Effect of Comfort on Mood States Affecting Performance

This thesis studied the temperature circadian rhythm and its relationship with the physical and mental performance of the individuals. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the effect of temperature circadian rhythm on the mental and physical performance, (2) whether a common oral temperature circadian rhythm pattern exists for all the participants, (3) the times of the day when the participants perform their best and worst in comparison to their highest and lowest temperatures respectively, (4) find out whether the effect of the oral temperature circadian rhythm on the physical and mental performance is different in males and females, and (5) the effect of lunar cycle on the physical and mental performance. In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, ten participants (5males and 5 females between the ages of 20-28 years) were tested. Each participant was required to record his/her body temperature every hour over a 13-hour period for about a week. Based on this data, the participants' highest and lowest temperatures were determined. Each participant was given a physical and a mental performance test at the times corresponding to his/her highest and lowest temperatures. Finally, the lunar calendar was used to test the effect of the lunar cycle on the physical and mental performance of the participants. The results of the experiment show that during the time corresponding to high oral temperatures, the participants' physical performance increased by 9.3 percent, and the mental performance increased by 4.6 percent compared to their low temperatures. The participants, upon analysis of the data, also exhibited a common pattern in their temperature circadian rhythms. The results showed that on average, the participants' body temperature started increasing around 9:30am and kept increasing until 8:30pm. In addition to that, it was also found out that there was an insignificant difference in the average physical performance increase in males (9.38lbs) and females (9.39lbs); however, mental performance increased by a greater percentage, in females (5.2) as compared to males (4.07). Finally, the lunar cycle had no effect on the physical and mental performance of the participants.

The aim of this review article is to assess the level of scientific evidence presented by clinical trials of adaptogens in fatigue, and to provide a rationale at the molecular level for verified effects. Strong scientific evidence is available for Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract, which improved attention, cognitive function and mental performance in fatigue and in chronic fatigue syndrome. Good scientific evidence has been documented in trails in which Schisandra chinensis and Eleutherococcus senticosus increased endurance and mental performance in patients with mild fatigue and weakness. Based on their efficacy in clinical studies, adaptogens can be defined as a pharmacological group of herbal preparations that increase tolerance to mental exhaustion and enhance attention and mental endurance in situations of decreased performance. The beneficial stress-protective effect of adaptogens is related to regulation of homeostasis via several mechanisms of action associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the control of key mediators of stress response such as molecular chaperons (e.g. Hsp70), stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK1), Forkhead Box O transcription factor DAF-16, cortisol and nitric oxide (NO). The key point of action of phytoadaptogens appears to be their up-regulating and stress-mimetic effects on the "stress-sensor" protein Hsp70, which plays an important role in cell survival and apoptosis. Hsp70 inhibits the expression of NO synthase II gene and interacts with glucocorticoid receptors directly and via the JNK pathway, thus affecting the levels of circulating cortisol and NO. Prevention of stress-induced increase in NO, and the associated decrease in ATP production, results in increased performance and endurance. Adaptogen-induced up-regulation of Hsp70 triggers stress-induced JNK-1 and DAF-16-mediated pathways regulating the resistance to stress and resulting in enhanced mental and physical performance and, possibly, increased longevity.

