scholarly journals The interaction between pain and cognition: on the roles of task complexity and pain intensity

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth J. Lier ◽  
Clementina M. van Rijn ◽  
Marjan de Vries ◽  
Harry van Goor ◽  
Joukje M. Oosterman
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Task Complexity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Cold Pressor Test ◽  
Cold Pressor ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Cognitive Distraction ◽  
Accuracy Rates

Abstract Objectives The interaction between pain and cognition includes a concurrent negative effect of pain on cognitive performance and an analgesic effect of cognitive distraction on pain experience. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the role of pain intensity and task complexity on this interaction. Methods Two experiments were conducted in healthy volunteers. In both experiments, participants completed 3 conditions: a pain only condition (consisting of the cold pressor test), a cognition only condition (consisting of the cognitive task) and a combined condition (concurrent administration of the cold pressor and cognitive task). In experiment I, participants performed one out of three possible tasks that differed in cognitive load (low, medium, high). In experiment II the parameters of the pain stimulus, induced by a cold pressor test, were adapted and only the high load cognitive task was employed. Pain scores, reaction times, and accuracy rates were recorded. Results In experiment I, cognitive distraction significantly decreased pain scores, irrespective of the cognitive load of the task. Pain did not affect cognitive performance. In experiment II, pain diminished accuracy rates. No effect of cognitive distraction on pain was observed. Individual characteristics did not noticeably influence the interaction between pain and cognition. Conclusions The results of this study suggest a two-way interaction, however no evidence for a simultaneous bidirectional relationship was found. Cognitive distraction successfully reduces pain, up until a certain point where this relationship is reversed, and pain starts to interfere with cognitive performance. This may imply that priorities shift at a certain pain-threshold, however further research should confirm this hypothesis. This study could contribute to further understanding of cognitive mechanisms related to pain perception.

The Impact of Cognitive Load on Volitional Running

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 1179-1183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan J. Blakely ◽  
Kyle Wilson ◽  
Paul N. Russell ◽  
William S. Helton
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
High Load ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
Running Speed ◽  
Original Experiment ◽  
The Impact

The effects of physical activity on cognition and the effects of cognitive load on physical activity are complex. Both the nature of the physical activity and cognitive task may influence the interactive effects of performing a physical task while also performing a cognitive task. In a previous study examining the impact of increasing cognitive load on outdoor running speed and the impact of outdoor running on cognitive performance, Blakely et al. (2015) found running speed decreased as cognitive load increased. They also found that the impact of running itself on cognitive performance occurred when the cognitive task was itself demanding (high cognitive load). In the current study we expanded on this previous research by improving the experimental task to rule out peripheral sensory, not central or executive, interference and by incorporating heart rate measures and VO2 max estimates. Twelve runners completed five conditions, two seated cognitive tasks (one low load and one high load), two dual running cognitive tasks and one run only. Results were similar to the original experiment, as the cognitive task became more difficult, voluntary running speed decreased. Also the effects of running on cognitive performance (counting) were found only when the cognitive task was high load.

scholarly journals Distraction by a cognitive task has a higher impact on electrophysiological measures compared with conditioned pain modulation

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. T. L. Do ◽  
E. K. Enax-Krumova ◽  
Ö. Özgül ◽  
L. B. Eitner ◽  
S. Heba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Pain Modulation ◽  
Conditioned Pain Modulation ◽  
Cognitive Distraction ◽  
Painful Sensation ◽  
Back Task

Abstract Background Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) evaluates the effect of a painful conditioning stimulus (CS) on a painful test stimulus (TS). Using painful cutaneous electrical stimulation (PCES) as TS and painful cold water as CS, the pain relief was paralleled by a decrease in evoked potentials (PCES-EPs). We now aimed to compare the effect of CPM with cognitive distraction on PCES-induced pain and PCES-EP amplitudes. Methods PCES was performed using surface electrodes inducing a painful sensation of 60 (NRS 0–100) on one hand. In a crossover design healthy subjects (included: n = 38, analyzed: n = 23) immersed the contralateral hand into 10 °C cold water (CS) for CPM evaluation and performed the 1-back task for cognitive distraction. Before and during the CS and 1-back task, respectively, subjects rated the pain intensity of PCES and simultaneously cortical evoked potentials were recorded. Results Both CPM and cognitive distraction significantly reduced PCES-EP amplitudes (CPM: 27.6 ± 12.0 μV to 20.2 ± 9.5 μV, cognitive distraction: 30.3 ± 14.2 µV to 13.6 ± 5.2 μV, p < 0.001) and PCES-induced pain (on a 0–100 numerical rating scale: CPM: 58 ± 4 to 41.1 ± 12.3, cognitive distraction: 58.3 ± 4.4 to 38.0 ± 13.0, p < 0.001), though the changes in pain intensity and PCES-amplitude did not correlate. The changes of the PCES-EP amplitudes during cognitive distraction were more pronounced than during CPM (p = 0.001). Conclusions CPM and cognitive distraction reduced the PCES-induced pain to a similar extent. The more pronounced decrease of PCES-EP amplitudes after distraction by a cognitive task implies that both conditions might not represent the general pain modulatory capacity of individuals, but may underlie different neuronal mechanisms with the final common pathway of perceived pain reduction.

