Brain-Heart Dynamics: Virtual Reality Explores Theta Band's Role in Emotion Processing

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychophysiology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• The autonomic and central nervous systems exhibit significant interconnections.
• Previous studies linking electroencephalography (EEG) power bands and heart rate variability (HRV) lacked clear psychophysiological interpretation.
• Understanding brain-heart interactions is crucial for psychophysiological research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate brain-heart interactions using a novel virtual reality (VR) emotional protocol.
• To quantify the relationship between electroencephalographic (EEG) theta band power and electrocardiogram (ECG)-derived features.
• To elucidate the psychophysiological significance of cortical activity and cardiovascular function interplay.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a virtual reality emotional protocol to elicit diverse emotional states.
• Computed the Maximal Information Coefficient (MIC) to assess brain-heart coupling.
• Analyzed theta band EEG power and ECG-derived features, focusing on frontal and parietal regions.

Main Results:

• Observed elevated EEG activity in frontal and parietal regions, especially during fear responses.
• Found that positive emotions correlate with increased heart-brain coupling via MIC.
• Identified diminished heart-brain coupling in response to high-arousal, negative valence emotions.

Conclusions:

• Theta band EEG power is consistently involved in emotion processing.
• Distinct patterns of heart-brain coupling exist between positive and negative emotional valence.
• Findings enhance understanding of dynamic cortical-cardiovascular relationships and autonomic regulation during emotional states.