scholarly journals Psychomotor function in children with epilepsy seen at a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria: does treatment with anti-epileptic drugs have any effect?

2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Ehiabhi Ikhurionan ◽  
Olusola Peter Okunola ◽  
Blessing Imuetinyan Abhulimhen-Iyoha ◽  
Gabriel Egberue Ofovwe
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Psychomotor Performance ◽  
Idiopathic Epilepsy ◽  
Fine Motor ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Psychomotor Function ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Visual Reaction ◽  
Auditory Reaction Time ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Psychomotor slowing is more commonly reported in children with epilepsy (CWE) compared to healthy controls. The effect of anti-epileptic drug (AED) treatment on psychomotor abilities of CWE remains controversial. In Nigeria, psychomotor abilities of CWE are scarcely investigated and the impact of AEDs is not known. The present study sought to assess psychomotor performance of CWE compared to healthy controls and to determine any association with seizure characteristics and treatment. Method A comparative cross-sectional study involving 160 children with idiopathic epilepsy and 80 controls aged 6–16 years. Psychomotor function was assessed using reaction times and tapping task of the Iron psychology computerised test battery. The criterion for impairment was fixed at two standard deviations (SD) worse than the mean of age-matched controls. The relationship between seizure variables and psychomotor function was assess with the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Result Fifty-nine (36.9%) CWE had impaired auditory reaction, 50 (31.3%) with impaired visual reaction and 11 (6.9%) had fine motor control impairment. There was no significant difference in psychomotor performance between CWE on AED and the newly diagnosed counterparts yet to start AED treatment (auditory reaction time—p = 0.226; visual reaction time—p = 0.349; tapping task—p = 0.818). AED treatment duration over 5 years was associated with better auditory reaction time (F = 4.631, p = 0.034) in CWE. Also, seizure onset before 5 years of age was associated with slower auditory reaction (F = 4.912, p = 0.028) and verbal reaction (F = 14.560, p < 0.001). Conclusion Nigerian CWE perform less favourably on tests of psychomotor function than healthy controls. The performance of children on AED is not significantly different from those not on AED. Longer duration of AED treatment may result in psychomotor improvement in CWE. CWE should be closely monitored for psychomotor slowness so that deficits can be identified and appropriate interventions instituted.

Detection of cognitive impairment by choice auditory reaction time (ART) and visual reaction time (VRT) s during acute mental stress in young hypertensives: A case control study.

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitthal Khode ◽  
Satish Patil ◽  
Girish Babu ◽  
Komal Ruikar ◽  
Sakshi Patel
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Mental Stress ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Psychomotor Speed ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Visual Reaction ◽  
Auditory Reaction Time ◽  
Control Study

Background: Acute stress is known to be associated with both negative and positive influences on cognitive performance. Hypertension is one of the risk factors for lowered cognitive performance. Mental stress testing is easier to administer and can be regulated by the investigator. Mental arithmetic, using serial subtraction, is the most widely used method to administer stress. Reaction time (RT) is widely used to assess cognitive domains like attention, execution, and psychomotor speed. Researchers have shown that choice reaction times are delayed in hypertension. It is not known whether acute mental stress improves or deteriorates attention, execution, and psychomotor speed in hypertension. We hypothesized in the present study that acute mental stress deteriorates cognitive function in hypertensives without overt cerebro-vascular disease or other vascular risk factors. Method: After getting medical ethical clearance from our institution, this case-control study was carried out over eight months (January 2017 to September 2017). 60 subjects between the age group of 35 to 55 years were included in the study. They were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 30 diagnosed cases of hypertension with at least two years of duration. Group 2 consisted of 30 sex and age-matched controls. MMSE was performed to assess the cognitive function in these groups. Simple (S) and choice (C) auditory reaction time (ART) and visual reaction time (VRT) were measured at rest and acute mental stress in these groups to assess cognitive function. The predictive value of VRTC resting and VRTC during acute mental stress among hypertensives for cognitive dysfunction was calculated by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: There was a significant difference between ART and VRT, both simple and choice in hypertensive and non-hypertensive subjects, and these reaction times further increased during mental stress. (P<0.001). VCRT can be a predictor of cognitive dysfunction in hypertensives and during acute mental stress. Conclusion: A significant difference in cognitive functions in hypertensive and non-hypertensive subjects exists, and this further deteriorates with acute mental stress.

