Search Results (199)

Traditional training methods for first responders are often limited by time, resources, and safety constraints, which reduces their consistency and effectiveness. This study focused on two main issues: whether exposure to virtual reality training scenarios induces measurable physiological changes in heart rate and heart rate variability, and whether these responses differ between police and firefighter contexts. The aim of this study was to explore the integration of virtual reality technologies into responder training and to evaluate how biomedical monitoring can be used to assess training effectiveness. A pilot measurement was conducted with ten participants who completed systematic crime scene investigation scenarios in both domains. Heart activity was continuously recorded using a wearable sensor and analyzed for heart rate and heart rate variability parameters, while cognitive load and task performance were also assessed. The collected data were statistically evaluated using tests of normality and paired comparisons between baseline and virtual reality phases. The results showed a significant increase in heart rate and a decrease in heart rate variability during virtual reality exposure compared to baseline, with higher cognitive load and success rates in police scenarios compared to firefighter scenarios. These findings indicate that virtual reality scenarios can elicit measurable psychophysiological responses and highlight the potential of combining immersive technologies with biomedical monitoring for the development of adaptive and effective training methods for first responders. Full article

As mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression become increasingly prevalent in urban populations, there is a critical need to embed restorative functions into the built environment. Urban parks, as integral components of ecological infrastructure, play a vital role in promoting psychological well-being. This study explores how diverse park environments facilitate mental health recovery through multi-sensory engagement, using integrated psychophysiological assessments in a wetland park in Zhengzhou, China. Electroencephalography (EEG) and perceived restoration scores were employed to evaluate recovery outcomes across four environmental types: waterfront, wetland, forest, and plaza. Key perceptual factors—including landscape design, spatial configuration, biodiversity, and facility quality—were validated and analyzed for their roles in shaping restorative experiences. Results reveal significant variation in recovery effectiveness across environments. Waterfront areas elicited the strongest physiological responses, while plazas demonstrated lower restorative benefits. Two recovery pathways were identified: a direct, sensory-driven process and a cognitively mediated route. Biodiversity promoted physiological restoration only when mediated by perceived restorative qualities, whereas landscape and spatial attributes produced more immediate effects. Facilities supported psychological recovery mainly through cognitive appraisal. The study proposes a smart park framework that incorporates environmental sensors, adaptive lighting, real-time biofeedback systems, and interactive interfaces to enhance user engagement and monitor well-being. These technologies enable urban parks to function as intelligent, health-supportive infrastructures within the broader built environment. The findings offer evidence-based guidance for designing responsive green spaces that contribute to mental resilience, aligning with the goals of smart city development and healthy life-building environments. Full article

Increasing automation and the rapidly growing use of robots in industrial as well as social areas result in a greater need for research regarding collaboration between humans and robots. Key factors for a safe and successful combination of human and robot abilities include acceptance and trust in the robot. In order to prevent physical and psychological harm to humans, reducing these negative emotions and increasing trust and acceptance are essential. One way to achieve this is through the use of virtual training methods and environments. However, current research scarcely covers this approach. Therefore, this research focusses on an experimental approach to investigate emotional and psychophysiological (ECG, EDA) reactions while performing a collaborative assembly task (screwing) with an industrial robot in a real and a virtual setting, respectively. The study sample consisted of 46 participants (23 female) with an age range from 20 to 58 years. The results of the analyzed subjective and objective psychophysiological (cardiovascular and electrodermal responses) measures provide more information regarding the suitability of virtual trainings for human–robot collaboration. Differences in task complexity were measurable in both virtual and real environments. Furthermore, gender differences were also shown. Full article

Background: This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of small-sided games (SSGs) and running-based high-intensity interval training (HIITrb) on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, cognitive performance, and enjoyment in young, male soccer players. Methods: Twenty-four soccer players [age: 19.2 ± 0.8 years] completed one session each of four-a-side SSG or HIITrb in a randomized, counterbalanced, and crossover design, with a one-week washout period. Blood samples and Trail Making Tests (TMTs) A and B were measured before and after exercise. Heart rate (HR) was monitored throughout the games, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and enjoyment were collected at the end of the measurements. Results: The results show no significant effects of time (p > 0.775), group (p > 0.276) or time × group interaction (p > 0.199) on BDNF levels. For TMT-A, the time effect (p = 0.866) and group effect (p = 0.057) were not significant; however, the time × group interaction was significant (p < 0.019), indicating a superior performance in the SSG compared to HIITrb. In the TMT-B, significant effects were observed for both time (p < 0.001) and group (p < 0.001), while the time × group interaction effect was not statistically significant (p > 0.061). Furthermore, enjoyment levels did not differ significantly between conditions (p = 0.976). Conclusions: These findings suggest that four-a-side SSG may enhance processing speed compared to HIITrb without changes in serum BDNF levels. Coaches may consider using 4v4 SSG formats in early training sessions or warm-ups to stimulate processing speed and mental readiness in young soccer players. Full article

