Revised Short Screening Version of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) From the German General Population

The effects of a sugar-free amino acid-containing electrolyte beverage on 5-kilometer performance, blood electrolytes, and post-exercise cramping versus a conventional carbohydrate-electrolyte sports beverage and water

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of a multi-ingredient, low calorie dietary supplement (MIDS, XTEND® Healthy Hydration) on 5-kilometer (5-km) time trial performance and blood electrolyte concentrations compared to a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage (CE, GATORADE® Thirst Quencher) and distilled water (W).

METHODS

During visit 1 (V1), participants (10 men and 10 women, 20-35 years old, BMI ≤ 29 kg/m2, recreationally active) reported to the laboratory whereby the following tests were performed: i) height and weight measurements, ii) body composition analysis, iii) treadmill testing to measure maximal aerobic capacity, and iv) 5-km time trial familiarization. The second visit (V2) was one week after V1 in the morning (0600 - 0900) and participants arrived 12-14 h fasted (no food or drink). The first battery of assessments (V2-T1) included nude body mass, urine specific gravity (USG), a profile of mood states (POMS) questionnaire, and the completion of a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire to quantify cramping. Then heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), total body hydration (via bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy [BIS]) were examined. Finally, a measurement of blood markers via finger stick was performed. Participants consumed a randomized beverage (16 fl. oz. of MIDS, 16 fl. oz. of W, or 16 fl. oz. of CE) within 3 min followed by a 45-min rest. Following the rest period, a second battery (V2-T2) was performed whereby participants' USG was assessed and they completed the POMS and VAS questionnaires, and HR, BP, and blood markers were measured. The participants then performed a 5-km treadmill time trial. Immediately following the 5-km time trial, participants completed a third testing battery (V2-T3) that began with blood markers, HR and BP assessments, followed by nude body weight assessment, and the POMS and VAS questionnaires. After 60 min, a fourth battery (V2-T4) was performed that included HR, BP, and blood markers. After sitting quietly for another 60 min a fifth battery assessment was performed (V2-T5) that included participants' USG, POMS and VAS questionnaires, HR, BP, blood markers, and total body hydration. Visits 3 (V3) and 4 (V4) followed the same protocol except a different randomized drink (16 oz. of CE, MIDS, or W) was consumed; all of which were separated by approximately one week.

RESULTS

No differences occurred between conditions for 5-km time trial completion, indirect calorimetry outcomes during 5-km time trials, USG, or nude mass measurements (p > 0.05 for all relevant statistical tests). However, blood potassium and the sodium/potassium ratio displayed significant interactions (p < 0.05), and post hoc testing indicated these values were better maintained in the MIDS versus other conditions. Post-exercise cramp prevalence was greater in the CE (p < 0.05) and trended higher with W (p = 0.083) compared to the MIDS condition. Post-exercise cramp severity was also elevated with the W and CE beverages (p < 0.05) but not the MIDS (p = 0.211).

CONCLUSIONS

The MIDS did not affect 5-km time trial performance but exhibited favorable effects on blood electrolyte and post-exercise self-reporting cramp outcomes compared to the CE and W drinks.

A comparison of self- and observer-rated scales for detecting clinical improvement during repetitive transcranial stimulation (rTMS) treatment of depression

Clinical outcomes of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) vary widely, and no single mood rating scale is standard for assessing rTMS outcomes. This study of 708 subjects undergoing clinical rTMS compared the performance of four scales in measuring symptom change during rTMS treatment. Self-report and observer ratings were examined weekly with the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology 30-item (IDS), Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ), Profile of Mood States 30-item (POMS), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17-item (HDRS). While all scales were correlated and detected significant improvement, the degree of improvement over time as well as response (33-50%) and remission (20-24%) rates varied significantly. Higher baseline severity was associated with lower likelihood of remission, and greater improvement by sessions 5 and 10 predicted response across all scales. Use of only a single scale to assess outcome conferred 14-36% risk of failing to detect response/remission indicated by another scale. The PHQ was most likely to indicate improvement and least likely to miss response or remission. These findings indicate that assessment of symptom burden during rTMS treatment may be most accurately assessed through use of multiple instruments.

Seasonal Forest Changes of Color and Temperature: Effects on the Mood and Physiological State of University Students

In this study, we attempted to analyze the effect of color and temperature changes in the forest environment over time on the mood and physiological state of university students. The survey was conducted four times considering forest changes such as new leaf appearance and growth, autumn leaf changes, and fallen leaves. The participants' moods and physiological states were first evaluated in an indoor environment; a second evaluation was conducted after contact with the forest. The color visual information of the forest environment was analyzed through color extraction from photographs taken each survey day. The participants' moods and physiological states were measured using the Korean Profile of Mood States-Brief and a heart rate variability measuring device, respectively. Changes in the forest experience according to the season had an effect on university students' mood states. In particular, the effects of the spring forest experience included the relaxation of tension and the activation of vigor. This result is considered to be influenced by factors such as the season's temperature and the green color, which is predominant in the spring forest. However, no physiological changes were found in the participants according to each season. The results of this study can lead to greater consideration of the role of color in urban forest planning for universities and other public spaces.

