1
|
Gammeri R, Villa MC, Ciorli T, Berti A, Ricci R. Beyond balance: The role of the Vestibular system in action recognition. Heliyon 2024; 10:e38019. [PMID: 39347395 PMCID: PMC11438003 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38019] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 09/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Action recognition is a fundamental aspect of human interaction. This process is mediated by the activation of shared sensorimotor representations during action execution and observation. Although complex movements involving balance or head and trunk rotations require vestibular signals for effective execution, their role in the recognition of others' actions is still unknown. Objective To investigate the causal involvement of the vestibular system in the discrimination of actions performed by others and whether this is influenced by motor familiarity. Methods In a single-blind design involving 25 healthy participants, Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) was administered during an Action Discrimination Task (ADT), in which videos of actions categorized as vestibular/non-vestibular and familiar/unfamiliar were presented. Following each video, participants were required to identify the climax of the previously viewed action between two image options, using a two-alternative forced choice paradigm. The ADT was performed in active and sham GVS conditions, with left or right anodal montages. Response Times (RTs), Accuracy, and subjective motor familiarity were recorded for each action category. Results In sham GVS condition, an overall familiarity effect was observed, where RTs for familiar actions were faster than RTs for unfamiliar ones, regardless of vestibular engagement (p < .001; ηp 2 = .80). Conversely, under active GVS, a selective interference of the identification of vestibular familiar actions was observed compared to sham. Specifically, GVS prolonged RTs for recognizing familiar vestibular actions (p = .004, d = .59) while concurrently enhancing visual sensitivity (d') for the same actions (p = .03, r = .21). Conclusion These findings demonstrate the contribution of the vestibular system to action recognition. GVS disrupted the sensorimotor representation of vestibular actions and led to increased reliance on an alternative processing system focused on visual analysis of limb positions. This dissociation provides valuable insights for future investigations into the complex relationship between vestibular signals and cognitive processes involved in action identification, essential for developing innovative GVS interventions, particularly for individuals with sensorimotor or vestibular disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gammeri
- SAN (Space, Attention and actioN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi, 10, Torino, 10124, Italy
| | - Maria-Chiara Villa
- BIP (BraIn Plasticity and Behaviour Changes) Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Tommaso Ciorli
- SAMBA (SpAtial, Motor and Bodily Awareness) Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, Torino, 10124, Italy
| | - Anna Berti
- SAN (Space, Attention and actioN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi, 10, Torino, 10124, Italy
- SAMBA (SpAtial, Motor and Bodily Awareness) Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, Torino, 10124, Italy
| | - Raffaella Ricci
- SAN (Space, Attention and actioN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi, 10, Torino, 10124, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gammeri R, Salatino A, Pyasik M, Cirillo E, Zavattaro C, Serra H, Pia L, Roberts DR, Berti A, Ricci R. Modulation of vestibular input by short-term head-down bed rest affects somatosensory perception: implications for space missions. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1197278. [PMID: 37529715 PMCID: PMC10390228 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1197278] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction On Earth, self-produced somatosensory stimuli are typically perceived as less intense than externally generated stimuli of the same intensity, a phenomenon referred to as somatosensory attenuation (SA). Although this phenomenon arises from the integration of multisensory signals, the specific contribution of the vestibular system and the sense of gravity to somatosensory cognition underlying distinction between self-generated and externally generated sensations remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated whether temporary modulation of the gravitational input by head-down tilt bed rest (HDBR)-a well-known Earth-based analog of microgravity-might significantly affect somatosensory perception of self- and externally generated stimuli. Methods In this study, 40 healthy participants were tested using short-term HDBR. Participants received a total of 40 non-painful self- and others generated electrical stimuli (20 self- and 20 other-generated stimuli) in an upright and HDBR position while blindfolded. After each stimulus, they were asked to rate the perceived intensity of the stimulation on a Likert scale. Results Somatosensory stimulations were perceived as significantly less intense during HDBR compared to upright position, regardless of the agent administering the stimulus. In addition, the magnitude of SA in upright position was negatively correlated with the participants' somatosensory threshold. Based on the direction of SA in the upright position, participants were divided in two subgroups. In the subgroup experiencing SA, the intensity rating of stimulations generated by others decreased significantly during HDBR, leading to the disappearance of the phenomenon of SA. In the second subgroup, on the other hand, reversed SA was not affected by HDBR. Conclusion Modulation of the gravitational input by HDBR produced underestimation of somatosensory stimuli. Furthermore, in participants experiencing SA, the reduction of vestibular inputs by HDBR led to the disappearance of the SA phenomenon. These findings provide new insights into the role of the gravitational input in somatosensory perception and have important implications for astronauts who are exposed to weightlessness during space missions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gammeri
