Search Results (40)

Background: The harmonious development of gross motor skills (GMSs) is vital for children, fostering their physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional growth. This study aimed to achieve three primary objectives: (1) to establish standardized reference values for all GMS tests conducted; (2) to examine the impact of overweight and obesity on factors influencing the development of GMSs and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF); and (3) to investigate the relationship between GMSs and CRF levels and body image dissatisfaction among Canadian children from the province of Québec. Methods: The study encompassed 3144 children aged 6 to 12 years (1535 boys and 1609 girls) recruited from 24 elementary schools situated in five urban areas. Anthropometric measurements included body mass, body height, and body mass index (BMI). Physical performance was assessed using a maximal aerobic power test and 12 GMS tests, which comprised two segmental speed tests, four agility tests, two static balance tests, one simple reaction time test, and three coordination tests. Body perception and body image dissatisfaction were evaluated using a silhouette scale featuring two sets of nine drawings depicting a spectrum of body shapes ranging from very thin to obese. Results: Standardized normative values were established for each GMS test. GMSs demonstrated continuous improvement throughout childhood, albeit with a deceleration in progress during later developmental stages. At comparable age, boys generally outperformed girls on tests demanding greater strength, speed, or endurance, whereas girls exhibited superior performance in balance and hand–foot coordination tasks (p ≤ 0.05). However, segmental speed remained equivalent between sexes (p > 0.05). GMS and CRF were significantly influenced by obesity status. Children with a normal BMI demonstrated superior performance compared to their overweight or obese counterparts, particularly in tests requiring body mass displacement (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, socioeconomic status exhibited no significant impact on body perception in boys (p = 0.106), but it was a notable factor among 6–8-year-old girls from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (p = 0.045). Conclusions: Obesity status is linked to diminished GMS performance, especially in tasks involving body mass movement. These findings underscore the importance of early intervention strategies to encourage an active lifestyle and promote a healthy body composition in children. Full article

Conventional machines often face limitations due to complex controllers and bulky power supplies, which can hinder their reliability and operability. In contrast, self-excited movements can harness energy from a stable environment for self-regulation. In this study, we present a novel model of a self-rowing boat inspired by paddle boats. This boat is powered by a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) turntable that acts as a motor and operates under consistent illumination. We investigated the dynamic behavior of the self-rowing boat under uniform illumination by integrating the photothermal reaction theory of LCEs with a nonlinear dynamic framework. The primary equations were solved using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. Our findings reveal that the model exhibits two modes of motion under steady illumination: a static pattern and a self-rowing pattern. The transition between these modes is influenced by the interaction of the driving and friction torques generated by photothermal energy. This study quantitatively analyzes the fundamental conditions necessary for initiating a self-rowing motion and examines how various dimensionless parameters affect the speed of the self-rowing system. The proposed system offers several unique advantages, including a simple structure, easy control, and independence from electronic components. Furthermore, it has the potential for miniaturization and integration, enhancing its applicability in miniature machines and systems. Full article

Clinicians who do not specialize in driving have a need for simple assessment tools for both the aging population and new drivers. While many researchers focus on complex driving scenarios presented on simulators or on-road driving, this exploratory study examines the use of interactive exercises presented using a driving simulator to determine if there are differences in the speed at which senior and novice teen drivers respond to the steering wheel and pedal stimuli. This gap is addressed by evaluating performance differences between 34 senior drivers (over 60) and 17 novice teen drivers (ages 16–17) using interactive exercises with a driving simulator: Reaction Timer Steering©, Reaction Timer Stoplight©, and Stoplight and Steering©. Overall, teens had faster reaction times and fewer errors than seniors, yet seniors demonstrated greater improvement over time. Reaction times decreased for both age groups using the Reaction Timer Stoplight exercise. For the Stoplight and Steering exercise, significant differences between the groups were identified for both the number of errors as well as their reaction times. The findings from this exploratory study suggest the potential value of using driving simulators for assessment and potentially training the motor movements associated with driving across different age groups. By providing safe and controlled environments, simulators offer value to clinicians and educators for evaluations, interventions, and skill screenings to potentially improve safety for at-risk driver populations. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a six-week visual training protocol, based on the Science Vision Training Academy (SVTA) method, on reaction times and executive functions in high-ranking fencers. Methods: Twenty-seven fencers, aged 17.34 ± 3.63 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental Visual Training Group (VTG = 16) and a Control Group (CG = 11). The VTG, in addition to regular fencing training, underwent SVTA training two times per week using six different visual modules, while the CG followed only their traditional fencing training. Simple and complex reaction times and movement times were assessed before and after the intervention using the Fit-Light System. Results: Both groups showed a significant improvement in all four reaction time tests: simple reaction time with and without a weapon and complex reaction time ability (motor inhibition ability) with and without a weapon (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the groups. A significant Time* Group interaction was found in the short reaction time and movement time (p < 0.001). This trend suggests that, although genetically determined and difficult to significantly improve through training, short reaction time can be stimulated through SVTA protocols. Conclusions: Training in realistic conditions is always preferable to non-ecological protocols; however, the SVTA method may be beneficial to enhance simple reaction time in elite fencers. Full article

