1
|
Kykyri VL, Nyman-Salonen P, Tschacher W, Tourunen A, Penttonen M, Seikkula J. Exploring the role of emotions and conversation content in interpersonal synchrony: A case study of a couple therapy session. Psychother Res 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38861657 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2024.2361432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This exploratory study investigated the association between interpersonal movement and physiological synchronies, emotional processing, and the conversational structure of a couple therapy session using a multimodal, mixed-method approach. METHOD The video recordings of a couple therapy session, in which the participants' electrodermal activity was recorded, were analyzed. The session was divided into topical episodes, a qualitative analysis was conducted on each topical episode's emotional aspects, conversational structure and content. In addition, movement and physiological synchrony were calculated in each topical episode. Regression models were used to discover the associations between qualitative variables and synchronies. RESULTS Physiological synchrony was associated with the emotional aspects of the session and to episodes in which the spouses' relationship was addressed, while movement synchrony was only related to emotional valence. No association between synchrony and conversational structure was found. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that physiological and movement synchrony play distinct roles in psychotherapy. The exploratory study sheds light on the association between momentary synchrony, emotions, and conversational structure in a couple therapy session.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virpi-Liisa Kykyri
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Petra Nyman-Salonen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Wolfgang Tschacher
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anu Tourunen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Markku Penttonen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jaakko Seikkula
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hall KJ, Van Ooteghem K, McIlroy WE. Emotional state as a modulator of autonomic and somatic nervous system activity in postural control: a review. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1188799. [PMID: 37719760 PMCID: PMC10500443 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1188799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in our understanding of postural control have highlighted the need to examine the influence of higher brain centers in the modulation of this complex function. There is strong evidence of a link between emotional state, autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and somatic nervous system (somatic NS) activity in postural control. For example, relationships have been demonstrated between postural threat, anxiety, fear of falling, balance confidence, and physiological arousal. Behaviorally, increased arousal has been associated with changes in velocity and amplitude of postural sway during quiet standing. The potential links between ANS and somatic NS, observed in control of posture, are associated with shared neuroanatomical connections within the central nervous system (CNS). The influence of emotional state on postural control likely reflects the important influence the limbic system has on these ANS/somatic NS control networks. This narrative review will highlight several examples of behaviors which routinely require coordination between the ANS and somatic NS, highlighting the importance of the neurofunctional link between these systems. Furthermore, we will extend beyond the more historical focus on threat models and examine how disordered/altered emotional state and ANS processing may influence postural control and assessment. Finally, this paper will discuss studies that have been important in uncovering the modulatory effect of emotional state on postural control including links that may inform our understanding of disordered control, such as that observed in individuals living with Parkinson's disease and discuss methodological tools that have the potential to advance understanding of this complex relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karlee J. Hall
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Balathay D, Narasimhan U, Belo D, Anandan K. Quantitative assessment of cognitive profile and brain asymmetry in the characterization of autism spectrum in children: A task-based EEG study. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2023:9544119231170683. [PMID: 37096354 DOI: 10.1177/09544119231170683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by learning, attention, social, communication, and behavioral impairments. Each person with Autism has a different severity and level of brain functioning, ranging from high functioning (HF) to low functioning (LF), depending on their intellectual/developmental abilities. Identifying the level of functionality remains crucial in understanding the cognitive abilities of Autistic children. Assessment of EEG signals acquired during specific cognitive tasks is more appropriate in identifying brain functional and cognitive load variations. The spectral power of EEG sub-band frequency and parameters related to brain asymmetry has the potential to be employed as indices to characterize brain functioning. Thus, the objective of this work is to analyze the cognitive task-based electrophysiological variations in autistic and control groups, using EEG acquired during two well-defined protocols. Theta to Alpha ratio (TAR) and Theta to Beta ratio (TBR) of absolute powers of the respective sub-band frequencies have been estimated to quantify the cognitive load. The variations in interhemispheric cortical power measured by EEG were studied using the brain asymmetry index. For the arithmetic task, the TBR of the LF group was found to be considerably higher than the HF group. The findings reveal that the spectral powers of EEG sub-bands can be a key indicator in the assessment of high and low-functioning ASD to facilitate appropriate training strategies. Instead of depending solely on behavioral tests to diagnose autism, it could be a beneficial approach to use task-based EEG characteristics to differentiate between the LF and HF groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divya Balathay
- Centre for Healthcare Technologies, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Udayakumar Narasimhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - David Belo
- Machine Learning for Time Series at Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS, Seixal, Setubal, Portugal
| | - Kavitha Anandan
- Centre for Healthcare Technologies, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim K, Hwang G, Cho YH, Kim EJ, Woang JW, Hong CH, Son SJ, Roh HW. Relationships of Physical Activity, Depression, and Sleep with Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15655. [PMID: 36497729 PMCID: PMC9737085 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional, observational study aimed to integrate the analyses of relationships of physical activity, depression, and sleep with cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults using a single model. To this end, physical activity, sleep, depression, and cognitive function in 864 community-dwelling older adults from the Suwon Geriatric Mental Health Center were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Mini-Mental State Examination for Dementia Screening, respectively. Their sociodemographic characteristics were also recorded. After adjusting for confounders, multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the effects of physical activity, sleep, and depression on cognitive function. Models 4, 5, 7, and 14 of PROCESS were applied to verify the mediating and moderating effects of all variables. Physical activity had a direct effect on cognitive function (effect = 0.97, p < 0.01) and indirect effect (effect = 0.36; confidence interval: 0.18, 0.57) through depression. Moreover, mediated moderation effects of sleep were confirmed in the pathways where physical activity affects cognitive function through depression (F-coeff = 13.37, p < 0.001). Furthermore, these relationships differed with age. Thus, the associations among physical activity, depression, and sleep are important in interventions for the cognitive function of community-dwelling older adults. Such interventions should focus on different factors depending on age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kahee Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyubeom Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hyuk Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jwoo Kim
- Suwon Geriatric Mental Health Center, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Woang
- Suwon Geriatric Mental Health Center, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hyung Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Joon Son
- Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Suwon Geriatric Mental Health Center, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Woong Roh
- Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Suwon Geriatric Mental Health Center, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rekik A, Nasri A, Mrabet S, Gharbi A, Souissi A, Gargouri A, Kacem I, Gouider R. Non-motor features of essential tremor with midline distribution. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:5917-5925. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06262-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
6
|
Maxwell RW, Katyal S. Characteristics of Kundalini-Related Sensory, Motor, and Affective Experiences During Tantric Yoga Meditation. Front Psychol 2022; 13:863091. [PMID: 35846598 PMCID: PMC9282169 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.863091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional spiritual literature contains rich anecdotal reports of spontaneously arising experiences occurring during meditation practice, but formal investigation of such experiences is limited. Previous work has sometimes related spontaneous experiences to the Indian traditional contemplative concept of kundalini. Historically, descriptions of kundalini come out of Tantric schools of Yoga, where it has been described as a “rising energy” moving within the spinal column up to the brain. Spontaneous meditation experiences have previously been studied within Buddhist and Christian practices and within eclectic groups of contemplative practitioners. Prior explorations of kundalini have emphasized extreme experiences, sometimes having clinical consequences. We conducted a first such investigation of kundalini-related experiences within a sample of meditators from a single Tantric Yoga tradition (known as Ananda Marga) that emphasizes the role of kundalini. We developed a semi-structured questionnaire to conduct an exploratory pilot investigation of spontaneous sensory, motor and affective experiences during meditation practice. In addition to identifying the characteristics of subjective experiences, we measured quantity of meditation, supplemental practices, trait affect and trait mindfulness. We administered it to 80 volunteers at two Ananda Marga retreats. Among reported experiences, we found the highest prevalence for positive mood shifts, followed by motor and then sensory experiences. The frequency of spontaneous experiences was not related to the quantity of practiced meditation or trait measures of mindfulness and affect. Self-reports included multiple descriptions of rising sensations, sometimes being directly called kundalini. Experiences with rising sensations were complex and many included references to positive affect, including ecstatic qualities. There were also reports of spontaneous anomalous experiences. These experiences of rising sensations resemble prior clinical descriptions that were considered kundalini-related. The individuals who reported rising sensations could not be distinguished from other participants based on the incidence of experiences, quantity of meditation practice, or trait measures of mindfulness and affect. In contrast, greater amount of Tantric Yoga meditation practice was associated with greater positive affect, less negative affect and greater mindfulness. Further study of these exploratory findings and how they may be related to spiritual and well-being goals of meditation is warranted along with scientific investigation of purported kundalini phenomena.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard W. Maxwell
