Evaluating the Stroop Test With Older Adults: Construct Validity, Short Term Test-Retest Reliability, and Sensitivity to Mental Fatigue.

We conducted two studies to evaluate the construct validity, short term test-retest reliability, and sensitivity to mental fatigue of the Stroop task when used with older adults. In Study 1, 40 participants visited our lab on two separate days. On the first visit, they took five screening scales, and we measured their height and body mass. On the second visit, they completed the Stroop task twice with a 30-minute interval between assessments. In Study 2, 15 different participants took a 30-minute Flanker/Reverse Flanker task during the interval between the two administrations of the Stroop tasks and they gave subjective ratings of their mental fatigue on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) prior to taking either of the Stroop tasks. In Study 1, participants showed a ceiling effect on the Stroop accuracy measure, there was strong concurrent validity for the Stroop with significant score differences between the Stroop's congruent and incongruent conditions (p < .001), and there was excellent response time reliability (ICC = 0.926) on day two when participants took the Stroop twice within a 30-minute inter-test interval. However, there were significant test-retest performance differences with respect to cognitive inhibition (p < .001). In Study 2, mental fatigue from the Flanker/Reverse Flanker test resulted in a significantly worse second Stroop performance (p = .045). We concluded that the Stroop task demonstrated strong concurrent validity and response time reliability among older adults, but it showed sensitivity to mental fatigue, and repeated administrations within the short 30-minute test-retest interval revealed that the most important Stroop measure (cognitive inhibition) was unreliable. We discuss the implications of these findings.

Combined Training Improves Executive Functions Without Changing Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels of Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) provokes executive function and long-term memory decrements, and aerobic plus resistance training (combined training) may alleviate this T2DM-related cognitive impairment. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have been found to be related to cognitive performance. AIM: To analyze the effects of 8-week combined training on executive functions and circulating BDNF levels of subjects with T2DM and verify the association between BDNF levels and combined training-induced changes in executive functions and long-term memory. METHODS: Thirty-five (63±8 years old) subjects of both sexes were allocated to combined training (n=17, thrice weekly for 8 weeks) or the control group (n=18). Executive functions (evaluated through Trail making test, Stroop color task, and Digit Span), long-term memory (evaluated through the Taylor Complex Figure Test simplified), and plasma samples were compared pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Combined training improved executive function z-score compared to control (d=1.31). Otherwise, BDNF levels were not statistically altered (combined training group: 179±88 pg/mL vs. 148±108 pg/mL; control group: 163±71 pg/mL vs. 141±84 pg/mL, p>0.05). However, pre-training BDNF levels explained 50.4% of the longitudinal improvements in composite executive function z-score (r=0.71, p<0.01), 33.6% of inhibitory control (r=0.58; p=0.02), and 31.4% of cognitive flexibility (r=0.56, p=0.04) in the combined training group. CONCLUSION: Combined training improved executive functions independently of alterations in resting BDNF levels after 8 weeks. Furthermore, pre-training BDNF levels explained one-half of the variance in combined training-induced improvements in executive functions.

Are COMT Val158Met (rs4680), DRD2 TaqIA (rs1800497), and BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphisms associated with executive functions performance at rest and during physical exercise?

Executive functions (EFs) encompass a wide array of cognitive processes, which appear to be influenced by genetic variants of the COMT, DRD2/ANKK1, and BDNF polymorphisms. The present study aimed to investigate whether COMT Val158Met (rs4680), DRD2/ANKK1 (rs1800497), and BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphisms were associated with EFs assessed at rest and during moderate acute physical exercise. Sixty physically active individuals underwent four laboratory visits. First, they filled out the pre-exercise survey, researchers collected their anthropometric data, and then performed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test. In the second and third sessions, participants performed EFs test in a randomized order: while the individual was seated on a cycle ergometer without pedaling (i.e., rest condition); and during physical exercise (pedaling for 30 minutes at moderate intensity before starting the EFs test during exercising). On the fourth day, blood samples were drawn. Our results showed that the response time of the COMT Val homozygotes group was significantly shorter than the COMT Met-carrier group [t(39.78) = 2.13, p = .039,d = 0.56] at rest condition. No significant association was found for the other analyses (DRD2/ANKK1 and BDNF). In conclusion, the present study suggests that COMT Val158Met (rs4680) polymorphisms may be associated with EFs at rest condition. However, further studies are needed to validate this association.

Development and reliability of a test for assessing executive functions during exercise.

Previous research suggests that performance on executive functions tests may be different at rest, versus when one is engaged in physical exercise. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop an integrated system that evaluates executive functions during exercise. We conducted two test-retest studies, with ten healthy male volunteers participating in each study. Participants visited the laboratory three (Study 1) or four (Study 2) times. During the first visit in both studies, questionnaires were administered, and a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPT) was performed. In Study 1, during the second and third visits, participants exercised on a cycle ergometer at a moderate intensity for 30 minutes before starting the Flanker/Reverse Flanker test while they were still cycling. In Study 2, during the second visit, participants performed three sets of the executive functions test while sitting on the bike, with a 5 min interval between each set. On visits 3 and 4, participants performed the same exercise protocol as the one described in Study 1. In summary, our results indicated that the Flanker/Reverse Flanker test that we developed and conducted in exercising individuals has similar elements to previous versions and can be considered a reliable test for executive functions assessment during exercise.

