Interoceptive accuracy correlates with precision of time perception in the millisecond range

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Physiology

Background:

• Time perception accuracy is linked to interoceptive accuracy and vagal activity, but findings are mixed, especially for sub-second timing.
• Existing research lacks investigation into the relationship between temporal precision and interoceptive accuracy.
• Neuroimaging suggests timing involves endogenous and exogenous processes, with interoception potentially influencing endogenous timing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between interoceptive accuracy and temporal precision in sub-second time perception.
• To examine the relationship between resting-state vagal activity and temporal accuracy, precision, and sensitivity.
• To explore potential moderation effects on the interplay between vagal activity, sensitivity, and time perception.

Main Methods:

• Employed the temporal generalization task to assess temporal accuracy and precision in sub-second time perception.
• Calculated sensitivity index using signal detection theory.
• Measured resting-state vagal activity in participants.

Main Results:

• Interoceptive accuracy positively correlated with temporal precision and sensitivity, but not temporal accuracy.
• Vagal activity showed a negative correlation solely with sensitivity.
• Participant sensitivity moderated the relationship between vagal activity and perceived duration, impacting temporal accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Temporal precision, rather than accuracy, is significantly associated with interoceptive accuracy in sub-second time perception.
• Vagal activity's influence on time perception may be mediated by individual sensitivity.
• Highlights the importance of temporal precision and sensitivity in understanding interoception-time perception links.