Abstract
To assess the impact of cognitive task solving on respiratory and cardiovascular parameters. The ML870B80 Exercise Physiology System was used to record concurrently with EEG, the cardiorespiratory and metabolic functions of subjects during cognitive activity. The Expired Minute Ventilation (VE), Oxygen Consumption (VO2), Carbon Dioxide Production (VCO2) and Average Heart Rate (BPM) were ascertained for four periods: (1) rest or starting period, (2) reference period, (3) cognitive task solving period and (4) recovery period. Each period was defined by the type of presented visual stimuli and by the prearranged cognitive activity related to visual stimuli. The personality traits of participants were also determined. The momentary functional state of subject's brain (i.e. the period of the experiment) determined the average values of all measured parameters. During the cognitive task solving period the average VE, VO2 and VCO2 reached the lowest values while the HR behaved reversely--it was the highest in the cognitive task solving period. Further, the average VE, VCO2 and HR values but not VO2 value differed significantly from average values for the same variable measured in the rest period. The changes in respiratory variables during the cognitive task solving period predicate the whole-body metabolic rate rather than the energy metabolism of the brain alone. However, the heart rate related to some personality traits of the subject has a tighter relation to brain's energy metabolic rate during the cognitive task solving--it affects the oxygen supply of the brain.
Highlights
The brain makes an ongoing energy demand
CO2 reach the lowest average values while the average heart rate (HR) behaves reversely – it is highest in the cognitive task solving period
HR shows a similar dynamics but contrary to other tested parameters, HR is lower at the beginning of the recovery period than it was in the period of cognitive task solving
Summary
The brain makes an ongoing energy demand. The mean level of energy required by the brain is very high under resting conditions and it increases markedly during exercise. According to Guyton and Hall[9], the brain metabolism per unit mass of tissue is about 7.5 times the average metabolism in non-nervous tissues. This means that the brain, like the other organs in the human body, needs more glucose, oxygen and other essentials under demanding conditions. The energy requirements of different areas of the brain fluctuate over time and the delivery of oxygen and glucose change . “the brain possesses an intrinsic mechanism by which its vascular supply can be varied locally in correspondence with local variations of functional activity“
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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
