Self-reported tolerance influences prefrontal cortex hemodynamics and affective responses.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology
• Psychology

Background:

• Cognitive and sensory processes regulate affective responses (pleasure-displeasure).
• Dispositional traits may influence cognitive regulation of affective responses during physiological challenges.
• Exercise serves as a tool to manipulate sensory input and examine these relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of self-reported tolerance on prefrontal cortex (PFC) hemodynamics and affective responses during incremental exercise.
• To explore neurophysiological differences in PFC activity between high and low tolerance individuals under physiological stress.

Main Methods:

• Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measured PFC hemodynamics in high and low tolerance groups.
• Incremental exercise tests were used, with sensory manipulation standardized against ventilatory threshold (VT) and respiratory compensation point (RCP).
• Affective responses were recorded throughout the exercise test.

Main Results:

• The high-tolerance group exhibited greater right PFC hemodynamic response above VT, which further increased above RCP.
• The low-tolerance group showed a greater left PFC hemodynamic response above VT.
• High-tolerance individuals reported more positive affective responses during exercise above VT.

Conclusions:

• Findings provide neurophysiological evidence for differential PFC hemodynamic responses linked to tolerance during increased physiological demand.
• This study supports the role of dispositional traits in modulating affective responses through cognitive and sensory processes.
• Results highlight the interplay between brain activity, physiological stress, and individual differences in emotional regulation.