Hypokinetic dysarthria (HD) is a difficult-to-treat symptom affecting quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Levodopa may partially alleviate some symptoms of HD in PD, but the neural correlates of these effects are not fully understood. The aim of our study was to identify neural mechanisms by which levodopa affects articulation and prosody in patients with PD. Altogether 20 PD patients participated in a task fMRI study (overt sentence reading). Using a single dose of levodopa after an overnight withdrawal of dopaminergic medication, levodopa-induced BOLD signal changes within the articulatory pathway (in regions of interest; ROIs) were studied. We also correlated levodopa-induced BOLD signal changes with the changes in acoustic parameters of speech. We observed no significant changes in acoustic parameters due to acute levodopa administration. After levodopa administration as compared to the OFF dopaminergic condition, patients showed task-induced BOLD signal decreases in the left ventral thalamus (p = 0.0033). The changes in thalamic activation were associated with changes in pitch variation (R = 0.67, p = 0.006), while the changes in caudate nucleus activation were related to changes in the second formant variability which evaluates precise articulation (R = 0.70, p = 0.003). The results are in line with the notion that levodopa does not have a major impact on HD in PD, but it may induce neural changes within the basal ganglia circuitries that are related to changes in speech prosody and articulation.
- MeSH
- Antiparkinson Agents adverse effects MeSH
- Dysarthria etiology complications MeSH
- Quality of Life MeSH
- Levodopa * adverse effects MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods MeSH
- Parkinson Disease * complications diagnostic imaging drug therapy MeSH
- Speech Disorders diagnostic imaging etiology MeSH
- Speech physiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Tato studie zkoumá vztah mezi kreativní vnímanou osobní účinností, vnitřní motivací a kreativním výkonem na populaci českých vysokoškolských studentů. Dřívější studie poukazují na existenci pozitivních korelačních vztahů mezi vnitřní motivací a kreativním výkonem a také mezi kreativní vnímanou osobní účinností a kreativním výkonem, avšak vzájemné působení těchto tří proměnných nebylo dosud dostatečně zkoumáno. Výzkum byl proveden na vzorku 157 vysokoškolských studentů (M = 24,8, SD = 6,45). K měření proměnných byly využity inventáře IMI, SSCS, dvě verbální úlohy z TTCT a krátká škála kreativní vnímané osobní účinnosti. Vztahy mezi proměnnými byly analyzovány pomocí Pearsonových korelací a pomocí analýzy mediačních vztahů. Byly nalezeny středně silné vztahy mezi vnitřní motivací a kreativním výkonem, mezi kreativní vnímanou osobní účinností a kreativním výkonem a mezi kreativní vnímanou osobní účinností a vnitřní motivací. Výsledky výzkumu také ukázaly, že vnitřní motivace hraje roli mediátora ve vztahu mezi kreativní vnímanou osobní účinností a kreativním výkonem v úloze vylepšení předmětu. Tato zjištění korespondují s dříve publikovanými výzkumy, které naznačují, že kreativní vnímaná osobní účinnost je významným faktorem ovlivňujícím kreativní výkon, a rozšiřují dosavadní poznání o vysvětlení role vnitřní motivace v tomto vztahu. Limity výzkumu se týkají především specifického vzorku respondentů a využitých měřících metod převzatých z anglického jazyka.
Objectives. This study examines the relations between creative self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, and creative performance in a population of Czech university students. Previous studies point to the existence of positive correlations between intrinsic motivation and creative performance and between creative self-efficacy and creative performance. However, the interplay of these three variables has not been sufficiently studied yet. Sample and settings. The research was conducted on a sample of 157 university students (M = 24.8, SD = 6.45). The variables were measured using the IMI, SSCS inventories, two verbal tasks from the TTCT, and a short scale of creative self-efficacy. Hypotheses. The authors hypothesize that intrinsic motivation functions as a mediator in the relation between creative self-efficacy and creative performance. Statistical analyses. The relations between variables were analyzed using Pearson’s correlations and mediation analysis. Results. Moderate correlations were found between intrinsic motivation and creative performance, between creative self-efficacy and creative performance, and between creative self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation. The results also showed that intrinsic motivation acted as a mediator in the relation between creative self-efficacy and creative performance in the Product Improvement Task. These findings correspond with previously published research, suggesting that creative self-efficacy is an important factor influencing creative performance, and they extend the current understanding by explaining the role of intrinsic motivation in this relation. Limitations. The limitations of the research concern mainly the specific sample of respondents and the measurement methods used, which were adapted from English.