- Private Practitioner, Ithaca, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Richard W. Maxwell,
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Schmaußer M, Hoffmann S, Raab M, Laborde S. The effects of noninvasive brain stimulation on heart rate and heart rate variability: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1664-1694. [PMID: 35582757 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation are widely used to test the involvement of specific cortical regions in various domains such as cognition and emotion. Despite the capability of stimulation techniques to test causal directions, this approach has been only sparsely used to examine the cortical regulation of autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions such as heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) and to test current models in this regard. In this preregistered (PROSPERO) systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate, based on meta-regression, whether NIBS represents an effective method for modulating HR and HRV measures, and to evaluate whether the ANS is modulated by cortical mechanisms affected by NIBS. Here we have adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. In a series of four meta-analyses, a total of 131 effect sizes from 35 sham-controlled trials were analyzed using robust variance estimation random-effects meta-regression technique. NIBS was found to effectively modulate HR and HRV with small to medium effect sizes. Moderator analyses yielded significant differences in effects between stimulation of distinct cortical areas. Our results show that NIBS is a promising tool to investigate the cortical regulation of ANS, which may add to the existing brain imaging and animal study literature. Future research is needed to identify further factors modulating the size of effects. As many of the studies reviewed were found to be at high risk of bias, we recommend that methods to reduce potential risk of bias be used in the design and conduct of future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sven Hoffmann
- Institute of Psychology, University of Hagen, Hagen, Germany
| | - Markus Raab
- Institute of Psychology, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany.,School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Sylvain Laborde
- Institute of Psychology, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany.,UFR STAPS, EA 4260, Université de Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kikuchi Y, Akechi H, Senju A, Tojo Y, Osanai H, Saito A, Hasegawa T. Attention to live eye contact in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2022; 15:702-711. [PMID: 35080154 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A number of studies have reported diminished attention to the eyes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These studies predominantly used static images of faces as stimuli. Recent studies, however, have shown enhanced response to eye contact in typically developing (TD) individuals when they observe a person in a live interaction. We investigated physiological orienting to perceived eye contact in adolescents with ASD and TD adolescents when they observed a person in live interaction or viewed a photograph of the same person's face. We measured heart rate (HR) deceleration as an index of attentional orienting. Adolescents with ASD, as well as TD adolescents, showed significant HR deceleration for the direct gaze compared to an averted gaze in the live condition, but not in the photographic condition. The results suggest an intact response to perceived eye contact in individuals with ASD during a live face-to-face interaction. LAY SUMMARY: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a different eye gaze pattern when observing photographic faces. However, little is known about how individuals with ASD process a real person's face. We measured heart rate (HR) and found that adolescents with ASD showed the typical decline in HR when they made eye contact with a real person, which suggests that both groups of individuals directed their attention to eye contact in a live face-to-face interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Kikuchi
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Tokyo, Japan.,College of Education, Ibaraki University, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hironori Akechi
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Information System Design, Tokyo Denki University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Senju
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Yoshikuni Tojo
- College of Education, Ibaraki University, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroo Osanai
- Musashino Higashi Center for Education and Research, Musashino Higashi Gakuen, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuko Saito
- Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Hasegawa
- Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Prinz J, Rafaeli E, Reuter JK, Bar-Kalifa E, Lutz W. Physiological activation and co-activation in an imagery-based treatment for test anxiety. Psychother Res 2021; 32:238-248. [PMID: 33900157 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2021.1918353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The effectiveness of Imagery Rescripting (IR) has been demonstrated in the treatment of various psychological disorders, but the mechanisms underlying it remain unclear. While current investigations predominantly refer to memory processes, physiological processes have received less attention. The main aim of this study is to test whether client physiological activation (i.e., arousal) and client-therapist physiological activation (i.e., synchrony) during IR segments predicted improvement on next-session outcomes and overall treatment response, and to compare these to the role of physiological (co)-activation during traditional cognitive-behavioral (CB) segments. Methods: The results are based on 177 therapy sessions from an imagery-based treatment for test anxiety with 60 clients. Client and therapist electrodermal activity was continuously monitored, next-session outcome was assessed with the Outcome Rating Scale and treatment outcome was assessed using the Test Anxiety Inventory. Results: Hierarchical linear models demonstrated that average physiological synchrony during IR segments (but not during CB ones) was significantly associated with higher well-being at both the session and the overall treatment levels. Clients' physiological arousal in either IR or CB segments was not predictive of either outcome. Conclusion: These results provide initial evidence for the idea that physiological synchrony might be an important underlying mechanism in IR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Prinz
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - Eshkol Rafaeli
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Julia K Reuter
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Eran Bar-Kalifa
- The Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Wolfgang Lutz
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University Trier, Trier, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Catrambone V, Averta G, Bianchi M, Valenza G. Toward brain-heart computer interfaces: a study on the classification of upper limb movements using multisystem directional estimates. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 33601354 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/abe7b9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) exploit computational features from brain signals to perform a given task. Despite recent neurophysiology and clinical findings indicating the crucial role of functional interplay between brain and cardiovascular dynamics in locomotion, heartbeat information remains to be included in common BCI systems. In this study, we exploit the multidimensional features of directional and functional interplay between electroencephalographic and heartbeat spectra to classify upper limb movements into three classes. APPROACH We gathered data from 26 healthy volunteers that performed 90 movements; the data were processed using a recently proposed framework for brain-heart interplay (BHI) assessment based on synthetic physiological data generation. Extracted BHI features were employed to classify, through sequential forward selection scheme and k-nearest neighbors algorithm, among resting state and three classes of movements according to the kind of interaction with objects. MAIN RESULTS The results demonstrated that the proposed brain-heart computer interface (BHCI) system could distinguish between rest and movement classes automatically with an average 90% of accuracy. SIGNIFICANCE Further, this study provides neurophysiology insights indicating the crucial role of functional interplay originating at the cortical level onto the heart in the upper limb neural control. The inclusion of functional BHI insights might substantially improve the neuroscientific knowledge about motor control, and this may lead to advanced BHCI systems performances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Catrambone
- Research Center E. Piaggio, Information Engineering, University of Pisa School of Engineering, Largo L. Lazzarino,1, Pisa, Italy, 56126, ITALY
| | - Giuseppe Averta
- Research Center E. Piaggio, Information Engineering, University of Pisa School of Engineering, Largo L. Lazzarino, 1, Pisa, Italy, 56126, ITALY
| | - Matteo Bianchi
- Research Center E. Piaggio, Information Engineering, University of Pisa School of Engineering, Largo L. Lazzarino, 1, Pisa, Toscana, 56126, ITALY
| | - Gaetano Valenza
- Research Center E. Piaggio, Information Engineering, University of Pisa School of Engineering, Largo L. Lazzarino, 1, Pisa, Toscana, 56126, ITALY
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ioachim G, Powers JM, Warren HJM, Stroman PW. Coordinated Human Brainstem and Spinal Cord Networks during the Expectation of Pain Have Elements Unique from Resting-State Effects. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10090568. [PMID: 32824896 PMCID: PMC7565010 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10090568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research on the human brainstem (BS) and spinal cord (SC) has identified extensive BS/SC resting-state networks (RSNs) by showing spontaneous coordinated blood oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) signal fluctuations in the absence of a stimulus. Studies have shown that these networks can be influenced by participants’ level of arousal or attention (e.g., watching a video), and linked network function to autonomic homeostatic regulation. Here we explore how the cognitive state of expecting pain can influence connectivity in these networks. Data from two studies (a predictable pain stimulus study, and a resting-state study) were compared to show the effects of expecting pain on BS/SC networks, and how networks differed from networks associated with the resting-state. In each study, BOLD fMRI data were obtained from the cervical SC and brainstem in healthy participants at 3 tesla using a T2-weighted single-shot fast spin-echo imaging method. Functional connectivity was investigated within the entire 3D volume by means of structural equation modeling (SEM) and analyses of covariance (ANCOVA). Results showed extensive connectivity within/across BS and SC regions during the expectation of pain, and ANCOVA analyses showed that connectivity in specific components of these networks varied with individual pain sensitivity. Comparing these results to RSN fluctuations revealed commonalities in coordination between BS and SC regions, and specific BS–BS connectivity fluctuations unique to the expectation of pain. Based on the regions involved, these results provide evidence of brainstem regulation specific to the expectation of pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Ioachim
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (G.I.); (J.M.P.); (H.J.M.W.)
| | - Jocelyn M. Powers
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (G.I.); (J.M.P.); (H.J.M.W.)
| | - Howard J. M. Warren
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (G.I.); (J.M.P.); (H.J.M.W.)
| | - Patrick W. Stroman
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (G.I.); (J.M.P.); (H.J.M.W.)
