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Gap detection responses modelled using the Hill equation in adults with well-controlled HIV
Christopher E Niemczak1, Christopher Cox2, Gevorg Grigoryan3
1Department of Biomedical Research, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA.
Objective:
This study's objective was determining whether gap detection deficits are present in a longstanding cohort of people living with HIV (PLWH) compared to those living without HIV (PLWOH) using a new gap detection modelling technique (i.e. fitting gap responses using the Hill equation and analysing the individual gap detection resulting curves with non-linear statistics). This approach provides a measure of both gap threshold and the steepness of the gap length/correct detection relationship.
Design:
The relationship between the correct identification rate at each gap length was modelled using the Hill equation. Results were analysed using a nonlinear mixed-effect regression model.
Study Sample:
45 PLWH (age range 41-78) and 39 PLWOH (age range 38-79) were enrolled and completed gap detection testing.
Results:
The likelihood ratio statistic comparing the full regression model with the HIV effects to the null model, assuming one population curve for both groups, was highly significant (p < 0.001), suggesting a less precise relationship between gap length and correct detection in PLWH.
Conclusions:
PLWH showed degraded gap detection ability compared to PLWOH, likely due to central nervous system effects of HIV infection or treatment. The Hill equation provided a new approach for modelling gap detection ability.