BackgroundA limited amount of research has demonstrated beneficial effects of caffeine and theanine supplementation for enhancement of mental performance. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the acute ingestion of a supplement containing caffeine, theanine and tyrosine improves mental and physical performance in athletes.MethodsTwenty current or former male collegiate athletes (age: 20.5 ± 1.4 y; height: 1.82 ± 0.08 m; weight: 83.9 ± 12.6 kg; body fat: 13.8 ± 5.6%) completed this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. After familiarization, each participant completed two identical testing sessions with provision of a proprietary dietary supplement (SUP) containing caffeine theanine and tyrosine or a placebo (PL). Within each testing session, participants completed assessments of mental and physical performance before and after provision of SUP or PL, as well as after two rounds of exercise. Assessments were performed using a performance testing device (Makoto Arena) that evaluated multiple aspects of mental and physical performance in response to auditory and visual stimuli. Testing was performed both with the body in a static position and during dynamic movement. General linear models were used to evaluate the effects of SUP and PL on performance.ResultsChanges in movement accuracy during performance assessment were greater following SUP ingestion as compared to PL for both static and dynamic testing (SUP: + 0.4 to 7.5%; PL: − 1.4 to 1.4% on average; p < 0.05). For dynamic testing, the change in number of targets hit was higher and the change in average hit time was lower with SUP as compared to PL (p < 0.05). However, there were no differences between conditions for the changes in number of targets hit or average hit time during static testing. There were no differences in changes of subjective variables during either condition, and performance measures during the two rounds of exercise did not differ between conditions (p > 0.05).DiscussionThe present results indicate that a combination of a low-dose of caffeine with theanine and tyrosine may improve athletes’ movement accuracy surrounding bouts of exhaustive exercise without altering subjective variables. Based on this finding, supplementation with caffeine, theanine and tyrosine could potentially hold ergogenic value for athletes in sports requiring rapid and accurate movements.Trial registrationNCT03019523. Registered 24 January 2017.

Background Overtraining syndrome (OTS) is a stress-related phenomenon experienced by elite-level and recreational athletes alike. Athletes are subjected to stressors from physical, psychological, and biochemical sources that may lead to OTS and significant decrements in mental and physical performance. OTS may be characterized by elevated perceived stress, reduced mood quality, increased tension/anxiety, and disrupted sleep quality/ quantity; each of which can influence and compound the other, leading to a vicious cycle of increasingly poor performance, increased stress, and disrupted sleep patterns.

: Exposure to environmental or physiological stress results in a decrease in mental and physical performance. The less control the individual has over these stresses, the greater the decrement. The decrease in performance, particularly mental performance, results from a depletion of catecholamines within the brain. This decrease, especially in norepinephrine, leads to alterations in normal brain function and an increase in error rates, decreased decision making ability, mental confusion, and an overall decrease in cognitive performance. All of these are compounded the longer the individual is unable to remove the stress. Previous studies involving rats and humans have shown that supplemental tyrosine (levels above normal dietary intake) prevent the normal decrease in performance in stressed individuals. Tyrosine, the initial precursor in catecholamine synthesis, works by increasing the availability of the precursor and thereby slowing the rate of norepinephrine depletion. Nine healthy subjects from the Colorado State University community were exposed to a 3-hour protocol that was repeated for 4 different environmental conditions. During each exposure profile, the following stressors were placed on the subjects: (1) hypobaric environment of 21,000 feet (only for two of the four exposure profiles); (2) immobilization in the form of a confined space (4' x 3'), the restriction of movement for a period of three hours, and the use of a breathing hood; (3) boredom associated with periods of prolonged inactivity; (4) behavioral and psychophysiological testing; (5) cool temperatures and low humidity; and (6) a sustained 71 dB(A) noisy chamber environment. During the course of each exposure, subjects performed several computerized vigilance and cognitive tests and completed a mood questionnaire. Each test was separated by a period of inactivity. Prior to each exposure, subjects were given either 100 mg/kg body weight of a placebo or tyrosine in capsule form.

Multidimensional Assessment of Mental State in Occupational Health Care—Combined Application of Three Questionnaires: Tokyo University Egogram (TEG), Time Structuring Scale (TSS), and Profile of Mood States (POMS)