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Department of Physics, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-613-533-3245
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Knight EL, Giuliano RJ, Shank SW, Clarke MM, Almeida DM. Parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems interactively predict change in cognitive functioning in midlife adults. Psychophysiology 2020; 57:e13622. [PMID: 32598489 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The two branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) have been individually linked to changes in cognitive functioning: The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) has been associated with healthy cognitive aging, whereas excessive sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity has been linked to heightened cognitive decline. Despite these separate findings and despite the integrative nature of the ANS, little work has examined the two branches simultaneously to better understand their interactive effects on changes in cognitive functioning in midlife adults. We examined cognitive change in two waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study cognitive project and indexed PNS and SNS activity from heart rate variability and epinephrine levels, respectively, from the MIDUS biomarker project (minimum n = 843, 57.9% female, mean age at first wave = 53.8 years). Our findings indicate that greater PNS responsivity (i.e., greater withdrawal and greater recovery) in response to cognitive challenge is associated with attenuated cognitive decline, but only among individuals with low SNS levels; at higher SNS levels, the effects of the PNS on cognitive decline are attenuated. These results suggest that future research targeting the ANS and cognitive aging should consider both ANS branch's effects simultaneously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik L Knight
- Center for Healthy Aging, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.,Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Ryan J Giuliano
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sean W Shank
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Megan M Clarke
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - David M Almeida
- Center for Healthy Aging, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.,Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Buckman JF, Vaschillo B, Vaschillo EG, Epstein EE, Nguyen-Louie TT, Lesnewich LM, Eddie D, Bates ME. Improvement in women's cardiovascular functioning during cognitive-behavioral therapy for alcohol use disorder. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2019; 33:659-668. [PMID: 31738072 PMCID: PMC6989088 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The cardiovascular system is disrupted by chronic excessive alcohol use and often impaired in individuals with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Less is known about cardiovascular recovery when an individual receives treatment for AUD. This observational study aimed to extend the growing body of evidence for cardiovascular biomarkers and intervention targets in the treatment of AUD. We examined cardiovascular function in 92 women before and after 12 weeks of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for AUD. Participants were recruited exclusively from a randomized clinical trial comparing group versus individual CBT treatment strategies (parent study); no control group of untreated, but treatment-seeking women was available. Demographic and drinking data were obtained from the parent study. Cardiovascular data were collected as part of this separate study, prior to and following the clinical trial. Mixed-model analyses revealed multiple within-person cardiovascular changes indicative of improving health from pre- to posttreatment, including reduced heart rate and vessel stiffness as well as increased heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity. These significant improvements remained when extent of drinking during treatment was included in the models, suggesting that active ingredients of AUD treatment may serve to benefit physical health over and above drinking reductions. Future studies should assess the time course of cardiovascular recovery during addiction treatment and the mechanisms by which evidence-based AUD treatments may benefit physical as well as mental health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
|
14
|
Ioachim G, Powers JM, Stroman PW. Comparing Coordinated Networks Across the Brainstem and Spinal Cord in the Resting State and Altered Cognitive State. Brain Connect 2019; 9:415-424. [DOI: 10.1089/brain.2018.0659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Ioachim
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Jocelyn M. Powers
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Patrick W. Stroman
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
- Department of Physics, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Collet C, Musicant O. Associating Vehicles Automation With Drivers Functional State Assessment Systems: A Challenge for Road Safety in the Future. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:131. [PMID: 31114489 PMCID: PMC6503868 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the near future, vehicles will gradually gain more autonomous functionalities. Drivers' activity will be less about driving than about monitoring intelligent systems to which driving action will be delegated. Road safety, therefore, remains dependent on the human factor and we should identify the limits beyond which driver's functional state (DFS) may no longer be able to ensure safety. Depending on the level of automation, estimating the DFS may have different targets, e.g., assessing driver's situation awareness in lower levels of automation and his ability to respond to emerging hazard or assessing driver's ability to monitor the vehicle performing operational tasks in higher levels of automation. Unfitted DFS (e.g., drowsiness) may impact the driver ability respond to taking over abilities. This paper reviews the most appropriate psychophysiological indices in naturalistic driving while considering the DFS through exogenous sensors, providing the more efficient trade-off between reliability and intrusiveness. The DFS also originates from kinematic data of the vehicle, thus providing information that indirectly relates to drivers behavior. The whole data should be synchronously processed, providing a diagnosis on the DFS, and bringing it to the attention of the decision maker in real time. Next, making the information available can be permanent or intermittent (or even undelivered), and may also depend on the automation level. Such interface can include recommendations for decision support or simply give neutral instruction. Mapping of relevant psychophysiological and behavioral indicators for DFS will enable practitioners and researchers provide reliable estimates, fitted to the level of automation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Collet
- Inter-University Laboratory of Human Movement Biology (EA 7424), Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Oren Musicant
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Investigation of Resting-State BOLD Networks in the Human Brainstem and Spinal Cord. Neuroscience 2019; 404:71-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
17
|
Bates ME, Lesnewich LM, Uhouse SG, Gohel S, Buckman JF. Resonance-Paced Breathing Alters Neural Response to Visual Cues: Proof-of-Concept for a Neuroscience-Informed Adjunct to Addiction Treatments. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:624. [PMID: 31543840 PMCID: PMC6739688 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Conscious attempts to regulate alcohol and drug use are often undermined by automatic attention and arousal processes that are activated in the context of salient cues. Response to these cues involves body and brain signals that are linked via dynamic feedback loops, yet no studies have targeted the cardiovascular system as a potential conduit to alter automatic neural processes that maintain cue salience. This proof-of-concept study examined within-person changes in neural response to parallel but unique sets of visual alcohol-related cues at two points in time: prior to versus following a brief behavioral intervention. The active intervention was resonance breathing, a rhythmical breathing task paced at 0.1 Hz (6 breaths per minute) that helps normalize neurocardiac feedback. The control intervention was a low-demand cognitive task. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess changes in brain response to the cues presented before (A1) and after (A2) the intervention in 41 emerging adult men and women with varying drinking behaviors. The resonance breathing group exhibited significantly less activation to A2 cues compared with A1 cues in left inferior and superior lateral occipital cortices, right inferior lateral occipital cortex, bilateral occipital pole, and temporal occipital fusiform cortices. This group also showed significantly greater activation to A2 cues compared with A1 cues in medial prefrontal, anterior and posterior cingulate, and precuneus cortices, paracingulate, and lingual gyri. The control group showed no significant changes. Thus, following resonance breathing, activation in brain regions involved in visual processing of cues was reduced, while activation in brain areas implicated in behavioral control, internally directed cognition, and brain-body integration was increased. These findings provide preliminary evidence that manipulation of the cardiovascular system with resonance breathing alters neural activation in a manner theoretically consistent with a dampening of automatic sensory input and strengthening of higher-level cognitive processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marsha E Bates
- Cardiac Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Health, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, United States.,Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Laura M Lesnewich
- Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, United States.,Cardiac Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Sarah Grace Uhouse
- Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, United States.,Cardiac Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Suril Gohel
- Department of Health Informatics, School of Health Professions, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Jennifer F Buckman
