and 3-back conditions to assess their working memory function, and their hemodynamic responses during the tasks were measured by fNIRS. A significant group (experimental vs. control) × time (before vs. after PNM) interaction in memory-related frontal activation was found. Specifically, only the experimental group had a significant reduction in frontal hemodynamic levels during the difficult task. Additionally, the memory-related frontal activation was significantly correlated with the immediate and delayed recall of the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test assessed at baseline. Therefore, PNM may reduce the cognitive efforts needed to complete tasks with high memory loads.

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Detecting Fear of Heights Response to a Virtual Reality Environment Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Frontiers in Computer Science ◽

10.3389/fcomp.2021.652550 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

Author(s):

Luciënne A. de With ◽

Nattapong Thammasan ◽

Mannes Poel

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Infrared Spectroscopy ◽

Statistical Analysis ◽

Near Infrared ◽

Control Group ◽

Fear Response ◽

Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽

Grand Average ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Fear Of Heights

To enable virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) that treats anxiety disorders by gradually exposing the patient to fear using virtual reality (VR), it is important to monitor the patient's fear levels during the exposure. Despite the evidence of a fear circuit in the brain as reflected by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), the measurement of fear response in highly immersive VR using fNIRS is limited, especially in combination with a head-mounted display (HMD). In particular, it is unclear to what extent fNIRS can differentiate users with and without anxiety disorders and detect fear response in a highly ecological setting using an HMD. In this study, we investigated fNIRS signals captured from participants with and without a fear of height response. To examine the extent to which fNIRS signals of both groups differ, we conducted an experiment during which participants with moderate fear of heights and participants without it were exposed to VR scenarios involving heights and no heights. The between-group statistical analysis shows that the fNIRS data of the control group and the experimental group are significantly different only in the channel located close to right frontotemporal lobe, where the grand average oxygenated hemoglobin Δ[HbO] contrast signal of the experimental group exceeds that of the control group. The within-group statistical analysis shows significant differences between the grand average Δ[HbO] contrast values during fear responses and those during no-fear responses, where the Δ[HbO] contrast values of the fear responses were significantly higher than those of the no-fear responses in the channels located towards the frontal part of the prefrontal cortex. Also, the channel located close to frontocentral lobe was found to show significant difference for the grand average deoxygenated hemoglobin contrast signals. Support vector machine-based classifier could detect fear responses at an accuracy up to 70% and 74% in subject-dependent and subject-independent classifications, respectively. The results demonstrate that cortical hemodynamic responses of a control group and an experimental group are different to a considerable extent, exhibiting the feasibility and ecological validity of the combination of VR-HMD and fNIRS to elicit and detect fear responses. This research thus paves a way toward the a brain-computer interface to effectively manipulate and control VRET.

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Abstract P193: Effects of Biaxial Ankle Passive Movement Therapy on Cortical Activations in Patients With Chronic Stroke a Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Pilot Study

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p193 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Hogene Kim ◽

Ji-Eun Cho

Keyword(s):

Infrared Spectroscopy ◽

Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽

Near Infrared ◽

Movement Therapy ◽

Passive Movement ◽

Chronic Stroke ◽

Control Group ◽

Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽

Before And After ◽

Ankle Movement

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of passive biaxial ankle movement therapy on cortical activities. We hypothesized that biaxial ankle passive movement therapy changes patterns of sensorimotor cortical activations during ankle passive movement in chronic stroke. Methods: Seventeen patients with stroke were randomized to either experimental or control group. The experimental group (n=11) received the biaxial ankle training and the control group (n=6) had conventional therapies on affected ankle for a 30-minute daily session, five times a week for a month. Outcome measure was cortical activations by measuring the relative changes of oxygenated hemoglobin concentration between ipsilesional-/contralesional hemisphere during passive ankle movement using functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS)(Figure 1). All assessments was conducted before and after the training. Significance level was 0.05. Results: fNIRS images showed that ipsilesional oxyhemoglobin concentration increased around primary sensorimotor cortex (SMC) area in both control and experimental groups at the baseline ( P <0.05). After the ankle training, the ipsilesional oxyhemoglobin concentration significantly increased around somatosensory area for both control and experimental groups ( P <0.05, Figure 2). Conclusions: The results of this study showed significant ipsilesional cortical activation in SMC during biaxial ankle movement before and after the ankle training. Further study on the analysis according to the direction of ankle movement for both ipsilesional and contralesional brain area is needed.

