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Otsuka H, Irie K, Kogata T, Onitsuka A, Inadomi H. Effects of sensory room intervention on autonomic function in healthy adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2025; 20:e0319649. [PMID: 40267087 PMCID: PMC12017487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0319649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 04/25/2025] Open
Abstract
Sensory rooms are those equipped with various visual, auditory, and other sensory items that can be adjusted according to user preferences. Although several studies have reported the effectiveness of sensory rooms, their physiological effects remain unclear. This pilot study aims to investigate the effect of sensory rooms on vagal function, mood states, and attentional functions. Thirty-nine healthy young adults were randomly divided into the sensory room intervention (SRI) and sedentary activity (SA) groups, and given a 30-minute intervention. The SRI group spent time in a dimly lit room with beaded cushions and aroma oils. The SA group engaged in activities such as handicrafts and puzzles. We compared changes in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) at rest, RSA variability during discomfort sensory stimulation, mood states, and attentional functions between the groups, both before and after the intervention. As a result, 1) SRI significantly increased RSA compared with SA. 2) It also reduced the variability of RSA in response to specific sensory stimuli compared with SA. 3) However, no significant differences existed in negative mood or attentional function between the groups. The results suggest that sensory rooms might contribute to the sensory modulation, including that of the autonomic nervous system. Further investigation with larger samples in clinical settings, particularly among individuals with sensory modulation issues and mental illness, is necessary to confirm and generalize these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikari Otsuka
- Department of Advanced Occupational Therapy, Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Irie
- Department of Advanced Occupational Therapy, Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kogata
- Department of Advanced Occupational Therapy, Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Azumi Onitsuka
- Department of Advanced Occupational Therapy, Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Inadomi
- Department of Advanced Occupational Therapy, Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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2
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McGinley JJ, Spangler DP. Editorial: Emotion dynamics: mapping the structure and function of emotional variability. Front Hum Neurosci 2025; 19:1603774. [PMID: 40303464 PMCID: PMC12037619 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2025.1603774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2025] [Accepted: 04/03/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jared J. McGinley
- Department of Psychology, Towson University, Towson, MD, United States
| | - Derek P. Spangler
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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Lin Y, Isomura T. Heartfelt gaze: Cardiac afferent signals and vagal tone affect gaze perception. Int J Psychophysiol 2025; 212:112564. [PMID: 40221047 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2025.112564] [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: 01/26/2025] [Revised: 03/26/2025] [Accepted: 04/07/2025] [Indexed: 04/14/2025]
Abstract
Perceiving others' gaze direction is an essential aspect of social interactions. The cone of direct gaze (CoDG) refers to the range within which an observer perceives a gaze as looking directly at them. Previous research has demonstrated that self-relevant exteroceptive cues can widen the CoDG. However, the effect of self-relevant interoceptive information on the CoDG remains unknown. This study investigated the contribution of cardiac afferent signals and vagal tone to the perception of gaze from others. We used a modified gaze discrimination task to synchronize face stimuli with various gaze directions to specific phases of the cardiac cycle. Results revealed that participants with higher heart rate variability (HRV) exhibited a wider CoDG during cardiac systole (when cardiac signals are maximally represented in the brain). However, no effect was observed during cardiac diastole (when cardiac signals are quiescent). Moreover, this effect was independent of individual differences in anxiety levels and autistic traits. These findings are evidence that individuals with greater cardiac vagal control are more sensitive to cardiac afferent signals during systole, which leads to a stronger self-directed perception of others' gaze under transient and ambiguous gaze perception conditions. Our findings highlight the self-referential role of cardiac interoceptive signals in gaze perception and expand our knowledge of interoceptive influences on social judgment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojie Lin
- Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Tomoko Isomura
- Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
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Otsuka H, Irie K, Takebuchi R, Inadomi H. Associations Among Hypersensitivity, Vagal Tone, and Mood State in Adults. OTJR-OCCUPATION PARTICIPATION AND HEALTH 2025; 45:170-178. [PMID: 38877856 DOI: 10.1177/15394492241259402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2025]
Abstract
Although many previous studies have reported the relationship between hypersensitivity and vagal function in children, the relationship in adults is unclear. This study investigates the relationship between hypersensitivity and vagal function, discomfort to sensory stimuli, and daily mood states in healthy adults. Using a questionnaire, 39 healthy adults were divided into hypersensitivity and control groups. We compared the baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), reflecting vagal tone and reactivity, subjective discomfort to sensory stimuli, and daily mood status between groups. Those in the hypersensitivity group had significantly lower baseline RSA and were more likely to experience greater RSA variability and discomfort during exposure to sensory stimuli than the control group. We found no significant difference between groups in daily mood status. These findings suggest that vagal function is an important marker of hypersensitivity in healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikari Otsuka
