ECSS Paris 2023: CP-BM17
INTRODUCTION: Pain affects performance by increasing the perceived task difficulty. According to the motivational intensity theory (1), in the presence of pain, individuals must allocate additional effort to maintain performance, leading to an increase in the perception of effort (PE). The objective of this study is to test the effect of pain on performance. As effort is present in the motor and cognitive domains, we investigated the effect of pain on motor and cognitive performance. We hypothesized that performance could be maintained in the presence of pain at the cost of higher PE. To explore the underlying mechanisms of PE in the motor and cognitive domains, we performed computational modeling. METHODS: Two experiments (n=20 each, exp1: motor, exp2: cognitive) were conducted. In exp1 participants had to match a line using a handgrip dynamometer. Performance was measured as force steadiness. In exp2 participants performed a modified Simon task. Performance was measured as reaction time and accuracy. In both experiments task demand (TD) was manipulated with 3 levels and each trial lasted 15s. An individualized thermal stimulation (warm – control, light or high pain) was applied during each trial. After each trial, participants reported their PE and pain. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. Then we compared mathematical and theoretical models using maximum likelihood estimate to predict PE. In each computational model, we used the linear and logarithm of the TD as well as the objective level of thermal stimulation and subjective pain ratings as predictors. RESULTS: In both experiments, performance was maintained (ps >.387) in the presence of pain and PE was higher compared to the warm conditions (ps<.009). In addition, task completion was associated with a reduced pain perception (ps<.004). Computational analyses revealed in the motor domain that all models favored the logarithm of the TD rather than the linear. In cognitive domain, the logarithm of the TD was a superior predictor in most models (10 models better, 3 equivalents, none were worse). Moreover, subjective pain ratings consistently provided a better prediction of perceived effort than did the objective level of stimulation. The best-fitting model differed between the motor and cognitive domain. CONCLUSION: According to our hypothesis, the maintenance of performance in presence of pain is possible at a cost of higher effort in the task, in both motor and cognitive domains. Computational analyses highlight that the logarithm of TD predicts PE more accurately than linear models. These analyses also reveal that subjective pain perception is a better predictor of PE than the objective level of thermal stimulation. Although these analyses reveal similar components (logarithm and subjectivity), the model that best explains the data differs between the two domains, suggesting the PE underlying mechanism may be domain-specific. 1) Richter et al. (2016). Advances in motivation science, 3, 149-186.
Read CV Thomas ManginECSS Paris 2023: CP-BM17
INTRODUCTION: Bowlers play an important role in cricket, seeking to meet the dual task goals of dismissing a batter, and limiting the batting team’s score. Finding a length (distance) to bowl to the batter which increases uncertainty in their responses, colloquially termed a ‘good length’, helps achieve these dual aims. There is conjecture around the location of this region, with a range of distances (between 3-8m) previously reported [1]. When viewed from a theoretical framework of learning, such as ecological dynamics, regions offering more than one movement solution are considered metastable regions [2]. This study explored coaches understanding of the concept of a ‘good length’ in relation to cricket bowling. METHODS: An online questionnaire (Qualtrics) targeting cricket coaches internationally included fixed-response and free-text questions, with demographic and coaching experience data presented as frequencies. Thematic analysis [3] using NVivo (v15.0.0) software explored coaches understanding of key characteristics and perceptions of a ‘good length’ region in cricket, comparing two groups (coaches predominantly coaching either junior (<18 yrs) or senior (>18 yrs) cricketers). RESULTS: 104 coaches (93% male, 7% female) aged 20-69 years from 11 countries responded, with 52% coaching junior and 48% coaching senior cricketers. A central theme (a region for success) emerged after thematic analysis of coaches perceptions of a ‘good length’, with three sub-themes. Those coaching juniors focused on the batter’s role within the ‘doubtful batter’ sub-theme, while those coaching seniors also commented on challenging the batter. Both coaching groups shared similar sentiments for the sub-themes of ‘a pause on scoring’ (inhibiting performance) and ‘just out of reach’ (focus on the location being not too full or not too short). Three themes on characteristics that determine a ‘good length’ delivery emerged. The contextual nature of the region was reported by both groups (theme 1: the role of context), with those coaching seniors reporting strategic elements in addition to the individual and environmental constraints reported by those coaching juniors. Both groups included comments identifying the importance of line when defining this region (theme 2: multidimensionality of the region), with some coaches from both groups identifying fixed distances for this region (theme 3: fixed dimensions of this length). CONCLUSION: Insights from cricket coaches conceptualisation of the ‘good length’ region depict an understanding aligned to the concept of metastability [2], moving beyond common interpretations of a fixed distance. Overall, both groups of coaches shared similar sentiments around the dynamic nature of this region, with coaches of senior cricketers often demonstrating more tactical nuance to their interpretation. Findings may assist with broadening understanding of these concepts at different levels of coach education. 1. Harwood et al. (2019) 2. Pinder et al. (2012) 3. Braun & Clarke (2006)
Read CV Kevin TisseraECSS Paris 2023: CP-BM17
INTRODUCTION: Children with ADHD often struggle with balance and postural control unlike their unaffected peers (1). While balance ability with a focus on postural sway has been broadly investigated in the patient-group, less is known about postural strategies employed to maintain equilibrium. We complement the hip and ankle postural strategies by an upper body strategy, to additionally take movements of the head, arms and trunk into account in the effort of regaining balance (3). Our study aimed at investigating the differences in postural control strategies between children with and without ADHD. METHODS: 41 children (17 diagnosed with ADHD, 24 unaffected controls) with a mean age of 10.0 ± 1.4 years participated in the study. For the assessment of static balance, a 25-second one-leg stand was conducted. Dynamic balance was tested by balancing over a narrow wooden beam. Kinetic data was recorded with Kistler force plates. Kinematic data was collected with the Qualisys motion capture system. Joint torque amplitudes were calculated with an inverse-dynamics approach employing the Myonardo software (4). RESULTS: Children with ADHD generated significantly higher torques during static and dynamic balancing. While torques of the ADHD-group were only 11% higher (dynamic task) and 7.5% higher (static task) for the upper body joint group, they were 22% higher (dynamic) and 20% (static) for the ankle joint. No group differences were found for hip joint torques. CONCLUSION: Problems with proprioception and neuromuscular control are common among children with ADHD and may demonstrate as reduced precision in muscle activation (5). Cerebellar deficits in the patient-group negatively influence balance and coordination (1). Such deficits likely interfere with the adjustment of joint torques involved in maintaining balance and stability. Children with ADHD seemingly employ the ankle- and upper body strategies more intensely than the unaffected controls. The topic is of great importance as impairments in balance and motor control may interfere with activity and participation and may increase the risk of injuries. References 1. Goetz M, Schwabova JP, Hlavka Z, Ptacek R, Surman CB. Dynamic balance in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and its relationship with cognitive functions and cerebellum. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2017; 13:873–80. 2. Boström KJ, Dirksen T, Zentgraf K, Wagner H. The Contribution of Upper Body Movements to Dynamic Balance Regulation during Challenged Locomotion. Front Hum Neurosci 2018; 12:8. 3. Wagner H, Boström KJ, Lussanet MHE de, Graaf ML de, Puta C, Mochizuki L. Optimization Reduces Knee-Joint Forces During Walking and Squatting: Validating the Inverse Dynamics Approach for Full Body Movements on Instrumented Knee Prostheses. Motor Control 2023; 27(2):161–78. 4. Iglesias T, Liutsko L, Tous JM. Proprioceptive diagnostics in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psicothema 2014; 26(4):477–82.
Read CV Tabea ChristECSS Paris 2023: CP-BM17