- Email: [email protected]
Dual-task (postural and cognitive) processing in healthy persons and traumatic brain injury patients
26
IOP 2016
103
b
Postural control and some psychological characteristics of the students with high and low individual alpha peak frequency
The use of biofeedback tools has been well documented in high performance sport to enable elite athletes to learn to induce and control psychological and physiological states that prepare them for optimum performance. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signal patterns, a form of biofeedback, differ with level of expertise in shooting due to the level of focused attention and posture exhibited by variously skilled shooters. This project studies how to optimize focused attention in expert rifle shooters, with the use of neurocognitive tools, to enhance shooting performance. The specific aims of this study are to (i) develop neurocognitive tools to train focused attention in shooters, (ii) correlate EEG data with shooting performance (i.e. “good” shot vs. “bad” shot), pre and post neurofeedback training and (iii) propose strategies for shooters to increase and maintain their level of focused attention during training and competition. We developed Electroencephalogram (EEG) based tools that allow recognizing mental workload of shooters during the task performance. The mental workload is defined as mental efforts needed to perform the task. In our preliminary study, a total of 6 shooters took part in the experiment, 3 male and 3 female. 3 were pistol shooters and 3 were rifle shooters – all participants used their own equipment which they were accustomed to and were familiar with the range and surroundings. During the experiment, participants’ real-time brain activity was recorded via the Emotiv Epoc EEG device, with the pre-shot phase of each of the 40 shots to be analyzed against the shooting performance. The EEG data were processed using 4 sec sliding window. The preliminary analyses have shown negative correlation of mental workload calculated right before the shot with shooting performance in the experienced shooters, and positive correlation in the novice shooters. This confirms hypotheses that experience shooters have better shots with lower mental workload that may also involve the optimal posture. It was found that alpha power is positively correlated with shooting performance. This initially confirms the hypotheses that alpha-based neurofeedback training can be used to train focused attention in shooters.
Anastasia Kovalevaa, Tatiana I. Kuzminaa, Anna K. Gorbachevaa, Elena N. Panovab, Oleg V. Kubryakb, Elena A. Birukovac a Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russia b Institute of Normal Physiology by name of P.K. Anokhin, Moscow, Russia c Crimea Federal University by name of V.I. Vernadsky, Sympheropol, Russia Background: The numbers of studies (Bazanova&Vernon, 2013; Mierau et al, 2015; Grandy et al, 2013; Angelakis et al, 2004) have shown significant correlations between individual alpha peak frequency and different motor and cognitive abilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between self-regulation ability, postural control and EEG characteristics in students with high and low individual alpha peak frequency (IAPF). Methods: Our sample consisted of 13 male students 18-19 years old. EEG was recorded from 10 cortical leads (Fp1, Fp2, C3, C4, P3, P4, T3, T4, O1, O2). Postural control was assessed as Romberg test performance (in eyes open and eyes closed conditions) on the stabilometric platform ST150 (Biomera, Russia). Experiment also involved two questionnaires: self-regulation ability and emotional resilience to stress. All students were divided into two groups according to their IAPF: group1 with IAPFN10 Hz and group2 with IAPFb10 Hz. Results: Two groups of students had significant differences (Mann-Whitney test) in some aspects of self-regulation ability, stress resistance (group2 had greater risk for stress-induced disorders), EEG parameters (group2 had higher alpha power and arousal amplitude) and postural control. In addition to the traditional stabilometric parameters, we used an index of mechanical energy (A), which is quantified as energy, spent by patient’s center of pressure in the plane of stabilometric platform, dependent on the mass and stated in Joules (Grohovsky S.S., Kubryak O.V., 2011). Group2 demonstrated enhanced energy index during standing in eyes open and eyes closed conditions. Discussion: In group2 (low IAPF) we found poor resistance to stress and impaired such cognitive functions, as programming and planning. There are significant differences between groups in Romberg ratio, measured as the index of mechanical energy (A, in eyes open/A, in eyes closed), but not in traditional ratio of surface area (mm2). Romberg ratio is usually calculated by comparing surface area of center of pressure of body sway (mm2) in eyes open and eyes closed conditions. The poor reliability of Romberg ratio, calculated traditionally, depends on the inconsistent index of surface area, which can differ greatly under similar conditions (Kubryak O.V., Grohovsky S.S., 2011). Using the more consistent index of mechanical energy in Romberg ratio can provide results that are more reliable. Conclusion: We conclude that IAPF is related to self-regulation ability. In addition, students with low IAPF were worse in performing Romberg test, were more vulnerable to psychological and other stressful pressure.
doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.07.082
208 Neurocognitive tools for enhancement of the focused attention related to athletic performance in shooters Yisi Liua, Xiyuan Houa, Olga Sourinaa, Eesha Shahb, Joshua Chuab, Kirill Ivanovb, Jessica Liddonc, Lipo Wangc a FraunhoferIDM@NTU, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Singapore Sports Institute, Singapore School of EEE, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
c
doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.07.083
82 Dual-task (postural and cognitive) processing in healthy persons and traumatic brain injury patients Ludmila A. Zhavoronkovaa, Tatyana P. Shevtsovab, Anton V. Pozdneevc, Svetlana V. Kuptsovaa, Olga A. Maksakovad a Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology RAS, Moscow, Russia b Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia c Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia d Burdenko Neurosurgery Institute, Moscow, Russia Background: Healthy people are able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously (dual-tasks) in everyday life. While traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients can perform tasks in isolation, concurrent performance usually is impaired. However, the brain mechanisms of dual-task performance in healthy persons and patients with traumatic brain injury, are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate psychophysiological features of postural and cognitive tasks performance simultaneously (dual-tasks) in healthy subjects and TBI patients. Methods: Thirty healthy volunteers (25,6±3,7 y.o.) and 13 TBI patients (26,8±2,8 y.o.) participated in the studies. All persons performed three cognitive (C1 and C2 – auditory-verbal, C3 – mental visual-spatial) and two motor (postural) tasks on force platform isolated and
IOP 2016
simultaneously (dual-tasks). Data analysis was focused on outcomes estimated by psychological, stabilographic and EEG parameters including coherence analysis. Results: In healthy volunteers, successfulness of dual-tasks performance did not differ statistically from isolated postural and cognitive tasks performing. Success of dual-task performing correlated with personal cognitive resources – higher spatial and working memory and higher speed of attention switch. EEG data showed that performance of all cognitive tasks were accompanied by EEG coherence increase for low spectral bands (delta and theta) at distant pairs, maximally in left frontal-temporal areas for C1 and C2 tasks while additionally in right hemisphere for C3 task. Postural task performance was accompanied by functional coupling increase for fast alpha (11-12) at distant pairs and for beta bands in the right hemisphere. In TBI patients, the poor quality of dual-task performance was accompanied by decreased EEG coherence for distant pairs, as well as increased EEG coherence for local pairs in different spectral bands (maximally - for fast). Conclusions: Thus, dual-tasks could be used as indicator of individual capacity of healthy persons to perform simultaneously the postural activity and complex cognitive tasks. EEG study showed that successfulness of dual-tasks is provided by frequency-spatial diversity – the inclusion of low spectral bands for cognitive tasks and fast spectral bands for postural tasks performing and activation of different brain regions, which are involved in performance of each dual-task’s component. EEG data indicate at differential recruitment of distant connections between brain areas in healthy subjects and an increase of functional connectivity in short networks during dual task processing. These EEG-data may be markers of compensator brain mechanisms in TBI patients. Supported by RBRF grant № 13- 04-12061ofi-M-2013.
doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.07.084
466 Feedback on force, Sound and video sequence of keystroke during piano playing Henriette Gaertnera, Renzo Pozzob a University of Music of Trossingen, Trossingen, Germany b Department of Motor Science, University of Medicine, Udine, Italy | Conservatory of Music J. Tomadini, Udine, Italy Background: An understanding of the force and impulse acting on the key by the finger associated to the sound generated is important because it makes the difference between interpretation and pure mechanical played notes. This investigation demonstrates a new way to improve the didactics and methods of piano playing using biomechanical methods. Method: Five males piano student and a professional soloist played the first 4 bars of the Schumann’s Scenes from Childhood. Students were under the supervision of a teacher using the traditional verbal information method (VIN) and a visual feedback method (FBIN= fully inspection on the time-functions and on the acoustical records). Force parameters were obtained by pressure sensors (S2125, dimensions=20x45 mm2, thinness b1,2 mm, 10-600 KPa, PlianceNovel, Muenchen, Germany, sampling frequency 300 Hz) applied on the relevant keys. Sound tracks were recorded by means of MD-MZ-R50 digital Sony recorder at 44,1 kHz sampling frequency. Thus, students had to reach the sound quality expressed by the professional interpret. Moreover a questionnaire on performance quality was developed. It includes following descriptive criteria: legato, differentiated, sound quality, total impression. For each criterion, the estimation was carried
27
out on an ordinal scale with four levels:1=very good or very differentiated, 2= good or differentiated , 3= not so good or not so differentiated, 4= by far not so good or differentiated. Results: Time structure of overlap-time phase for musical intervals and the force quotients at 150 ms after the force onset for each key stroke seem to be relevant for the optimization of the learning strategy of the participants. These improvements are significant greater using the FBIN method in comparison with the traditional one (VIN). Again, the questionnaire score accounted for a better estimation of the performance with FBIN method. Conclusions: In order to support the pianist in achieving inner hearing, the methods used in this study can be helpful, especially using visual information on specific passage and make the pianist more confident with the neuromuscular mechanism of force perception and modulation. doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.07.085
465 Force distribution and EMG parameters in classic-guitar players using different sitting behavior Renzo Pozzoa,b, Stefano Violab, Adriano DelSalb, Henriette Gaertnerc Department of Motor Science, University of Medicine, Udine, Italy | Conservatory of Music J. Tomadini, Udine, Italy b Conservatory of Music J. Tomadini - Udine, Udine, Italy c University of Music of Trossingen, Trossingen, Germany
a
Background: During classic-guitar playing musicians are using to seat with the feet at different height with respect to the ground, thus with a pronounced flexion on knee and hip joints. This asymmetrical posture requires a differentiated activation of the muscular system and generates different pressure conditions on the contact surfaces, i.e. seat and feet. This can lead to different level of comfort and discomfort in sitting, possible disorders in the spine as well an increased level of difficulty for the coordination patterns in the playing activity. Recently a new supporting tool for classic-guitar was developed which permits to keep both the legs in a symmetric posture, i.e. having both the thighs parallel to the ground. Methods: The pressure distribution of sitting and of feet contact (Ergocert pressure mat, Italy, Pedar insole novel, Germany, both at 100 hz) and the muscular activation of trunk and arm muscles (EMGBiovision, Germany at 1000 Hz) were collected during standardized static classic positions (4 different trunk orientation) as well during playing a standard piece performed under two different conditions: in the normal sitting position (NSP) and using the special guitar support (SSP). 3D kinematics was obtained via standard optokinetic methods (SIMI, Germany at 50Hz). In addition to these biomechanical parameters, two questionnaires were applied in order to investigate the level of comfort and possible relationships between the obtained pressure and EMG variables and some aspect of the personality and the psychological profile of the subjects. 10 guitar students and 4 professional players took part to the investigation (3-5 ours daily exercise). Results: Most difference in pressure distribution between left and right sitting regions were 33% for NSP and 25% for SSP in the normal trunk position, but 43% for NSP and 34% for SSP with torsion-bending of the trunk. Muscular activation was expressed as percent of maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) and reached maximal values of 18% for lumbar extensors and a minimum of 2.7% for m. trapezius. The use of SSP enables a better synergic muscular activation diagonal pattern (right lumbar extensor-left trapezius) which is typical for ergonomic optimization. Despite the low level of muscular activation, the comfort index and the different feeling in the control of arm muscles correlate with the different use of NSP and SSP tools.