scholarly journals Are Cognitive Load and Focus of Attention Differentially Involved in Pain Management: An Experimental Study Using a Cold Pressor Test and Virtual Reality

2020 ◽  
Vol Volume 13 ◽  
pp. 2213-2222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Dumoulin ◽  
Stéphane Bouchard ◽  
Claudie Loranger ◽  
Pamela Quintana ◽  
Véronique Gougeon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Cold Pressor Test ◽  
Cold Pressor ◽  
Focus Of Attention ◽  
Pressor Test

FC09-02 - Efficacy of distraction by means of virtual reality in the control and reduction of pain using the cold-pressor test

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1859-1859
Author(s):  
J. Gutiérrez-Maldonado ◽  
K. Cabas-Hoyos ◽  
O. Gutiérre Martínez ◽  
D. Loreto-Quijada ◽  
C. Peñaloza-Salazar
Keyword(s):  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Pain Perception ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Cold Pressor Test ◽  
Time Estimation ◽  
Cold Pressor ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Pressor Test ◽  
Reduction Of Pain ◽  
Healthy Participants

IntroductionAttention plays an important rol in pain perception. Focusing attention in pain intensifies the painful experience whereas distraction may decrease its subjective sensation (Eccleston & Crombez, 1999).The purpose of the two studies is to establish the efficacy of distraction by means of VR in the control and reduction of pain using the cold-pressor test. In both studies threshold, tolerance, perceived pain intensity and time estimation were measured.Study 137 healthy participants were induced pain in two consecutive immersions using the cold-pressor test. The experiment was counterbalanced and all participants went through two experimental conditions: VR (stereoscopic screen) and black screen. A virtual environment “Surreal World” was designed based on distraction of attention techniques. Results showed that VR significantly increased threshold and tolerance, diminished pain intensity and perception of time.Study 235 healthy participants underwent two consecutive immersions using cold pressor: VR (using the updated version of Surreal World and 3D laptops) and black screen. VR significantly increased the threshold and tolerance, whereas variations in the estimation of time were barely significant.Differences in the results of the two studies could be accounted for by the immersive effect of the stereoscopic screen. Findings are discussed in relation to previous studies on VR and pain. Results support VR as an adjunctive method in pain treatment and allow proving its efficacy in patients with chronic pain.

scholarly journals Distraction by a cognitive task has a higher impact on electrophysiological measures compared with conditioned pain modulation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. T. Lisa Do ◽  
Elena Enax-Krumova ◽  
Özüm Özgül ◽  
Lynn B. Eitner ◽  
Stefanie Heba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Pain Modulation ◽  
Conditioned Pain Modulation ◽  
Cognitive Distraction ◽  
Painful Sensation ◽  
Back Task

Abstract BackgroundConditioned pain modulation (CPM) evaluates the effect of a painful conditioning stimulus (CS) on a painful test stimulus (TS). Using painful cutaneous electrical stimulation (PCES) as TS and painful cold water as CS, the pain relief was paralleled by a decrease in evoked potentials (PCES-EPs). We now aimed to compare the effect of CPM with cognitive distraction on PCES-induced pain and PCES-EP amplitudes. MethodsPCES was performed using surface electrodes inducing a painful sensation of 60 (NRS 0-100) on one hand. In a crossover design healthy subjects (included: n=38, analyzed: n=23) immersed the contralateral hand into 10°C cold water (CS) for CPM evaluation and performed the 1-back task for cognitive distraction. Before and during the CS and 1-back task, respectively, subjects rated the pain intensity of PCES and simultaneously cortical evoked potentials were recorded. ResultsBoth CPM and cognitive distraction significantly reduced PCES-EP amplitudes (CPM: 27.6±12.0μV to 20.2±9.5μV, cognitive distraction: 30.3±14.2µV to 13.6±5.2μV, p<0.001) and PCES-induced pain (on a 0–100 numerical rating scale: CPM: 58±4 to 41.1±12.3, cognitive distraction: 58.3±4.4 to 38.0±13.0, p<0.001), though the changes in pain intensity and PCES-amplitude did not correlate. The changes of the PCES-EP amplitudes during cognitive distraction were more pronounced than during CPM (p=0.001).ConclusionsCPM and cognitive distraction reduced the PCES-induced pain to a similar extent. The more pronounced decrease of PCES-EP amplitudes after distraction by a cognitive task implies that both conditions might not represent the general pain modulatory capacity of individuals, but may underlie different neuronal mechanisms with the final common pathway of perceived pain reduction.