Accurate reaction time methods demonstrate similar results from different sensory modalities

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Drew McRacken ◽  
Maddie Dyson ◽  
Kevin Hu
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Sensory Modality ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Time Variability ◽  
Reaction Time Methods ◽  
Test Reaction ◽  
Reaction Time Variability ◽  
Sensory Modalities ◽  
Visual Reaction ◽  
The Impact

Over the past few decades, there has been a significant number of reports that suggested that reaction times for different sensory modalities were different – e.g., that visual reaction time was slower than tactile reaction time. A recent report by Holden and colleagues stated that (1) there has been a significant historic upward drift in reaction times reported in the literature, (2) that this drift or degradation in reaction times could be accounted for by inaccuracies in the methods used and (3) that these inaccurate methods led to inaccurate reporting of differences between visual and tactile based reaction time testing.  The Holden study utilized robotics (i.e., no human factors) to test visual and tactile reaction time methods but did not assess how individuals would perform on different sensory modalities.  This study utilized three different sensory modalities: visual, auditory, and tactile, to test reaction time. By changing the way in which the subjects were prompted and measuring subsequent reaction time, the impact of sensory modality could be analyzed. Reaction time testing for two sensory modalities, auditory and visual, were administered through an Arduino Uno microcontroller device, while tactile-based reaction time testing was administered with the Brain Gauge. A range of stimulus intensities was delivered for the reaction times delivered by each sensory modality. The average reaction time and reaction time variability was assessed and a trend could be identified for the reaction time measurements of each of the sensory modalities. Switching the sensory modality did not result in a difference in reaction time and it was concluded that this was due to the implementation of accurate circuitry used to deliver each test. Increasing stimulus intensity for each sensory modality resulted in faster reaction times. The results of this study confirm the findings of Holden and colleagues and contradict the results reported in countless studies that conclude that (1) reaction times are historically slower now than they were 50 years ago and (2) that there are differences in reaction times for different sensory modalities (vision, hearing, tactile). The implications of this are that utilization of accurate reaction time methods could have a significant impact on clinical outcomes and that many methods in current clinical use are basically perpetuating poor methods and wasting time and money of countless subjects or patients.

scholarly journals Effect of smoking on visual evoked potential (VEP) and visual reaction time (VRT)

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-13
Author(s):  
Karishma Rajbhandari Pandey ◽  
Dipesh Raj Panday ◽  
Nirmala Limbu ◽  
Bhupendra Shah ◽  
Kopila Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Visual Evoked Potential ◽  
Evoked Potential ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Visual Reaction Time ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Visual Reaction ◽  
Pattern Vep ◽  
Visual Evoked

Background: Nicotine in tobacco smoke causes demyelination. Again, hypoxia in long-term smokers is linked to neuropathy. Visual receptors are early sufferer of neuropathy. Visual-Acuity & other ocular tests often fail to detect subtle changes of neuropathy which, however, can be detected by VEP test. Literature review shows that changes in VEP come earlier than PFT changes in smokers. Ironically, smokers claim that smoking improves their reaction time, which can be assessed by VRT. Aims and Objective: To relate smoking status with VEP and VRT. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six subjects (smoker group = 28 & non-smoker group = 28), whose age & sex were matched, were included in the study. Their PFT, pattern VEP of both eyes & VRT were recorded. The data were compared between the two groups using unpaired t-test, considering statistical significance at p<0.05. Results: The FVC (4.35±0.83 vs. 5.32+1.18 l, p=0.022), FEF 25% (7.40+2.38 vs. 8.74+3.90 l/s, p=0.019) & FEF 50% (6.11+1.52 vs. 7.74+2.57, p= 0.010) were significantly lower in smokers compared to nonsmokers. There was no significant difference in P100 wave latency of VEP. But, VRT of smokers were significantly shorter (431.69+60.29 vs. 441.14+123.54 ms, p=0.010). Conclusion: Smokers have shorter visual reaction time and similar visual evoked potential as compared to non-smokers.

