Perceptual and Motor Skills最新文献

Electrophysiological research has been widely utilized to study brain responses to acoustic stimuli. The frequency-following response (FFR), a non-invasive reflection of how the brain encodes acoustic stimuli, is a particularly propitious electrophysiologic measure. While the FFR has been studied extensively, there are limitations in obtaining and analyzing FFR recordings that recent machine learning algorithms may address. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether FFRs can be enhanced using an "improved" source-separation machine learning algorithm. For this study, we recruited 28 native speakers of American English with normal hearing. We obtained two separate FFRs from each participant while they listened to two stimulus tokens /i/ and /da/. Electroencephalographic signals were pre-processed and analyzed using a source-separation non-negative matrix factorization (SSNMF) machine learning algorithm. The algorithm was trained using individual, grand-averaged, or stimulus token spectrograms as a reference. A repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that FFRs were significantly enhanced (p < .001) when the "improved" SSNMF algorithm was trained using both individual and grand-averaged spectrograms, but not when utilizing the stimulus token spectrogram. Similar results were observed when extracting FFRs elicited by using either stimulus token, /i/ or /da/. This demonstration shows how the SSNMF machine learning algorithm, using individual and grand-averaged spectrograms as references in training the algorithm, significantly enhanced FFRs. This improvement has important implications for the obtainment and analytical processes of FFR, which may lead to advancements in clinical applications of FFR testing.

Our objective in this study was to investigate the effect of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on visuospatial attention bias. We examined line bisection performance at rest before exercise and then immediately after exercise in 20 young adults. Pre-exercise, there was a larger leftward bias in subjective midpoint judgment of all participants than post-exercise (p < .001). Thus, leftward error magnitude decreased according to aerobic exercise, as there were rightward shifts after the exercise. The participants' performancse were modulated by the hand used to perform manual bisection tasks (p < .02). Participants erred to the left of the true midpoint with the non-dominant hand and to the right of the true midpoint with the dominant hand. The use of the non-dominant hand led to greater leftward error than the errors obtained using the dominant hand, though there was no interaction effect between hand use and effort. These findings suggest that moderate aerobic exercise can benefit visuospatial attention in adults.

Teaching for creativity (TfC) has recently received increased attention in English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) contexts. Previous studies confirmed that TfC links with achievement emotions (AEs) in this context. Additionally, a supportive work environment (SWE) has been shown to be associated with AEs. However, relationships among all three variables - SWE, AEs, and TfC - have not been adequately explored in EFL contexts, nor have the underlying bases for these links been elucidated. In this study, we adopted a mixed-methods approach to investigate the complex associations between SWE, AEs (anxiety, pride, enjoyment, and anger), and TfC as perceived by 441 Chinese EFL teachers. Quantitative results revealed that SWE, four AEs, and TfC were significantly correlated, with small to large effect sizes. Furthermore, the four AEs collectively mediated the relationship between SWE and TfC in our structural equation model. Qualitative interviews with 15 EFL teachers provided nuanced insights into possible reasons for these statistical patterns. We discuss the theoretical and pedagogical implications of these findings and suggest directions for future research.

While left-handers have been overrepresented among 7-meter shooters in handball, previous investigators have not found success from the 7-meter line to be related to handedness. Drawing on previous handedness research in sport, we performed two studies to examine possible negative frequency-dependent advantages to left-handedness during 7-meter throws among elite players. In Study I, we analyzed the records of 974 7-meter shooters from Danish and Norwegian elite divisions (485 males and 489 females) and found that left-handed males were overrepresented compared to the prevalence of left-handers in these two leagues, but left-handed females were not. An analysis of covariance showed no statistically significant associations between throwing arm or sex, and success from the 7-meter line. In Study II, we analyzed the records of 899 7-meter shooters at 41 major championships for both males and females between 2007-2023 (442 males and 457 females). We again found left-handed males to be overrepresented compared to their prevalence at the championships, but left-handed females were not. Also, in alignment with Study I, an analysis of covariance found no associations between throwing arm or sex, and success from 7-meter throws. These findings further underline the complexities associated with lateral biases in sports, where there appear to be benefits for left-handed males in the selection process that are not evident during performance execution.

Men and women are characterized by specific physiological, cerebral and emotional characteristics, as well as by the differing nature of their gestures and behaviors. Here, we examined the effects of an observer's sex on motor, cognitive and affective behaviors during dart-shooting. We compared men and women's kinematic and affective parameters when perfoming alone or when performing in the presence of an observer of a different sex. We found a sex effect on motor and cognitive performance in interaction with participants' emotional states. We observed improved accuracy and reaction time in men compared to women, which we attributed to (a) differences in emotional sensitivities between the two sexes and (b) men's superiority on precision tasks linked to men's higher proportion of cerebral white matter. Our findings also suggested a sex difference in the social effect of an observer's sex on motor and cognitive performance. Although there was no effect on affective aspects of performance, emotional state seemed to interact strongly with this social effect.