Background: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe psychiatric condition characterised by emotional instability, impulsivity, interpersonal dysfunction, and self-injurious behaviours. Despite growing clinical interest, the neuropsychological mechanisms underlying these symptoms are still not fully understood. This review aims to summarise findings from neuroimaging, psychophysiological, and neurodevelopmental studies in order to clarify the neurobiological and physiological basis of BPD, with a particular focus on emotional dysregulation and implications for the treatment of adolescents. Methods: A narrative review was conducted, integrating results from longitudinal neurodevelopmental studies, functional and structural neuroimaging research (e.g. FMRI and PET), and psychophysiological assessments (e.g., heart rate variability and cortisol reactivity). Studies were selected based on their contribution to understanding the neural correlates of BPD symptom dimensions, particularly emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, interpersonal dysfunction, and self-harm. Results: Findings suggest that early reductions in amygdala volume, as early as age 13 predict later BPD symptoms. Hyperactivity of the amygdala, combined with hypoactivity in the prefrontal cortex, underlies deficits in emotion regulation. Orbitofrontal abnormalities correlate with impulsivity, while disruptions in the default mode network and oxytocin signaling are related to interpersonal dysfunction. Self-injurious behaviour appears to serve a neuropsychological function in regulating emotional pain and trauma-related arousal. This is linked to disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and structural brain alterations. The Unified Protocol for Adolescents (UP-A) was more effective to Mentalization-Based Therapy for Adolescents (MBT-A) at reducing emotional dysregulation compared, though challenges in treating identity disturbance and relational difficulties remain. Discussion: The reviewed evidence suggests that BPD has its in early neurodevelopmental vulnerability and is sustained by maladaptive neurophysiological processes. Emotional dysregulation emerges as a central transdiagnostic mechanism. Self-harm may serve as a strategy for regulating emotions in response to trauma-related neural dysregulation. These findings advocate for the integration of neuroscience into psychotherapeutic practice, including the application of neuromodulation techniques and psychophysiological monitoring. Conclusions: A comprehensive understanding of BPD requires a neuropsychologically informed framework. Personalised treatment approaches combining pharmacotherapy, brain-based interventions, and developmentally adapted psychotherapies—particularly DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and trauma-informed care—are essential. Future research should prioritise interdisciplinary, longitudinal studies to further bridge the gap between neurobiological findings and clinical innovation. Full article

The ergogenic effects of music have been well described across various modes of exercise with widespread use across competitive athletes and recreational exercisers alike. Underlying the acute beneficial effects of music during exercise are profound physiological and psychological changes which involve an array of different organ systems, including but not limited to cardiovascular, endocrine, skeletal muscle, and nervous systems. While the use of music to enhance physical performance and improve associated mechanisms has been largely optimized in healthy individuals, the investigations of the translation to individuals with neurological conditions are still ongoing. Recently, it has been established that the personalization of music interventions greatly influences performance-enhancing benefits and aids in physical performance optimization in healthy individuals. Self-selected music (SSM) has been documented to impart ergogenic advantages over pre-determined or non-preferred music, including improved cardiorespiratory endurance, power development, and velocity of movement which are characterized by adaptative physiological and psychological changes. Evidence of the benefits of SSM has progressed to the degree to which the overlap of possible benefits between healthy and clinical populations is becoming more apparent. This aim of this theoretical review is to discuss how personalized music influences psychophysiological determinants of exercise ability in healthy individuals and consider how these findings may be applicable to neurological conditions to enhance exercise capacity. The current knowledge on the role of SSM in augmenting physiological and psychological responses to exercise in healthy individuals is presented along with how these mechanisms might be leveraged to overcome exercise limitations in neurological conditions. Overall, SSM appears to have theoretical support to be a promising therapeutic approach to improving exercise ability in neurological conditions through similar ergogenic mechanisms documented in healthy individuals, but further investigation is warranted. Full article

