scholarly journals Effects of a Mindfulness Meditation Course on Learning and Cognitive Performance among University Students in Taiwan

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ho-Hoi Ching ◽  
Malcolm Koo ◽  
Tsung-Huang Tsai ◽  
Chiu-Yuan Chen
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
University Students ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
Attention And Memory ◽  
Learning Effectiveness

Mindfulness training has recently gained much research interest because of its putative benefits for both mental and physical health. However, little is available in its effects on Asian students. Therefore, a quasi-experimental pre/posttest design was used to assess the effects of a one-semester mindfulness meditation course in 152 first-year Taiwanese university students and compared with 130 controls. The Chinese version of the College Learning Effectiveness Inventory (CLEI) and a computer software program focused on specific cognitive tasks were used for the evaluation. Results from the analysis of covariance revealed that while the score of the full CLEI scale was significantly higher in the intervention group compared with the control (P=0.022), none of the comparisons between the nine CLEI subscales were significantly different between the two groups. For the computer cognitive tasks, the intervention group exhibited significantly better performance in the accuracy of the digital vigilance task (P=0.048), choice reaction time (P=0.004), spatial working memory (P=0.042), and digital vigilance task reaction time (P=0.004). This study showed that a one-semester mindfulness meditation course was able to improve learning effectiveness and both attention and memory aspects of cognitive performance among Taiwanese university students.Corrigendum to “Effects of a Mindfulness Meditation Course on Learning and Cognitive Performance among University Students in Taiwan”

Exercise and Supplementation of Black Mulberry Fruit Extract, Sunflower Seed and Pumpkin Seed Enhance Cognitive Performance among Sedentary University Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
Nor A.A.M. Shalan ◽  
Norhazira A. Rahim ◽  
Nur I. Mohamad
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Group Treatment ◽  
Sunflower Seed ◽  
Sedentary Lifestyle ◽  
Flanker Task ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
Fruit Extract ◽  
Pumpkin Seed

Background: sedentary lifestyle has been found to influence cognitive impairment, whereas physical activity and diet have been found to reduce the negative impacts of a sedentary lifestyle. Objectives: This study aims to examine the synergistic effects of the black mulberry, sunflower seed, and pumpkin seed supplements, including exercise on cognitive performance among sedentary university students. Subjects and Methods: Participants (n=36) were randomly assigned to receive black mulberry, sunflower seed, and pumpkin seed with and without exercise for 60 days. Then, they were required to complete cognitive task assessment for domain attention (visual reaction time and auditory reaction time), perception (fast counting and basic music) and executive (Eriksen flanker task and Stroop test) on day 0 (baseline), 30, and 60 of the experiment. Following that, blood samples were collected and analyzed for malondialdehyde serum concentration as an oxidative stress marker. Results: All participants showed significant faster reaction time in cognitive tasks for domain attention and basic music test for domain perception on day 30 and 60 compared to day 0. However, no significant changes were observed within group, on cognitive task for domain executive. In comparison between the groups, participants in group treatment showed significant faster reaction time for cognitive tasks for domain attention and for Erikson flanker task for domain executive as compared to group exercise alone, and group treatment with exercise. For domain perception (basic music test), participants in group treatment with exercise achieved faster reaction time compared to group treatment and exercise alone. Despite the reduction of malondialdehyde concentration in all groups, no significant difference was found between them. Conclusion: It was indicated from the findings that the consumption of black mulberry fruit extract, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds with and without exercise independently enhanced attention, perception, and executive function among sedentary young adults.

Passive heat acclimation does not modulate processing speed and executive functions during cognitive tasks performed at fixed levels of thermal strain

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadiatou Barry ◽  
Philippe Gendron ◽  
Christine Gagnon ◽  
Louis Bherer ◽  
Daniel Gagnon
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Core Temperature ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Heat Exposure ◽  
Thermal Strain ◽  
Heat Acclimation ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
Time Control

Purpose: This study evaluated if passive controlled hyperthermia heat acclimation (HA) modulates cognitive performance during passive heat stress. Methods: Eight healthy adults (25 ± 4 years) underwent 7 consecutive days of hot water immersion (core temperature ≥38.6°C) and a 7-day time-control period. On days 1 and 7 of HA, participants performed a digital Stroop test at baseline, when core temperature reached 38.6°C, and after 60 minutes at a core temperature ≥38.6°C to evaluate reaction time during tasks targeting processing speed (reading and counting) and executive functions (inhibition and switching). On days 1 and 7 of the time-control intervention, participants performed the Stroop test with equivalent amounts of time separating each task as for HA. Results: During day 1 of HA, reaction time was quicker during the reading (-44 ms [-71, -17], P<0.01) and counting (-39 ms [-76, -2], P=0.04) tasks when rectal temperature reached 38.6°C, but after a further 60 minutes of heat exposure, reaction time only remained quicker during the reading task (-56 ms [-83, -29], P<0.01). Changes in reaction time during heat exposure were unaffected by subsequent HA (interaction, all P≥0.09). Conclusion: Seven days of HA does not modulate processing speed and executive functions during passive heat exposure. Novelty: - Whether heat acclimation (HA) to improve cognitive performance during heat exposure remains understudied. - We tested the hypothesis that HA modulates reaction time during cognitive tasks performed at matched levels of thermal strain. - Despite classical signs of HA, reaction time during heat exposure was unaffected by HA.