- Cardiac Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Health, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, United States.,Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Giuliano RJ, Karns CM, Bell TA, Petersen S, Skowron EA, Neville HJ, Pakulak E. Parasympathetic and sympathetic activity are associated with individual differences in neural indices of selective attention in adults. Psychophysiology 2018; 55:e13079. [PMID: 29624675 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Multiple theoretical frameworks posit that interactions between the autonomic nervous system and higher-order neural networks are crucial for cognitive and emotion regulation. However, few studies have directly examined the relationship between measures of autonomic physiology and brain activity during cognitive tasks, and fewer studies have examined both the parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic branches when doing so. Here, 93 adults completed an ERP auditory selective attention task concurrently with measures of parasympathetic activity (high-frequency heart rate variability; HF-HRV) and sympathetic activity (preejection period; PEP). We focus on the well-studied N1 ERP component to test for associations with baseline values of HF-HRV and PEP. Individuals with higher resting HF-HRV and shorter resting PEP showed larger effects of selective attention on their ERPs. Follow-up regression models demonstrated that HF-HRV and PEP accounted for unique variance in selective attention effects on N1 mean amplitude. These results are consistent with the neurovisceral integration model, such that greater parasympathetic activity is a marker of increased selective attention, as well as other theoretical models that emphasize the role of heightened sympathetic activity in more efficient attention-related processing. The present findings highlight the importance of autonomic physiology in the study of individual differences in neurocognitive function and, given the foundational role of selective attention across cognitive domains, suggest that both parasympathetic and sympathetic activity may be key to understanding variability in brain function across a variety of cognitive tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Giuliano
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Theodore A Bell
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Seth Petersen
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Helen J Neville
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Eric Pakulak
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Buckman JF, Vaschillo EG, Fonoberova M, Mezić I, Bates ME. The Translational Value of Psychophysiology Methods and Mechanisms: Multilevel, Dynamic, Personalized. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2018; 79:229-238. [PMID: 29553350 PMCID: PMC6019769 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2018.79.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It has been nearly 15 years since Kazdin and Nock published methodological and research recommendations for understanding mechanisms of change in child and adolescent therapy. Their arguments and enthusiasm for research on mechanisms of behavior change (MOBCs) resonated across disciplines and disorders, as it shined a light on the crucial importance of understanding how and for whom treatments instigate behavior change and how therapeutic mechanisms might be extended to "situations and settings of everyday life." Initial efforts focused on how psychotherapy works and linear models, yet the use of theory to guide the study of mechanisms, and laboratory experiments to manipulate them, is broadly applicable. METHOD This article considers dynamic physiological processes that support behavior change. Specifically, it examines the utility of psychophysiological methods to measure and promote behavior change. Moreover, it embeds the baroreflex mechanism, a well-defined heart-brain feedback loop, within the theories and strategies of MOBC research. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Individuals' subjective and expressive experience of change does not always align with their physiological reactivity. Thus, behavior change may be best understood when concurrently assessed across multiple biobehavioral levels. Further, behavior is initiated in the moment, often before conscious deliberation, suggesting that multilevel behavior change research may benefit from real-time methodological designs. Last, substance use trajectories vary widely, suggesting that different MOBCs are more or less active in individuals depending on their personal constituency and the functional need that their substance use serves; thus, methods that are amenable to personalized modeling approaches are important.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer F. Buckman
- Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Department of Kinesiology and Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Evgeny G. Vaschillo
- Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | | | - Igor Mezić
- AIMdyn, Inc., Santa Barbara, California
- Center for Control, Dynamical Systems, and Computation, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California
| | - Marsha E. Bates
- Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Harsay HA, Cohen MX, Spaan M, Weeda WD, Nieuwenhuis S, Ridderinkhof KR. Error blindness and motivational significance: Shifts in networks centering on anterior insula co-vary with error awareness and pupil dilation. Behav Brain Res 2017; 355:24-35. [PMID: 29107022 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This investigation aims to further our understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying the awareness of one's erroneous actions. While all errors are registered as such in the rostral cingulate zone, errors enter awareness only when the anterior insula cortex is activated. Aware but not unaware errors elicit autonomic nervous system reactivity. Our aim is to investigate the hypothesis that activation in the insula during error awareness is related to autonomic arousal and to inter-regional interactions with other areas of the brain. To examine the role of the anterior insula in error awareness, we assessed its functional connectivity to other brain regions along with autonomic nervous system reactivity in young healthy participants who underwent simultaneous pupil-diameter and functional magnetic resonance imaging measurements while performing a complex and error-prone task. Error blindness was associated with failures to engage sufficient autonomic reactivity. During aware errors increased pupil-diameter along with increased task-related activation within, and increased connectivity between anterior insula and task-related networks suggested an increased capacity for action-control information transfer. Increased pupil-diameter during aware errors was furthermore associated with decreased activation of the default-mode network along with decreased insular connectivity with regions of the default mode system, possibly reflecting decreased task-irrelevant information processing. This shifting mechanism may be relevant to a better understanding of how the brain and the autonomic nervous system interact to enable efficient adaptive behavior during cognitive challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helga A Harsay
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael X Cohen
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcus Spaan
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter D Weeda
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Nieuwenhuis
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - K Richard Ridderinkhof
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Guillot A, Collet C, Molinaro C, Dittmar A. Expertise and Peripheral Autonomic Activity during the Preparation Phase in Shooting Events. Percept Mot Skills 2016; 98:371-81. [PMID: 15141900 DOI: 10.2466/pms.98.2.371-381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study compared effectiveness of the concentration period in two groups of shooters to evaluate the influence of their expertise while concentrating on the target. Marksmen (pistol shooters, 10 men and 5 women) and pentathletes (6 men and 7 women) took part in a shooting competition in keeping with the rules of each event. Participants were then asked to imagine themselves shooting, at the laboratory. Five variables representing the activity of the autonomic nervous system were continuously recorded (skin resistance and potential, skin blood flow, skin temperature, instantaneous heart rate). Autonomic responses recorded during concentration, actual shooting, and mental imagery were compared by calculating the ratios concentration/shooting and imagery/shooting. The resultant mean ratio was used to characterize each participant. The same autonomic nervous system pattern was observed during concentrating on the target, mental imagery, and actual shooting. However, marksmen showed ratios closer to 1.0 than pentathletes, absolute mean differences being .06 and .3, respectively. Shorter duration and weakest amplitude responses were recorded during the concentration phase in the Pentathlete group, suggesting that they have more difficulty in using mental imagery during competition than marksmen. When subjects performed well, a specific response pattern was observed in the Marksman group, but not in the Pentathlete group, except in skin potential. In both Marksman and Pentathlete groups, a majority of negative skin potential responses were found in the concentration and shooting phases for the best shots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aymeric Guillot
- Centre de Recherche et d'Innovation sur le Sport Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Simultaneous fNIRS and thermal infrared imaging during cognitive task reveal autonomic correlates of prefrontal cortex activity. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17471. [PMID: 26632763 PMCID: PMC4668373 DOI: 10.1038/srep17471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional Near Infrared-Spectroscopy (fNIRS) represents a powerful tool to non-invasively study task-evoked brain activity. fNIRS assessment of cortical activity may suffer for contamination by physiological noises of different origin (e.g. heart beat, respiration, blood pressure, skin blood flow), both task-evoked and spontaneous. Spontaneous changes occur at different time scales and, even if they are not directly elicited by tasks, their amplitude may result task-modulated. In this study, concentration changes of hemoglobin were recorded over the prefrontal cortex while simultaneously recording the facial temperature variations of the participants through functional infrared thermal (fIR) imaging. fIR imaging provides touch-less estimation of the thermal expression of peripheral autonomic. Wavelet analysis revealed task-modulation of the very low frequency (VLF) components of both fNIRS and fIR signals and strong coherence between them. Our results indicate that subjective cognitive and autonomic activities are intimately linked and that the VLF component of the fNIRS signal is affected by the autonomic activity elicited by the cognitive task. Moreover, we showed that task-modulated changes in vascular tone occur both at a superficial and at larger depth in the brain. Combined use of fNIRS and fIR imaging can effectively quantify the impact of VLF autonomic activity on the fNIRS signals.