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Adriana Salatino
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Pyasik
- SpAtial, Motor and Bodily Awareness (SAMBA) Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cirillo
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Zavattaro
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Hilary Serra
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pia
- SpAtial, Motor and Bodily Awareness (SAMBA) Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Donna R. Roberts
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Anna Berti
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- SpAtial, Motor and Bodily Awareness (SAMBA) Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaella Ricci
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Faerman A, Clark JB, Sutton JP. Neuropsychological considerations for long-duration deep spaceflight. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1146096. [PMID: 37275233 PMCID: PMC10235498 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1146096] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The deep space environment far beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO) introduces multiple and simultaneous risks for the functioning and health of the central nervous system (CNS), which may impair astronauts' performance and wellbeing. As future deep space missions to Mars, moons, or asteroids will also exceed current LEO stay durations and are estimated to require up to 3 years, we review recent evidence with contemporary and historic spaceflight case studies addressing implications for long-duration missions. To highlight the need for specific further investigations, we provide neuropsychological considerations integrating cognitive and motor functions, neuroimaging, neurological biomarkers, behavior changes, and mood and affect to construct a multifactorial profile to explain performance variability, subjective experience, and potential risks. We discuss the importance of adopting a neuropsychological approach to long-duration deep spaceflight (LDDS) missions and draw specific recommendations for future research in space neuropsychology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afik Faerman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan B. Clark
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jeffrey P. Sutton
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mazza A, Dal Monte O, Schintu S, Colombo S, Michielli N, Sarasso P, Törlind P, Cantamessa M, Montagna F, Ricci R. Beyond alpha-band: The neural correlate of creative thinking. Neuropsychologia 2023; 179:108446. [PMID: 36529264 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The compound nature of creativity entails the interplay of multiple cognitive processes, making it difficult to attribute creativity to a single neural signature. Divergent thinking paradigms, widely adopted to investigate creative production, have highlighted the key role of specific mental operations subserving creativity, such as inhibition of external stimuli, loose semantic associations, and mental imagery. Neurophysiological studies have typically shown a high alpha rhythm synchronization when individuals are engaged in creative ideation. Also, oculomotor activity and pupil diameter have been proposed as useful indicators of mental operations involved in such a thinking process. The goal of this study was to investigate whether beyond alpha-band activity other higher frequency bands, such as beta and gamma, may subserve divergent and convergent thinking and whether those could be associated with a different gaze bias and pupil response during ideas generation. Implementing a within-subjects design we collected behavioral measures, neural activity, gaze patterns, and pupil dilation while participants performed a revised version of the Alternative Uses Task, in which divergent thinking is contrasted to convergent thinking. As expected, participants took longer to generate creative ideas as compared to common ones. Interestingly, during divergent thinking participants displayed alpha synchronization along with beta and gamma desynchronization, more pronounced leftward gaze shift, and greater pupil dilation. During convergent thinking, an opposite pattern was observed: desynchronization in alpha and an increase in beta and gamma rhythm, along with a reduction of leftward gaze shift and greater pupil constriction. The present study uncovered specific neural dynamics and physiological patterns during idea generation, providing novel insight into the complex physiological signature of creative production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Mazza
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Torino, 10124, Italy
| | - Olga Dal Monte
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Torino, 10124, Italy; Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520-8205, USA.