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Determining Whether Tennis Benefits the Updating Function in Young Children: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10010407 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 407 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yinghui Lai ◽

Zhipeng Wang ◽

Guang H. Yue ◽

Changhao Jiang

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Infrared Spectroscopy ◽

Reaction Time ◽

Young Children ◽

Near Infrared ◽

Exercise Intervention ◽

Control Group ◽

Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Coordinative Exercise

This study aimed at investigating the behavioral and neuro-electrical impacts of a coordinative exercise intervention on the updating function of the working memory (WM) in young children. Children in the experimental group was tested on the 1-back working memory task before and after a coordinative exercise program that involved a 60 min session twice per week for eight weeks (totally 16 sessions), while the control group underwent routine classroom activities with the same WM tests. The results showed that the hit rates of performing the 1-back task increased significantly in the experimental group compared with that of the control group. The experimental group demonstrated a larger decrease in both reaction time and false alarm rates from pre-test to post-test than the control group. Physical fitness improved after exercise intervention in the experimental group. Neural adaptations due to the exercise training were evaluated using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and the results indicated that the experimental group experienced a greater cortical oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) increase in the prefrontal area after the intervention than the control group. These results suggest that coordinative exercises are beneficial for improving WM as well as reaction time and physical fitness in young children.

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Monte Carlo Algorithm-Based Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Prognosis Prediction in Analysis of Rehabilitation Effect of Exercise Learning on Stroke Patients and Influencing Factors of Memory Function

Scientific Programming ◽

10.1155/2021/9289494 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Luyi Wang ◽

Ying Chen ◽

Jian Zhang ◽

Congxiao Wang

Keyword(s):

Monte Carlo ◽

Memory Function ◽

Monte Carlo Algorithm ◽

Control Group ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Group 13 ◽

Exercise Rehabilitation ◽

Before And After ◽

The Difference ◽

Experimental Group

Based on Monte Carlo algorithm and multimodal MRI diagnosis, the effect of motor learning on motor memory function recovery in stroke patients was investigated in this research. A total of 26 stroke patients with hemiplegia treated in hospital in the past three years were recruited. Patients were rolled into routine group (13 cases) and experimental group (13 cases) according to different follow-up rehabilitation methods. All patients were treated with intravenous thrombolysis. After treatment, the conventional group received conventional rehabilitation therapy and the experimental group received restraint induced exercise therapy (CIMT). Then, T1-weighted imaging, T2-weighted imaging, 3D anatomical imaging, and resting state examinations were performed on the patients before and after treatment. All image data and image processing were performed by the Monte Carlo algorithm. Before treatment and six weeks after rehabilitation treatment, the patients’ mental state and memory function were tested using Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE-III) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). In addition, the Fugl-Meyer motor assessment, the simple test for evaluating hand function, and the modified Barthel index were used to evaluate the patient’s ability of daily living. After processing, the quality of multimode MRI image was improved obviously, and the lesion was more prominent. The fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation of supplement motor area in stroke patients increased after treatment combined with exercise rehabilitation ( P < 0.05 ) and ReHo decreased compared with that before treatment. The connection function of the left and right hippocampus was enhanced. The difference in ACE-III (experimental group: 16 versus 21; control group: 17.1 versus 19) scores between the two groups after treatment and before treatment was remarkable ( P < 0.05 ), but the score of patients in experimental group improved better. The MoCA (experimental group: 24.38 versus 26.47; control group: 23.13 versus 23.37) scores of the two groups of patients changed greatly from those before treatment ( P < 0.05 ), and the MoCA score ratio between the two groups was also statistically different (26.47 versus 23.37; P < 0.05 ). There was a statistical difference in the living ability of the two groups of patients before and after treatment ( P < 0.05 ). The Monte Carlo algorithm had a good processing effect on multimodal MRI images. The recovery of the experimental group was evidently better, and the difference between the two groups was substantial ( P < 0.05 ). CIMT had a good effect on the recovery of exercise rehabilitation and memory function of patients with ischemic stroke.

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In a Working Mood?

Journal of Media Psychology Theories Methods and Applications ◽

10.1027/1864-1105.20.1.3 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 3-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Leonard Reinecke ◽

Sabine Trepte

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Task ◽

Prior Experience ◽

Computer Game ◽

Control Group ◽

Mood Management ◽

Management Processes ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Personal Media ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Subsequent Task

Abstract. This quasi-experimental study examined the effects of exposure to a computer game on arousal and subsequent task performance. After inducing a state of low arousal, participants were assigned to experimental or control conditions via self-selection. Members of the experimental group played a computer game for five minutes; subjects in the control group spent the same amount of time awaiting further instructions. Participants who were exposed to the computer game showed significantly higher levels of arousal and performed significantly better on a subsequent cognitive task. The pattern of results was not influenced by the participants' prior experience with the game. The findings indicate that mood-management processes associated with personal media use at the workplace go beyond the alteration of arousal and affect subsequent cognitive performance.