IOP 2016
103
b
Postural control and some psychological characteristics of the students with high and low individual alpha peak frequency
The use of biofeedback tools has been well documented in high performance sport to enable elite athletes to learn to induce and control psychological and physiological states that prepare them for optimum performance. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signal patterns, a form of biofeedback, differ with level of expertise in shooting due to the level of focused attention and posture exhibited by variously skilled shooters. This project studies how to optimize focused attention in expert rifle shooters, with the use of neurocognitive tools, to enhance shooting performance. The specific aims of this study are to (i) develop neurocognitive tools to train focused attention in shooters, (ii) correlate EEG data with shooting performance (i.e. “good” shot vs. “bad” shot), pre and post neurofeedback training and (iii) propose strategies for shooters to increase and maintain their level of focused attention during training and competition. We developed Electroencephalogram (EEG) based tools that allow recognizing mental workload of shooters during the task performance. The mental workload is defined as mental efforts needed to perform the task. In our preliminary study, a total of 6 shooters took part in the experiment, 3 male and 3 female. 3 were pistol shooters and 3 were rifle shooters – all participants used their own equipment which they were accustomed to and were familiar with the range and surroundings. During the experiment, participants’ real-time brain activity was recorded via the Emotiv Epoc EEG device, with the pre-shot phase of each of the 40 shots to be analyzed against the shooting performance. The EEG data were processed using 4 sec sliding window. The preliminary analyses have shown negative correlation of mental workload calculated right before the shot with shooting performance in the experienced shooters, and positive correlation in the novice shooters. This confirms hypotheses that experience shooters have better shots with lower mental workload that may also involve the optimal posture. It was found that alpha power is positively correlated with shooting performance. This initially confirms the hypotheses that alpha-based neurofeedback training can be used to train focused attention in shooters.
Anastasia Kovalevaa, Tatiana I. Kuzminaa, Anna K. Gorbachevaa, Elena N. Panovab, Oleg V. Kubryakb, Elena A. Birukovac a Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russia b Institute of Normal Physiology by name of P.K. Anokhin, Moscow, Russia c Crimea Federal University by name of V.I. Vernadsky, Sympheropol, Russia Background: The numbers of studies (Bazanova&Vernon, 2013; Mierau et al, 2015; Grandy et al, 2013; Angelakis et al, 2004) have shown significant correlations between individual alpha peak frequency and different motor and cognitive abilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between self-regulation ability, postural control and EEG characteristics in students with high and low individual alpha peak frequency (IAPF). Methods: Our sample consisted of 13 male students 18-19 years old. EEG was recorded from 10 cortical leads (Fp1, Fp2, C3, C4, P3, P4, T3, T4, O1, O2). Postural control was assessed as Romberg test performance (in eyes open and eyes closed conditions) on the stabilometric platform ST150 (Biomera, Russia). Experiment also involved two questionnaires: self-regulation ability and emotional resilience to stress. All students were divided into two groups according to their IAPF: group1 with IAPFN10 Hz and group2 with IAPFb10 Hz. Results: Two groups of students had significant differences (Mann-Whitney test) in some aspects of self-regulation ability, stress resistance (group2 had greater risk for stress-induced disorders), EEG parameters (group2 had higher alpha power and arousal amplitude) and postural control. In addition to the traditional stabilometric parameters, we used an index of mechanical energy (A), which is quantified as energy, spent by patient’s center of pressure in the plane of stabilometric platform, dependent on the mass and stated in Joules (Grohovsky S.S., Kubryak O.V., 2011). Group2 demonstrated enhanced energy index during standing in eyes open and eyes closed conditions. Discussion: In group2 (low IAPF) we found poor resistance to stress and impaired such cognitive functions, as programming and planning. There are significant differences between groups in Romberg ratio, measured as the index of mechanical energy (A, in eyes open/A, in eyes closed), but not in traditional ratio of surface area (mm2). Romberg ratio is usually calculated by comparing surface area of center of pressure of body sway (mm2) in eyes open and eyes closed conditions. The poor reliability of Romberg ratio, calculated traditionally, depends on the inconsistent index of surface area, which can differ greatly under similar conditions (Kubryak O.V., Grohovsky S.S., 2011). Using the more consistent index of mechanical energy in Romberg ratio can provide results that are more reliable. Conclusion: We conclude that IAPF is related to self-regulation ability. In addition, students with low IAPF were worse in performing Romberg test, were more vulnerable to psychological and other stressful pressure.
doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.07.082
208 Neurocognitive tools for enhancement of the focused attention related to athletic performance in shooters Yisi Liua, Xiyuan Houa, Olga Sourinaa, Eesha Shahb, Joshua Chuab, Kirill Ivanovb, Jessica Liddonc, Lipo Wangc a FraunhoferIDM@NTU, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Singapore Sports Institute, Singapore School of EEE, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
c
doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.07.083
82 Dual-task (postural and cognitive) processing in healthy persons and traumatic brain injury patients Ludmila A. Zhavoronkovaa, Tatyana P. Shevtsovab, Anton V. Pozdneevc, Svetlana V. Kuptsovaa, Olga A. Maksakovad a Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology RAS, Moscow, Russia b Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia c Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia d Burdenko Neurosurgery Institute, Moscow, Russia Background: Healthy people are able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously (dual-tasks) in everyday life. While traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients can perform tasks in isolation, concurrent performance usually is impaired. However, the brain mechanisms of dual-task performance in healthy persons and patients with traumatic brain injury, are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate psychophysiological features of postural and cognitive tasks performance simultaneously (dual-tasks) in healthy subjects and TBI patients. Methods: Thirty healthy volunteers (25,6±3,7 y.o.) and 13 TBI patients (26,8±2,8 y.o.) participated in the studies. All persons performed three cognitive (C1 and C2 – auditory-verbal, C3 – mental visual-spatial) and two motor (postural) tasks on force platform isolated and
IOP 2016
simultaneously (dual-tasks). Data analysis was focused on outcomes estimated by psychological, stabilographic and EEG parameters including coherence analysis. Results: In healthy volunteers, successfulness of dual-tasks performance did not differ statistically from isolated postural and cognitive tasks performing. Success of dual-task performing correlated with personal cognitive resources – higher spatial and working memory and higher speed of attention switch. EEG data showed that performance of all cognitive tasks were accompanied by EEG coherence increase for low spectral bands (delta and theta) at distant pairs, maximally in left frontal-temporal areas for C1 and C2 tasks while additionally in right hemisphere for C3 task. Postural task performance was accompanied by functional coupling increase for fast alpha (11-12) at distant pairs and for beta bands in the right hemisphere. In TBI patients, the poor quality of dual-task performance was accompanied by decreased EEG coherence for distant pairs, as well as increased EEG coherence for local pairs in different spectral bands (maximally - for fast). Conclusions: Thus, dual-tasks could be used as indicator of individual capacity of healthy persons to perform simultaneously the postural activity and complex cognitive tasks. EEG study showed that successfulness of dual-tasks is provided by frequency-spatial diversity – the inclusion of low spectral bands for cognitive tasks and fast spectral bands for postural tasks performing and activation of different brain regions, which are involved in performance of each dual-task’s component. EEG data indicate at differential recruitment of distant connections between brain areas in healthy subjects and an increase of functional connectivity in short networks during dual task processing. These EEG-data may be markers of compensator brain mechanisms in TBI patients. Supported by RBRF grant № 13- 04-12061ofi-M-2013.
doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.07.084
466 Feedback on force, Sound and video sequence of keystroke during piano playing Henriette Gaertnera, Renzo Pozzob a University of Music of Trossingen, Trossingen, Germany b Department of Motor Science, University of Medicine, Udine, Italy | Conservatory of Music J. Tomadini, Udine, Italy Background: An understanding of the force and impulse acting on the key by the finger associated to the sound generated is important because it makes the difference between interpretation and pure mechanical played notes. This investigation demonstrates a new way to improve the didactics and methods of piano playing using biomechanical methods. Method: Five males piano student and a professional soloist played the first 4 bars of the Schumann’s Scenes from Childhood. Students were under the supervision of a teacher using the traditional verbal information method (VIN) and a visual feedback method (FBIN= fully inspection on the time-functions and on the acoustical records). Force parameters were obtained by pressure sensors (S2125, dimensions=20x45 mm2, thinness b1,2 mm, 10-600 KPa, PlianceNovel, Muenchen, Germany, sampling frequency 300 Hz) applied on the relevant keys. Sound tracks were recorded by means of MD-MZ-R50 digital Sony recorder at 44,1 kHz sampling frequency. Thus, students had to reach the sound quality expressed by the professional interpret. Moreover a questionnaire on performance quality was developed. It includes following descriptive criteria: legato, differentiated, sound quality, total impression. For each criterion, the estimation was carried
27
out on an ordinal scale with four levels:1=very good or very differentiated, 2= good or differentiated , 3= not so good or not so differentiated, 4= by far not so good or differentiated. Results: Time structure of overlap-time phase for musical intervals and the force quotients at 150 ms after the force onset for each key stroke seem to be relevant for the optimization of the learning strategy of the participants. These improvements are significant greater using the FBIN method in comparison with the traditional one (VIN). Again, the questionnaire score accounted for a better estimation of the performance with FBIN method. Conclusions: In order to support the pianist in achieving inner hearing, the methods used in this study can be helpful, especially using visual information on specific passage and make the pianist more confident with the neuromuscular mechanism of force perception and modulation. doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.07.085
465 Force distribution and EMG parameters in classic-guitar players using different sitting behavior Renzo Pozzoa,b, Stefano Violab, Adriano DelSalb, Henriette Gaertnerc Department of Motor Science, University of Medicine, Udine, Italy | Conservatory of Music J. Tomadini, Udine, Italy b Conservatory of Music J. Tomadini - Udine, Udine, Italy c University of Music of Trossingen, Trossingen, Germany
a
Background: During classic-guitar playing musicians are using to seat with the feet at different height with respect to the ground, thus with a pronounced flexion on knee and hip joints. This asymmetrical posture requires a differentiated activation of the muscular system and generates different pressure conditions on the contact surfaces, i.e. seat and feet. This can lead to different level of comfort and discomfort in sitting, possible disorders in the spine as well an increased level of difficulty for the coordination patterns in the playing activity. Recently a new supporting tool for classic-guitar was developed which permits to keep both the legs in a symmetric posture, i.e. having both the thighs parallel to the ground. Methods: The pressure distribution of sitting and of feet contact (Ergocert pressure mat, Italy, Pedar insole novel, Germany, both at 100 hz) and the muscular activation of trunk and arm muscles (EMGBiovision, Germany at 1000 Hz) were collected during standardized static classic positions (4 different trunk orientation) as well during playing a standard piece performed under two different conditions: in the normal sitting position (NSP) and using the special guitar support (SSP). 3D kinematics was obtained via standard optokinetic methods (SIMI, Germany at 50Hz). In addition to these biomechanical parameters, two questionnaires were applied in order to investigate the level of comfort and possible relationships between the obtained pressure and EMG variables and some aspect of the personality and the psychological profile of the subjects. 10 guitar students and 4 professional players took part to the investigation (3-5 ours daily exercise). Results: Most difference in pressure distribution between left and right sitting regions were 33% for NSP and 25% for SSP in the normal trunk position, but 43% for NSP and 34% for SSP with torsion-bending of the trunk. Muscular activation was expressed as percent of maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) and reached maximal values of 18% for lumbar extensors and a minimum of 2.7% for m. trapezius. The use of SSP enables a better synergic muscular activation diagonal pattern (right lumbar extensor-left trapezius) which is typical for ergonomic optimization. Despite the low level of muscular activation, the comfort index and the different feeling in the control of arm muscles correlate with the different use of NSP and SSP tools.