Pain sensations to the cold pressor test in normally menstruating women: comparison with men and relation to menstrual phase and serum sex steroid levels

2007 ◽  
Vol 293 (4) ◽  
pp. R1711-R1716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kent Stening ◽  
Olle Eriksson ◽  
LisKarin Wahren ◽  
Göran Berg ◽  
Mats Hammar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Pain Threshold ◽  
Cold Pressor Test ◽  
Cold Pressor ◽  
Test Session ◽  
Gonadal Hormones ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Pressor Test ◽  
Late Luteal Phase

The role of gonadal hormones on pain sensations was investigated in normally menstruating women ( n = 16) using the cold pressor test. Tolerance time, pain threshold, and pain intensity were examined once a week during a 4-wk period, and serum concentrations of 17β-estradiol and progesterone were determined at each test session, which were classified into the early follicular phase, late follicular phase, early luteal phase, and late luteal phase, as determined by the first day of menses and the actual hormone levels recorded. A group of men ( n = 10) of the same age interval was examined for comparison. The data show that pain threshold was reduced during the late luteal phase compared with the late follicular phase, and hormone analyses showed significant positive correlation between the progesterone concentration and lowered pain threshold and increasing pain intensity. Hormone analysis also showed an interaction between S-estradiol and S-progesterone on pain intensity, demonstrating that the increased perceived pain intensity that was associated with high progesterone concentrations was significantly reduced with increasing levels of estradiol. While no statistically significant sex differences in pain measurements were found, women displayed much more pronounced, and statistically significant, session-to-session effects than men, with increased pain threshold and decreased pain intensity with each test session. Hence, these data suggest that the changes in the serum concentration of gonadal hormones that occur during the menstrual cycle influence pain sensations elicited by noxious tonic cold stimulation and show that adaptation to the cold pressor test may be sex dependent.

Sources of Individual Differences in L2 Narrative Production: The Contribution of Input, Processing, and Output Anxiety

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Trebits
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Language Production ◽  
Task Complexity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Input Processing ◽  
Narrative Production ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cognitive task complexity and individual differences in input, processing, and output anxiety (IPOA) on L2 narrative production. The participants were enrolled in a bilingual secondary educational program. They performed two narrative tasks in speech and writing. The participants’ level of anxiety was assessed using the IPOA scale (MacIntyre and Gardner 1994). The results demonstrate that spoken and written modalities are influenced differently by anxiety with the impact of output anxiety being significantly stronger in speech than in writing. Another important finding was that input and processing anxiety had both facilitating and debilitating effects on learners’ L2 output. As regards the effect of task complexity on participants’ narratives, the findings suggest that the different stages of language production need to be taken into account when categorizing tasks on the basis of the cognitive load they impose on learners.

scholarly journals Distraction by a cognitive task has a higher impact on electrophysiological measures compared with conditioned pain modulation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. T. Lisa Do ◽  
Elena Enax-Krumova ◽  
Özüm Özgül ◽  
Lynn B. Eitner ◽  
Stefanie Heba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Pain Modulation ◽  
Conditioned Pain Modulation ◽  
Cognitive Distraction ◽  
Painful Sensation ◽  
Back Task

