Some psychophysiological parameters of a person during a passive orthostatic test

The study involved 14 volunteer students. Situational anxiety was determined, tests were carried out to determine simple and complex sensorimotor reactions, the cardiac rhythm of the subjects was recorded. Oxygen saturation was determined using an oximeter. Dynamic parameters were recorded: lying in a state of functional rest (background 1), vertical at 65-70° (vertical), lying after verticalization (horizontal), lying in a state of functional rest (background 2). The analysis of the data obtained was carried out using the Excel and StatPlus Pro programs. It was revealed that during verticalization, changes in the regulation of the heart activity of the subjects are carried out mainly due to the central mechanisms of regulation through the sympathetic nervous system. The transfer from a vertical to a horizontal state is accompanied by a restructuring of the regulatory system towards the activation of subcortical nerve centers and a shift in the balance of the SNS/PSNS towards the parasympathetic nervous system. Key words: passive orthostatic test, cardiac rhythm, simple sensorimotor reaction.

CRITERIA FOR ESTIMATING THE SENSORIMOTOR REACTION TIME BY THE SMALL UAV OPERATOR

Context. The rapid development of science and technology predetermines a significant expansion of the fields of application of UAVs different purposes. The key to the effective use UAVs is high-quality training of operators, an important element of which is the PPS of candidates, in particular, the assessment of their sensorimotor reactions. This can be achieved by selecting and justifying appropriate criteria. Objective. The goal of the work is the justification criteria for estimating the time sensorimotor reactions of a small UAV operator by analyzing the density distribution of statistical data. Method. A method has been developed to determine criteria for evaluating the time of sensorimotor reactions a small UAV operator based on the accumulation statistical material and its mathematical processing based on the results of a field experiment. The method allows to estimate numerical characteristics the distribution of the average reaction time in three modes: training production, in the conditions overload, in the conditions of overtraining and to obtain a generalized estimation. It was possible, by analyzing the occasional noninterruptible values, which take values within a certain range of values, to establish standards against which the obtained values the sensorimotor reaction time of the small UAV operator are compared and a decision is made on their suitability for training. Results. We obtained statistical series for the modes of assessment: skill development, under obstacle conditions, under conditions skill restructuring. For a visual representation of the series the corresponding histograms the distribution of the average reaction time duration were constructed. In order to eliminate the representativeness error, statistical series alignment was carried out by selecting a theoretical distribution curve for each series, which displays only essential features of the statistical material. For this purpose, we approximated the histogram of distribution by the polynomialf fourth degree. The interval theoretical density of distribution, in which the time sensomotor reaction of an arbitrary person is considered normal, with a given probability reliability such event – 0.95 has been established. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, algorithms for estimating the sensorimotor reaction time of a small UAV operator in three modes have been synthesized and the corresponding software that implements the proposed algorithms has been developed. Conclusions. The criteria for evaluating the sensorimotor reaction time for UAV operator to a visual stimulus using specialized software were substantiated. This allowed the previous PPS training candidates to take into account the requirements to the motor skills of the small UAV operator and the specificity his movements. The conducted experiments confirmed the validity of decisions made. Prospects for further research may include expansion of testing modes with justification for appropriate evaluation criteria.

Assessment of subject’s readiness for urgent actions using the variations of sensorimotor response tasks