| | - Selene Schintu
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences-CIMeC, University of Trento, Rovereto, TN, 38068, Italy; Department of Psychology, The George Washington University, Washington DC, 20052, USA
| | - Samuele Colombo
- Department of Management and Production Engineering (DIGEP), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, 10129, Italy
| | - Nicola Michielli
- PoliToBIOMed Lab, Biolab, Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, 10129, Turin, Italy
| | - Pietro Sarasso
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Torino, 10124, Italy
| | - Peter Törlind
- Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, 97187, Sweden
| | - Marco Cantamessa
- Department of Management and Production Engineering (DIGEP), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, 10129, Italy
| | - Francesca Montagna
- Department of Management and Production Engineering (DIGEP), Politecnico di Torino, Turin, 10129, Italy
| | - Raffaella Ricci
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Torino, 10124, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gammeri R, Léonard J, Toupet M, Hautefort C, van Nechel C, Besnard S, Machado ML, Nakul E, Montava M, Lavieille JP, Lopez C. Navigation strategies in patients with vestibular loss tested in a virtual reality T-maze. J Neurol 2022; 269:4333-4348. [PMID: 35306619 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11069-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
During navigation, humans mainly rely on egocentric and allocentric spatial strategies, two different frames of reference working together to build a coherent representation of the environment. Spatial memory deficits during navigation have been repeatedly reported in patients with vestibular disorders. However, little is known about how vestibular disorders can change the use of spatial navigation strategies. Here, we used a new reverse T-maze paradigm in virtual reality to explore whether vestibular loss specifically modifies the use of egocentric or allocentric spatial strategies in patients with unilateral (n = 23) and bilateral (n = 23) vestibular loss compared to healthy volunteers (n = 23) matched for age, sex and education level. Results showed that the odds of selecting and using a specific strategy in the T-maze were significantly reduced in both unilateral and bilateral vestibular loss. An exploratory analysis suggests that only right vestibular loss decreased the odds of adopting a spatial strategy, indicating an asymmetry of vestibular functions. When considering patients who used strategies to navigate, we observed that a bilateral vestibular loss reduced the odds to use an allocentric strategy, whereas a unilateral vestibular loss decreased the odds to use an egocentric strategy. Age was significantly associated with an overall lower chance to adopt a navigation strategy and, more specifically, with a decrease in the odds of using an allocentric strategy. We did not observe any sex difference in the ability to select and use a specific navigation strategy. Findings are discussed in light of previous studies on visuo-spatial abilities and studies of vestibulo-hippocampal interactions in peripheral vestibular disorders. We discuss the potential impact of the history of the disease (chronic stage in patients with a bilateral vestibulopathy vs. subacute stage in patients with a unilateral vestibular loss), of hearing impairment and non-specific attentional deficits in patients with vestibular disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gammeri
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, LNC, FR3C, Marseille, France.,Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Jacques Léonard
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, LNC, FR3C, Marseille, France
| | - Michel Toupet
- IRON, Institut de Recherche en Oto-Neurologie, Paris, France.,Centre d'Explorations Fonctionnelles Oto-Neurologiques, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Hautefort
- IRON, Institut de Recherche en Oto-Neurologie, Paris, France.,Service ORL, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | - Christian van Nechel
- IRON, Institut de Recherche en Oto-Neurologie, Paris, France.,Unité Troubles de L'Équilibre Et Vertiges, CHU Brugmann, Bruxelles, Belgium.,Unité de Neuro-Ophtalmologie, CHU Erasme, Bruxelles, Belgium.,Clinique Des Vertiges, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | | | | | - Estelle Nakul
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, LNC, FR3C, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Montava
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hôpital La Conception, APHM, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Lavieille
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hôpital La Conception, APHM, Marseille, France
| | | |
Collapse
|