Training in team sports such as soccer requires advanced technical and tactical skills for effective decision-making, particularly when executing a shot. This study validates an innovative instrument, a training platform (TP), designed to measure and enhance decision-making in dual-task scenarios. The TP aims to improve visual–motor reactions in multitask environments that simulate real game conditions. Equipped with an LED panel, main circuitry, ball sensor, and targets, the TP challenges players to kick the ball in response to the illumination of the final LED array on the panel while hitting a designated target. The study evaluated three parameters: reaction time (RT), ball speed (BS) and accuracy. To validate the TP against a gold standard (GS), we conducted correlation analyses. The results exhibited very strong correlations for both RT (r = 0.997) and BS (r = 0.994). The mean differences between TP and GS measurements were 13 ± 15 ms for RT and 0.1 ± 0.5 km/h for BS. Bland–Altman plots revealed trend lines obtained by a simple linear regression of r = −0.507, p = 0.307 for RT and r = 0.134, p = 0.077 for BS. The TP effectively simulates game scenarios, offering advantages such as low-cost components, installation flexibility, test variability, instant feedback, and integration of physical and cognitive components of sports performance. Full article

Background: Impulsivity assessment may serve as a valuable clinical tool in the stratification of suicide risk. Acting without forethought is a crucial feature in the psychopathology of many psychiatric disturbances and corresponds with suicidal ideations, behaviors, and attempts. Methods: We present data on biological and psychological correlates of impulsivity among young adults (n = 47). Psychological analysis included both the self-description questionnaire—Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11)—and neuropsychological behavioral tests, including the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), the Simple Response Time task (SRT), and the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). mRNA and micro-RNA were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Expression levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) mRNA and its regulatory micro RNAs, mir-1-3p, mir-15a-5p, mir-26a-5p, mir-26b-5p, and mir-195-5p, were analyzed using the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method. proBDNF and BDNF plasma protein levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Significant correlations between BDNF mRNA and mir-15a-5p as well as proBDNF levels and mir-1-3p were detected. proBDNF protein levels correlated with motor and perseverance, while mir-26b correlated with cognitive complexity subdimensions of the BIS-11 scale. Correlations between BDNF, miRNAs, and the results of neuropsychological tests were also detected. Conclusions: The BDNF pathway shows a clinical potential in searching for biomarkers of impulse-control impairment. BDNF-regulatory micro-RNAs are detectable and related to clinical parameters in the studied population, which needs further research. Full article

Background: Handball requires significant psychomotor skills, especially in young athletes, to enhance performance. Coordination training is crucial but under-researched in this context. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an experimental coordination training program on the psychomotor abilities of young handball players. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 27 young handball players. Participants were divided into an experimental group (n = 15) receiving additional coordination training and a control group (n = 12) following standard training. Psychomotor skills were assessed before, during, and after the intervention by PNTR (Computer Tests of Coordination Abilities) tests. Statistical analysis included the Mann–Whitney U test for between-group differences and the Wilcoxon test for within-group comparisons, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in psychomotor performance, including reaction time and visual–motor coordination, compared to the control group. Specifically, there were statistically significant improvements in simple reaction time, visual–motor coordination, spatial orientation, attention distribution, and perception orientation. Conclusions: Coordination training effectively enhances the psychomotor abilities of young handball players, suggesting that its integration into regular training sessions can optimize performance. Full article

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a training program utilizing action perception technology (PAD) tools on improving the motor reaction times and neuromuscular capabilities of the upper and lower limbs compared to a traditional training program. Twenty-four female volleyball players competing in the Italian national championship were randomized into two groups of 12 athletes each: an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). A preliminary analysis confirmed the absence of significant differences in age and anthropometric characteristics between the groups. All the players underwent an initial battery of tests (pre-test), including Reaction Time simple Upper and Lower Limb (RTsUL and RTsLL) and Tapping Upper and Lower Limb (TUL and TLL). During a 6-week training program, the experimental group used exercises with a technological system of illuminated disks, while the control group followed the traditional training methods without advanced technology. At the end of the program, both groups were subjected to final tests (post-test). The main results show that after 6 weeks, both groups improved their performance compared to the initial tests. However, EG achieved significantly better results than CG in every test, with significant reductions in average times (ip%) of −14.9% in RTsUL (DX = −0.072 s, t = 23.2, p < 0.05, d = 6.7), −14.9% in RTsLL (DX = −0.091 s, t = 44.0, p < 0.05, d = 12.7), −10.6% in TUL (DX = −0.622 s, t = 42.0, p < 0.05, d = 12.1), and −10.7% in TLL (DX = −0.983 s, t = 43.1, p < 0.05, d = 12.4). The use of light-based perception–action technology devices in volleyball training has shown potential for significantly improving movement speed and reaction time. However, further research is needed to determine whether these improvements actually translate into enhanced overall performance in competitive contexts compared to the traditional training methods. Full article