Acute Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on Cognitive Performance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Chen ◽  
T Essader ◽  
J Jang ◽  
K Kaundinya
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Pressure Pulse ◽  
Acute Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
State Of Mind ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Temporal Order Judgement

The beneficial effects of mindfulness meditation on higher-order cognitive performance as well as physiological parameters, such as decreased cortisol levels, blood pressure, pulse rate, and reaction time, have been studied extensively. However, most of these studies have been conducted over a relatively long term, comparing subjects who meditate on a regular basis with those who have never meditated. In this study, the acute effects of mindfulness meditation are investigated by examining the differences between tactile reaction time and temporal-order judgement (TOJ) obtained before and after a 10-minute meditation session in several case studies. Additionally, the participants reported their mood and stress levels in a survey before and after the meditation session. The results demonstrate that mindfulness meditation improves performance on the tactile reaction time and TOJ tasks, and it also promotes a peaceful state of mind.

Relations among Comfort of Fabrics, Ratings of Comfort, and Visual Vigilance

2003 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick Bell ◽  
Armand V. Cardello ◽  
Howard G. Schutz
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Vigilance Task ◽  
The Other ◽  
Clothing Comfort ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Little is known about the relationship between perceptions of comfort and cognitive performance. In the present study, 40 subjects (20 men and 20 women) participated in a computerized cognitive task of visual vigilance. The computer task was completed under three conditions of clothing and tactile comfort: one condition was that of extreme discomfort, effected by the wearing of wool clothing material on the arms and neck in addition to each subject's normal clothing, including a short sleeve shirt; a second condition was that of minimal discomfort, effected by the wearing of cotton clothing material on the arms and neck, in addition to each subject's normal clothing, including a short sleeve shirt; and a third condition was a control, wherein no experimental material was added to each subject's normal clothing, including a short sleeve shirt. Comfort was assessed prior to, during, and after testing. Reaction time and accuracy of 400 trials of a visual vigilance task were assessed under each of these three conditions. Analysis indicated a significant difference in perceived comfort between the wool and each of the other conditions. In addition, both reaction time and accuracy declined in the wool condition. This study is among the first to identify a direct significant relationship between perceptions of clothing comfort and cognitive performance.

scholarly journals Stress mindset: Does it (or does it not) affect cognitive performance? [University of West Florida]

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Yanovsky ◽  
Tesa Saulmon ◽  
Paula Pham ◽  
Morgan Taylor ◽  
Hui-Ya Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
Public Speech ◽  
Implicit Association Task ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Improved Accuracy ◽  
Objective Stress

Stress is widely perceived as debilitating, which is a negative stress mindset, while the helpful aspects of stress, from a positive stress mindset, are often overlooked. Stress mindset can either be a positive, stress-is-enhancing mindset, or a negative, stress-is-debilitating mindset. Previous research has shown that having a positive mindset lowers stress levels and generates better self-reported work performance. Thus, this study focuses on the effects of manipulated stress mindset on objective cognitive performance, which has not been studied before. During each of our three stages (baseline, stress induction, and mindset manipulation), we measured participants’ current subjective stress levels, objective stress levels using a pulse oximeter, stress mindset with the Stress Control Mindset Measure and an implicit association task, and cognitive performance with the Stroop task and Trail Making Task. To induce stress, we informed the participants that they must give a public speech if they did not improve their reaction time and accuracy on the cognitive tasks. Then we manipulated their mindset using a randomly assigned video to convince the participant that stress is either enhancing or debilitating. Our first hypothesis is that the Positive Mindset group will have self-improved accuracy and decreased reaction time in the cognitive tasks as compared to the Negative Mindset group. Our second hypothesis is that the stress levels of the Positive Mindset group will be reduced/mitigated after mindset manipulation as compared to the Negative Mindset group. The between-subjects design will be used to explore the effect of stress mindset (Positive, Negative) on change in stress level and cognitive performance.

scholarly journals The effect of lactose–isomaltulose-containing growing-up milks on cognitive performance of Indonesian children: a cross-over study