PURPOSE: The critical force (CF) concept, differentiating steady and non-steady state conditions, extends the critical power paradigm for sport climbing. This study aimed to validate CF for finger flexors derived from the 4 min all-out test as a boundary for the highest sustainable work intensity in sport climbers. METHODS: Twelve participants underwent multiple laboratory visits. Initially, they performed the 4 min intermittent contraction all-out test for CF determination. Subsequent verification visits involved finger-flexor contractions at various intensities, including CF, CF -2 kg, CF -4 kg, and CF -6 kg, lasting for 720 s or until failure, while monitoring muscle-oxygen dynamics of forearm muscles. RESULTS: CF, determined from the mean force of last three contractions, was measured at 20.1 ± 5.7 kg, while the end-force at 16.8 ± 5.2 kg. In the verification trials, the mean time to failure at CF was 440 ± 140 s, with only one participant completing the 720 s task. When the load was continuously lowered (-2 kg, -4 kg, and -6 kg), a greater number of participants (38%, 69%, and 92%, respectively) successfully completed the 720 s task. Changes of muscle-oxygen dynamics showed a high variability and could not clearly distinguish between exhaustive and non-exhaustive trials. CONCLUSIONS: CF, based on the mean force of the last three contractions, failed to reliably predict the highest sustainable work rate. In contrast, determining CF as the end-force of the last three contractions exhibited a stronger link to sustainable work. Caution is advised in interpreting forearm muscle-oxygen dynamics, lacking sensitivity for nuanced metabolic responses during climbing-related tasks.
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Mountaineering * physiology MeSH
- Muscle, Skeletal * physiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Fingers * physiology MeSH
- Oxygen Consumption physiology MeSH
- Muscle Contraction physiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Validation Study MeSH
Úvod: Pacienti po mozkových příhodách se potýkají s poruchami motoriky a jejího řízení. Jejich důsledkem dochází k omezení funkce a soběstačnosti a ke snížení kvality života. Náš výzkum ukazuje na využití zařízení Armeo Spring k hodnocení kvality pohybu. Posuzuje její souvislost s funkcí horní končetiny (HK) a s kvalitou života spojenou se zdravím (HRQoL). Cílem pilotní studie bylo zhodnocení vlivu terapie Armeo Spring na kvalitu pohybu HK, její funkci a změnu kvality života pacientů po absolvování lůžkové rehabilitace. Metodika: Prospektivní randomizovaná studie probíhala na lůžkové stanici KRTL FN Ostrava v dubnu až září 2022. Intervenční skupinu (IG) tvořilo šest osob (čtyři muži, dvě ženy, průměrný věk 67,33 ± 13,25 let), kontrolní skupinu (CG) tvořilo šest osob (čtyři ženy a dva muži, průměrný věk 65,33 ± 13,38 let). Hodnocení zahrnovalo dotazník kvality života EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L, kineziologický rozbor, hodnocení AGOAL (angl., česky Cíl A) na Armeo Spring, testování pomocí modifikovaného Frenchayského testu paže a soběstačnosti podle Barthelové. Doba denní terapie byla 120 minut, CG absolvovala 120 minut konvenční fyzioterapie a ergoterapie denně. IG pak 30 minut denně na Armeo Spring a 90 minut konvenční terapie po iktu. Celkový počet terapeutických sezení byl 10 až 12 po dobu 3 týdnů. Výsledky: IG dosáhla vyššího skóre ve třech z celkem čtyř sledovaných domén. U HRQoL jsme sledovali proměnnou EQ-5D index, kde dosáhla statisticky významného rozdílu IG. V rámci hodnocení parametrem HPR dosáhli probandi z IG většího zlepšení, které však není statisticky významné z důvodu malého počtu probandů. V hodnocení Modifikovaným Frenchayským testem paže pacienti v IG dosáhli statisticky významného rozdílu skóre. V Základním testu ADL podle Barthelové došlo ke statisticky významnému zlepšení u IG. Závěr: Funkční trénink na exoskeletu s antigravitační podporou HK vede k signifikantnímu zlepšení funkce končetiny a HRQoL Došlo i ke zvýšení přesnosti pohybu HK, přestože tento rozdíl nebyl statisticky signifikantní. Studie je východiskem pro další výzkum, který by měl pracovat s vyšším počtem probandů a podrobněji prozkoumat domény kvality života specifické pro populaci po iktu.