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of practicing sports activities on manual skills, focused on reaction time depending on manual laterality. The objectives of the study were to identify the differences in improving simple, optional, and cognitive reaction times in the manual executions of student athletes who practice team sports involving the manual handling of the ball (volleyball, basketball, handball) in comparison with student athletes who practice individual sports and with non-athletic students; to identify the differences regarding the reaction time of the right- and left-handed executions depending on the manual lateralization of the subjects (right- and left-handedness) between the three experimental samples: team sports group (TSG), individual sports group (ISG), and the group of non-athletes (NAG) through the use of computer tests. The study included 335 subjects who were divided into three groups: TSG with 102 subjects, ISG with 112 subjects, and NAG with 121 subjects. The subjects of the study were given five computer tests to evaluate three types of reaction time: simple reaction time (Start/Stop Test), choice reaction time (Check Boxes Test, Hit-the-dot Test), and time of cognitive reaction (Trail making Test part A and B). The results were analyzed regarding right- and left-handedness, as well as the execution hand (right hand or left hand) in solving the tests. The results of the study highlighted significant statistical differences between the three groups: TSG, ISG, and NAG. The best results were recorded by TSG in all tests, and the lowest by NAG. Statistically significant differences were also recorded between the executions with the dominant hand compared to the executions with the non-dominant hand in relation to right- and left-handedness. The study highlighted that the smallest differences in all the study groups were recorded in the simple reaction time test, where the differences between the right-handed and left-handed executions were the lowest, reflecting the best level of symmetrization of the motor executions. Full article

Background: The multi-tasking approach may be promising for cognitive rehabilitation in cardiac surgery patients due to a significant effect on attentional and executive functions. This study aimed to compare the neuropsychological changes in patients who have undergone two variants of multi-tasking training and a control group in the early postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: One hundred and ten CABG patients were divided into three groups: cognitive training (CT) I (a postural balance task with mental arithmetic, verbal fluency, and divergent tasks) (n = 30), CT II (a simple visual–motor reaction with mental arithmetic, verbal fluency, and divergent tasks) (n = 40), and control (n = 40). Results: Two or more cognitive indicators improved in 93.3% of CT I patients, in 72.5% of CT II patients, and in 62.5% of control patients; CT I patients differed from CT II and control (p = 0.04 and p = 0.008, respectively). The improving short-term memory and attention was found more frequently in the CT I group as compared to control (56.7% vs. 15%; p = 0.0005). The cognitive improvement of all domains (psychomotor and executive functions, attention, and short-term memory) was also revealed in CT I patients more frequently than CT II (46.7% vs. 20%; p = 0.02) and control (46.7% vs. 5%; p = 0.0005). Conclusions: The CT I multi-tasking training was more effective at improving the cognitive performance in cardiac surgery patients as compared to CT II training and standard post-surgery management. The findings of this study will be helpful for future studies involving multi-tasking training. Full article

An interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) is a kind of drive motor with high power density that is suitable for electric vehicles. In this paper, the dq-axis current reaction time of IPMSM was investigated in order to improve the reaction time of the electric vehicle. Firstly, the mathematical model of the current-loop decoupling of IPMSM was presented. Secondly, the controller design of dq-axis current-loop decoupling of IPMSM was investigated by the methods of proportional integral (PI) and internal model control PI (IMC-PI). Thirdly, based on the methods of PI and IMC-PI, the influence of the inverter switching frequency on the dq-axis current reaction time of IPMSM was analyzed and simulated, and it was found that the inverter switching frequency only had a significant influence on the parameters set of the PI controller. Lastly, compared with the PI method, the results of the simulation and hardware experiment demonstrate that the dq-axis current reaction time of IPMSM was improved by the IMC-PI method, and the IMC-PI method had the advantage of simple parameters setting and was not influenced by the inverter switching frequency. Full article