Thepurposeoftheresearchis to identify the scope of combined use of different options of sensorimo-tor response to assess the effectiveness of the sub-ject’s reorientation from one apperception scheme to another. The empirical research has used themethodof a laboratory experiment with an intra-sub-ject implementation plan. 66 students have been the study participants. Computer hardware has been used. The study participants have performed a series of trials of a simple sensorimotor reaction, a senso-rimotor reaction of choice and a double choice task, which primarily provides for immediate determina-tion of the apperception scheme and then – selec-tion of an action option. Results.The research has established a significant reduction of the reaction time under increasing orientation time in a double choice task for one and three alternate solutions (the Friedman test is respectively: χ²r=300,65 (df = 5; p<.001) and χ²r=62.67 (df = 5; p<.001). The author has obtained the mathematical models of the linear relationship of the time change in a sensorimotor response for a stimulus from time of orientation in the two indicated variants. The realization of the Hick’ Law in the experiment has been confirmed: a simple sensorimotor reaction of the study participants is quicker than a reaction of choice between three alter-natives (the Wilcoxon signed-rank test: Z = -7.073; p < .001). The identity of organizing the response processes for the variants of a double choice task has been defined. To solve a double choice task, there has been established the availability of antic-ipation effect for reactions to one possible variant of a stimulus under the values of the orientation time of .25 sec and 30 sec (respectively: t=3.138 as р=.003; t=8.656 as р<.001). Conclusion. The assess-ment of the rate of the subject’s urgent actions can be implemented with the use of a double choice task that involves an immediate choice and realiz-ing one of two variants of sensorimotor response. Automatic variations of orientation time in a double choice task allow establishing the required duration of the urgent formation of a new operative image and a mode of actions, taking into account the set cri-terion – the time of a simple sensorimotor reaction.Keywords:operative image, attitude, anticipation, apperception scheme, simple sensorimotor reaction, sensorimotor choice reaction. Метоюдослідження є визначення можливостей поєднаного використання різних варіантів сенсомоторного реагування для оцінки ефективності переорієнтування суб’єкта з однієї апперцептивної схеми дій на іншу. В емпіричному дослідженні застосовано метод лабораторного експерименту з внутрішньосуб’єктним планом реалізації. Досліджуваними в експерименті були 66 студентів. Вико-ристовувалась комп’ютерна техніка. Досліджувані виконували серії спроб простої сенсомоторної реакції, сенсомоторної реакції вибору та задачі “подвійного вибору”, в якій спочатку передбачалося оперативне визначення апперцептивної схеми дій, а потім – вибір варіанту дій. Результати. Встановлено суттєве зменшення часу реакції при збільшенні часу орієнтування в задачі “подвійного вибору” для одного і для трьох варіантів рішень (критерій Фрідмана відповідно: χ²r=300,65 (df = 5; p<.001 ) та χ²r=62.67 (df = 5; p<.001 ). Були отримані математичні моделі лінійного зв’язку зміни часу сенсомоторного реагування на стимул від часу орієнтування у двох означених варіантах. Підтверджено реалізацію в експерименті закону У.Хіка: проста сенсомоторна реакція досліджуваних швидше реакції вибору з трьох альтернатив (критерій знакових рангів Уілкоксона: Z = -7.073; p< .001). Було визначено ідентичність організації процесів реагування для варіантів задачі “подвійного вибору”. Для рішень задачі “подвійного вибору” встановлено наявність антиципаційного ефекту у випадках реакції на один можливий варіант стимулу при значеннях часу орієнтування в .25 с та .30 с (відповідно: t=3.138 при р=.003; t=8.656 при р<.001). Висновок. Оцінка швидкості термінових дій суб’єкта може проводитися з використанням задачі “подвійного вибору”, в якій оперативно обирається й реалізується один з двох варіантів сенсомоторного реагування. Автоматичні варіації часу орієнтування в задачі “подвійного вибору” з урахуванням заданого критерію – часу простої сенсомоторної реакції, дозволяють визначити необхідну тривалість термінового формування нового оперативного образу і способу дій.Ключовіслова: оперативний образ, установка, антиципація, апперцептивна схема, проста сенсомоторна реакція, сенсомоторна реакція вибору

Optimization of Reproducing the Set Breathing Rhythm During a Cardiorespiratory Synchronism Test

This article analyses optimization guidelines for assessment of human regulatory and adaptive capabilities (RAC) using the cardiorespiratory synchronism (CRS) method. The study participants aged 19 ± 1 were randomized into two groups: main group (n = 30) and reference group (n = 30). In the main group, before conducting the CRS tests, a number of techniques were applied to facilitate reproduction of the set breathing rhythm by the subject: relieving one hand from the ECG electrode by recording a single lead (II or III), which is sufficient to monitor heart rate, for the subjectʼs convenience (with detecting motor asymmetry of the hemispheres); viewing an instructional video showing the algorithm of the upcoming test to the subject; ideomotor training; detecting the latent period of a simple sensorimotor reaction to sound and light stimuli as a preparation for the test. The degree of correspondence between the reproduced and the set breathing rhythms in the main group was 47.0 ± 15.7 % (M ± SD), which is higher than in the reference group. The maximum number of exact respiratory cycles repeated in a row in the first test also demonstrated the advantages of the main group, where this indicator was 10.3 ± 3.4 cycles. The number of respiratory cycles from the beginning of the first test to the exact reproduction of the set rhythm decreased in the main group compared to the reference group by 76.3 %. The correlation analysis revealed no relationship between RAC and the accuracy of breathing rhythm reproduction (correlation coefficient was −0.115 at p = 0.536). Testing duration in the reference group significantly (p < 0.001 according to Mann–Whitney U-test) exceeded that in the main group (by 10.2 min). Thus, the research demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed techniques for optimizing the CRS test, which can contribute to an even wider spread of this method.