- Department of Advanced Occupational Therapy, Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Irie
- Department of Advanced Occupational Therapy, Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Riku Takebuchi
- Department of Advanced Occupational Therapy, Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Inadomi
- Department of Advanced Occupational Therapy, Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan
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Kula Y, Iversen Z, Cohen A, Levine AD, Gidron Y. Does Vagal Nerve Activity Predict Performance in a Naval Commando Selection Test? Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2025:10.1007/s10484-025-09702-4. [PMID: 40111586 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-025-09702-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2025] [Indexed: 03/22/2025]
Abstract
Special operations forces (SOF) soldiers are elite fighters and tactical professionals who perform in high-stress environments. SOF selection processes aim to identify candidates who can sustain performance in high-stress and changing conditions. The vagal nerve is a crucial moderator of stress responses, and its activity (indexed by heart rate variability, HRV) has been shown to predict performance and psycho-physiological resilience in various settings. However, its predictive validity needs to be clarified. This study examined the relationship between HRV and success in an intensive selection procedure. In a historical prospective study, we derived an HRV parameter (root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats, RMSSD) from a 10-second ECG of 365 candidates for an SOF naval unit. The ECG was taken approximately two months before the selection procedure. The predictive validity of other routinely obtained measures was also considered. High RMSSD was significantly associated with success, but this relation disappeared after controlling for confounders (e.g., running score). However, after matching pairs of successful and non-successful candidates on confounders, HRV was again significantly related to course performance. The results of this study support the predictive value of HRV for tactical professionals. Given the high cost of training elite soldiers and the burden they undergo, improving accuracy of the selection processes may reduce the burden on candidates and lead to resource savings. Future studies should measure HRV at several time points with longer ECG records.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosef Kula
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of social welfare and health sciences university of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Zev Iversen
- Behavioral Science Branch, Israeli Navy, IDF, Haifa, Israel
| | - Adi Cohen
- The Israel Naval Medical Institute, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Yori Gidron
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of social welfare and health sciences university of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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Ludyga S, Hanke M, Schwarz A, Leuenberger R, Bruggisser F, Looser VN, Gerber M. The Association of Physical Activity and Stress-induced Neurocognitive Impairments in Inhibitory Control in Children. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2024; 8:24705470241261581. [PMID: 38868504 PMCID: PMC11168053 DOI: 10.1177/24705470241261581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Background Evaluation stress can impair inhibitory control, limiting the ability of children to perform cognitively. However, evidence on protective factors is lacking as stress-induced cognitive impairments are poorly understood. High physical activity has been related to better inhibitory control and has the potential to buffer the response to a stressor. We investigated the association of physical activity and stress-induced changes in inhibitory control as well as its underlying cognitive control processes (i.e., conflict monitoring and resolution). Method Participants (10 to 13 y) with either low (N = 55) or high moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (N = 55) completed the Trier Social Stress Test for Children (TSST-C) and a control task in a randomized order. During both conditions, salivary cortisol was collected. Additionally, a computerized Stroop task was administered before and after the experimental conditions. The N200 and positive slow wave (PSW) components of event-related potentials elicited by the Stroop task were recorded using electroencephalography. Results In comparison to the control task, the TSST-C elicited a pre-to post-test decrease of accuracy on incompatible trials. Path-analyses further revealed that this decrease was related to low physical activity and a reduced PSW amplitude. However, both the N200 and PSW amplitudes did not mediate the relation between physical activity groups and performance on the Stroop task. Conclusion In children, evaluation stress decreases inhibitory control partly due to a reduced effectiveness of conflict resolution processes. Only children with high physical activity maintain inhibitory control after facing the stressor. However, this protective effect cannot be attributed to changes in conflict monitoring and resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ludyga
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Hanke
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anja Schwarz
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rahel Leuenberger
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Bruggisser
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vera Nina Looser
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Gerber