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Brief psycho-education for caregivers of persons with first episode psychosis

Indian Journal of Positive Psychology ◽

10.15614/ijpp.v9i01.11741 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (01) ◽

Author(s):

Praful Prabhuappa Kapse ◽

Manisha Kiran

Keyword(s):

First Episode Psychosis ◽

First Episode ◽

Control Group ◽

Episode Psychosis ◽

Study Results ◽

Before And After ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Expressed Emotions ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Group Family

Caring for the persons with first episode psychosis is challenging and demanding. It may lead to the increased burden, expressed emotions among the caregivers. The numerous studies have shown that high burden and negative expressed emotions among caregivers can lead to early relapse in the patients with first episode psychosis. To evaluate the effects of the brief psychoeducation on the caregivers burden and expressed emotions. A quasi experimental - before and after with control group research design was adopted for the study. A total of 60 caregivers have participated in the study, of which 30 caregivers in experimental group and 30 caregivers in the control group. Family Burden Interview Schedule (Pai and Kapoor, 1981) and Attitude Questionnaire (Sethi et al., 1981) was used to assess caregiver's burden and expressed emotions. At end of the psychoeducation intervention, burden among caregivers and negative expressed emotions of the caregivers have significantly reduced. The positive expressed emotions have been increased. Study results demonstrates the importance of psychoeducation intervention in reducing the burden and negative expressed emotions.

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Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Gait Training Assisted by Multichannel Functional Electrical Stimulation in Early Stroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair ◽

10.1177/1545968320981942 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 131-144

Author(s):

Maijke van Bloemendaal ◽

Sicco A. Bus ◽

Frans Nollet ◽

Alexander C. H. Geurts ◽

Anita Beelen

Keyword(s):

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Functional Electrical Stimulation ◽

Step Length ◽

Gait Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Group ◽

Gait Symmetry ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Walking Capacity ◽

Experimental Group

Background. Many stroke survivors suffer from leg muscle paresis, resulting in asymmetrical gait patterns, negatively affecting balance control and energy cost. Interventions targeting asymmetry early after stroke may enhance recovery of walking. Objective. To determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of up to 10 weeks of gait training assisted by multichannel functional electrical stimulation (MFES gait training) applied to the peroneal nerve and knee flexor or extensor muscle on the recovery of gait symmetry and walking capacity in patients starting in the subacute phase after stroke. Methods. Forty inpatient participants (≤31 days after stroke) were randomized to MFES gait training (experimental group) or conventional gait training (control group). Gait training was delivered in 30-minute sessions each workday. Feasibility was determined by adherence (≥75% sessions) and satisfaction with gait training (score ≥7 out of 10). Primary outcome for efficacy was step length symmetry. Secondary outcomes included other spatiotemporal gait parameters and walking capacity (Functional Gait Assessment and 10-Meter Walk Test). Linear mixed models estimated treatment effect postintervention and at 3-month follow-up. Results. Thirty-seven participants completed the study protocol (19 experimental group participants). Feasibility was confirmed by good adherence (90% of the participants) and participant satisfaction (median score 8). Both groups improved on all outcomes over time. No significant group differences in recovery were found for any outcome. Conclusions. MFES gait training is feasible early after stroke, but MFES efficacy for improving step length symmetry, other spatiotemporal gait parameters, or walking capacity could not be demonstrated. Trial Registration. Netherlands Trial Register (NTR4762).

