Continuous Performance Testing in Virtual Time

Author(s):  
Nikos Baltas ◽  
Tony Field
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eline B. Provost ◽  
Tim S. Nawrot ◽  
Luc Int Panis ◽  
Arnout Standaert ◽  
Nelly D. Saenen ◽  
...  

Changes in geometry of the retinal microvascular network, including vessel width, vessel density, and tortuosity, have been associated with neurological disorders in adults. We investigated metrics of the retinal microvasculature in association with behavior and cognition in 8- to 12-year-old children. Digital fundus images of 190 children (48.2% girls, mean age 9.9 years) were used to calculate retinal vessel diameters, fractal dimension, lacunarity, and tortuosity. Parents filled out a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for behavioral screening. Cognitive performance testing included a computerized version of the Stroop test (selective attention), the Continuous Performance (sustained attention), the Digit-Symbol (visual scanning and information-processing speed) and the Pattern Comparison (visuospatial analytic ability) tests from the Neurobehavioral Evaluation System (NES3) battery. Retinal vessel geometry was significantly associated with the SDQ problem score, which increased with 1.1 points (95% CI: 0.3 to 1.9 points) per interquartile (IQR) increment in retinal fractal dimension, and decreased 1.4 points (95% CI: −2.4 to −0.4 points) or decreased 1.0 points (95% CI: −2.1 to 0.1 points) per IQR increment in retinal vascular lacunarity or tortuosity, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed that results were driven by the hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problem scales of the SDQ. Correspondingly, mean reaction time on the Continuous Performance test increased by 11 ms (95% CI: 4.4 to 17.6 ms) with an IQR increase in fractal dimension. The results indicate that a denser retinal microvascular network, exemplified by a higher fractal dimension and lower lacunarity, are inversely associated with behavioral outcomes and sustained attention in children.


Biofeedback ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-205
Author(s):  
Michael Thompson ◽  
Lynda Thompson

This article tracks the evolution of the practice of neurofeedback over the past quarter century from the perspective of services offered at a private clinic. It describes why and how the authors changed their practices from interventions including medication, psychotherapy, and tutoring to biofeedback interventions. Their evolving practices required complex assessments including single- and two-channel quantitative electroencephalograph (QEEG) and later 19-channel QEEG combined with evoked potentials, heart rate variability, continuous performance testing, and neuropsychological assessment. The article stresses that interventions require a multimodal approach. The neuroanatomical rationale for combining neurofeedback and heart rate variability (HRV) training is provided as well as a discussion of how a systems theory of neural synergy helps explain how neurofeedback influences brain networks. Assessment procedures are described in some detail because that information is used to develop effective interventions that typically combine neurofeedback (single-channel or LORETA Z-score neurofeedback, as indicated) with HRV training. The authors stress using evidence-based approaches, basing intervention on assessment, and keeping current with new developments in applied neuroscience.


Author(s):  
K. Hennighausen ◽  
G. Schulte-Körne ◽  
A. Warnke ◽  
H. Remschmidt

Zusammenfassung Fragestellung: Gibt es neurophysiologische Korrelate der Aufmerksamkeitsstörung beim hyperkinetischen Syndrom (HKS) und welche Bedeutung haben diese für die Ätiologie der Störung. Methodik: Selektive Aufmerksamkeitsprozesse wurden anhand des zweistufigen Continuous Performance Test (CPT) bei 18 Jungen mit hyperkinetischem Syndrom (HKS) untersucht und mit einer nach dem Alter parallelisierten Kontrollgruppe von 21 Jungen verglichen. Die Altersspanne der Stichprobe betrug 6 bis 12 Jahre. Parallel dazu wurden ereigniskorrelierte Potentiale (EKP) während des Tests an den Elektrodenpositionen Fz, Cz, Pz und Oz mit Referenz zu verbundenen Ohren abgeleitet. Ergebnisse: Im EKP nach dem präparatorischen Stimulus konnten zwei Komponenten der Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) mit unterschiedlicher topographischer Verteilung identifiziert werden (CNV-1: 600 bis 1100 ms und CNV-2: 1000 bis 1500 ms nach Stimulus). Die Stichproben unterschieden sich nicht auf der Verhaltensebene (Fehlerrate und Reaktionszeit). Signifikante Gruppenunterschiede ergaben sich hinsichtlich der Topographie der beiden CNV-Komponenten. Kinder mit HKS zeigten im Vergleich zu Kontrollkindern eine signifikant niedrigere CNV-1 über der frontalen und eine Tendenz zu stärkerer Negativierung (CNV-1 und CNV-2) über der occipitalen Elektrode. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse unterstützen die Hypothese einer Unterfunktion frontaler inhibitorischer Prozesse bei Kindern mit HKS.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 291-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dubi Lufi ◽  
Shachar Pan

Abstract. Several studies have shown that Continuous Performance Tests (CPT) can diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) better than other tests. Research reporting comparisons of two or more CPT-type tests is scarce. The purpose of the study was to compare the Mathematics Continuous Performance Test (MATH-CPT) with another CPT-type test (CPT II) and a questionnaire (the Brown Scale). The comparison was carried out by looking at correlations among subscales and checking the precision of detecting ADHD. Ninety-five high school and college students participated in the study, 41 with ADHD were the research group and 54 were the control group. The participants performed the two tests and answered the questionnaire. The results showed that the MATH-CPT correctly identified 74.50% of the participants of both groups as compared to the 71.60% of the CPT II. Correlations between the two CPT-type tests were moderate; however, they were similar to correlations found in other studies comparing similar tools. The MATH-CPT, final attention formula, showed significant correlations with the Brown scales, while the CPT II, confidence index associated with ADHD assessment, showed nonsignificant correlations with the questionnaire. The study indicated that MATH-CPT can be used with a clinical population of ADHD and for research purposes.


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