Background: Stroke patients are facing motor impairments which result in limited function, disability and decrease of the healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL). We introduce the use of Armeo Spring device as an assessment tool for movement quality. The aim of our pilot study was to assess the impact of Armeo Spring training on quality of upper limb (UL) movement and its linkage to HRQoL changes in stroke patients after rehabilitation. Methodology: Prospective randomized trial took place at the Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at University Hospital in Ostrava from April to September 2022. Intervention group (IG) consisted of six people (2 females, 4 males, mean age 67,33 ± 13,25 years), control group (CG) consisted of six people (4 females, 2 males, mean age 65,33 ± 13,38 years). Assessments were comprised of EQ-5D-5L quality of life questionnaire, kinesiological assessment, AGOAL assessment on Armeo Spring device, modified Frenchay Arm Test, Barthel Index (activities of daily living). The average duration of therapy was 120 minutes daily (CG 120 min conventional treatment), (IG 30 min Armeo Spring + 90 min conventional treatment). The total sum of therapeutic sessions was 10 to 12 during 3 weeks. Results: IG reached significantly higher scores in 3 of total 4 variables. Health-related quality of life was measured by EQ-5D-5L system. IG obtained significantly higher score in EQ-5D index. In the AGOAL assessment, participants from IG performed larger improvement, although the difference was not statistically significant due to small number of participants. In the Modified Frenchay Arm Test and in the Barthel Index participants in the IG showed significantly higher progress. Conclusion: The functional task-oriented training with anti-gravitational support led to significant improvement in UL function and perceived HRQoL. Progress in movement accuracy was higher in the IG, although it was not statistically significant. These outcomes of our pilot study form the base and implications for our future research which should work with larger sample and focus more profoundly on specific HRQoL domains in population of stroke survivors.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has the potential to modulate cognitive training in healthy aging; however, results from various studies have been inconsistent. We hypothesized that inter-individual differences in baseline brain state may contribute to the varied results. We aimed to explore whether baseline resting-state dynamic functional connectivity (rs-dFC) and/or conventional resting-state static functional connectivity (rs-sFC) may be related to the magnitude of cognitive aftereffects of tDCS. To achieve this aim, we used data from our double-blind randomized sham-controlled cross-over tDCS trial in 25 healthy seniors in which bifrontal tDCS combined with cognitive training had induced significant behavioral aftereffects. We performed a backward regression analysis including rs-sFC/rs-dFC measures to explain the variability in the magnitude of tDCS-induced improvements in visual object-matching task (VOMT) accuracy. Rs-dFC analysis revealed four rs-dFC states. The occurrence rate of a rs-dFC state 4, characterized by a high correlation between the left fronto-parietal control network and the language network, was significantly associated with tDCS-induced VOMT accuracy changes. The rs-sFC measure was not significantly associated with the cognitive outcome. We show that flexibility of the brain state representing readiness for top-down control of object identification implicated in the studied task is linked to the tDCS-enhanced task accuracy.
Hlavným cieľom článku je poukázať na možnosti skúmania procesu dosahovania cieľov z pohľadu teórie regulačného súladu. V rámci zdôvodnenia tohto prístupu sú v článku prezentované historicky hlavné teórie dosahovania cieľov, následne sa pozornosť venuje aj motivačnému konštruktu regulačného fokusu, ktorý prepájame s dosahovaním cieľov. Článok pojednáva o výsledkoch výskumov, zaoberajúcich sa tým, ktoré typy dosahovaného cieľa (majstrovské a výkonové ciele priblíženia a vyhýbania) alebo regulačného fokusu (presadzovania sa a prevencie) je možné spojiť s pozitívejšími dôsledkami, pričom poukazujeme na inkonzistentnosť týchto výsledkov. Hypotéza regulačného súladu sa z tohto pohľadu javí ako jednoznačnejší prediktor úspechu dosahovania cieľov. Jej princíp spočíva v tom, že dosahovaný cieľ je v súlade s vhodným regulačným fokusom. V závere článku sú navrhnuté opatrenia, ktoré by z pohľadu hypotézy regulačného súladu mohli zlepšiť predikciu úspechu dosahovaného cieľa.
