Brain activation by central command during actual and imagined handgrip under hypnosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Psychology

Background:

• Central cardiovascular regulation involves complex brain networks.
• Hypnotizability may influence autonomic responses to imagined tasks.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare brain activation during imagined handgrip exercise.
• Identify cerebral cortical structures in central cardiovascular regulation.
• Investigate the role of hypnotizability in these responses.

Main Methods:

• Assessed brain activity using regional cerebral blood flow.
• Measured heart rate, mean blood pressure, and perceived exertion.
• Compared higher (HH) and lower (LH) hypnotizability groups during handgrip and imagined handgrip.

Main Results:

• Only HH group showed increased heart rate and blood pressure during imagined handgrip.
• No differences in force or muscle activity between groups.
• LH group exhibited reduced activity in anterior cingulate and insular cortexes during imagined handgrip.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular responses during imagined exercise involve the anterior cingulate and insular cortexes.
• These brain regions modulate cardiovascular responses independently of muscle feedback.
• Hypnotizability influences the engagement of these cortical areas during imagined exercise.