Processing Information in the Go/Nogo/Go Paradigm: Interactions Between Cognitive Function and the Autonomic Nervous System

Backgorund Summary Background. The association between cognitive function and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) was studied using a go/nogo/go paradigm. Material and methods Cognitive tasks involved determining signal modality, visual shapes or word meaning, as well as quick error-free reactions with the left (gol) or right (gor) hand or motor inhibition (nogo). The rate of signal presentation increased gradually (30, 60, 90 and 120 per minute). The ANS was examined based on heart rate variability (HRV), scattergram area (S), periodic (SD2) and aperiodic (SD1) oscillations of correlation rhythmography (CR). Results Differentiation of verbal and visual cues presented at a low rate was associated with increased activity of cognitive and neurophysiological mechanisms of ANS regulation, coordinated sympatho-parasympathetic interaction, and enhanced integrative processes. High rate presentations led to divergent changes in cognitive function and ANS: increased HRV and decreased SD1 and SD2, increased number of errors, and decreased motor reaction time and S. Conclusions Interactions between cognitive function and ANS were related to the rate of presentation and signal modality: increased interactions occurred with low rate presentations, whereas, high rate (visual) presentations impaired performance and also reduced autonomic-cognitive interactions.