A New Cytokine-Based Stratification Is Highly Predictive of Survivals in AML Patients

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1412-1412
Author(s):  
Pierre Peterlin ◽  
Joelle Gaschet ◽  
Thierry Guillaume ◽  
Alice Garnier ◽  
Marion Eveillard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
First Line ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Gm Csf ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Recently, a significant impact of the kinetics of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand concentration (FLc) during induction (day[D]1 to D22) has been reported on survivals in first-line acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients (pts) (Peterlin et al, 2019). Three different FLc profiles were disclosed i) sustained increase of FLc (FLI group, good-risk), ii) increase from D1 to D15, then decrease at D22 (FLD group, intermediate-risk) and iii) stagnation of low levels (&lt;1000 pg/mL, FLL group, high-risk). An update of this prospective monocentric study (www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02693899) is presented here evaluating also retrospectively the impact on outcomes of 6 other cytokine level profiles during induction. Methods: Between 05/2016 and 01/2018, 62 AML pts at diagnosis (median age 59 yo [29-71], &lt;60 yo n=33) eligible for first intensive induction were included and provided informed consent. They received standard of care first-line chemotherapy. Serum samples collected on D1, 8, 15 & 22 of induction were frozen-stored until performing ELISA for FL, TNFa, SCF, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-10, GM-CSF. Normal values were assessed in 5 healthy controls. Pts outcomes considered were relapse/leukemia-free (LFS) and overall (OS) survivals. Results: FLI, FLD and FLL profiles were observed for 26, 22 and 14 pts respectively. A total of 372 samples were assayed for the 6 other cytokines. Median concentrations at D1, D8, D15, D22 for these 6 cytokines were as follows, considering the whole cohort (and healthy donors): TNFa: 0.53, 0, 0, 0 (0); SCF: 5.91, 0, 0, 0 (3); IL-1b : 0, 0, 0, 0 (0); IL-6: 4.85, 16.28, 10.11, 7.1 (0), IL-10: 0, 0, 0, 0 (0) and GM-CSF:1.63, 1.8, 0.67, 1.34 (9.98). Median IL-6 and GM-CSF levels, compared to healthy controls, were respectively higher and lower during induction. No significant difference was observed in terms of median cytokine concentrations at any time when comparing the three FL sub-groups or FLI vs FLD pts. With a median follow-up of 28 months (range: 17-37), FLI and FLD pts show now similar 2-y LFS (62.9% vs 59%, p=0.63) and OS (69.2% vs 63.6%, p=0.70). FLL pts have a significantly higher rate of relapse (85,7% vs FLI 19,2% vs FLD 32%, p=0,0001). Comparing FLL vs FLI+FLD pts disclosed significantly different LFS (7.1% vs 61.1%, p&lt;0.001) but not OS (36.7% vs 66.6%, p=0.11). In univariate analysis, 2y LFS and OS were not affected by the concentration (&lt; or &gt; median) of the 7 cytokines studied except for LFS and GM-CSFc at D8 (p=0,04) and D15 (p=0,08), for LFS and FLc at D1 (p=0.06), D8 (p=0,03), D15 (p=0,04) and D22 (p=0,03) and for OS and GM-CSF at D15 (p=0.08). A significant association between LFS was observed with ELN 2017 risk stratification (2-y LFS: favorable: 68,1% vs intermediate: 48,1% vs unfavorable: 30,7%, p=0.03) but not OS (2 y: 77% vs 55,5% vs 46,1%, p=0.09). Multivariate analysis showed that no factor was independently associated with OS while LFS remained significantly associated with the FLc profile (FLL vs others, HR: 5.79. 95%CI: 2.48-13.53, p&lt;0.0001) and GM-CSF at D15 (HR: 0.45; 95%CI: 0.20-0.98, p=0.04) but not with ELN 2017 risk stratification (p=0.06). Cytokine levels were then assessed to try to better discriminate FLI and FLD pts. A significant higher IL-6 level at D22 was found in relapsed or deceased FLI/FLD pts (median:15,34 vs 5,42 pg/mL, p=0,04). FLI/FLD pts with low IL-6 at D22 (&lt; median, 15.5 pg/mL, n=35 vs n=14 with high level) had significant better 2y LFS and OS (74,2% vs 38,4%, p=0,005 and 77,1% vs 38,4%, p=0,009, respectively). A new prognostic risk-stratification could thus be proposed, i.e. FLI/FLD with IL-6 &lt;15.5 pg/mL (favorable), FLI/FLD with IL-6 &gt;15.5 pg/mL (intermediate) and FLL (unfavorable). This new classification was considered for a second multivariate analysis, showing that it is the strongest factor associated with OS (p=0.006, ELN p=0.03, FL profile p=0.04) and LFS (p&lt;0.0001, ELN p=0.005, GM-CSFc D15 p=0.03) (figure 1). Conclusion: This study confirms stagnation of low FLc during AML induction as a strong poor prognosis factor. Moreover, IL-6 levels at D22 further discriminate FLI/FLD pts. Thus, a new cytokine-based risk-stratification integrating FL kinetics and IL-6 levels during induction may help to better predict outcomes in first-line AML patients. These results need to be validated on a larger cohort of AML patients while anti-IL-6 therapy should be tested in combination with standard 3+7 chemotherapy. Figure 1 Disclosures Peterlin: AbbVie Inc: Consultancy; Jazz Pharma: Consultancy; Daiichi-Sankyo: Consultancy; Astellas: Consultancy. Moreau:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria. Chevallier:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria.