Adaptogens possess anti-fatigue and anti-stress activities that can increase mental and physical working performance against a background of fatigue or stress. The aim of the present study was to ascertain which mediators of stress response are significantly involved in the mechanisms of action of adaptogens, and to determine their relevance as biochemical markers for evaluating anti-stress effects in rabbits subjected to restraint stress. Blood levels of stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK/JNK), the phosphorylated kinase p-SAPK/p-JNK, nitric oxide (NO), cortisol, testosterone, prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4 and thromboxane B2 were determined in groups of animals prior to daily oral administration of placebo, rhodioloside or extracts of Eleutherococcus senticosus, Schizandra chinensis, Rhodiola rosea, Bryonia alba and Panax ginseng over a 7 day period. Ten minutes after the final treatment, animals were immobilized for 2 hours and blood levels of the markers re-determined. In the placebo group, only p-SAPK/p-JNK, NO and cortisol were increased significantly (by 200–300% cf basal levels) following restraint stress, whilst in animals that had received multiple doses of adaptogens/stress-protectors, the levels of NO and cortisol remained practically unchanged after acute stress. Rhodioloside and extracts of S. chinensis and R. rosea were the most active inhibitors of stress-induced p-SAPK/p-JNK. E. senticosus, B. alba and P. ginseng exerted little effect on p-SAPK/p-JNK levels. It is suggested that the inhibitory effects of R. rosea and S. chinensis on p-SAPK/p-JNK activation may be associated with their antidepressant activity as well as their positive effects on mental performance under stress.

Objective: There is a close bidirectional relationship between overweight/obesity and depression, which may be largely modified through the microbiome and the gut-brain axis. Previous research has shown targeted weight loss effects and anti-depressive benefits of diets high in fiber and phytonutrients and low in sugar and processed foods. Thus, our objective was to determine changes in parameters common to both obesity and depression (e.g., microbiome balance, metabolic biomarkers, and psychological mood state) following a coordinated supplementation regimen combining probiotics, prebiotics, and phytonutrients (“phytobiotics”).Methods: Thirty-three (33) healthy subjects participated in a 6-week supplementation trial (Amare “Project b3”) containing a targeted blend of probiotics, prebiotics, and phytobiotics. Microbiome balance was assessed in fecal samples using a novel PCR-based analysis (BiomeTracker) that has previously compared favorably to 16S sequencing. Biomarkers, including blood lipids, glucose, cortisol, and butyrate kinase, were assessed as indicators of effects on cardiovascular, inflammatory, and energy metabolism. Psychological mood state was assessed using the validated Profile of Mood States survey (POMS) to generate scores for Global Mood State and six sub-scales (Depression, Tension, Fatigue, Anger, Confusion, and Vigor).Results: Following supplementation, there was a significant increase in populations of “good” bacteria (+8% Bifidobacterium, +33% Lactobacillus, +62% S. Thermophilus, +90% Akkermansia) as well as bacterial ratios associated with a healthier “obesity-resistant” metabolism (+6% composite score, -11% Firmicutes, +6% Bacteroidetes, -14% F/B ratio). Metabolites associated with stress and glycemic control improved post-supplementation (-11% cortisol; +89% butyrate kinase, -6% glucose), as did body fat (-2%) and blood lipids (-8% total cholesterol, -5% LDL, +3% HDL, -23% triglycerides, -7% TC/HDL). Psychological indices were significantly improved post-supplementation for both positive (+17% Global Mood; +23% Vigor) and negative mood states (-38% Depression; -41% Tension; -42% Fatigue; -31% Confusion; -39% Anger).Conclusions: These results demonstrate the close relationship between microbiome balance, systemic metabolism, and psychological parameters – and the utility of targeted supplementation to optimize gut-brain-axis balance for both improved metabolism and enhanced mental wellness.Keywords: Obesity; Depression; Anxiety; Stress; Probiotics; Prebiotics; Diet; Supplement