Measuring Impairments of Mentalization with the 15-Item Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ) and Introducing the MZQ-6 Short Scale: Reliability, Validity and Norm Values Based on a Representative Sample of the German Population

Deficits in mentalization are indicated by impaired emotional awareness and self-reflectiveness, and are associated with various mental disorders. However, there is a lack of validated research instruments. In this study, the psychometric properties of the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ) were evaluated in a representative German population sample with n = 2487 participants. Analyses included evaluation of the MZQs acceptance, reliability, and validity. Factorial validity was established with exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) after the dataset was randomly split. Dimensionality was evaluated with a bi-factor model. For convergent validity, correlations with the OPD SQS, PHQ-4, and POMS were calculated. While acceptance was good, internal consistencies (ω = 0.65-0.79) and factor structure of the original four subscales were not acceptable (TLI = 0.87, CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.071). EFA indicated a 3-factor solution, which was not confirmed by CFA (TLI = 0.89, CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.073). Correlations between subscales and bi-factor analyses indicated an underlying general factor (TLI = 0.94, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.053). A shortened 6-item version was comparable to the original scale. Age and sex-specific representative norm-values are presented. The MZQ is a feasible, reliable and valid self-report instrument to measure representations of inner mental states. However, when applied to non-clinical samples, the total score of the MZQ should be used.

Harmonization and standardization of data for a pan-European cohort on SARS- CoV-2 pandemic

The European project ORCHESTRA intends to create a new pan-European cohort to rapidly advance the knowledge of the effects and treatment of COVID-19. Establishing processes that facilitate the merging of heterogeneous clusters of retrospective data was an essential challenge. In addition, data from new ORCHESTRA prospective studies have to be compatible with earlier collected information to be efficiently combined. In this article, we describe how we utilized and contributed to existing standard terminologies to create consistent semantic representation of over 2500 COVID-19-related variables taken from three ORCHESTRA studies. The goal is to enable the semantic interoperability of data within the existing project studies and to create a common basis of standardized elements available for the design of new COVID-19 studies. We also identified 743 variables that were commonly used in two of the three prospective ORCHESTRA studies and can therefore be directly combined for analysis purposes. Additionally, we actively contributed to global interoperability by submitting new concept requests to the terminology Standards Development Organizations.

Effect of Judo Athletes’ Psychological Function on Sports Coping Skills: Moderated Mediating Effect of Tension

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Judo athletes’ psychological function on sports coping skills through self-management: the moderated mediating effect of tension. A total of 124 participants (66 males and 58 females) were included, comprising high school students, college students, and judo team players (age 16 to 30, 20.51 ± 3.17) in the Republic of Korea. The psychological function was measured using the Profile of Mood Test, Athletes’ Self-Management Questionnaire, and Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28. The results of the analysis of the moderating effect of the athlete’s self-management behavior showed that tension had a moderating effect on the relationship between the athlete’s self-management behavior and sports coping skills. The mediating effect analysis revealed a mediating effect of self-management behavior on the relationship between player vitality and sports coping skills. It was also confirmed that tension had a moderating effect on athletes’ self-management behavior and sports coping skills. Therefore, it was confirmed that the higher the self-management, the more moderated the mediating effect on sports coping skills. In conclusion, it was confirmed that psychological function affects sports coping skills, and thereby, the mediating effect of the athlete’s self-management behavior is regulated by tension. In future research, it will be necessary to study the sports coping ability and performance of judo athletes according to tension control.

Relationship between sleep quality, mood state, and performance of elite air-rifle shooters

Background

To evaluate the impact of pre-competition sleep quality on the mood and performance of elite air-rifle shooters.

Methods

Elite shooters who participated in an air-rifle shooting-competition from April 2019 to October 2019 were evaluated using actigraphy, including Total Sleep Time (TST), Sleep Efficiency (SE), Sleep Latency (SL), Wake-time after Sleep Onset (WASO). Sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Profile of Mood State (POMS). Mood state was assessed by Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2.