The study of the individual psychological and psychophysiological status of law enforcement officers depending on the level of vital threats

The article is devoted to the study of psychological and psychophysiological features in extreme situations in the activities of law enforcement officials, leading to life threat. The aim of the study was to identify differences in the structure of individual psychological characteristics and psychophysiological parameters among law enforcement officials depending on the severity of the level of vital threats in professional activities. The relevance of the theoretical foundations of the research problem. The concept of "risk" is defined. It is noted that in the activities of employees there is a hazard factor that determines the predisposition to the risk of vital threats. The “Research Methodology” section is devoted to the consideration of methods and techniques for researching the psychological and psychophysiological characteristics of employees, depending on the severity of vital threats in the activity. The study is conducted for the first time using the following methods: Personality structure and temperament questionnaire R. Kloninger, the “Semantic Differential Time” methodology, the methods for determining the complex sensorimotor reaction (CCMR), Hand-test E. Wagner, and the “Individual Minute” methodology. Methods of statistical processing of research materials are indicated. The results are presented in the form of tables and descriptions of the obtained research data. A comparative analysis of the individual psychological and psychophysiological characteristics of employees who are faced with situations of threats to life and health and are not faced with those in professional activities is carried out. At the end of the article, specific conclusions and practical recommendations to psychologists of law enforcement agencies on the research problem are presented.

THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT VOLUMES OF COMPUTER LOAD ON THE LATENT PERIODS OF A SIMPLE SENSORIMOTOR REACTION IN PRIMARY SCHOOLCHILDREN

Background. The digitalization of education makes relevant monitoring studies for assessing the impact of computer technologies on the functional status of children, their cognitive ca-pabilities and somatic support (“adaptation cost”). Aim. The paper aims to study the impact of different computer load on sensorimotor reactivity in primary schoolchildren. Materials and methods. The data obtained in Moscow schools in 2006-2011 were analyzed. Surveys were carried out twice a year (October, March-April) in 66 different educational organizations. In total, the study included data on 4205 first-fourth year schoolchildren. To evaluate the reaction time (RT) of simple sensorimotor reactions to light (L) and acoustic (A) stimuli, the computer movement meter equipment (CMM, INTOX, St. Petersburg, Russia) was used. Also, the RTA / RTL ratio was used for analysis. Results. There is a correlation between RT (both RTL and RTA) and the general (lesson-related and extracurricular) volume of computer load. It was different depending on gender and the season, and was opposite for RTL and RTA. It was established that excessive computer load (exceeding hygienic standard requirements by 3 or more times) increased the seasonal variability of RTL in spring testing, principally in the third and fourthyear girls. However, under the influence of high computer loads, the RTA / RTL ratio also changes – seasonal varia-bility is formed as a decrease of this indicator in spring testing, principally in the third and fourth-year boys. Conclusion. The data obtained indicate the ambiguity of the effect of high computer loads on sensorimotor reactivity. On the one hand, there are symptoms of fatigue in children during the academic year, which requires compensation through health promotion education. On the other hand, there is a formation of a new skill during the academic year. This period of skill formation is recommended for extension through the summer period.

THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT VOLUMES OF COMPUTER LOAD ON THE LATENT PERIODS OF A SIMPLE SENSORIMOTOR REACTION IN PRIMARY SCHOOLCHILDREN

Background. The digitalization of education makes relevant monitoring studies for assessing the impact of computer technologies on the functional status of children, their cognitive ca-pabilities and somatic support (“adaptation cost”). Aim. The paper aims to study the impact of different computer load on sensorimotor reactivity in primary schoolchildren. Materials and methods. The data obtained in Moscow schools in 2006-2011 were analyzed. Surveys were carried out twice a year (October, March-April) in 66 different educational organizations. In total, the study included data on 4205 first-fourth year schoolchildren. To evaluate the reaction time (RT) of simple sensorimotor reactions to light (L) and acoustic (A) stimuli, the computer movement meter equipment (CMM, INTOX, St. Petersburg, Russia) was used. Also, the RTA / RTL ratio was used for analysis. Results. There is a correlation between RT (both RTL and RTA) and the general (lesson-related and extracurricular) volume of computer load. It was different depending on gender and the season, and was opposite for RTL and RTA. It was established that excessive computer load (exceeding hygienic standard requirements by 3 or more times) increased the seasonal variability of RTL in spring testing, principally in the third and fourthyear girls. However, under the influence of high computer loads, the RTA / RTL ratio also changes – seasonal varia-bility is formed as a decrease of this indicator in spring testing, principally in the third and fourth-year boys. Conclusion. The data obtained indicate the ambiguity of the effect of high computer loads on sensorimotor reactivity. On the one hand, there are symptoms of fatigue in children during the academic year, which requires compensation through health promotion education. On the other hand, there is a formation of a new skill during the academic year. This period of skill formation is recommended for extension through the summer period.

Is a Simple Sensorimotor Reaction Really Simple?