Inequality in Brazilian basketball: the birthplace effect / Desigualdade no basquete brasileiro: efeito do local de nascimento

abstract This study aimed to investigate the birthplace effect in Brazilian basketball athletes of both sexes according their states and geographical regions. Our hypothesis is that the São Paulo (SP) state is the leading player in the Southeastern region and stands out from the other regions. The birthplace of Brazilian athletes participating in the FIBA World Cup and in two national leagues were collected from open-access websites. Three hundred and fifteen athletes' birthplaces were included. The absolute and relative frequencies of athletes' birthplaces per state and geographical region were calculated. Chi-Square tests were used to compare the expected and the observed frequencies of birthplaces among regions and states. Odds Ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to indicate the probability of a high-level athlete to be born in a certain region or state. The results completely confirmed our hypothesis, showing higher frequencies of athletes born in the Southeastern region, especially in the SP state. We concluded that the uneven participation in basketball in Brazil is caused by the continental dimensions of the country and the modality historical context. Concentrating basketball clubs on a single region or state (SP) leads to an underuse of the sporting potential in the country.

resumo O presente estudo investigou o efeito do local de nascimento em ambos os sexos do basquete brasileiro e de acordo com os estados e regiões geográficas. Nós hipotetizamos que o estado de São Paulo (SP) seria o principal responsável pelo destaque da região sudeste sobre as demais regiões. O efeito do local de Nascimento dos atletas brasileiros participantes da Copa do Mundo da FIBA e de duas ligas nacionais foram coletados de sites com acesso livre. Os locais de nascimento de 315 atletas foram incluídos. As frequências absolutas e relativas do local de nascimento dos atletas em cada estado e região geográfica foram calculadas. O teste de chi-quadrado foi usado para comparar as frequências esperadas e observadas entre regiões e estados. A razão de chances e o intervalo de confiança de 95% foram calculados para indicar a probabilidade de um atleta de alto rendimento nascer em determinada região ou estado. Os resultados confirmaram nossas hipóteses, apontando altas frequências de atletas nascidos na região Sudeste, especialmente no estado de SP. Concluímos que a desigualdade de participação no basquete brasileiro é causada pela dimensão continental do país e pelo contexto histórico da modalidade. A concentração de clubes de basquete em uma única região e estado (SP) levam a subutilização do potencial esportivo do país.

Monoethanolamine oleate sclerotherapy for the treatment of intraoral vascular anomalies: retrospective study and suggestion for a clinical guideline.

Vascular anomalies are common in the head and neck, and oral lesions are most commonly found on the lips, tongue, mucosa, and palate. Monoethanolamine oleate sclerotherapy (MOS) is an option for treatment, although we know of no established protocols yet. We report the prevalence and characteristics of intraoral vascular anomalies (IVA) and the results achieved with the use of 5% MOS, and suggest a clinical guideline. Data from the medical records of patients with IVA were collected (age, sex, ethnicity, site, size, duration, and treatment). Cases treated with MOS were detailed, and data about number of applications, interval between them, dose, adverse effects, and results were recorded. A total of 65 cases of IVA were found. White-skinned women aged from 61 to 70 years (n=21) were most likely to be affected, and the lower lip (n=25) was the most common site. Twenty-seven were treated with MOS using a mean of 1-2 applications with a seven-day interval. The mean dose applied was 0.3ml/section, which was diluted in local anaesthetic in 38 cases. Twenty-two resolved completely. In summary, we found a prevalence of 4.8% of IVA and European women aged 61 to 70 years were most affected. MOS 5% was effective and safe in the treatment of IVA more than 3cm in size, with minimal morbidity and adverse effects. We therefore suggest a sclerotherapy protocol of 0.3ml of the drug (undiluted with anaesthetic) for each 1cm lesion (maximum 3cm), with weekly revaluations and further applications when necessary within a 14-day period.

Motivos para a prática de atividade física de esportes orientados à habilidade: um exemplo do taekwondo / Motives for physical activity practice in skill-orientated sport: an example of taekwondo / Motivos para la práctica de la actividad física en deportes orientados a la habilidad: un ejemplo del taekwondo

Resumo O presente estudo objetiva identificar os motivos que levam à pratica do taekwondo, bem como verificar possíveis diferenças entre praticantes faixas iniciais e faixas pretas. A versão brasileira da escala Motivos para a Prática de Atividade Física‐Revisada (MPAM‐R) foi usada. Os testes de Friedman e de Mann‐Whitney com correção de Bonferroni foram usados nas análises estatísticas. Os resultados mostraram que "competência", "diversão" e "social" são os principais motivos para a prática do taekwondo, mas que os motivos para a prática não diferem entre faixas iniciais e faixas pretas. Conclui‐se que tanto praticantes iniciantes quanto praticantes experientes de taekwondo são intrinsecamente motivados.