We explore the feasibility of classifying perceived pain intensity—despite the stimulus being identical—using multimodal physiological signals and self-reported emotional ratings. A total of 112 healthy participants watched the same anger-inducing video, yet reported varying pain intensities (5, 6, or 7 on a 7-point scale). We recorded electrocardiogram, skin conductance (SC), respiration, photoplethysmogram results, and finger temperature, extracting 12 physiological features. Participants also rated their valence and arousal. Using a random forest model, we classified pain versus baseline and distinguished intensity levels. Compared to baseline, the painful stimulus altered heart rate variability, SC, respiration, and pulse transit time (PTT). Higher perceived pain correlated with more negative valence, higher arousal, and elevated SC, suggesting stronger sympathetic activation. The classification of baseline versus pain using SC and respiratory features reached an F1 score of 0.83. For intensity levels 6 versus 7, including PTT and skin conductance response along with valence achieved an F1 score of 0.73. These findings highlight distinct psychophysiological patterns that reflect perceived intensity under the same stimulus. SC features emerged as key biomarkers, while valence and arousal offered complementary insights, supporting the development of personalized, psychologically informed pain assessment systems. Full article

Persons with personality type D are characterized by an “unhealthy lifestyle”, which is manifested by low physical activity, less healthy eating behavior, and failure to comply with doctors’ recommendations. Persons with personality type D have an inadequate response of hemodynamic parameters to psychoemotional stress; the response of other parameters has not been sufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of personality type D with various psychophysiological parameters of the body during mental stress in healthy individuals. Material and Methods: The study involved 79 students of Kemerovo State Medical University aged 18 to 32 years (mean age 20.7 ± 2.4 years). Psychophysiological diagnostics was carried out using the BOSLAB complex; electromyogram, electrocardiogram, body temperature, respiration, galvanic skin response, and photoplethysmogram data were recorded. The stress testing protocol included cognitive tasks and recovery phases. Additionally, the presence of personality type D in students was assessed using the DS-14 questionnaire. The results of stress tests were compared in groups with the presence/absence of type D. Results: The frequency of detection of type D was high (54.4%). When examining the response of psychophysiological parameters, the most pronounced response to stress tests with mental load was noted for heart rate variability and respiratory system parameters. Individuals with type D personality showed more pronounced sympathetic activation in response to mental stress and a slower recovery at rest. Among the studied parameters, association with personality type D was noted for the following indicators during the mental arithmetic test: heart rate (p = 0.022), the Baevsky strain index (p = 0.004), respiratory rate (p = 0.020), and an indicator of regulatory process adequacy (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In the present study, we found differences in the reaction of psychophysiological parameters to mental stress in healthy individuals depending on the presence or absence of personality type D. These data can be useful for developing stress resistance programs and biofeedback training. The possibility of using the above psychophysiological parameters in biofeedback training programs for individuals with personality type D requires further research. Full article

Background: Listening to music has been widely reported to improve resistance exercise performance. However, few studies have considered lyrical content. The act of using explicit language has been shown to alter performance and psychophysiological responses to exercise. Although explicit language is widely used in mainstream music, it is unknown if altering explicit lyric content in music influences performance and psychophysiological responses to resistance exercise. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of censoring explicit lyrical music on bench press performance and psychophysiological responses to exercise. Methods: In a counterbalanced crossover manner, resistance-trained males (n = 11) were subjected to two conditions, namely (1) explicit music (EM) or (2) censored music (CM). Following a warm-up, music played continuously as participants completed 2 sets × 2 repetitions as explosively as possible, while a linear position transducer monitored the mean velocity of the barbell. Participants then completed 3 sets × repetitions to failure (RTFs) at 60% of a 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) separated by 2 min of rest. Motivation to exercise, psychological arousal, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured post-exercise. Total RTFs, mean velocity, motivation, psychological arousal, and RPE were compared between music conditions. Results: Findings show that total RTFs (p = 0.012) was significantly lower with CM versus EM, while mean velocity (p = 0.844) was not different between conditions. Psychological arousal (p = 0.005) and motivation (p = 0.002) were lower with CM versus EM. CM also resulted in a higher RPE (p = 0.011) compared to EM. Conclusions: Findings suggest that CM results in worse repetition volume compared to EM during resistance exercise but does not influence explosive ability. Changes in performance may be due to underlying decreases in motivation and psychological arousal. CM may also cause less dissociation, as evidenced by a higher RPE. Future research investigating the effects of lyrical content on exercise performance is warranted to further support current findings. Full article