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Gilo I, Biegert C, Segel-Karpas D, Benz A, Meier M, Palgi Y, Pruessner J. Exploring the efficacy of sense of Okayness (SOK) as an antidote for stress in older adults: the role of SOK elevation intervention, heart rate variability (HRV), and cognitive performance in stressful and relaxing situations. Stress 2024; 27:2371145. [PMID: 38992937 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2371145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Sense of Okayness (SOK) is an emerging concept that describes a person's ability to remain stable and unshaken in the face of life transitions and hardships. This quality enables effective stress regulation and heightened tolerance to uncertainty. To investigate the possible role of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) in mediating the relationship between SOK and stress regulation among older individuals, an analytical sample of N = 69 participants (74% women) with a mean age of 78.75 years (SD age = 6.78) was recruited for a standardized cognitive assessment and stress induction. Baseline heart rate variability (HRV), measured via electrocardiogram (ECG), and SOK assessments were conducted prior to stress induction, along with a baseline cognitive evaluation. Subsequently, participants were subjected to a psychosocial stress paradigm, followed by either a 30-minute SOK elevation intervention (n = 40) or a control condition with nature sounds (n = 29). A second cognitive assessment was administered post-intervention, with continuous HRV measurement through ECG. The results revealed significant HRV changes due to the experimental intervention, though no significant differences were observed between the SOK intervention and control groups. Interestingly, individuals with high trait SOK displayed more stable HRV trajectories, exhibiting a smaller decline during the stress intervention and a milder increase during both the stressor and SOK intervention phases. Overall, these findings do suggest a significant association between SOK, parasympathetic activity, and stress reactivity. These results prompt further investigation into whether personality patterns, such as a strong SOK, may be linked to reduced vagal reactivity and better coping in old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itai Gilo
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Constance, Universitätsstraße 10, Constance, Germany
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Carla Biegert
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Constance, Universitätsstraße 10, Constance, Germany
| | - Dikla Segel-Karpas
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Annika Benz
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Constance, Universitätsstraße 10, Constance, Germany
| | - Maria Meier
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Constance, Universitätsstraße 10, Constance, Germany
| | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jens Pruessner
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Constance, Universitätsstraße 10, Constance, Germany
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8
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Shakiba N, Lynch SF, Propper CB, Mills-Koonce WR, Wagner NJ. Vagal Flexibility Moderates the Links between Observed Sensitive Caregiving in Infancy and Externalizing Behavior Problems in Middle Childhood. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:1453-1464. [PMID: 37300786 PMCID: PMC11257083 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-023-01088-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study explored how patterns of physiological stress reactivity underpin individual differences in sensitivity to early rearing experiences and childhood risk for psychopathology. To examine individual differences in parasympathetic functioning, past research has largely relied on static measures of stress reactivity (i.e., residual and change scores) in infancy which may not adequately capture the dynamic nature of regulation across contexts. Using data from a prospective longitudinal study of 206 children (56% African Americans) and their families, this study addressed these gaps by employing the latent basis growth curve model to characterize the dynamic, non-linear patterns of change in infants' respiratory sinus arrhythmia (i.e., vagal flexibility) across the Face-to-Face Still-Face Paradigm. Furthermore, it investigated whether and how infants' vagal flexibility moderates the links between sensitive parenting, observed during a free play task when children were 6 months of age, and parent-report of children's externalizing problems at 7 years of age. Results of the structural equation models revealed that infants' vagal flexibility moderates the predictive relations between sensitive parenting in infancy and children's later externalizing problems. Simple slope analyses revealed that low vagal flexibility, characterized by less suppression and flatter recovery patterns, exacerbated risk for externalizing psychopathology in the context of insensitive parenting. Children with low vagal flexibility also benefited most from sensitive parenting, as indicated by the lower number of externalizing problems. Findings are interpreted in the light of the biological sensitivity to context model and provide evidence for vagal flexibility as a biomarker of individual's sensitivity to early rearing contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nila Shakiba
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Sarah F Lynch
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Cathi B Propper
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - W Roger Mills-Koonce
- School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas J Wagner