This study examined the effects of different nap durations on attention and physical performance as well as mood states, sleepiness, perceived exertion (RPE), recovery (PRS), and muscle soreness (DOMS) in trained men. Fourteen amateur team sport players (age: 20.3 ± 3.0 years, height: 173.1 ± 6.7 cm, body-mass: 68.1 ± 6.6 kg) performed a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) test, 5-m shuttle run, and the digit-cancellation (i.e., attention) test after a no-nap (N0) and 40-min (N40) and 90-min (N90) of nap opportunities. Subjective measurement of mood states, RPE, PRS and DOMS were determined. Compared to N0, both nap durations enhanced attention, MVIC, total distance (TD), and higher distance (HD) (p < 0.001), with a higher gain after N90 compared to N40 for attention (Δ = +3), MVIC (Δ = +30 N) and TD (Δ = +35 m) (p < 0.001). Total mood scores were better after N40 and N90 compared to N0 (p < 0.05), with lower scores after N90 compared to N40 (p < 0.05). DOMS and RPE scores were significantly lower and PRS was significantly higher after N40 and N90 compared to N0 and after N90 compared to N40 (p < 0.05). Although both nap opportunity durations were beneficial, N90 was better than N40 for improving physical performances and attention as well as the perception of recovery, reducing fatigue perception, muscle soreness, and negative mood states.

Purpose: research of psychical state in qualified wrestlers in stage of special basic fitness. Material and methods. The study involved 31 skilled Greco-Roman wrestlers aged 14-16 years, pupils of the wrestling club in Kremenchuk. To assess the mental state of skilled wrestlers, the Luscher color test was used. According to the results of the study, the following indicators were obtained: performance, fatigue, anxiety, deviation from the autogenous norm, eccentricity, concentricity, vegetative coefficient, heteronomy and autonomy. Heart rate variability was studied as an indicator of mental stress. The cardiac monitor «Fazagraf» was used. Based on the results of the study, we obtained statistical processing indicators and spectral characteristics of cardiac intervals. Non-parametric statistics with the determination of the median, lower and upper quartiles were used to assess the differences between the studied parameters. Results: in wrestlers with high tension of the autonomic regulation system, a deterministic functional system aimed at ensuring the mental state is revealed. At the same time, an increase in the tension of autonomic regulation is accompanied by mental fatigue, anxiety, passivity and the presence of mental stress. Prevention of mental stress in skilled wrestlers may be associated with the activation of the athlete to external environmental stimuli, optimism and a mood for positive behavior. The relationship between the indicators of mental state and the parameters of mental functions in skilled wrestlers was revealed. The moderate tension of the heart rate regulation system in skilled wrestlers is accompanied by an increase in mental performance and a decrease in anxiety. In turn, the increase in the tension of autonomous regulation is reflected in the presence of internal psychological discomfort and independence in the formation of decision-making. However, there is an increase in anxiety and a decrease in mental performance. Conclusions. The relationship between indicators of mental state and parameters of psychical functions in qualified wrestlers was revealed. Moderate tension of the heart rhythm regulation system in qualified wrestlers is accompanied by an increase in mental capacity and a decrease in anxiety. The increase in the tension of autonomous regulation in qualified wrestlers is reflected in the presence of internal psychological discomfort and independence in decision-making. Keywords: mental state, qualified wrestlers, heart rate regulation, indicators, analysis.

Sleep is fundamental for recovery and good mental, cognitive and physical performance. Many factors could affect the sleep of the physical active people or athletes such as: late night training sessions or competition, Ramadan fasting and jetlag. These conditions that affect the sleep quality have significant negative effects on mental, cognitive and physical performance. Thus, scientists have to find strategies to overcome the perturbation of sleep and to optimize mental, cognitive and physical performance especially for physical active people and athletes. One of the proposed strategies is the nap opportunity. Otherwise, in their routinely training sessions, athletes are required to perform short-term repetitive maximal sprints. One of the utilized exercise for testing or training is the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT). Recent studies concluded that a nap opportunity has a positive effect on performance during the 5mSRT. These studies reported that this positive effect depends on the duration and the time of day of the nap opportunity. Indeed, the positive effect of the nap opportunity was better after a duration of 45-minutes compared to a 25-minutes. Also, this positive effect was reported when the nap opportunity was performed at 14h00 or 15h00. However, no-positive effect was reported when the nap opportunity was realized at 13h00.