Abstract The present study aims to identify the motives that lead to the practice of taekwondo, as well as to verify possible differences between practitioners and black belts. The Brazilian version of Motives for Physical Activity Measure Revise (MPAM‐R) was used. The Friedman test and the Mann‐Whitney test with Bonferroni correction were used in the statistical analysis. The results show that "competence," "enjoyment" and, "social" are the main reasons for taekwondo practice, but that the motives for practice did not differ between beginners and black belts. Thus, both novice and experienced taekwondo practitioners are intrinsically motivated.

Resumen El presente estudio tiene como objetivo identificar los motivos que conducen a la práctica del taekwondo, así como comprobar las posibles diferencias entre los taekwondistas principiantes y los cinturones negros. Se utilizó la versión brasileña de Motives for Physical Activity Measure Revise (MPAM‐R). La prueba de Friedman y la prueba de Mann‐Whitney con la corrección de Bonferroni se utilizaron en los análisis estadísticos. Los resultados muestran que «competencia¼, «disfrute¼ y «social¼ son los principales motivos para la práctica del taekwondo y estos no difieren entre principiantes y cinturones negros. Por tanto, tanto los taekwondistas principiantes como los experimentados están intrínsecamente motivados.

Relative age effect and constituent year effect: an analysis of the international tennis federation ranking / Efeito da idade relativa e efeito do ano constituinte: uma análise do ranking da federação internacional de tênis

ABSTRACT Relative Age Effect (RAE) and Constituent Year Effect (CYE) seem to influence the process of training young tennis players. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of these effects in the ranking of junior tennis players of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and its influence on the score obtained by such tennis players. The results show the presence of the RAE and the CYE (p ≤ 0.05). The regression model identified that the variables "year" and "month" of birth predict the scores of athletes in the ITF ranking with an explained variance of 19%. In conclusion, the ranking composed of various age groups does not seem to be a classification strategy sensitive enough to prevent the RAE and the CYE among junior tennis players.

RESUMO O Efeito da Idade Relativa (EIR) e o Efeito do Ano Constituinte (EAC) parecem influenciar o processo de formação de jovens tenistas.O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a presença desses efeitos no ranking de tenistas juniores da InternationalTennisFederation (ITF) e sua influência na pontuação obtida pelos tenistas. Os resultados encontrados demonstram a presença do EIR e do EAC (p ≤ 0,05). O modelo de regressão identificou que as variáveis "ano" e "mês" de nascimento predizem a pontuação dos atletas no ranking da ITF com uma variância explicada de 19%. Em conclusão, o ranking formado por várias faixas etárias não tem se mostrado uma estratégia de classificação sensível o bastante para prevenir o EIR e o EAC entre os tenistas juniores.

Atualizações no tratamento não-farmacológico da doença de Alzheimer / Actualizations in non-pharmacologic treatment of Alzheimer disease

A doença de Alzheimer representa o tipo mais freqüente de demência senil. Uma vez que os medicamentos não se mostram totalmente eficazes no tratamento dos sintomas comportamentais, abordagens não-farmacológicas vêm ganhando cada vez mais a atenção de pesquisadores e clínicos da área geriátrica. A proposta deste artigo é difundir métodos de tratamento não-farmacológico que visam abordar o paciente em seus aspectos globais. O presente trabalho consiste em revisão de literatura atual através de busca à base de dados Medline, entre os anos 1998 a 2008. Foram selecionadas alternativas de tratamento a fim de diminuir o declínio cognitivo e funcional dos pacientes e o estresse dos cuidadores. São citados o uso da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS), estimulação multi-sensorial, toque terapêutico, musicoterapia, terapia assistida por animais domésticos e atividades cinesioterapêuticas e cognitivas. Todas as intervenções têm como objetivo comum melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Porém, há escassez de pesquisas científicas documentadas, o que sugere a realização de mais estudos em torno do assunto.

Alzheimer disease is the most common cause of senile dementia. Since new drugs are not really effective for treating behavioral symptoms, non pharmacologic approaches have been considered by researchers and geriatric clinicians. The objective of this study was to spread information on non pharmacologic treatment methods which treat patients as a whole. The present paper consists on a systematic literature review that uses Medline database from 1998 to 2008. Alternative treatments where selected in order to reduce cognitive and function impairment and caregiver stress. The use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), multi-sensory stimulation, therapeutic touch, music therapy, animal-assisted therapy, kinesiotherapy and cognitive interventions are described. The interventions aim to improve patient quality of life. However, the lack of documented studies suggests that further research is needed.