Collapse
|
23
|
Davydov DM, Shapiro D. Single and Combined Effects of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Activity on Perceptual Sensitivity and Attention. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.2753/rpo1061-0405370168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
24
|
Cooke A, Kavussanu M, Gallicchio G, Willoughby A, McIntyre D, Ring C. Preparation for action: psychophysiological activity preceding a motor skill as a function of expertise, performance outcome, and psychological pressure. Psychophysiology 2014; 51:374-84. [PMID: 24611889 PMCID: PMC4285917 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of the psychophysiological responses that characterize optimal motor performance is required to inform biofeedback interventions. This experiment compared cortical, cardiac, muscular, and kinematic activity in 10 experts and 10 novices as they performed golf putts in low- and high-pressure conditions. Results revealed that in the final seconds preceding movement, experts displayed a greater reduction in heart rate and EEG theta, high-alpha, and beta power, when compared to novices. EEG high-alpha power also predicted success, with participants producing less high-alpha power in the seconds preceding putts that were holed compared to those that were missed. Increased pressure had little impact on psychophysiological activity. It was concluded that greater reductions in EEG high-alpha power during preparation for action reflect more resources being devoted to response programming, and could underlie successful accuracy-based performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Cooke
- School of Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences, Bangor UniversityBangor, UK
| | - Maria Kavussanu
- School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| | - Germano Gallicchio
- School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| | - Adrian Willoughby
- School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| | - David McIntyre
- School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| | - Christopher Ring
- School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tian Y, He ZH, Zhao JX, Tao DL, Xu KY, Earnest CP, Mc Naughton LR. Heart rate variability threshold values for early-warning nonfunctional overreaching in elite female wrestlers. J Strength Cond Res 2014; 27:1511-9. [PMID: 23715265 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e31826caef8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Functional overreaching (FOR) represents intense training followed by a brief reduction in performance and then a rapid recovery (<2 weeks) and performance supercompensation. Nonfunctional overreaching (NFOR) occurs when the reduced performance continues ≥3 weeks. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a promising tool for detecting NFOR. In this study, the authors examined HRV thresholds in 34 elite female wrestlers (mean ± SD: age 23 ± 3 years; height 165.6 ± 6 cm, weight 63 ± 8 kg) for FOR/NFOR during training before 11 major competitions. Supine HRV was analyzed weekly at the same time of day using time and frequency domain methods. The authors observed that the time domain index, square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent R-to-R intervals (rMSSD, milliseconds), denoting parasympathetic tone, showed those responding normally to training (82.76 ms, 95% confidence interval 77.75-87.78) to be significantly different to those showing a decrease (45.97 ms, 95% confidence interval, 30.79-61.14) or hyper-responsiveness (160.44 ms, 95% confidence interval, 142.02-178.85; all, p < 0.001). Similar results were observed for mixed sympathetic and parasympathetic signal standard deviation of the NN intervals (ms): normal (65.39; 95% confidence interval, 62.49-68.29), decrease (40.07; 95% confidence interval, 29-51.14), and hyperresponse (115.00; 95% confidence interval, 105.46-124.54; all, p < 0.001) and synonymous frequency domain components. An examination of the 95% confidence interval shows a narrow band surrounding a normal response compared with broader bands accompanying adverse responses. Thus, severe perturbations both above and below normal responses lasting >2 weeks indicated an athlete's transition to NFOR and, hence, are useful for assessing possible overreaching/training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tian
- Biology Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Newberg AB. The neuroscientific study of spiritual practices. Front Psychol 2014; 5:215. [PMID: 24672504 PMCID: PMC3957224 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this paper will be to provide a perspective on the current state of the research evaluating the neurobiological correlates of spiritual practices and review the methodological issues that confront this research field. There are many types of spiritual practices that might be studied including prayer and meditation, as well as unusual practices such as mediumistic trance states, speaking in tongues, and also drug-induced experiences. Current studies have utilized neuroimaging techniques including functional magnetic resonance imaging, single photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography. These studies have helped elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms associated with spiritual practices. Such studies confront unique challenges for scientific methodology including determining the most appropriate objective measures such as neuroimaging studies and physiological parameters, and correlating them with subjective measures that help capture states of spiritual significance. Overall, a neuroscientific study of spiritual practices and experiences has the potential to provide fascinating data to further our understanding of the relationship between the brain and such phenomena.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Newberg
- Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Collet C, Di Rienzo F, El Hoyek N, Guillot A. Autonomic nervous system correlates in movement observation and motor imagery. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:415. [PMID: 23908623 PMCID: PMC3726866 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the current article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature offering a better understanding of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) correlates in motor imagery (MI) and movement observation. These are two high brain functions involving sensori-motor coupling, mediated by memory systems. How observing or mentally rehearsing a movement affect ANS activity has not been extensively investigated. The links between cognitive functions and ANS responses are not so obvious. We will first describe the organization of the ANS whose main purposes are controlling vital functions by maintaining the homeostasis of the organism and providing adaptive responses when changes occur either in the external or internal milieu. We will then review how scientific knowledge evolved, thus integrating recent findings related to ANS functioning, and show how these are linked to mental functions. In turn, we will describe how movement observation or MI may elicit physiological responses at the peripheral level of the autonomic effectors, thus eliciting autonomic correlates to cognitive activity. Key features of this paper are to draw a step-by step progression from the understanding of ANS physiology to its relationships with high mental processes such as movement observation or MI. We will further provide evidence that mental processes are co-programmed both at the somatic and autonomic levels of the central nervous system (CNS). We will thus detail how peripheral physiological responses may be analyzed to provide objective evidence that MI is actually performed. The main perspective is thus to consider that, during movement observation and MI, ANS activity is an objective witness of mental processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Collet
- Mental processes and Motor Performance Laboratory, EA 647 CRIS, University of Lyon - Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Jindal V, Gupta S, Das R. Molecular mechanisms of meditation. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 48:808-11. [PMID: 23737355 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8468-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Meditation is a complex process involving change in cognition, memory, and social and emotional control, and causes improvement in various cardiovascular, neurological, autoimmune, and renal pathologies. Meditation also become widely used in medical and psychological treatment therapies for stress-related physical and mental disorders. But still, biological mechanisms in terms of effect on brain and body are poorly understood. This paper explains the basic changes due to meditation in cerebral cortex, prefrontal area, cingulate gyrus, neurotransmitters, white matter, autonomic nervous system, limbic system, cytokines, endorphins, hormones, etc. The following is a review of the current literature regarding the various neurophysiological mechanisms, neuro-endocrine mechanisms, neurochemical substrates, etc. that underlies the complex processes of meditation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Jindal
- GMCH, H. No. 102 GHS 51 sector 20, Panchkula, Haryana, India,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Farrow TFD, Johnson NK, Hunter MD, Barker AT, Wilkinson ID, Woodruff PWR. Neural correlates of the behavioral-autonomic interaction response to potentially threatening stimuli. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 6:349. [PMID: 23335893 PMCID: PMC3546317 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Subjective assessment of emotional valence is typically associated with both brain activity and autonomic arousal. Accurately assessing emotional salience is particularly important when perceiving threat. We sought to characterize the neural correlates of the interaction between behavioral and autonomic responses to potentially threatening visual and auditory stimuli. Twenty-five healthy male subjects underwent fMRI scanning whilst skin conductance responses (SCR) were recorded. One hundred and eighty pictures, sentences, and sounds were assessed as “harmless” or “threatening.” Individuals' stimulus-locked, phasic SCRs and trial-by-trial behavioral assessments were entered as regressors into a flexible factorial design to establish their separate autonomic and behavioral neural correlates, and convolved to examine psycho-autonomic interaction (PAI) effects. Across all stimuli, “threatening,” compared with “harmless” behavioral assessments were associated with mainly frontal and precuneus activation with specific within-modality activations including bilateral parahippocampal gyri (pictures), bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and frontal pole (sentences), and right Heschl's gyrus and bilateral temporal gyri (sounds). Across stimulus modalities SCRs were associated with activation of parieto-occipito-thalamic regions, an activation pattern which was largely replicated within-modality. In contrast, PAI analyses revealed modality-specific activations including right fusiform/parahippocampal gyrus (pictures), right insula (sentences), and mid-cingulate gyrus (sounds). Phasic SCR activity was positively correlated with an individual's propensity to assess stimuli as “threatening.” SCRs may modulate cognitive assessments on a “harmless–threatening” dimension, thereby modulating affective tone and hence behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom F D Farrow
- Sheffield Cognition and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Academic Clinical Psychiatry, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jelinek HF, August KG, Imam MH, Khandoker AH, Koenig A, Riener R. Cortical response to psycho-physiological changes in auto-adaptive robot assisted gait training. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2012; 2011:7409-12. [PMID: 22256051 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2011.6091725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Robot-assisted treadmill training improves motor function and walking ability in neurologically impaired patients. However, despite attention having been shown to play a role in training success, psychological responsiveness to task difficulty and motivational levels at task onset have not been measured. Seven healthy subjects participated in a robot-assist treadmill training task. Subjects engaged in a virtual task with varying difficulty levels that was shown to induce a feeling of being bored, excited and over-stressed. The participants' mental engagement was measured using the ECG-based heart rate variability in real time, during gait training as a proxy for EEG and psychological test batteries. Heart rate variability (HRV), which has been shown to reflect cortical engagement for both cognitive and physical tasks, was measured using nonlinear measures obtained from the Poincaré plot. We show that the cortical response to the task measured with HRV varies in relation to the level of mental engagement in response to the difficulty level of the virtual task. From these results we propose that nonlinear measures quantify cortical response / motivational level to robot-assist motor learning tasks and that the adaptation to the task is dependent on the level of motivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Herbert F Jelinek
- School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Using sympathetic skin responses in individuals with spinal cord injury as a quantitative evaluation of motor imagery abilities. Phys Ther 2012; 92:831-40. [PMID: 22403090 DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20110351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor imagery (MI) ability should be evaluated in selected individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who can benefit from MI training in their rehabilitation program. Electrodermal activity seems to be a reliable indicator for assessing MI ability. However, individuals with SCI have a variety of autonomic dysfunctions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate electrodermal responses (EDRs) elicited by MI. DESIGN A cost-utility analysis of EDR above and below the lesion level in individuals with complete or incomplete SCI (n = 30) versus a control group of individuals who were healthy (n = 10) was used. METHOD The EDR was recorded above and below the lesion level during MI of a drinking action. Duration, latency, and amplitude of EDR were the outcome measures. RESULTS Hand and foot EDR in the control group occurred with the same pattern and similar latencies, suggesting a common efferent sympathetic pathway to sweat glands of the hand and foot mediating a sympathetic skin response. Individuals with SCI elicited responses above the lesion level. The EDR amplitude was correlated to the lesion level and autonomic dysreflexia history. No foot response was recorded in individuals with complete cervical and thoracic motor lesions. Foot response with a lower amplitude and higher latency occurred in participants with incomplete motor lesion, suggesting a link between the descending motor pathway and sympathetic function. LIMITATIONS The small sample of individuals with incomplete SCI limits the generalization of the results obtained at the foot site. CONCLUSIONS Electrodermal response above the lesion level may be a reliable index for assessing MI ability in individuals with SCI. It is a noninvasive, user-friendly method for clinicians to consider before enrolling individuals in MI training.