Measurement of reaction time in clinical settings is generally employed to assess cognitive abilities by having a subject perform standard simple tests. In this study, a new method of measuring response time (RT) was developed using a system composed of LEDs that emit light stimuli and are equipped with proximity sensors. The RT is measured as the time taken by the subject to turn off the LED target by moving the hand towards the sensor. Through an optoelectronic passive marker system, the associated motion response is assessed. Two tasks of 10 stimuli each were defined: simple reaction time and recognition reaction time tasks. To validate the method implemented to measure RTs, the reproducibility and repeatability of the measurements were estimated, and, to test the method’s applicability, a pilot study was conducted on 10 healthy subjects (6 females and 4 males, age = 25 ± 2 years), reporting, as expected, that the response time was affected by the task’s difficulty. Unlike commonly used tests, the developed method has proven to be adequate for the simultaneous evaluation of the response in terms of time and motion. Furthermore, thanks to the playful nature of the tests, this method could also be used for clinical and pediatric applications to measure the impact of motor and cognitive impairments on RT. Full article

This study’s aim was two-fold: (i) to test the intra-session reliability of the one-leg balance activity test; and (ii) to assess the influence of age on reaction time (RT) and the differences between dominant and non-dominant feet. Fifty young soccer players with an average age of 12.4 ± 1.8 years were divided into two groups: younger soccer players (n = 26; 11.6 ± 0.9 years) and older soccer players (n = 24; 14.2 ± 0.8 years). Each group then completed four trials (two with each leg) of the one-leg balance activity (OLBA) to evaluate RT under a single-leg stance. Mean RT and the number of hits were calculated, and the best trial was also selected. T-tests and Pearson correlations were performed for statistical analysis. Values for RT were lower, and the number of hits was higher while standing on the non-dominant foot (p = 0.01). MANOVA revealed that the “Dominant Leg” factor did not affect the multivariate composite (Pillai Trace = 0.05; F(4, 43) = 0.565; p = 0.689; Partial ETA Squared = 0.050; Observed Power = 0.174). The “Age” factor did not present an effect on the multivariate composite (Pillai Trace = 0.104; F(4, 43) = 1.243; p = 0.307; Partial ETA Squared = 0.104; Observed Power = 0.355). The results of the present investigation demonstrate that RT may be lower while standing on the non-dominant foot. Full article

We aimed to investigate the associations between intelligence quotient test scores obtained using the Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) and psychomotor testing using the Complex Reactionmeter Drenovac (CRD) test battery, while taking into account previous theoretical approaches recognizing intelligent behavior as the cumulative result of a general biological speed factor reflected in the reaction time for perceptual detections and motor decisions. A total of 224 medical students at the University of Split School of Medicine were recruited. Their IQ scores were assessed using Raven’s APM, while the computerized tests of CRD-series were used for testing the reaction time of perception to visual stimulus (CRD311), psychomotor limbs coordination task (CRD411), and solving simple arithmetic operations (CRD11). The total test-solving (TTST) and the minimum single-task-solving (MinT) times were analyzed. On the CRD11 test, task-solving times were shorter in students with higher APM scores (r = −0.48 for TTST and r = −0.44 for MinT; p < 0.001 for both). Negative associations between task-solving times and APM scores were reported on CRD311 (r = −0.30 for TTST and r = −0.33 for MinT, p < 0.001 for both). Negative associations between task-solving times in CRD411 and APM scores (r = −0.40 for TTST and r = −0.30 for MinT, p < 0.001 for both) were found. Faster reaction time in psychomotor limbs coordination tasks, the reaction time of perception to visual stimulus, and the reaction time of solving simple arithmetic operations were associated with a higher APM score in medical students, indicating the importance of mental speed in intelligence test performance. However, executive system functions, such as attention, planning, and goal weighting, might also impact cognitive abilities and should be considered in future research. Full article

The purpose of the study was to design and implement, in the physical and sports education process and in the motor evaluation process, a program of exercises and specific tests to optimize reaction time by using the Fitlight technological systems in relation to the manual and foot laterality of the pupils and identification of gender differences regarding the development of reaction speed. The study included 231 pupils, between 10 and 11 years old, who were divided into two groups according to gender, as follows: the male sample included 109 (97.32%) subjects, and the female sample included 103 (94.45%) participants. All subjects were identified with right manual and foot laterality. Both samples performed a specific exercise program to optimize reaction time in relation to manual and foot laterality by using Fitlight technologies. In the study, four tests were applied in order to evaluate reaction times using Fitlight, two in relation to the manual laterality and two with foot laterality, and the results were statistically processed with IBM SPPS Statistic 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Through the comparative analysis of the samples and the progress aimed at optimizing the reaction time specific to our study, it was found that the female sample recorded greater progress at the level of manual laterality, both for the right hand and for the left one, while the sample of boys recorded significant progress in terms of improving reaction time at the level of right and left foot laterality. At the foot laterality level, the results for the executions with the right foot were better in the simple test with four Fitlight spotlights in a line, and for the complex test, with eight Fitlight spotlights in a square, the results were better in the executions with the left foot. This reveals the fact that the greater the execution complexity, the better the motor prevalence on the left side. Full article