The main aim of the article is to point out the possibilities of researching the process of achieving goals from the perspective of regulatory fit theory. As part of the justification of this approach, the article presents the historically main theories of achieving goals – learning and performance goals (Elliot & Dweck, 1988), ego-involved and task-involved goals (Nicholls,1984), mastery and performance goals (Ames & Archer, 1988), which both may be in the dimension of approach or avoidance (Elliot & McGregor, 2001). Then attention is also focus to the motivational construct of regulatory focus (Higgins, 1997), which we connect with achieving goals. In the introduction, the achieved goals and types of regulatory focuses are presented in relation to their consequences. Mastery goals are focused on the development of one‘s own competence, and performance goals are characterized by the effort to overcome others, so they use social comparison. The approach dimension represents an effort to outperform others (performance goals) or one‘s previous performance (mastery goals), while the avoidance dimension represents an effort not to be worse than others (performance goals) or not to be worse compared to one‘s previous performance (mastery goals). For persons using the regulatory focus promotion, the occurrence of positive consequences is motivating, and for persons using the regulatory focus prevention, the fact that negative consequences do not occur is motivating. The article discusses the results of research dealing with which types of achievement goal (mastery and performance approach and avoidance goals) or regulatory focus (promotion and prevention regulatory focus) can be associated with more positive consequences in terms of achieving goals, while pointing out the inconsistency of these results. From this point of view, the hypothesis of regulatory fit appears to be a more unambiguous predictor of the success of achieving goals. Its principle is that the achieved performance goal is in accordance with an appropriate regulatory focus. For approach goals it is promotion regulatory strategy and for avoidance goals it is prevention regulatory strategy. In this case, regulatory fit is a better predictor of the success of achieving goals than the type of goal or regulatory focus itself. Even though the regulatory focus and achieved goals certainly have common features such as their definition through gains (promotion focus and approach goals) or losses (prevention focus and avoidance goals), they are different psychological constructs, because the goal rather represents the reasons for which behavior is realized and the regulatory focus is a concrete strategy for achieving goals. Thus, the fit between the focus and the type of goal may not always occur. At the end of the article we propose arrangements from the perspective of the regulatory fit hypothesis, which could improve the prediction of the success of the achieved goal. For example, studies conducted so far investigating regulatory fit did not take into account the possibility of changing the type of goal and the type of regulatory focus over time. Also, all studies are focused either on situational (which is relevant for the situation and is variable) or dispositional regulatory focus (a stable personality trait that refers to how a person typically strives to achieve a goal) independently and did not take into account that the fit between situational and dispositional regulatory focus equally positively predicts success in achieving the appropriate type of goal.
Předložená studie se věnuje tématu neřidičských činností v kontextu řízení v autonomním módu. V úvodu jsou definovány jednotlivé stupně automatizace a je popsáno úskalí úrovně L3 (třetí úroveň automatizace, tzv. podmíněná automatizace), zejména s ohledem na zpětné převzetí řízení. Zpětné převzetí řízení je definováno jak z hlediska jeho rychlosti, tak i kvality a jsou uvedeny jednotlivé proměnné, které se v tomto kontextu zjišťují. Následně je popsáno pojetí neřidičských činností jak v širším kontextu (v rámci manuální jízdy), tak v kontextu užším (jízda v autonomním módu). Ukazuje se, že neřidičské činnosti mají negativní vliv na zpětné převzetí řízení, dochází k prodloužení času převzetí řízení, ke zkrácení času do kolize (TTC – time-to-collision) a k vyššímu počtu výskytu kolizí. V této souvislosti je diskutován čas potřebný k tomu, aby převzetí řízení dosahovalo dostatečné kvality. Jednotlivé činnosti z hlediska jejich charakteristik (smyslová modalita, kognitivní náročnost, manuální zátěž apod.) se liší v tom, jak ovlivňují zpětné převzetí řízení. Největší negativní vliv mají činnosti vizuální, kognitivně náročné a manuálního charakteru. Vysvětlení pro míru vlivu jednotlivých činností je pak zasazeno do teoretického rámce v podobě Wickensovy teorie zdrojů.
The presented study deals with the topic of non-driving related tasks in the context of driving in autonomous mode. In the introduction, the levels of automation are defined and the pitfalls of the L3 level (third level of automation, conditional automation), are described, especially with regard to takeover performance. A takeover is defined both in terms of its speed and quality. The individual variables measured in this context are described. Subsequently, the concept of non-driving related tasks is described both in a broader context (manual driving) and in a narrower context (driving in autonomous mode). Non-driving related tasks have a negative effect on takeover performance, takeover time, incidence of collisions and time to collision (TTC). In this context, the time required to takeover the driving task s is discussed, which will enable a quality takeover. The types of activities in terms of their characteristics (sensory modality, cognitive demand, manual load etc.) vary in the degree they influence takeover performance. Visual, cognitively demanding, and manual activities have the greatest negative influence. The explanation for effects of non-driving related tasks s is then embedded in a theoretical framework in the form of the Wicken's Multiple Ressources Model.