Background: Physical and mental health issues are increasingly becoming a global focus of attention, and telemedicine is widely attracting academic interest. Objectives: This exploratory study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of immersive virtual blue spaces for individuals with distinct lifestyle backgrounds—specifically, office workers and retirees. The research explores how different virtual waterscapes influence emotional and physiological states in populations with varying stress profiles and life rhythms. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative measurements with qualitative interviews. In September 2023, forty participants (20 office workers and 20 retirees) from Hualien, Taiwan, were exposed to 360° VR simulations of three blue environments: a forest stream, a forest waterfall, and a beach scene. Pre- and post-session assessments included physiological indicators (blood pressure and heart rate) and emotional states measured using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale. Results: Significant physiological relaxation was observed among retirees. Office workers demonstrated greater emotional improvements, with noticeable variation depending on the type of virtual environment. Comparative analysis highlighted the stream landscape’s unique benefit for reducing depression and enhancing positive mood states. Thematic findings from post-session interviews further indicated that emotional responses were moderated by individual background and prior emotional experiences. Conclusions: These findings underscore the short-term therapeutic potential of virtual blue spaces for diverse user groups and reveal the influence of personal context on their effectiveness. The study supports the integration of VR-based nature exposure into personalized digital healthcare interventions and offers a foundation for future development in immersive therapeutic technologies. Full article

Background: Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is a significant public health challenge, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite extensive research on the psychological and socio-political determinants of VH, its psychophysiological mechanisms remain unexplored. Grounded in the Somatic Marker Hypothesis, this study aims to investigate the neurophysiological and affective processes underlying VH. Methods: Two experiments will assess sensorimotor resonance and affective processes in VH. In the first experiment, motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) will be recorded from the deltoid and extensor carpi radialis muscles while participants view images of people receiving COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as well as blood injections (Block 1), and images of vial containing the same substances (Block 2). Facial electromyographic (EMG) activity will measure disgust and fear responses. In the second experiment, skin conductance response (SCR) will be recorded during a virtual reality-based fear conditioning and extinction paradigm. Expected Outcomes: We hypothesize that vaccine-hesitant individuals will exhibit altered sensorimotor resonance, higher affective responses to vaccination stimuli, and impaired fear extinction learning. Psychological traits such as disgust sensitivity, paranoia, anxiety, and dogmatism are expected to be associated with VH. Conclusions: By identifying the psychophysiological mechanisms of VH, this study will contribute to developing effective vaccine promotion strategies to address future public health emergencies. Full article

Objectives: This study examined the effects of re-warm-up versus no re-warm-up before squats or bench presses on mechanical, physiological, and psychophysiological responses in recreationally trained men. Methods: Twenty-two participants (22.8 ± 3.3 years) completed four randomized sessions involving different re-warm-up and exercise sequences. Measurements included heart rate, blood lactate, tympanic temperature, and perceived exertion. Key performance metrics, such as mean propulsive velocity, peak velocity, power, velocity loss, and effort index, were analyzed. Results: Findings revealed that re-warming up before squats (W + BP + RW + SQ) significantly enhanced propulsive velocity and power compared to no re-warm-up (W + BP + SQ) (p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.45–0.62). However, re-warming up before the bench press (W + SQ + RW + BP) did not improve mechanical performance compared to the standard sequence (W + SQ + BP) (p > 0.05; d = 0.10–0.38). Notably, velocity loss and effort index were higher in the third bench press set under the W + SQ + BP condition (p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.53–0.60). No significant differences in physiological or psychophysiological responses were found between conditions. Conclusions: Overall, re-warm-up effectively improved squat mechanical performance when performed after the bench press but had a minimal impact on the bench press when performed after squats. These findings suggest that re-warming up before lower-body exercises may enhance mechanical performance, while its benefits may be less pronounced for upper-body exercises. Full article