2013 ◽  
Vol 110 (6) ◽  
pp. 1089-1097 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rini Sekartini ◽  
Tjhin Wiguna ◽  
Saptawati Bardosono ◽  
Dian Novita ◽  
Tiana Arsianti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Recognition Task ◽  
Attention And Memory ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Post Dose ◽  
Lower Protein ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Glycaemic response to dietary carbohydrates might have an impact on cognitive performance. The present study investigated the effects of growing-up milks (GUM) with isomaltulose and extra minerals and vitamins or lower protein content on cognitive parameters in children aged 5–6 years. In a blinded, partly randomised, controlled, cross-over study, four GUM were provided, each taken over 14 d (2 × 200 ml/d): standard (Std) GUM; Std GUM+5 g isomaltulose (Iso-5 GUM); Iso-5 GUM with 26 % less protein (Iso-5 LP GUM); Std GUM with 2·5 g isomaltulose and extra Mg, Zn, Se, D3, B1, B2, B12, folic acid and choline (Iso-2·5 GUM). At test days, when GUM replaced breakfast, repeated (0, 60, 120 and 180 min post-dose) cognitive tasks were performed (picture presentation, simple reaction time, digit vigilance, choice reaction time, spatial and numeric working memory and picture recognition). Task performance of all subjects (n 50) worsened over the morning. Best performance was seen on isomaltulose GUM, most notably at 180 min. Iso-2·5 GUM showed best performance on several parameters of attention and memory, Iso-5 GUM performed best on parameters of memory and Iso-5 LP GUM was positively associated with parameters of attention but less with memory. Std GUM showed only a benefit on one attention and one memory task. Thus, isomaltulose-enriched GUM positively affected parameters of attention and memory at 180 min post-dose when compared with Std GUM. Extra minerals and vitamins seem beneficial, whereas lowering protein content might improve attention in particular.

scholarly journals Interactions between simultaneous aerobic exercise and mental rotation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Jost ◽  
Andreas Weishäupl ◽  
Petra Jansen
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Reaction Time ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Mental Rotation ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Cognitive Effort ◽  
Mental Rotation Task ◽  
Cognitive Tasks

AbstractWhile the effects of aerobic exercise during a cognitive task on the performance of said cognitive task have been extensively studied, it has not been investigated whether cognitive performance during aerobic exercise influences the physical performance. For this, it is the main goal of the study to investigate the physical and cognitive performance during a simultaneous conduction of aerobic exercise and mental rotation. Forty-one German sport students cycled at 60% intensity while simultaneously performing a mental rotation task. In a within-subject design, both physical and cognitive performances were compared with isolated cycling and mental rotation as control conditions using both objective (heart rate and pedal cadence in the cycling task, reaction time and accuracy in the mental rotation task) and subjective (RPE) cognitive and physical measures. The results analyzed with hierarchical linear modeling revealed no effect of either simultaneous cognitive tasks on objective (heart rate) or subjective (RPE) physical effort, nor of simultaneous exercise on reaction time or accuracy in cognitive performance. However, we have found lower cadence during cognitive tasks, which was also stable in time compared to an increase in cadence during exercise control. Furthermore, our results demonstrated increased cognitive effort during exercise. Our findings suggest that increased effort, both physiological and cognitive, is required during combined physical and cognitive work in support of neurological resource conflicts caused by the differing demands of exercise and executive function.

The Effect of Retest Practice on the Speed-Ability Relationship

2004 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sybille Rockstroh ◽  
Karl Schweizer
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Skill Acquisition ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
General Intelligence ◽  
Attention Switching ◽  
Letter Comparison ◽  
Sternberg Paradigm ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Elementary Cognitive Tasks

Effects of four retest-practice sessions separated by 2 h intervals on the relationship between general intelligence and four reaction time tasks (two memory tests: Sternberg's memory scanning, Posner's letter comparison; and two attention tests: continuous attention, attention switching) were examined in a sample of 83 male participants. Reaction times on all tasks were shortened significantly. The effects were most pronounced with respect to the Posner paradigm and smallest with respect to the Sternberg paradigm. The relationship to general intelligence changed after practice for two reaction time tasks. It increased to significance for continuous attention and decreased for the Posner paradigm. These results indicate that the relationship between psychometric intelligence and elementary cognitive tasks depends on the ability of skill acquisition. In the search for the cognitive roots of intelligence the concept of learning seems to be of importance.

Effects of Fatigue on Cognitive Performance in Long-Duration Simulated Flight Missions

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-93
Author(s):  
Eduardo Rosa ◽  
Ola Eiken ◽  
Mikael Grönkvist ◽  
Roger Kölegård ◽  
Nicklas Dahlström ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
Fatigue Index ◽  
Fighter Aircraft ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Metacognitive Accuracy

Abstract. Fighter pilots may be exposed to extended flight missions. Consequently, there is increasing concern about fatigue. We investigated the effects of fatigue and cognitive performance in a simulated 11-hr mission in the 39 Gripen fighter aircraft. Five cognitive tasks were used to assess cognitive performance. Fatigue was measured with the Samn–Perelli Fatigue Index. Results showed that performance in the non-executive task degraded after approximately 7 hr. Fatigue ratings showed a matching trend to the performance in this task. Performance in tasks taxing executive functions did not decline. We interpreted that fatigue can be overridden by increased attentional effort for executive tasks but not for non-executive components of cognition. Participants underestimated their performance and metacognitive accuracy was not influenced by fatigue.

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