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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
09:48
Intracortical Inhibition Within the Primary Motor Cortex Can Be Modulated by Changing the Focus of Attention
Published on: September 11, 2017
Synchrony effects in inhibitory control over thought and action
1Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721, USA. cmay@aruba.ccit.arizona.edu
Summary
Circadian arousal synchrony enhances inhibitory control in younger and older adults, with younger individuals generally showing greater efficiency. Optimal testing times improve cognitive performance, particularly for older adults, suggesting age-related frontal function variations.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Circadian rhythms influence cognitive functions, including executive functions like inhibitory control.
- Age-related differences in cognitive performance are well-documented, with older adults often showing declines in executive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of synchrony between peak circadian arousal and testing time on inhibitory efficiency in younger and older adults.
- To examine age-related differences in inhibitory control and its relationship with frontal functioning over the course of the day.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted, assessing inhibitory control over irrelevant thoughts and unwanted responses.
- Neuropsychological tasks (Stroop, Trails) were used to index frontal function.
- Participants' performance was evaluated at different times of the day to assess circadian influences.
Main Results:
- Inhibitory control was maximal during optimal circadian arousal periods for both age groups.
- Younger adults generally exhibited greater inhibitory control than older adults.
- Performance on Stroop and Trails tasks varied throughout the day, especially in older adults, and correlated with inhibitory measures.
Conclusions:
- Optimal timing of cognitive tasks, aligned with circadian arousal peaks, enhances inhibitory efficiency across age groups.
- Age-related declines in inhibition may be linked to circadian variations in frontal lobe functioning in older adults.
- Access to well-learned responses remains unaffected by circadian synchrony or age.
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