Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
05:25
Author Spotlight: Assessing Brain Activity in Robotic-Assisted Lower Limb Rehabilitation Using fNIRS
Published on: June 7, 2024
1.4K
Neural evidence for attentional resource allocation to postural control using brain-body imaging
Sodiq Fakorede1, Fatimah Alkhameys1, Ke Liao2
1Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas, KS, USA.
Behavioural Brain Research
|July 6, 2025
Summary
Standing upright demands more attention than sitting, impacting cognitive tasks. Neural activity patterns differ significantly between standing and sitting, showing altered sensory and motor processing during quiet standing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Attentional resource theory suggests cognitive tasks compete for limited resources.
- Bipedal stance (quiet standing) may impose greater neural demands than sitting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if quiet standing requires more attentional resources than sitting.
- To analyze neural activity differences during a cognitive task in standing versus sitting postures.
Main Methods:
- 126 adults performed an auditory oddball task in both standing and sitting positions.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) recorded neural activity in a mobile brain-body imaging setup.
- Univariate and multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) examined event-related potentials (ERPs).
Main Results:
- Lower P3b amplitude (conscious evaluation) observed in the standing condition.
- No significant difference in P3a amplitude (novelty detection) between conditions.
- MVPA successfully differentiated ERP signals between standing and sitting from 100-800 ms post-stimulus.
Conclusions:
- Upright stance increases attentional demands, potentially reducing resources for concurrent cognitive tasks.
- Quiet standing influences neural activity related to sensory and motor processing.
- Postural demands affect cognitive performance, motor control, and sensory integration.