Metacognition is a part of the models of self-regulated learning. The consideration of a broader context resonates with a social cognitive perspective approach to learning which dominates the educational academic field with the theory of self-regulated learning. Metacognition is considered a crucial factor influencing mathematics achievement. Furthermore, the affective field including pupils' self-efficacy, interest and motivation are the phenomena involved in mathematical problem-solving. On the other hand, metacognitive knowledge and metacognitive regulations are not a regular part of mathematics education in the Czech Republic. The main aim of this study was to investigate the relation between pupils' attitude toward mathematics; metacognitive knowledge; self-efficacy and motivation; metacognitive monitoring; and their achievement in solving mathematical problems. All together 1,133 students of Grade 5 from four types of Czech schools participated in the study. There were traditional schools; schools teaching mathematics by genetic constructivism, i.e., Hejný's method; Montessori schools; and Dalton schools were involved. The assessed variables, namely relation to mathematics; metacognitive knowledge; self-efficacy and motivation; metacognitive monitoring; and mathematical achievement were used as an input to regression analysis. Item-response theory was used for assessing the performance of the students and demands of the tasks. The metacognitive monitoring was detected as the most significant predictor of mathematics achievement for higher- and lower-performing students as well as for the item with high and low demands. The study reveals how the different mathematics curricula (un)support the metacognitive processes involved in mathematical problem-solving. The information allows teachers to spend sufficient time with particular types of mathematics problems whose solutions is determined by activation of metacognitive processes. This demonstrates the importance of including the activities for development of metacognitive monitoring in mathematics education.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
AIM: To describe variation in task shifting from GPs to practice assistants/nurses in 34 countries and to explain differences by analysing associations with characteristics of the GPs and their practices and features of the health care systems. BACKGROUND: Redistribution of tasks and responsibilities in primary care are driven by changes in demand, such as the growing number of patients with chronic conditions, and workforce developments, including staff shortage. The need to manage an expanding range of services has led to adaptations in the skill-mix of primary care teams. These developments are hampered by barriers between professional domains. METHODS: Data were collected between 2011 and 2013 through a cross-sectional survey among approximately 7,200 general practitioners (GPs) in 34 countries. Task shifting is measured through a composite score of GPs' self-reported shifting of tasks. Independent variables at GP and practice level are as follows: innovativeness; part-time working; availability of staff; location and population of the practice. Country-level independent variables are as follows: demand for and supply of care, nurse prescribing, and professionalisation of practice assistants/nurses. Multilevel analysis is used to account for clustering of GPs in countries. FINDINGS: Countries vary in the degree of task shifting. Regarding GP and practice characteristics, use of electronic health records and availability of support staff in the practice are positively associated with task shifting and GPs' working hours negatively, in line with our hypotheses. Age of the GPs is, contrary to our hypothesis, positively related to task shifting. These variables explain 11% of the variance at GP level. Two country variables are related to task shifting: a lower percentage of practices without support staff in a country and nurse prescribing rights coincide with more task shifting. The percentage of practices without support staff has the strongest relationship, explaining 73% of the country variation.
- MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Delivery of Health Care MeSH
- General Practice * MeSH
- General Practitioners * MeSH
- Primary Health Care MeSH
- Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
This study investigated whether differences between personality styles in the processing of social stimuli reflect variability in underlying general-purpose or social-specific neurocognitive mechanisms. Sixty-five individuals classified previously into two distinct personality profiles underwent high-density electroencephalography whilst performing tasks that tap into both aspects of cognitive processing - namely, two distinct facets of general-purpose response inhibition (interference resolution and action withholding) during social information processing. To determine the stage of processing at which personality differences manifest, we assessed event-related components associated with the early visual discrimination of social stimuli (N170, N190) and later more general conflict-related processes (N2, P3). Although a performance index of interference resolution was comparable between the personality profiles, differences were detected in action withholding. Specifically, individuals expressing a wider repertoire of personality styles and more adaptive emotion regulation performed significantly better at withholding inappropriate actions to neutral faces presented in emotional contexts compared with those exhibiting stronger preferences for fewer and less adaptive personality styles and more ruminative affective tendencies. At the neurophysiological level, however, difference between the profiles was observed in brain responses elicited to the same stimuli within the N170. These results indicate that neural processes related to early visual discrimination might contribute to differences in the suppression of inappropriate responses towards social stimuli in populations with different personality dispositions.
- MeSH
- Electroencephalography * methods MeSH
- Emotions physiology MeSH
- Evoked Potentials * physiology MeSH
- Cognition physiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Personality MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
