Key result
High resting-state heart rate variability was associated with superior working memory performance, demonstrated by a lower inverse efficiency score in the 1-back task (503 ms vs 595 ms, p=0.006).
Why the study?
Heart rate variability predicts performance on some prefrontal cortex cognitive tasks, but the relationship between vagal tone and working memory remains understudied.
Is high vagally mediated resting-state HRV associated with improved working memory function in healthy young adults?
Cross-Sectional (n=42)
No
Is high vagally mediated resting-state HRV associated with improved working memory function in healthy young adults?
Absolute Event Rate: 502.966% vs 594.847%
p-value: p=0.006
High resting-state vagally mediated heart rate variability is associated with better working memory performance and more efficient neural resource utilization in the prefrontal cortex.
High HRV linked to better working memory in young adults; extends prior correlations but leaves causality and clinical relevance open.
Background Heart rate variability (HRV), a cardiac vagal tone indicator, has been proven to predict performance on some cognitive tasks that rely on the prefrontal cortex. However, the relationship between vagal tone and working memory remains understudied. This study explores the link between vagal tone and working memory function, combined with behavioral tasks and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Methods A total of 42 undergraduate students were tested for 5-min resting-state HRV to obtain the root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD) data, and then divided into high and low vagal tone groups according to the median of rMSSD data. The two groups underwent the n-back test, and fNIRS was used to measure the neural activity in the test state. ANOVA and the independent sample t -test were performed to compare group mean differences, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis. Results The high vagal tone group had a shorter reaction time, higher accuracy, lower inverse efficiency score, and lower oxy-Hb concentration in the bilateral prefrontal cortex in the working memory tasks state. Furthermore, there were associations between behavioral performance, oxy-Hb concentration, and resting-state rMSSD. Conclusion Our findings suggest that high vagally mediated resting-state HRV is associated with working memory performance. High vagal tone means a higher efficiency of neural resources, beneficial to presenting a better working memory function.
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Zeng et al. (2023) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy (n=42). High resting-state heart rate variability (rMSSD) vs. Low resting-state heart rate variability (rMSSD) was evaluated on 1-back task inverse efficiency score (IES) (p=0.006). High resting-state heart rate variability was associated with superior working memory performance, demonstrated by a lower inverse efficiency score in the 1-back task (503 ms vs 595 ms, p=0.006).
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