METHODS: We collected and analyzed functional near-infrared spectroscopy data of 38 participants while performing the revised lateralized attention network tast.
RESULTS: Elite players were significantly faster than novices (p = .005), and the experts' overall accuracy rate (ACC) was higher than that of novices (p = .001). The effect of the executive network on reaction time was higher in novices than in elite players (p = .008) and experts (p = .004). The effect of the executive network on the ACC was lower in elite players than in experts (p = .009) and novices (p = .010). Finally, elite player had higher flanker conflict effects on RT (p = .005) under the invalid cue condition. the effect of the alertness network and orientation on the ACC was lower in elite players than in novices (p = .000) and experts (p = .022). Changes in the blood oxygen level-dependent signal related to the flanker effect were significantly different in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F=3.980, p = .028) and right inferior frontal gyrus (F=3.703, p = .035) among the three groups. Elit players showed more efficient executive control (reduced conflict effect on ACC) (p = .006)in the RH.The changes related to the effect of blood oxygen level on orienting were significantly different in the right frontal eye fields (F=3.883, p = .030) among the three groups, Accompanied by significant activation of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(p = .026).
CONCLUSION: Our findings provide partial evidence of the superior cognitive performance and high neural efficiency of elite ice hockey players during cognitive tasks. These results demonstrate the right hemisphere superiority for executive control.We also found that specific brain activation in hockey players does not show a clear and linear relationship with skill level.
PATIENT CONCERNS: A 37-year-old construction worker was brought in by his wife and coworker due to a sudden loss of consciousness while resting after completing his work.
DIAGNOSES: Due to challenges faced during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, as well as language barriers, a detailed history from the coworker who witnessed the patient's altered sensorium was not available. He was initially suspected of having encephalitis and brainstem stroke. However, subsequent investigations revealed multiorgan dysfunction with a normal brain computed tomography and cerebral computed tomography angiogram. In view of the multiple risk factors for heat stroke, pupillary constriction, and urine color suggestive of rhabdomyolysis, a diagnosis of heat stroke was made.
INTERVENTIONS: Despite delayed diagnosis, the patient's multiorgan dysfunction recovered within days with basic supportive care.
OUTCOMES: There were no noticeable complications on follow-up 14 months later.
LESSONS: Heat stroke can be easily confused with other neurological pathologies, particularly if no history can be obtained from the patient or informant. When approaching a comatose patient, we propose that serum creatinine kinase should be considered as an initial biochemical screening test.