Collapse
|
32
|
Mihara M, Miyai I, Hattori N, Hatakenaka M, Yagura H, Kawano T, Okibayashi M, Danjo N, Ishikawa A, Inoue Y, Kubota K. Neurofeedback using real-time near-infrared spectroscopy enhances motor imagery related cortical activation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32234. [PMID: 22396753 PMCID: PMC3292558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that motor imagery and motor execution share common neural networks. Accordingly, mental practices in the form of motor imagery have been implemented in rehabilitation regimes of stroke patients with favorable results. Because direct monitoring of motor imagery is difficult, feedback of cortical activities related to motor imagery (neurofeedback) could help to enhance efficacy of mental practice with motor imagery. To determine the feasibility and efficacy of a real-time neurofeedback system mediated by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), two separate experiments were performed. Experiment 1 was used in five subjects to evaluate whether real-time cortical oxygenated hemoglobin signal feedback during a motor execution task correlated with reference hemoglobin signals computed off-line. Results demonstrated that the NIRS-mediated neurofeedback system reliably detected oxygenated hemoglobin signal changes in real-time. In Experiment 2, 21 subjects performed motor imagery of finger movements with feedback from relevant cortical signals and irrelevant sham signals. Real neurofeedback induced significantly greater activation of the contralateral premotor cortex and greater self-assessment scores for kinesthetic motor imagery compared with sham feedback. These findings suggested the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a NIRS-mediated real-time neurofeedback system on performance of kinesthetic motor imagery. However, these results warrant further clinical trials to determine whether this system could enhance the effects of mental practice in stroke patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahito Mihara
- Neurorehabilitation Research Institute, Morinomiya Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lebon F, Byblow WD, Collet C, Guillot A, Stinear CM. The modulation of motor cortex excitability during motor imagery depends on imagery quality. Eur J Neurosci 2011; 35:323-31. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2011.07938.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
34
|
|
35
|
Earnest CP, Blair SN, Church TS. Heart rate variability and exercise in aging women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2011; 21:334-9. [PMID: 21967166 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2011.2932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our group has shown a positive dose-response in maximal cardiorespiratory exercise capacity (VO(2max)) and heart rate variability (HRV) to 6 months of exercise training but no improvement in VO(2max) for women ≥60 years. Here, we examine the HRV response to exercise training in postmenopausal women younger and older than 60 years. METHODS We examined 365 sedentary, overweight, hypertensive, postmenopausal women randomly assigned to sedentary control or exercise groups exercising at 50% (4 kcal/kg/week, [KKW]), 100% (8 KKW) and 150% (12 KKW) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Development Panel physical activity guidelines. Primary outcomes included time and frequency domain indices of HRV. RESULTS Overall, our analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in parasympathetic tone (rMSSD and high frequency power) for both age strata at 8 KKW and 12 KKW. For rMSSD, the age-stratified responses were: control, <60 years, 0.20 ms, 95% confidence interval (CI)-2.40, 2.81; ≥60 years, 0.07 ms, 95% CI -3.64, 3.79; 4 KKW, <60 years, 3.67 ms, 95% CI 1.55, 5.79; ≥60 years, 1.20 ms, 95% CI -1.82, 4.22; 8-KKW, <60 years, 3.61 ms, 95% CI 0.88, 6.34; ≥60 years, 5.75 ms, 95% CI 1.89, 9.61; and 12-KKW, <60 years, 5.07 ms, 95% CI 2.53, 7.60; ≥60 years, 4.28 ms, 95% CI 0.42, 8.14. CONCLUSIONS VO(2max) and HRV are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Despite no improvement in VO(2max), parasympathetic indices of HRV increased in women ≥60 years. This is clinically important, as HRV has important CVD risk and neurovisceral implications beyond cardiorespiratory function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conrad P Earnest
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Preventive Medicine and Exercise Biology, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Measuring motor imagery using psychometric, behavioral, and psychophysiological tools. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2011; 39:85-92. [PMID: 21206282 DOI: 10.1097/jes.0b013e31820ac5e0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This review examines the measurement of motor imagery (MI) processes. First, self-report measures of MI are evaluated. Next, mental chronometry measures are considered. Then, we explain how physiological indices of the autonomic nervous system can measure MI. Finally, we show how these indices may be combined to produce a measure of MI quality called the Motor Imagery Index.
Collapse
|
37
|
The effect of proximity on open-loop accommodation responses measured with pinholes. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2010; 30:365-70. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-1313.2010.00728.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
38
|
Toledo MADV, Junqueira LF. Cardiac autonomic modulation and cognitive status in Alzheimer's disease. Clin Auton Res 2009; 20:11-7. [PMID: 19830511 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-009-0035-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although nervous structures affected in Alzheimer's disease are also implicated in autonomic nervous system function, the relationship between autonomic and cognitive functions was not still investigated. METHODS The cardiac autonomic modulation of 5-min heart interval variability evaluated by time- and frequency-domain indexes, in supine and standing positions, of 22 Alzheimer's disease patients (90.9% women) aged 79.6 +/- 1.4 years (mean +/- SE) was correlated with mild to severe cognitive impairment scored by the CAMCOG and MMSE subset tests, by the Spearman's correlation analysis. RESULTS Age and level of education were not correlated with the heart interval variability indexes and the cognitive scores. Significantly positive (r (s) = 0.43-0.47, P = 0.03-0.04) or trend (r (s) = 0.36-0.40, P = 0.06-0.10) correlation was observed in both positions between the cognitive performance and pNN50%, rMSSD and absolute and normalised high-frequency power, considered to express parasympathetic modulation. Negative trend correlation (r (s) = -0.35 to -0.39, P = 0.07-0.10) was observed between absolute sympathetic modulation (low-frequency power and low-to-high frequency power ratio) in supine posture. CONCLUSION The cognitive status and the cardiac sympathovagal modulation appear to be correlated and hypothetically may influence one another in mild to severe Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with more severe cognitive deficiency showed suggestive lower cardiac parasympathetic modulation and trend for higher cardiac sympathetic modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alice de Vilhena Toledo
- Medical Sciences Postgraduate Course, Geriatrics Medicine Center, The Brasilia University Hospital, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Guillot A, Collet C, Nguyen VA, Malouin F, Richards C, Doyon J. Brain activity during visual versus kinesthetic imagery: an fMRI study. Hum Brain Mapp 2009; 30:2157-72. [PMID: 18819106 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.20658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 345] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there is ample evidence that motor imagery activates similar cerebral regions to those solicited during actual movements, it is still unknown whether visual (VI) and kinesthetic imagery (KI) recruit comparable or distinct neural networks. The present study was thus designed to identify, through functional magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0 Tesla in 13 skilled imagers, the cerebral structures implicated in VI and KI. Participants were scanned in a perceptual control condition and while physically executing or focusing during motor imagery on either the visual or kinesthetic components of an explicitly known sequence of finger movements. Subjects' imagery abilities were assessed using well-established psychological, chronometric, and new physiological measures from the autonomic nervous system. Compared with the perceptual condition, physical executing, VI, and KI resulted in overlapping (albeit non-identical) brain activations, including motor-related regions and the inferior and superior parietal lobules. By contrast, a divergent pattern of increased activity was observed when VI and KI were compared directly: VI activated predominantly the occipital regions and the superior parietal lobules, whereas KI yielded more activity in motor-associated structures and the inferior parietal lobule. These results suggest that VI and KI are mediated through separate neural systems, which contribute differently during processes of motor learning and neurological rehabilitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aymeric Guillot
- Center of Research and Innovation in Sport, Mental Processes and Motor Performance, University Claude Bernard Lyon I, University of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