Objectives: The present study aimed to analyze the psychophysiological and neuromuscular reflex modifications following a single functional neurology intervention in individuals presenting vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) cancellation dysfunction. Methods: A total of 66 healthy participants, comprising an experimental group (n = 48; 22 females, 26 males; mean age 28.1 ± 7.8 years) and a control group (n = 18; 9 females, 9 males; mean age 28.6 ± 7.0 years), underwent comprehensive assessments at four distinct measurement moments: baseline, post-indicator muscle failure pre-intervention, immediately post-functional neurology intervention, and post-intervention indicator muscle failure, assessing neuromuscular (handgrip strength) and psychophysiological parameters, including blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, cortical arousal (critical flicker fusion threshold, CFFT), and pain perception (pressure pain threshold, PPT). The functional neurology treatment was tailored based on the ^®NeuroReEvolution protocol, emphasizing individualized proprioceptive recalibration, trigger point desensitization, and holistic neuroreflex modulation. Results: Statistical analyses indicated significant improvements within the experimental group following intervention. Specifically, tolerance to VOR cancellation stimuli significantly increased from a baseline of 1.0 ± 0.0 to 129.0 ± 36.7 post-intervention (p < 0.001, η² = 0.926), whereas the control group demonstrated no meaningful change. Furthermore, significant enhancements were noted in pressure pain threshold (27.49 ± 0.67 to 35.69 ± 0.60 kgf; p = 0.029), handgrip strength (20.41 ± 0.72 N to 26.56 ± 0.52 N; p = 0.012), and critical flicker fusion threshold (32.24 ± 0.45 Hz to 38.32 ± 0.60 Hz; p = 0.003). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that a single functional neurology intervention significantly improved psychophysiological responses and neuromuscular reflex performance in participants with vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) cancellation dysfunction. Specifically, the intervention led to marked enhancements in pain tolerance, cortical arousal, and handgrip strength, and notably, an increased tolerance to VOR cancellation stimuli, indicating improved vestibular control. Cardiovascular parameters remained stable, highlighting the safety of the intervention. These findings support functional neurology as an effective therapeutic approach to address VOR-related dysfunctions by promoting neurophysiological resilience and motor function optimization. Full article

Rapid urbanization is forcing the need to build urban environments that promote healthy and sustainable human settlements with a view to reducing the risks of various diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that green rooftop spaces may stimulate restorative benefits and enhance their livability. However, this potential remains without empirical research support. To investigate the restoration of green rooftop spaces on human well-being, we conducted a field experiment using psychophysiology measurements. With the help of physiological indicators (SBP, DBP, HR, HRV) and psychological indicators (PRS, BPOMS), the changes of indicators in the experiment were analyzed. We recruited a total of 35 college students who were randomly assigned to one of four rooftop spaces for a field experiment. Physiological and psychological indicators were measured before and after recovery to analyze the effects of rooftop spaces on restorative benefits. Paired sample t-test results revealed that although there were differences in the physiological and psychological measurements related to environmental restorative benefits, both confirmed that green rooftop spaces exhibited stress-reduction effects on participants. Notably, all four rooftop spaces had psychophysiological restoration to varying degrees, with spaces featuring a higher degree of naturalness demonstrating better restoration. Furthermore, a grassy environment had effects on positive psychophysiological responses. Correlation analysis indicated that subjective perception evaluations of green rooftop spaces had positive effects on psychophysiological restoration. The results of the study are conducive to increasing awareness of the restorative value and potential of green rooftop spaces, which can be constructed by designers, thereby contributing to sustainable urban development. Full article

Bullying and cyberbullying are significant challenges faced by children and adolescents in their daily lives, often leading to severe psychological and physiological harm. A promising avenue of research in this area focuses on the physiological stress responses triggered by bullying experiences. This study aimed to examine the potential of group task-oriented physical education as a mediator between bullying and stress-related physiological responses, particularly in relation to heart rate variability. A secondary objective was to design and assess a program for stress management, named BOND (Building Opportunities through Networked Dynamics), tailored for physical education settings. The study employed a two-arm randomized parallel-group design, involving 160 students (average age = 14.67 years, SD = ±0.61) from two schools in southern Italy. The participants were split into two groups: one group attended the BOND program (held twice a week for 60 min), while the other took part in regular physical education classes, (conducted twice a week for 60 min). Measurements were taken both before and after the intervention. Students underwent assessments that included the Coping Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents, the Perceived Stress Scale, and measurements of vagus-mediated heart rate variability. The findings underscore the positive impact of the BOND program on the psycho-physiological well-being of students affected by bullying, highlighting the significant potential of a simple yet effective intervention in safeguarding student well-being and mitigating the adverse effects of bullying. However, future research is necessary to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon. Full article