Results

Study included 23 shooters, of them 13 male and 10 female with the mean age 23.11 ± 4.82 years. The average time to fall asleep was 20.6 ± 14.9 min, TST was 7.0 ± 0.8 h and SE was 85.9 ± 5.3%. Average sleep quality was 5.2 ± 2.2 and tended to decrease as the competition progressed. Pre-competition sleep time in female athletes was significantly higher compared to the competition day (P = 0.05). Pre-competition SL was significantly longer in women than in men (P = 0.021). During training and pre-competition, the tension, fatigue, depression, and emotional disturbance were significantly lower in athletes with good sleep quality. Athletes with good sleep quality had significantly more energy. The PSQI total score positively correlated with cognitive anxiety (r = 0.471, P < 0.01), and somatic anxiety (r = 0.585, P < 0.01), and negatively correlated with energy (− 0.504, P < 0.01) and self-confidence scores (r = − 0.523, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Poor sleep quality negatively impacted the mood of athletes; however, sleep indices and competition performance of athletes during competitions were not significantly correlated.

Forced to stay at home—impact of curfews on mood during a pandemic for individuals with exercise dependence

The effects of COVID-19-related lockdowns on deterioration of mental health and use of exercise to remediate such effects has been well documented in numerous populations. However, it remains unknown how lockdown restrictions impacted individuals differently and who was more likely to change their exercise behavior and experience negative well-being. The current study examined exercise dependence as a risk factor and its impact on exercise behavior and mood during the initial COVID-19 lockdowns on a global scale in 11,898 participants from 17 countries. Mixed effects models revealed that reducing exercise behavior was associated with a stronger decrease in mood for individuals at risk of exercise dependence compared to individuals at low risk of exercise dependence. Participants at high risk and exercising more prior to the pandemic reported the most exercise during lockdown. Effects of lowered mood were most pronounced in participants with high risk of exercise dependence who reported greater reduction in exercise frequency during lockdown. These results support recent etiological evidence for exercise dependence and add to a growing body of literature documenting mental health effects related to COVID-19.

Exercise behavior patterns and associations with subjective well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Brazil

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the behavior and practice of planned and structured physical exercises. This study aimed to investigate the association between changes in physical exercise behavior and subjective well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed in Brazil and included a total of 595 individuals recruited through social media platforms, personal and professional contacts. Each participant responded to self-completed questionnaire via an online survey between March 29 and May 7, 2020. The characteristics of physical exercise (frequency, intensity, and duration) were collected before and during the pandemic. The subjective state of mood was measured through the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire during the pandemic. A generalized linear model was employed for the analysis.

Results

Exercising during the pandemic only promoted protective effects on the subjective mood. An exercise frequency of 3-5 days/week was associated with improved vigor and between 6-7 days/week with improved vigor and total mood when compared to not exercising at all (p < .005). A moderate intensity was associated with improved vigor, and a high intensity with improved vigor, total mood, and less fatigue in comparison to low-intensity exercise programs (p < 0.05). Maintaining the same duration of exercise sessions during the pandemic was associated with lower scores of depression/anxiety, fatigue and irritability, and improved vigor and total mood, while performing longer sessions with improved vigor when compared to short exercise sessions (p < .005).

Conclusion

Regular exercising during the pandemic promotes positive changes in the subjective well-being. Our results reinforce the need for adopting and maintaining a physical exercise routine during the COVID-19 pandemic as a protective effect on mental health.

Different Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Exercise Indexes and Mood States Based on Sport Types, Exercise Dependency and Individual Characteristics

Exercise indexes have been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its related restrictions among athletes. In the present study, we investigated the exercise frequency and intensity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also current exercise dependency and mood state among non-contact individual, contact individual, and team sports athletes. A total of 1353 athletes from non-contact individual sports athletes (NCISA), contact individual sports athletes (CISA) and team sport athletes (TSA) participated; 45.4% of them were females that completed a series of self-rating questionnaires covering sociodemographic information, former and current exercise patterns, exercise dependency and mood states. NCISA had less exercise frequency than CISA, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and NCISA had less exercise frequency than TSA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding exercise intensity, CISA had higher scores than NCISA and TSA before the COVID-19 pandemic, and CISA had more exercise intensity than TSA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequency and intensity were reduced from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic in the three groups, except for TSA intensity. In addition, positive and negative mood states were correlated with exercise dependency. CISA were more discouraged and vigorous than NCISA and TSA, respectively. For NCISA, CISA, and TSA, ordinal regressions separately showed that adherence to quarantine and exercise dependency were better predictors of exercise indexes. Finally, exercise dependency subscales were different among sports, but it was not in exercise dependency itself. Although the decrease in exercise indexes was noticeable, there was no consistent pattern of change in exercise behavior in all sports. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, negative moods were predominant among all athletes. The results discussed are based on exercise nonparticipating, sport type, and affect regulation hypothesis.