de Vilhena Toledo MA, Junqueira LF. Cardiac sympathovagal modulation evaluated by short-term heart interval variability is subtly impaired in Alzheimer's disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2008; 8:109-18. [PMID: 18713163 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2008.00456.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Alzheimer's disease affects several nervous structures involved with the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, the still scarce evaluation of the cardiac autonomic function in this disease is of great functional, clinical, prognostic and therapeutic relevance. METHODS Time- and frequency-domain variability of 5-min R-R interval series in supine and standing positions was comparatively evaluated in 22 Alzheimer's disease subjects, aged 60-87 years (mean +/- standard error of the mean, 79.6 +/- 1.4) with variable cognitive impairment, and 24 healthy individuals, aged 60-91 years (68.6 +/- 1.6). The Student's t-test was used to compare the variability indices between the groups and logistic regression excluded the effects on these indices in the Alzheimer's group of confounding variables different from the control group (age, physical activity and caffeinated intake), at a significance level of P </= 0.05. RESULTS No difference was observed between the groups (P = 0.12-0.72) for each time-domain mean indices and for the frequency-domain indices of overall and absolute sympathetic modulation in both positions (P = 0.21-0.78). Absolute parasympathetic modulation showed borderline decrease in supine position (P = 0.07) and was reduced in the standing (P = 0.05). The sympathovagal balance was altered (P = 0.05) toward relative parasympathetic borderline depression (P = 0.07) and sympathetic exacerbation (P = 0.04) only in the supine posture. CONCLUSION Data indicate that Alzheimer's disease subjects with mild-to-severe cognitive dysfunction showed subtle, absolute and relative parasympathetic depression and relative sympathetic exacerbation, which may even so contribute to distinctive functional and cognitive disturbances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alice de Vilhena Toledo
- Clinical Medicine Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, and Geriatrics Medicine Center, Brasilia University Hospital, and Medical Sciences Postgraduate Course, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Guillot A, Collet C, Nguyen VA, Malouin F, Richards C, Doyon J. Functional neuroanatomical networks associated with expertise in motor imagery. Neuroimage 2008; 41:1471-83. [PMID: 18479943 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Revised: 02/07/2008] [Accepted: 03/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aymeric Guillot
- CRIS, Performance Motrice, Mentale et du Matériel (P3M), Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, 27-29 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Chittiprol S, Kumar AM, Satishchandra P, Taranath Shetty K, Bhimasena Rao RS, Subbakrishna DK, Philip M, Satish KS, Ravi Kumar H, Kumar M. Progressive dysregulation of autonomic and HPA axis functions in HIV-1 clade C infection in South India. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2008; 33:30-40. [PMID: 17993249 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2007.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2007] [Revised: 09/13/2007] [Accepted: 09/20/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection causes a wide spectrum of abnormalities in neurological, neuropsychological, and neuroendocrinological functions. Several studies report disturbance in autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in HIV-1B infected individuals. However, no such investigations on the effect of HIV-1 clade C infection, particularly during the initial phase of the disease progression, have been reported. The present investigations were carried out longitudinally over a 2-year period at 12 monthly intervals in clinically asymptomatic HIV-1 clade C seropositive patients (n=120) and seronegative control subjects (n=29). We determined both the basal levels and the dynamic changes in plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (CORT). Studies were also extended longitudinally (at three separate yearly visits of each participant), to evaluate the response of autonomic and HPA axis to mirror star tracing challenge test (MSTCT) and the values were determined as area under the curve (AUC, corrected for baseline levels of NE, E, ACTH, and CORT). The findings show that the values of basal plasma NE levels, as well as NE response to MSTCT (AUC) at the first visit of HIV-1 seropositive individuals did not differ from those found in the control subjects (NE, pg/ml, HIV-1C=313.5+/-12.7 vs. controls=353.0+/-21.3; p=NS; AUC, HIV-1C=225+/-14.75 vs. controls=232.7+/-19.34; p=NS, respectively). At the subsequent two visits of HIV-1 positive patients however, NE response to MSTCT challenge was progressively attenuated (AUC=235+/-19.5 and 162.7+/-13.6; p<0.01 and 0.05, respectively) compared to that found at the first visit. On the other hand, plasma levels of E as well as E response to MSTCT at the first visit were significantly lower in HIV-1C seropositive individuals compared to those in the control subjects (pg/ml, HIV-1C=77.30+/-5.7 vs. controls=119.1+10.5; p<0.05; AUC, HIV-1C =83.29+/-7.5 vs. controls=172.3+/-18.9; p<0.001), but no further change was observed in AUC of E in response to MSTCT at the two subsequent yearly visits. The basal plasma levels of ACTH in HIV-1C seropositives were not different than in the control subjects (pg/ml: HIV-1C=20.0+/-0.9 vs. controls=23.1+/-1.6; p=NS), but ACTH response to MSTCT in HIV-1C seropositive patients at the first visit was lower than in the controls (AUC, HIV-1C=23.57+/-1.5 vs. controls=30.94+/-3.5; p<0.05), and fluctuated between high and low at the second and third visits (AUC, 28.89+/-2.3 and 21.69+/-2.36, respectively). However, the baseline plasma levels of cortisol as well as the response of cortisol to MSTCT (AUC) in HIV-1C seropositive individuals were higher than in the control subjects at the first visit (mug/dl, HIV-1C=9.83+/-0.39 vs. controls=6.3+/-0.56; p<0.05; AUC, HIV-1C=12.31+/-0.7 vs. control=9.18+/-0.9; p<0.05), and remained high at the two subsequent yearly follow up visits of HIV-1C (AUC, 11.8+/-0.86 and 11.98+/-0.77, respectively). These findings demonstrate attenuated autonomic functions, a disconnection between response of ACTH and cortisol to the MSTCT challenge, and an inverse relationship between plasma levels of catecholamine(s) and cortisol. Since plasma catecholamines and cortisol are the peripheral mediators of the autonomic and HPA axis function, the findings of this study reflect the overall adverse effect of HIV-1C infection on autonomic as well as HPA axis functions. The findings, apart from being the first to demonstrate the progressive dysregulation of autonomic nervous system and HPA axis function among HIV-1C infected seropositive individuals much ahead of the onset of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), also suggest that MSTCT, involving visuoconstructive cognitive abilities, is an effective stressor for unraveling the underlying dysfunctions in the neuroendocrine functions in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seetharamaiah Chittiprol
- Department of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Guillot A, Lebon F, Rouffet D, Champely S, Doyon J, Collet C. Muscular responses during motor imagery as a function of muscle contraction types. Int J Psychophysiol 2007; 66:18-27. [PMID: 17590469 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2007.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2007] [Accepted: 05/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to gain more insight into the mechanisms underlying motor imagery (MI). While there is ample evidence that motor performance and MI share common central neural mechanisms, the question whether MI is accompanied by subliminal electromyographic (EMG) activity remained unsolved. Thirty right-handed volunteers were asked to lift or to imagine lifting a weighted dumbbell using different types of muscle contraction, i.e. heavy concentric, light concentric, isometric and eccentric contractions. EMG activity from 9 muscles of the dominant arm (agonist, antagonist, synergist and fixator muscles) was monitored. Autonomic nervous system responses were also recorded on the non-dominant hand, thus attesting mental activity at the peripheral level. A significant increased pattern of EMG activity was recorded in all muscles during MI, when compared to the rest condition, while the goniometric data did not reveal any movement. Although being subliminal, the magnitude of this activation was found to be correlated to the mental effort required to lift a weight mentally, as more EMG activity was recorded during imaginary lifting of heavy than light concentric contractions. When considering the different types of contraction, our results provided evidence of selective changes in EMG activity. Especially, the imagined eccentric condition elicited a significant weaker muscular activity than all other conditions. In addition, the changes in the EMG pattern mirrored those usually observed during physical movement. These findings support the hypotheses of a selective effect of MI at the level of muscular activity and of incomplete inhibition of the motor command during MI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Guillot
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, EA 647, Centre de Recherche et d'Innovation sur le Sport (C.R.I.S.), 27-29 boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Autonomic-nervous-system activity during the preparation phase for the snatch in Olympic weight lifting. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2006; 1:375-87. [PMID: 19124894 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.1.4.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the preparation phase for the snatch lift in Olympic weight lifting. Two behavioral periods were studied, each corresponding to specific mental processes: a stance in front of the bar and placement of hands on the bar. Each period was hypothesized to elicit different responses of autonomic-nervous-system activity. METHODS Twelve elite male subjects completed 12 lifts at 90% to 95% of their best grade after warm-up (80% of their best grade). Because peripheral autonomic-nervous-system activity is related to arousal and activation variation, 6 variables were continuously recorded: electrodermal (skin resistance and potential), thermovascular (skin temperature and skin blood flow), and cardiorespiratory (heart rate and respiratory frequency). RESULTS Responses (ie, phasic activities) were evident during the first behavioral period. Decrease in heart rate (mean = 19 beats/min) or in respiratory frequency (mean = 8.6 beats/min) was related to attention processes. These responses were weaker (-0.16 degrees C vs -0.25 degrees C in skin temperature) and shorter (2.7 seconds vs 4.3 seconds in skin resistance) than those recorded during execution. The second phase showed variations in basal levels (mean increase in heart rate of 25%), related to increase in activation, thus attesting the muscle system's process of preparation for effort. CONCLUSION Weight lifters separated the preparation phase into 2 stages that were closely matched by different physiological activities. Weight lifting requires participants to share their mental resources among the 2 demanding concentration phases by first focusing their attention on the execution and then mobilizing energizing resources.
