Modulation of the postural effects of cognitive load by hypnotizability
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Method for Simultaneous fMRI/EEG Data Collection during a Focused Attention Suggestion for Differential Thermal Sensation
Published on: January 5, 2014
Enrica Laura Santarcangelo1, E Scattina, G Carli
1Department of Human Physiology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno, 31, 56127, Pisa, Italy. enricals@dfb.unipi.it
Abstract:
Aim of the experiment was to study whether cognitive load affects postural control more in low (Lows) than in highly hypnotizable (Highs) subjects due to the latter's greater attentional abilities. Standing Highs and Lows underwent an experimental session (closed eyes) consisting of a basal condition and of mental computation in an easy (stable support) and a difficult (unstable support) postural condition. Variability [standard deviation (SD)] and complexity [sample entropy (SampEn)] of the movement of the centre of pressure (CoP), its mean velocity (Velocity), the area swept by the CoP (Area) and the ratio between the CoP trajectory length and area [length for surface (LFS)] were measured. Few hypnotizability-related differences were detected (reduction in the Highs' SD and increases in the Lows' LFS in the difficult postural condition). Thus, the hypnotizability-related postural differences observed in previous studies during sensory alteration could not be accounted mainly by attentional abilities.
Related Concept Videos
Altered States of Awareness
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain that...
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
High-Level and Low-Level Awareness
Self-Regulation
The Influence of Cognition on Affect
Management of Insomnia