Abstract Background Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) evaluates the effect of a painful conditioning stimulus (CS) on a painful test stimulus (TS). Using painful cutaneous electrical stimulation (PCES) as TS and painful cold water as CS, the pain relief was paralleled by a decrease in evoked potentials (PCES-EPs). We now aimed to compare the effect of CPM with cognitive distraction on PCES-induced pain and PCES-EP amplitudes. Methods PCES was performed in 38 healthy subjects using surface electrodes inducing a painful sensation of 60 (NRS 0-100) on one hand. In a crossover design subjects immersed the contralateral hand into painful cold water (10 °C, CS) for CPM evaluation and performed the 1-back task for cognitive distraction. Before and during the CS and 1-back task, respectively, subjects rated the pain intensity of PCES and simultaneously cortical evoked potentials were recorded. Results Both CPM and cognitive distraction significantly reduced PCES-EP amplitudes (CPM: from 30.9 ± 9.9 µV to 24.35 ± 8.41 µV, cognitive distraction: from 33.0 ± 8.8 µV to 19.5 ± 6.5 µV, p < 0.05) and PCES-induced pain (CPM: from 58 ± 4 to 39 ± 12, cognitive distraction: from 58 ± 4 to 36 ± 14, p < 0.05), though the changes in pain intensity and PCES-amplitude did not correlate. The changes of the PCES-EP amplitudes during cognitive distraction were significantly more pronounced than during CPM. Conclusions The amount of pain relief induced by CPM and cognitive distraction seems to be similar. However, the even more pronounced decrease of PCES-EP amplitudes after distraction by a cognitive task implies that both conditions do not represent the general pain modulatory capacity of individuals, but may underlie different neuronal mechanisms with the final common pathway of perceived pain reduction.

When moderate mental workload and driving are mutually beneficial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima Maria Felisberti ◽  
Thiago P Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Attentional Processes ◽  
Subsequent Performance ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Driving Task ◽  
Lane Keeping

Background: High cognitive load during driving is often disruptive and one of the main causes of road accidents. Surprisingly, we know little about the effect (if any) of cognitive load immediately before driving, and even less about the effect of driving (with its own cognitive load) on subsequent performance in cognitive tasks. Method: The effect of cognitive load on a subsequent driving task was examined in Study 1 (n = 31). Participants completed a battery of cognitive tests with low or moderate cognitive demands and their driving performance on a simulator was assessed on two consecutive days (speed, distance from the car ahead, and lane keeping ability). Study 2 (n = 98) examined the effect of a cognitively demanding driving task on the performance of follow up cognitive task, the multi-source interference task (MSIT). In that study, accuracy, and reaction time to MSIT were compared in two conditions: no driving vs post-driving.Results: A moderate level of cognitive load pre-driving led to a modest increase in the distance kept from the car ahead, while a demanding period of driving led to a significant increase in cognitive performance when compared to the control condition (e.g., prior driving).Conclusion: The findings suggest that increases in cognitive processing during periods of demanding mental activity mobilise attentional processes which are likely to remain active for a short period of time benefiting subsequent cognitive performance.

Genetic variation in P2RX7 and pain

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-127
Author(s):  
O. Kambur ◽  
K. Cajanus ◽  
M. Kaunisto ◽  
Bendik Winsvold ◽  
Audun Stubhaug ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postoperative Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Cold Pressor Test ◽  
Cold Pressor ◽  
Breast Cancer Surgery ◽  
Bacterial Invasion ◽  
Tissue Remodelling ◽  
Noxious Heat ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cold Pain

Abstract Background and aims P2X7 is a purinoceptor and non-selective cation channel that is activated by extracellular ATP, especially in immune and glia cells. Activation of P2X7 triggers the secretion of several pro-inflammatory substances, such as IL- 1P, IL-18, TNF-α, and nitric oxide. P2X7 activation contributes to the pro-inflammatory response to injury or bacterial invasion and mediates apoptosis. It has been implicated in physiological and pathological conditions such as bone tissue remodelling, inflammation, oncogenesis, depression, and inflammatory, neuropathic and chronic pain. Here, we aim to characterize the effects of variation within the P2RX7 gene, which encodes the P2X7 receptor, on pain and opioid requirements in human patients. Methods Pain was assessed in Norwegian and Finnish cohorts. The Norwegian cohort represents the 6th wave of the Tromsø Study, a longitudinal and cross-sectional population based study (N = 3700), whereas the Finnish cohort (BrePainGen) consists of patients who underwent breast cancer surgery (N = 1000). For both cohorts, experimental pain data were analyzed. Pain intensity and tolerance were assessed with cold pressor test and after standardized noxious heat stimulation in both cohorts. In addition, data on acute postoperative pain and opioid requirements were analyzed in the BrePainGen cohort. Postoperative pain and opioid responses were followed during 20 h after surgery. In total, 29 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in P2RX7 were genotyped and their association with outcome variables was assessed using linear regression and analysis of variances (ANOVA). Results Several P2RX7 SNPs were associated with the pain phenotypes. The strongest associations were seen with cold pain intensity and tolerance. The results of this study will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions Our results suggest that P2X7 and genetic varia-tion in the P2RX7-gene are involved in the modulation of human pain responses.

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