Reduced baroreflex cardiac sensitivity predicts increased cognitive performance

Authors: Yasumasu, Tomiya¹; Reyes del Paso, Gustavo A.²; Takahara, Kazuo¹; Nakashima, Yasuhide³

Source: Psychophysiology, Volume 43, Number 1, January 2006 , pp. 41-45(5)

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Abstract:

This study evaluated the relationship between baroreceptor reflex sensitivity and cognitive performance. Twenty normal subjects performed the Uchida–Kraepelin test, a serial arithmetic task. Baroreceptor reflex sensitivity during a 5-min Uchida–Kraepelin test was assessed in minute periods by spectral analysis using the maximum-entropy method. During the task, baroreceptor reflex sensitivity was significantly reduced. There was an inverse between-subjects association between baroreceptor reflex sensitivity and the level of performance (number of additions completed) both at different time periods of the Uchida–Kraepelin test and during the whole task (r=−.51). This finding supports the existence of a pathway mediating mutual cardiovascular–central nervous system influences through the baroreceptors, establishing an essential mechanism facilitating adaptive reactions to stressful conditions.

Keywords: Baroreceptor reflex sensitivity; Cognitive functions; Uchida–Kraepelin test; Spectral analysis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8986.2006.00377.x

Affiliations: 1: First Department of Medical Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan 2: Department of Psychology, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain 3: Second Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan

Publication date: 2006-01-01