Effect of dried-bonito broth intake on peripheral blood flow, mood, and oxidative stress marker in humans

This study reports on an experiment conducted to assess the influence of different affective mood states on auditors’ ability to resist obedience pressure to commit or overlook unethical acts in six audit contexts. Obedience pressure from superiors to comply with unethical directives is of particular concern in public accounting, given the hierarchical structure of audit teams and the power imbalance in superior–subordinate relationships. One hundred and seventy audit seniors from two large international public accounting firms participated in an experiment. Three different moods were induced in participants through work‐related trigger events: one positive active mood state (arousal) and two negative passive mood states (fear and insignificance). These mood states were anticipated to influence auditors’ expressed willingness to comply with their superiors’ unethical directives as set forth in our ethical scenarios. Our results indicate that low levels of arousal and high levels of fear and insignificance influenced compliance intentions. Our results also indicate overall high levels of expressed willingness to comply with superiors’ unethical directives. Implications of our findings for understanding the antecedents of unethical conduct within the accounting profession and for future research are discussed.

Objective: humans' circadian rhythm is an important parameter in understanding current biological, physiological, and psychological status, which broadly affects physical fitness. The physiological mechanisms underlying circadian rhythms remain underexplored despite their potential impact on physical and mental health. The study aims to examine the effect of diurnal variations on cognitive and physical performance in female athletes. Methodology: a counterbalanced within-subjects repeated measures design was employed, involving 15 healthy female university students aged 18 to 25. Each participant underwent cognitive and physical performance tests at three distinct times—6 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM—on separate days. Results: the study demonstrated a significant effect of diurnal variations on cognitive and physical performance indices. Discussion: cognitive performance showed varied patterns across time points. Perceptual reasoning, measured by the Müller-Lyer test, peaked in the morning and was lowest in the evening. Working memory, assessed via the span digit test, showed moderate values at noon and evening. Strength, measured by the vertical jump, was highest in the evening and lowest in the morning. As assessed by the Illinois Agility Test, agility peaked at noon, with the lowest values recorded in the morning. Conclusions: time of day significantly affects both cognitive and physical performance in female athletes. Strength peaks in the evening, agility at noon, and perceptual reasoning in the morning, while working memory shows moderate performance at noon and evening. These results suggest that athletes and coaches can optimize training and competition schedules based on diurnal cognitive and physical performance variations.

Blockchain technology, initially developed for cryptocurrencies, has evolved into a versatile tool with applications across industries, including healthcare, finance, and now sports. This study investigates the role of blockchain in enhancing athlete performance tracking by integrating physical and cognitive metrics. Traditional methods often lack objectivity and security, while blockchain offers decentralised, tamper-proof, and real-time data tracking, addressing these challenges. The primary goal of this article is to explore how blockchain technology can enhance the tracking of athletes' mental and physical performance. The article aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the integration of blockchain in sports, focusing on its potential to address current challenges in performance monitoring, improve data security and integrity, and enable more effective and personalized training and competition strategies. A systematic review of literature was conducted to examine blockchain’s applications in sports. The analysis focused on its capabilities for performance tracking, data security, and integration with wearable technology. Metrics like strength, endurance, attention, decision-making, and cognitive fatigue were evaluated through blockchain-enabled systems. Blockchain enhances both physical and cognitive performance tracking by providing secure, real-time, and tamper-proof data. It facilitates personalised training programs by integrating metrics such as agility, focus, and decision-making. Wearable technology combined with blockchain enables continuous monitoring while safeguarding athlete privacy. The technology also ensures transparent record-keeping, useful for talent scouting and dispute resolution. Blockchain technology revolutionises athlete performance management by addressing traditional monitoring challenges. It offers a holistic approach to integrating physical and cognitive metrics, ensuring data security and enabling predictive insights for training and competition. However, issues like scalability, adoption resistance, and regulatory barriers need resolution for widespread implementation. Future studies should focus on the long-term impacts of blockchain on athlete development, scalability in sports organisations, and integration with emerging technologies like AI and IoT. Addressing regulatory and ethical challenges will be crucial for its adoption in the global sports industry.