The simple sensorimotor reaction (SSR) is widely used in psychophysiological research. It was previously shown, that the SSR latency is not constant. We studied changes in the SSR latency as a function of the waiting time from the moment of the previous response to the moment of the start of the stimulation. We performed the stimulation using light, sound and air impulse. As a response, we used a “labial sound”, a finger touch and blinking of the eyes. In all cases, where the objects of the study were humans, the SSR latency had constant and variable components. The constant SSR component was the shortest in response to closing the eyes to sound (120 ms). For “lip reaction” and finger response to sound it was 174–178 ms and 178–182 ms, respectively, but for “lip reaction” and finger response to light it was 220–226 ms. The variable SSR component represented exponential latency decay with an increase in the waiting time interval. In this case, the decay consisted of at least two components, with an apparent relaxation time in the range 30–150 ms and 600–1300 ms. Alternating stimulation of paired organs of the reception or alternating fingers reduced the apparent relaxation time of the SSR latency decay. Moreover, the latency of the human corneal reflex during eye stimulation with an air pulse also had the latency decay with three components of apparent relaxation time 9.5, 68.2 and 1,086 ms and the constant latency of 34.2 ms.The latency of the corneal reflex in a young cat was constant and had a value of 14.6 ms. Thus, it has been shown, that the SSR latency has a complex structure and, like any conditioned reflex, is strongly influenced by the cortex. We believe that a choice is made in the centers for analysis of receiving signals from reception organs and centers sending signals to reacting organs, i.e. essentially, the SSR is also a choice reaction.

PERSPECTIVE NONPHARMACOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES OF OPTIMIZATION OF PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITIES AND WORKING CAPACITY OF OPERATORS

In connection with the growing tension and responsibility of the activities of professional operators, it is necessary to improve the means and methods of their medical and psychophysiological support. Purpose — assessment of the effect of combined physiotherapeutic procedures — CPP (contrasting thermal effects, vibratory massage of the spine and feet, aromatherapy, music therapy) with and without transcranial electrostimulation (TES) on the psychophysiological status and working capacity of operators. Materials and methods. Surveyed 26 professional operators (male) aged 27– 38 years, divided into 2 equal in size groups: the main (MG) and control (CG). All the examined individuals were used the CPP base complex, implemented in a physiotherapy capsule. The complex consisted of 14 daily 45-minute CPP in standard mode. For the MG, the 35-minute TES procedures, also performed in standard mode, were additionally included in the base complex. Prior to the appointment of correctional complexes and after their completion, the subjects were tested for sensorimotor qualities and operator performance. Results. The use of correctional complexes in both groups resulted in positive changes in psychophysiological qualities (acceleration of sensorimotor reactions, reduction in hand tremor) and operator performance (increased attention stability, amount of random access memory, improvement of mental operations). However, in the MG, the identified changes were more pronounced: the level of tremor in this group decreased by 13–14% compared with the baseline, while in the CG — only by 6–7% (p=0,037); the time of the complex sensorimotor reaction decreased on average by 5,1%, in the CG — by 3,8% (p=0,049); the integral indicator of operator’s working capacity in the MG increased on average by 10.8%, in the CG — by 7,7% (p=0,039). Conclusion. The developed correctional complex with the inclusion of TES is a highly effective and safe non-pharmacological technology of emergency optimization of psychophysiological qualities and working capacity of operators.

Neurobehavioral Effects of β-Escin

Background: Aescin or β-escin is the main and active constituent of horse chestnut seed (Aesculus hippocastanum) used for the treatment of inflammatory edema, venous insufficiency and ischemic ulcerations. Aescin has many actions due to induction of endothelial nitric oxide and prostaglandin F2-α production moreover; aescin antagonizes the effect of histamine and 5HT at receptor levels. </P><P> Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the neurobehavioral effects of aescin on normal healthy volunteers. </P><P> Method: A total number of 65 healthy participants with mean age of 21+1.1 years were recruited to study the effects of aescin on the neurobehavioral effects of normal healthy volunteers compared to placebo. The neurobehavioral effects were assessed by psychomotor performances and sensorimotor reaction, cortical arousal and central integrity processes and assessment of memory capacity. Results: Placebo produced insignificant amelioration of TRT and RRT p>0.05, with mild significant effect on MRT p=0.03. Aescin produced a significant effect in the amelioration of psychomotor performances and sensorimotor reaction p=0.0001. Regarding the differential effect of placebo and aescin on the cortical arousal and central integrity processes, placebo illustrated insignificant effect at p>0.05 whereas; aescin showed mild significant effect on Critical Fusion Frequency (CFFA) p<0.05 and highly significant effect on the other parameters p<0.01 except for critical-fusion frequency threshold when aescin illustrated insignificant effect at p>0.05. Aescin illustrated significant acceleration of ІІ-back WMA, ІІІ-back WMA and Second trial Short-Term Memory (STM) at p<0.01 compared to the placebo effect. Conclusion: Short-term therapy with aescin improves the neurobehavioral effects on healthy volunteers.