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Cerebral somatic pain modulation during autogenic training in fMRI
R P Naglatzki1, M Schlamann, T Gasser
1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Germany.
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|March 31, 2012
Summary
Autogenic training (AT) alters brain activity during pain perception. Experienced AT practitioners showed reduced pain processing in specific brain regions, suggesting a neural correlate for relaxation techniques.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Consciousness Studies
Background:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is used to study various conscious states.
- Autogenic training (AT) is a widely used clinical relaxation technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how AT modulates brain activity patterns associated with pain.
- To correlate these modulatory effects with AT experience and stimulus intensity.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen AT-familiar volunteers underwent fMRI during painful electrical stimulation.
- A block design alternated between resting state and stimulation, with and without AT.
- Subjective pain ratings and AT modulation success were recorded.
Main Results:
- Without AT, pain activated midcingulate, insular, and thalamic cortices.
- With AT, activation shifted to left insular and supplementary motor cortices.
- Posterior cingulate cortex and thalamus activation correlated with stimulus amplitude.
Conclusions:
- AT demonstrably affects cerebral pain processing.
- This may reflect altered pain stimulus processing in individuals trained in relaxation.
- Further research with control groups is needed for confirmation.
