Abstract
Cardiac rhythm is generated locally in the sinoatrial node, but modulated by central neural input. This may provide a possibility to infer central processes from observed phasic heart period responses (HPR). Currently, operational methods are used for HPR analysis. These methods embody implicit assumptions on how central states influence heart period. Here, we build an explicit psychophysiological model (PsPM) for event‐related HPR. This phenomenological PsPM is based on three experiments involving white noise sounds, an auditory oddball task, and emotional picture viewing. The model is optimized with respect to predictive validity—the ability to separate experimental conditions from each other. To validate the PsPM, an independent sample of participants is presented with auditory stimuli of varying intensity and emotional pictures of negative and positive valence, at short intertrial intervals. Our model discriminates these experimental conditions from each other better than operational approaches. We conclude that our PsPM is more sensitive to distinguish experimental manipulations based on heart period data than operational methods, and furnishes a principled approach to analysis of HPR.
Highlights
Cardiac rhythm is generated locally in the sinoatrial node, but modulated by central neural input
On the basis of operational measures obtained with the protocol by Hodes et al (1985), we found a statistically significant main effect of experimental condition for secondary deceleration (B-D2; F(2,134) 5 7.735, p 5 .001) and secondary deceleration in relation to acceleration (A-D2; F(2,134) 5 7.104, p 5 .001)
We presented white noise sounds with two intensities (65 dB and 85 dB), and arousing International Affective Picture System (IAPS) pictures
Summary
Cardiac rhythm is generated locally in the sinoatrial node, but modulated by central neural input This may provide a possibility to infer central processes from observed phasic heart period responses (HPR). To validate the PsPM, an independent sample of participants is presented with auditory stimuli of varying intensity and emotional pictures of negative and positive valence, at short intertrial intervals Our model discriminates these experimental conditions from each other better than operational approaches. Operational analysis methods for such phasic responses compare peaks and troughs of an interpolated heart period time series with a prestimulus baseline (e.g., Hodes et al, 1985) Studies using such methods have suggested various HPR patterns, depending on the type of stimulus. The presentation of an oddball tone elicited cardiac acceleration (Weber, Van der Molen, & Molenaar, 1994)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