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Alam S, Revi GS, Kerick SE, Yang X, Robucci R, Banerjee N, Spangler DP. Anticipatory cardiac deceleration estimates cognitive performance in virtual reality beyond tonic heart period and heart period variability. Biol Psychol 2023; 181:108602. [PMID: 37295768 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Anticipatory cardiac deceleration is the lengthening of heart period before an expected event. It appears to reflect preparation that supports rapid action. The current study sought to bolster anticipatory deceleration as a practical and unique estimator of performance efficiency. To this end, we examined relationships between deceleration and virtual reality performance under low and high time pressure. Importantly, we investigated whether deceleration separately estimates performance beyond basal heart period and basal high-frequency heart rate variability (other vagally influenced metrics related to cognition). Thirty participants completed an immersive virtual reality (VR) cognitive performance task across six longitudinal sessions. Anticipatory deceleration and basal heart period/heart period variability were quantified from electrocardiography collected during pre-task anticipatory countdowns and baseline periods, respectively. At the between-person level, we found that greater anticipatory declaration was related to superior accuracy and faster response times (RT). The relation between deceleration and accuracy was stronger under high relative to low time pressure, when good performance requires greater efficiency. Findings for heart period and heart period variability largely converge with the prior literature, but importantly, were statistically separate from deceleration effects on performance. Lastly, deceleration effects were detected using anticipatory periods that are more practical (shorter and more intermittent) than those typically employed. Taken together, findings suggest that anticipatory deceleration is a unique and practical correlate of cognitive-motor efficiency apart from heart period and heart period variability in virtual reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sazedul Alam
- Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland - Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gabriela S Revi
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Ryan Robucci
- Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland - Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nilanjan Banerjee
- Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland - Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek P Spangler
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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Riganello F, Vatrano M, Tonin P, Cerasa A, Cortese MD. Heart Rate Complexity and Autonomic Modulation Are Associated with Psychological Response Inhibition in Healthy Subjects. ENTROPY (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 25:152. [PMID: 36673293 PMCID: PMC9857955 DOI: 10.3390/e25010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND the ability to suppress/regulate impulsive reactions has been identified as common factor underlying the performance in all executive function tasks. We analyzed the HRV signals (power of high (HF) and low (LF) frequency, Sample Entropy (SampEn), and Complexity Index (CI)) during the execution of cognitive tests to assess flexibility, inhibition abilities, and rule learning. METHODS we enrolled thirty-six healthy subjects, recording five minutes of resting state and two tasks of increasing complexity based on 220 visual stimuli with 12 × 12 cm red and white squares on a black background. RESULTS at baseline, CI was negatively correlated with age, and LF was negatively correlated with SampEn. In Task 1, the CI and LF/HF were negatively correlated with errors. In Task 2, the reaction time positively correlated with the CI and the LF/HF ratio errors. Using a binary logistic regression model, age, CI, and LF/HF ratio classified performance groups with a sensitivity and specificity of 73 and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS this study performed an important initial exploration in defining the complex relationship between CI, sympathovagal balance, and age in regulating impulsive reactions during cognitive tests. Our approach could be applied in assessing cognitive decline, providing additional information on the brain-heart interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paolo Tonin
- S. Anna Institute, Via Siris 11, 88900 Crotone, Italy
| | - Antonio Cerasa
- S. Anna Institute, Via Siris 11, 88900 Crotone, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98100 Messina, Italy
- Pharmacotechnology Documentation and Transfer Unit, Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
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11
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Spangler DP, Yang X, Weidler BJ, Thayer JF, McGinley JJ. Unraveling the cognitive correlates of heart rate variability with the drift diffusion model. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 181:73-84. [PMID: 36029919 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Neurovisceral Integration Model posits a link between resting vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) and cognitive control. Empirical support for this link is mixed, potentially due to coarse performance metrics such as mean response time (RT). To clarify this issue, we tested the relationships between resting vmHRV and refined estimates of cognitive control- as revealed by the ex-Gaussian model of RT and, to a greater extent, the drift diffusion model (DDM, a computational model of two-choice performance). Participants (N = 174) completed a five-minute resting baseline while ECG was collected followed by a Simon spatial conflict task. The root mean square of successive differences in interbeat intervals was calculated to index resting vmHRV. Resting vmHRV was unrelated to Simon's mean RT and accuracy rates, but was inversely related to the ex-Gaussian parameter reflecting slow RTs (tau); however, this finding was attenuated after adjustment for covariates. High resting vmHRV was related to faster drift rates and slower non-decision times, DDM parameters reflecting goal-directed cognition and sensorimotor processes, respectively. The DDM effects survived covariate adjustment and were specific to incongruent trials (i.e., when cognitive control demands were high). Findings suggest a link between vmHRV and cognitive control vis-a-vis drift rate, and potentially, a link between vmHRV and motoric inhibition vis-a-vis non-decision time. These cognitive correlates would have been missed with reliance on traditional performance. Findings are discussed with respect to the inhibitory processes that promote effective performance in high vmHRV individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek P Spangler
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, United States of America.