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Regular Taekwondo Training Affects Mood State and Sociality but Not Cognitive Function among International Students in South Korea

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9070820 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 820

Author(s):

Ju-Yong Bae ◽

Hee-Tae Roh

Keyword(s):

International Students ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

South Korea ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Mood State ◽

Control Group ◽

Peer Relationship ◽

Physical Fitness Test ◽

Before And After ◽

Experimental Group

We aimed to investigate the effect of Taekwondo training on physical fitness, mood, sociality, and cognitive function among international students in South Korea. We randomly assigned 24 international students to a control group (CG, n = 12) and experimental group (EG, n = 12). The EG performed Taekwondo training for 16 weeks, while the CG did not train. Each participant underwent a physical fitness test and sociability questionnaire before and after the intervention. We also examined changes in mood state and cognitive function, using the Korean version of the Profile of Mood State-Brief (K-POMS-B), and the Stroop Color and Word test, respectively. Regarding the physical fitness variables, sit-and-reach records in the EG significantly increased after intervention (p < 0.05). In the sub-variable of K-POMS-B, Vigor-Activity scores significantly increased (p < 0.05) after intervention, while the Fatigue-Inertia scores significantly decreased in the EG (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the EG, peer relationship scores, a sub-variable of sociability, significantly decreased after intervention (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that Taekwondo training can not only improve flexibility among physical fitness factors, but can also be effective in improving the mood state and sociality of international students.

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The effect of robot-assisted gait training on cortical activation in stroke patients: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study

Neurorehabilitation ◽

10.3233/nre-210034 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Kyeong Joo Song ◽

Min Ho Chun ◽

Junekyung Lee ◽

Changmin Lee

Keyword(s):

Gait Speed ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Near Infrared ◽

Gait Training ◽

Berg Balance Scale ◽

Cortical Activation ◽

Control Group ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Robot Assisted ◽

Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of the robot–assisted gait training on cortical activation and functional outcomes in stroke patients. METHODS: The patients were randomly assigned: training with Morning Walk® (Morning Walk group; n = 30); conventional physiotherapy (control group; n = 30). Rehabilitation was performed five times a week for 3 weeks. The primary outcome was the cortical activation in the Morning Walk group. The secondary outcomes included gait speed, 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), FAC, Motricity Index–Lower (MI–Lower), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). RESULTS: Thirty-six subjects were analyzed, 18 in the Morning Walk group and 18 in the control group. The cortical activation was lower in affected hemisphere than unaffected hemisphere at the beginning of robot rehabilitation. After training, the affected hemisphere achieved a higher increase in cortical activation than the unaffected hemisphere. Consequently, the cortical activation in affected hemisphere was significantly higher than that in unaffected hemisphere (P = 0.036). FAC, MBI, BBS, and RMI scores significantly improved in both groups. The Morning Walk group had significantly greater improvements than the control group in 10MWT (P = 0.017), gait speed (P = 0.043), BBS (P = 0.010), and MI–Lower (P = 0.047) scores. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted gait training not only improved functional outcomes but also increased cortical activation in stroke patients.

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OP08 Levels and sources of stress reported by first year paramedic students associated with their first ambulance placement

Emergency Medicine Journal ◽

10.1136/emermed-2021-999.8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 38 (9) ◽

pp. A4.2-A4

Author(s):

Matthew Warren-James ◽

Julie Hanson ◽

Belinda Flanagan ◽

Mary Katsikitis ◽

Bill Lord

Keyword(s):

Death And Dying ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Fear Of Failure ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Control Group ◽

First Year ◽

Before And After ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

And Control ◽

Experimental Group

BackgroundWhilst there is evidence to suggest paramedics experience significant stress when working in the ambulance setting little is known about the experiences of first year paramedic students. This research aimed to: (i) identify whether levels of stress, anxiety and depression experienced by first year paramedic students changed after ambulance placement compared to a control group, and (ii) identify the main perceived and actual sources of stress around ambulance placement.MethodsA before-and-after quasi-experimental design was used to compare whether the experience of ambulance placement altered the levels of stress, anxiety and depression in an experimental group that attended an ambulance placement (n = 20) and the control group who did not (n = 10). Online surveys encompassing the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and qualitative questions about sources of stress were concurrently deployed to both the experimental and control groups before and after the ambulance placement. Participants were first year paramedic students working in Queensland Ambulance Service, Australia.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in levels of stress in participants after undertaking their first ambulance placement (Mdn = -4.00) when compared to a control group (Mdn = 0.00), U = 52.5, p = .035, n2 = 0.15. Responses to survey questions suggest anticipation about experiencing death and dying of patients was the most frequently reported stressor of student paramedics before undertaking ambulance placements, however insecurity about knowledge, competence and fear of failure was the most frequently experienced stressor reported after completing ambulance placements.ConclusionsThe findings from this study suggest that the fear of the unknown may be worse than the reality. Anticipatory stress is the foremost problem for first year paramedic students attending their first ambulance placement. Placement pre-briefing should focus on educational interventions to build knowledge and skills competency to reduce stress levels and fear of failure.

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