While grit is considered essential to EFL learners as they navigate the challenges and setbacks of foreign language learning, it has been largely overlooked by EFL researchers. In this sequential mixed methods study with qualitative data and structural equation modeling (SEM), we examined the role of teacher confirmation and emotional support in predicting L2 grit among 309 low-proficiency Chinese EFL learners who were majoring in music, fine arts, and physical education at Chinese universities. Our results revealed positive correlations between teacher confirmation, emotional support, and L2 grit, with both teacher confirmation and emotional support significantly predicting L2 grit in our presumptive model. Qualitatively, we analyzed 22 participants' responses to three open-ended questions from a semi-structured interview. Interviewees named a spectrum of interpersonal, learner, context, teacher, and task related factors they believed to be affecting their L2 grit. Among the interpersonal factors, teacher-student communication variables were most frequently named, echoing our quantitative findings. We discussed the limitations, pedagogical implications, and recommended future directions of this research.

We compared the relationships between pain coping levels and pain, functional capacity, and disability among 48 patients with fibromyalgia and 48 healthy control participants. Specific characteristics of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome were documented. Participants were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Pain Coping Scale (PCQ), Pain Disability Index (PDI), and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). According to the 10 cm long VAS, fibromyalgia patients recorded pain intensity at 7 cm, significantly higher than in the control group (p < .001). All sub-scores of the PDI score were higher among patients with fibromyalgia compared to controls (p < .001). Scores on the PCQ score were higher for patients with fibromyalgia than controls on the sub-parameters of helplessness (p < .001) and medical remedies (p < .001). Functionality was lower among patients than controls (p < .001). Pain coping and pain-related disability (in areas of recreation, social activity, sexual behavior, total score) were significantly related in patients with fibromyalgia. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive pain management and customized interventions for fibromyalgia patients to address their elevated pain intensity, reduced functionality, increased pain-related disability, and variable coping mechanisms compared to healthy controls. Understanding these correlations between pain coping strategies, functional status, and disability levels can help optimize treatment approaches and improve the quality of life for individuals living with fibromyalgia.

The Furtado-Gallagher Children Observational Movement Pattern Assessment System (FG-COMPASS) is an observational tool using sequential decisions to assess fundamental movement skill proficiency. The current version of the test has three locomotor and five manipulative skills. Adding two more locomotor skills to the assessment tool enriches its scope, enabling a more comprehensive and nuanced evaluation of individual movement skills. We assessed expert-non-expert rater agreement and inter/intra non-expert rater reliability of two new scales for the locomotor subscale. We divided this study into two parts. In Part I, we filmed 60 children aged 5-10 years old who performed gallop and vertical jump skills. A motor behavior expert then classified the videotapes using our newly created rating scales. Next, we selected eight videos for training purposes and 24 videos for testing purposes. In Part II, 30 undergraduate students underwent rater training. Rating data were analyzed using weighted kappa (Kw) and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and these indices showed 'very good' agreement between the expert and the non-expert raters for vertical jump (Kw = .96) and gallop (Kw = .89). The ICC expert to non-expert rater values for vertical jump and gallop were .98 and .94, respectively; and mean kappa values for inter-rater reliability between non-experts were considered 'very good' for vertical jump (MKw = .92) and 'good' for gallop (MKw = .78). The ICC inter-rater values were .98 and .95 (considered 'excellent') for vertical jump and gallop, respectively; and the kappa intra-rater values were .96 and .85, respectively, with intra-rater ICC values .98 and .92. Thus, the proposed rating scales were reliable for assessing vertical jump and gallop. Future studies should focus on criterion-related validity and reliability evidence from live performances.

Plyometric training in football is essential for enhancing athletic performance, as it allows for increasing strength and speed in gameplay. Meanwhile, mental visualization improves players' technical play and motor performance during both training and competitions, thereby contributing to an overall sports performance enhancement. Collectively, physical and technical training is thought to boost athletes' confidence in facing competitive demands. Our aim in the present study was to analyze the effectiveness of mental visualization during a plyometric training program for improving strength speed, and competitive self-confidence in young adult football (soccer) players. Our sample consisted of 40 male players aged between 19 and 25 years (M = 20.82; SD = 1.26). We used a quasi-experimental design with a control group and pretest/posttest measurements. The experimental group participated in an 8-week plyometric training program that incorporated visualization tasks, while the control group underwent the same program but without visualization exercises. We found significant improvements for the experimental group on vertical jump (p = .047) and speed (50-m sprints) (p < .034) tests, as well as in their perceived competitive self-confidence (p < .017). These findings suggest that combining plyometric exercises with visualization tasks may contribute to better motor learning, increased lower limb muscle speed and strength, and self-confidence to face competition.

Bright light impacts the human circadian system such that exposure to bright light at night can suppress melatonin secretion, and exposure to bright light in the morning prevents light-induced melatonin suppression at night. The preventive effect of morning light may attenuate the prior history of light sensitivity of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) that regulate the circadian system. In this study, we evaluated electroretinogram (ERG) responses to red and blue flickering lights following dim and bright daylight conditions. Eleven healthy females underwent ERG measurements during exposure to 33 Hz flickering red or blue light under dim and bright daytime conditions. We averaged ERG waves for 50 flickering light pulses of the trigger signal data. We obtained the amplitude of the signal-averaged ERG by calculating the difference between the waves' peaks and bottoms. Although there was no significant dim and bright light difference in the amplitude of ERG waves, the ERG amplitude to flickering blue light under the bright light condition was significantly lower than to flickering blue light under the dim light condition. In this study, blue light stimulated mainly ipRGCs and S-cones. Since S-cones may contribute minimally to the light-adapted 33 Hz flicker ERG results, our findings suggest that bright light during the daytime attenuates the sensitivity of human ipRGCs.