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, United States of America
| | - Blaire J Weidler
- Department of Psychology, Towson University, United States of America
| | - Julian F Thayer
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, United States of America; The Ohio State University, Deparatment of Psychology, United States of America
| | - Jared J McGinley
- Department of Psychology, Towson University, United States of America
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12
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Bamert M, Inauen J. Physiological stress reactivity and recovery: Some laboratory results transfer to daily life. Front Psychol 2022; 13:943065. [PMID: 36046406 PMCID: PMC9421134 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.943065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is a prevalent theme in our daily lives and is related to numerous negative health outcomes. Laboratory research has studied the physiological stress response extensively with objective measures such as vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV). Recently, the vagal tank theory emerged as a promising approach to predicting adaptive vmHRV levels around stressful events. This study aimed to investigate whether the predictions of the vagal tank theory about vmHRV during stress reactivity and recovery translate into naturalistic stressful events in daily life. Sixty-seven students wore an EcgMove 4 sensor for 4 days to measure vmHRV. Through a combination of device-based and self-report assessment, vmHRV data were segmented into before, during, and after stressful events. VmHRV segments were analyzed with multilevel modeling, accounting for physiological and psychological covariates. VmHRV before stressful events predicted more adaptive vmHRV during the event but not vmHRV recovery afterwards. The results therefore partially support the vagal tank theory's predictions with data from daily life and allow recommendations for future studies of real-world stress reactivity and recovery. The value of intraindividual variations in vmHRV as predictors of adaptive stress response is underscored by these findings and could inform future interventions that seek to increase momentary vmHRV.
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13
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Matuz A, van der Linden D, Kisander Z, Hernádi I, Kázmér K, Csathó Á. Enhanced cardiac vagal tone in mental fatigue: Analysis of heart rate variability in Time-on-Task, recovery, and reactivity. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0238670. [PMID: 33657124 PMCID: PMC7928498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has been suggested as a useful tool to assess fatigue-sensitive psychological operations. The present study uses a between and within-subject design with a cognitively demanding task and a documentary viewing condition, to examine the temporal profile of HRV during reactivity, Time-on-Task (ToT), and recovery. In the cognitive task group, participants worked on a bimodal 2-back task with a game-like character (the Gatekeeper task) for about 1.5 hours, followed by a 12-minute break, and a post-break block of performance (about 18 min). In the other group, participants watched documentaries. We hypothesized an increasing vagal-mediated HRV as a function of Time spent on the Gatekeeper task and no HRV change in the documentary viewing group. We also analyzed the trial-based post-response cardiac activity as a physiological associate of task-related motivation. Relative to the documentary-viewing, ToT was associated with an elevated level of subjective fatigue, decreased heart rate, and increased HRV, particularly in the vagal-mediated components. Based on fatigued participants' post-error cardiac slowing, and post-error reaction time analyses, we found no evidence for motivation deficits. The present findings suggest that the parasympathetic branch of the autonomous nervous system functioning as a relaxation system tends to be activated under increasing mental fatigue. In addition, the study shows that many HRV indices also seem to change when individuals are engaged in a prolonged, less fatiguing activity (e.g. documentary viewing). This finding emphasizes the relevance of comparisons/control conditions in ToT experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Matuz
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dimitri van der Linden
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Kisander
- Institute of Information and Electrical Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - István Hernádi
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center and Center for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Karádi Kázmér
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Árpád Csathó
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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