Neural, physiological, and behavioral correlates of visuomotor cognitive load

Hosseini, S. M. Hadi; Bruno, Jennifer L.; Baker, Joseph M.; Gundran, Andrew; Harbott, Lene K.; Gerdes, J. Christian; Reiss, Allan L. · 2017 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07897-z

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Summary

This study investigates the neural, physiological, and behavioral correlates of visuomotor cognitive load, addressing a gap in understanding how specific brain regions accommodate visuomotor mapping under varying cognitive demands. While previous research has identified general networks involved in visuomotor transformation, less is known about the distinct neural mechanisms supporting adaptation to different types of load, such as reversed motor mappings or increased task speed. The authors aimed to identify cortical regions that respond to these specific demands and to link this activity with pupillary responses, a known physiological marker of cognitive effort. The researchers employed a multimodal approach, concurrently measuring cortical activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and pupillary response via eye-tracking glasses. Twenty-three healthy adults performed a computer-based navigation task across two sessions. Participants steered a virtual object along a winding road using keyboard inputs. Cognitive load was manipulated by reversing the visuomotor mapping (incongruent steering) and by unexpectedly increasing the object’s speed (acceleration). Performance was quantified by the deviation from the road’s center. The study analyzed data from both early and late stages of the task to distinguish between initial adaptation and sustained control. Behavioral results indicated that performance deteriorated significantly during incongruent steering, acceleration trials, and on more difficult roads, with significant interactions suggesting compounded difficulty when these factors combined. Pupillometry data revealed larger pupil dilation during incongruent and acceleration trials, particularly in the first session, reflecting increased attentional effort. fNIRS analysis identified significant cortical activation in the right superior parietal lobule, bilateral inferior parietal lobules, and the right middle frontal gyrus. Crucially, the right superior parietal lobule showed increased activity in response to both incongruent steering and acceleration, with sustained engagement across both sessions. In contrast, the inferior parietal lobules responded primarily to acceleration. A strong positive correlation was found between pupil dilation and activity in the right superior parietal lobule during acceleration trials. The findings highlight the unique role of the right superior parietal lobule in handling diverse visuomotor cognitive loads, suggesting it serves as a multifaceted integrator for attentional effort and alertness during visuomotor control. The sustained activity in this region across learning stages indicates its importance in both early adaptation and late-stage maintenance of visuomotor maps. By linking pupillary responses to specific cortical activity, the study validates the use of wearable fNIRS and eye-tracking systems for objective measurement of cognitive load. These results have significant implications for monitoring brain-behavior associations in real-world scenarios, such as driving and sports, where rapid visuomotor adjustments are critical.

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Topics

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• workload measurement
• neuro workload indices
• mental demand

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• Empirical Findings: physiological data
• Theoretical Contribution: theory or model