Effect of Bhramari pranayama practice on simple reaction time in healthy adolescents – a randomized control trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maheshkumar Kuppusamy ◽  
Dilara Kamaldeen ◽  
Ravishankar Pitani ◽  
Julius Amaldas ◽  
Padmavathi Ramasamy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Simple Reaction Time ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Visual Reaction Time ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Visual Reaction ◽  
Auditory Reaction Time ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
Apparently Healthy

AbstractObjectivesThe improvement in the/reaction time is important, as it is an indicator of cognitive function. Therefore, there is a need, especially for adolescents in the form of techniques or courses that can improve the reaction time. Yoga was found to cause a better improvement in the health of the individuals. The present study intended to show the effects of Bhramari pranayama (Bhr.P) on reaction time in the healthy adolescents.MethodsOf the 730 potential subjects screened, 520 apparently healthy adolescents randomly assigned to either the Bhr.P group (n-260) or control group (n-260). Bhr.P group practiced the bhramari pranayama for 3 days in a week for 6 months. The Auditory Reaction Time (ART) and the Visual Reaction Time (VRT) were assessed before and after Bhr.P pranayama practice.ResultsBhr.P group shows significant shortening of response time in both VRT (from 267.13 ± 52.65 to 249.87 ± 39.41 ms) and ART (from 237.42 ± 48.12 to 227.91 ± 34.60 ms) after 6 months of Bhr.P practice. In control group subjects, no such significant changes were found (p > 0.05).ConclusionsShortening of RT implies an improvement in the information processing and reflexes. This beneficial effect of Bhr.P on reaction time can be used for improving cognitive function in the adolescents for their academic performances.

The Effect of Neuroleptics on Cognitive and Psychomotor Function

1992 ◽  
Vol 160 (5) ◽  
pp. 647-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. King ◽  
Geraldine Henry
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Drug Response ◽  
Drug Effects ◽  
Psychomotor Function ◽  
Response Data ◽  
Maze Test ◽  
Visual Reaction ◽  
Subjective Alertness ◽  
Flicker Fusion

