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Published on: January 23, 2017
Time-locked association between rapid cerebral blood flow modulation and attentional performance
S Duschek1, D Schuepbach, R Schandry
1University of Munich, Department of Psychology, Leopoldstrasse 13, 80802 München, Germany. duschek@psy.uni-muenchen.de
Objective:
The study investigated relationships between rapid cerebral hemodynamic modulation and attentional performance. Based on former results on complex cognitive functioning, a specific association between the first seconds of the hemodynamic response and performance was hypothesized.
Methods:
Using transcranial Doppler sonography, blood flow velocities in the middle cerebral arteries of both hemispheres were recorded in 48 healthy subjects. The applied task comprised motor reactions on a visual stimulus which was preceded by an acoustic warning signal (interstimulus interval 5s). Task-induced hemodynamic changes were assessed second-by-second, and related to reaction time using analysis of variance and linear regression.
Results:
A right dominant blood flow response was observed. Flow velocity increase in the middle fraction of the interstimulus interval, i.e. seconds 2 and 3 after the cuing signal, significantly correlated with reaction time. This was not the case for the very early and late components of the response.
Conclusions:
The results suggest a time-locked association between cerebral blood flow increase and attentional performance. This is in accordance with neurophysiological studies that revealed the closest relationship between brain perfusion and cortical activity during a similar time window.
Significance:
The study supports the assumption of a specific, relatively early time interval in which relationships between cerebral blood flow and behavior become apparent.