Collapse
|
45
|
Bolliet O, Collet C, Dittmar A. Observation of action and autonomic nervous system responses. Percept Mot Skills 2006; 101:195-202. [PMID: 16350624 DOI: 10.2466/pms.101.1.195-202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Observing somebody performing an action has been shown to elicit neuronal activity in the premotor cortex. This paper investigated physiological effect of observing an effortful action at the peripheral level. As Autonomic Nervous System responses reflect central nervous system processes such as movement planning and programming, it was expected that observing an action would elicit a pattern of ANS responses matching those recorded during actual movement. 12 male subjects, ages 23 to 28 years (M = 25.5, SD = 1.9), were selected as they were experienced in weight lifting. They were asked to observe a squat movement followed by returning to the upright position under 3 different conditions: (i) observation of actual movement performed by somebody else, (ii) observation of a video of the subject himself (first-person video), and (iii) observation of a video of somebody else performing the same movement (third-person video). Moreover, each movement was observed when performed at 50% and 90% of each participant's personal best mark (% of the highest weight which could be lifted). Three ANS parameters were continuously recorded: skin resistance, temperature and heart rate. ANS responses varied as a function of movement intensity: autonomic responses recorded during movement observation at 90% were significantly higher and longer than those recorded during movement observation at 50%. Thus, autonomic responses were linked to the amount of observed effort. Conversely, no difference was found among the three conditions of observation. ANS responses from observation of actual movement were shown to resemble those recorded under the two conditions of video observation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Bolliet
- Centre de Recherche et d'Innovation sur le Sport Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Guillot A, Collet C. Contribution from neurophysiological and psychological methods to the study of motor imagery. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 50:387-97. [PMID: 16271398 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2005.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2005] [Revised: 09/27/2005] [Accepted: 09/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews studies on neurophysiological and behavioral methods used to evaluate motor imagery accuracy. These methods can be used when performed in the field and are based on recordings of peripheral indices such as autonomic nervous system or electromyographic activities, mental chronometry and psychological tests. Providing physiological signs that correlate to these types of mental processes may be considered an objective approach for motor imagery analysis. However, although autonomic nervous system activity recording has been shown to match motor imagery in real time, to evaluate its accuracy qualitatively and the individual ability to form mental images, the relationship between physiological responses and mental processes remains an inference. Moreover, electromyographic recordings may be associated with postural control data, but due to inconsistent results, they remain insufficient to solely evaluate motor imagery accuracy. Other techniques traditionally used in psychology and cognitive psychology are questionnaires, "debriefing" with subjects and mental chronometry. Although such methods lead to interesting results, there remains an important part of subjectivity as subjects perform an auto-evaluation of motor imagery accuracy. Similarly, mental chronometry gives information on the ability to preserve temporal organization of movement but does not allow the evaluation of the vividness of mental images. Thus, several methods should be combined to analyze motor imagery accuracy in greater detail. Neurophysiological recordings cannot therefore be considered an alternative but rather a complementary technique to behavioral and psychological methods. The advantages and inconvenient of each technique and the hypotheses that could be tested are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aymeric Guillot
- Centre de Recherche et d'Innovation sur le Sport, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I-UFR STAPS, 27-29 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Guillot A, Haguenauer M, Dittmar A, Collet C. Effect of a fatiguing protocol on motor imagery accuracy. Eur J Appl Physiol 2005; 95:186-90. [PMID: 16003536 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-005-1400-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study was devised to evaluate the influence of muscle fatigue on athletes' ability to perform motor imagery. Performance impairment is a consequence of fatigue, but alterations on perception and mental activity may also occur. To test whether peripheral fatigue affects mental processes, ten sports students imagined three consecutive countermovement jumps before and after a fatiguing protocol, through repetition of upright movements, at 70% of maximal voluntary contraction, until exhaustion. Autonomic nervous system responses and imagined movement durations were considered the dependent variables. Actual duration was systematically overestimated during both visual and kinesthetic imagery, but motor imagery duration and autonomic responses were similar without and under fatigue. Results suggest that muscle fatigue, unlike fatigue induced by prolonged exercise, does not elicit mental fatigue and therefore does not alter motor imagery accuracy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aymeric Guillot
- Centre de Recherche et d'Innovation sur le Sport, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, Villeurbanne, France.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
|
49
|
Guillot A, Collet C, Dittmar A. Relationship Between Visual and Kinesthetic Imagery, Field Dependence-Independence, and Complex Motor Skills. J PSYCHOPHYSIOL 2004. [DOI: 10.1027/0269-8803.18.4.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract: Visual imagery (VI) involves self-visualization of action, whereas kinesthetic imagery (KI) implies somesthetic sensations elicited by action. Motor imagery (MI) has been shown to enhance motor performance but inconsistent results were obtained depending on the respective impacts of VI and KI. It is hypothesized here that the type of MI may interact with individual characteristics such as field dependence-independence. As subjects' movements can be mainly checked out through exteroceptive or proprioceptive information, task requirements were also expected to influence MI. Witkin's Group Embedded Figures Test was implemented with two groups (n1 = 10 gymnasts, n2 = 10 tennis players). Athletes were asked to imagine a complex motor skill by alternate use of VI and KI. Skin resistance was selected as a peripheral indicator of MI and recorded continuously. Autonomic responses were compared by computing the VI/KI ratio. Results taking both the field-dependence test and MI type into account were not as clear as expected. As hypothesized, gymnasts were more field-independent than tennis players. VI/KI ratio analysis showed that a similar pattern was observed in the gymnasts group (ratio close to 1.0), whatever the type of imagery. This suggests that gymnasts are equally able to perform VI and KI. Fifty percent of the tennis players group showed a ratio higher than 1.0, suggesting that VI was more effective than KI. Conversely, the remaining 50% showed a below-1.0 ratio, suggesting more effective KI. Thus, some tennis players may make better use of VI than KI, and conversely some may make better use of KI than VI. These results indicate that MI training may be relatively independent of task requirements and be based mainly upon individual characteristics such as MI abilities. Finally, results indicate systematic overestimation in self-estimation of movement duration during MI, which was greater during KI than during VI, suggesting that athletes have greater trouble in feeling than in visualizing movement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Guillot
- C.R.I.S., Sport Performance et Individu, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, France
| | - C. Collet
- C.R.I.S., Sport Performance et Individu, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, France
| | - A. Dittmar
- INSA CNRS UMR 5511, Laboratoire de Physique de la Matière, Villeurbanne, France
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Newberg AB, Iversen J. The neural basis of the complex mental task of meditation: neurotransmitter and neurochemical considerations. Med Hypotheses 2003; 61:282-91. [PMID: 12888320 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-9877(03)00175-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Meditation is a complex mental process involving changes in cognition, sensory perception, affect, hormones, and autonomic activity. Meditation has also become widely used in psychological and medical practices for stress management as well as a variety of physical and mental disorders. However, until now, there has been limited understanding of the overall biological mechanism of these practices in terms of the effects in both the brain and body. We have previously described a rudimentary neuropsychological model to explain the brain mechanisms underlying meditative experiences. This paper provides a substantial development by integrating neurotransmitter systems and the results of recent brain imaging advances into the model. The following is a review and synthesis of the current literature regarding the various neurophysiological mechanisms and neurochemical substrates that underlie the complex processes of meditation. It is hoped that this model will provide hypotheses for future biological and clinical studies of meditation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A B Newberg
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|