The effects of haloperidol (1 mg), benzhexol (5 mg), diazepam (10 mg) and caffeine (400 mg) on subjective and objective measures of cognitive and psychomotor function were compared with placebo in 20 healthy volunteers. While both diazepam and benzhexol were associated with highly significant impairments in subjective alertness, critical flicker fusion threshold and choice reaction time (CRT), haloperidol could not be distinguished from placebo in most tests but was actually associated with an apparent improvement in CRT (in males) and simple visual reaction time. The perceptual maze test detected impairment by benzhexol on processing speed but was not sensitive to any other drug effects. Multiple-dose studies are required to establish if there is a true activating effect of haloperidol using a test of sustained attention. No effect of Eysenck personality subtype or life events on baseline or drug response data was detected.

scholarly journals Inhibitory Top-Down Control Deficits in Schizophrenia With Auditory Verbal Hallucinations: A Go/NoGo Task

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiaoling Sun ◽  
Yehua Fang ◽  
Yongyan Shi ◽  
Lifeng Wang ◽  
Xuemei Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Event Related Potentials ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Auditory Verbal Hallucinations ◽  
Parietal Area ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Related Potentials ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
P3 Amplitude

Objective: Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), with unclear mechanisms, cause extreme distresses to schizophrenia patients. Deficits of inhibitory top-down control may be linked to AVH. Therefore, in this study, we focused on inhibitory top-down control in schizophrenia patients with AVH.Method: The present study recruited 40 schizophrenia patients, including 20 AVH patients and 20 non-AVH patients, and 23 healthy controls. We employed event-related potentials to investigate the N2 and P3 amplitude and latency differences among these participants during a Go/NoGo task.Results: Relative to healthy controls, the two patient groups observed longer reaction time (RT) and reduced accuracy. The two patient groups had smaller NoGo P3 amplitude than the healthy controls, and the AVH patients showed smaller NoGo P3 amplitude than the non-AVH patients. In all the groups, the parietal area showed smaller NoGo P3 than frontal and central areas. However, no significant difference was found in N2 and Go P3 amplitude between the three groups.Conclusions: AVH patients might have worse inhibitory top-down control, which might be involved in the occurrence of AVH. Hopefully, our results could enhance understanding of the pathology of AVH.

scholarly journals Positional differences in anticipation timing, reaction time and dynamic balance of American football players

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 227-239
Author(s):  
Halil İ. Ceylan ◽  
Ahmet R. Günay
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
American Football ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Visual Reaction ◽  
Test Result ◽  
Anterior Posterior

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the coinciding anticipation timing (CAT), reaction time and dynamic balance performances of American football players according to their playing positions. Material: Thirty-five American football players, who train at least 3 days a week, and compete in Universities Protected Football 1st League, participated in this study, voluntarily. The players were divided into two playing positions: offensive (17 players, mean age: 20.76 ± 1.30 years) and defensive (18 players, mean age: 21.94 ± 2.87 years). The CAT at different stimulus speeds (6 mph, 12 mph), reaction time (visual, auditory, mixed), and dynamic balance performance (anterior-posterior, medial-lateral, perimeter lenght) were measured in the laboratory environment. The CAT, reaction time, and dynamic balance performance of players were determined by Bassin Anticipation Timer, Newtest 1000, and Technobody Prokin-200, respectively. Results: The data obtained were analyzed in SPSS (20.0) program. Firstly, the raw data for CAT performance (6mph, 12 mph) were converted to absolute error score. According to Shapiro-Wilk test result, the all data showed normal distribution. Independent Sample t test was used to determine the differences between the two playing positions. In addition, the effect size between the two playing positions was calculated in parameters with showing significant differences, and Cohen’s d (1988) values were taken into account. Compared with the defensive players (20.15±3.81 ms), the absolute error scores at fast stimulus speeds (12 mph) of offensive players (17.45±3.48 ms) was found to be significantly lower (t(33) =-2.181, p=.036). The visual reaction time of offensive players (318.11± 17.47 ms) was significantly shorter than defensive players (340.58± 32.60 ms, t(26322) =-2.560, p=.017). In terms of dynamic balance parameters such as perimeter lenght, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral, there was no statistically significant difference between the playing positions (p>0.05). Conclusions: Perceptual-cognitive characteristics such as CAT, and reaction time performance differ according to the playing positions, and this difference may be related to the physical, and cognitive demands required by their playing positions.

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