Different activation dynamics in multiple neural systems during simulated driving.
Driving is a complex behavior that recruits multiple cognitive elements. We report on an imaging study of simulated driving that reveals multiple neural systems, each of which have different activation dynamics. The neural correlates of driving behavior are identified with fMRI and their modulation with speed is investigated. We decompose the activation into interpretable pieces using a novel, generally applicable approach, based upon independent component analysis. Some regions turn on or off, others exhibit a gradual decay, and yet others turn on transiently when starting or stopping driving. Signal in the anterior cingulate cortex, an area often associated with error monitoring and inhibition, decreases exponentially with a rate proportional to driving speed, whereas decreases in frontoparietal regions, implicated in vigilance, correlate with speed. Increases in cerebellar and occipital areas, presumably related to complex visuomotor integration, are activated during driving but not associated with driving speed.
Calhoun
Vince D
VD
Division of Psychiatric Neuro-Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. vcalhoun@jhu.edu
Pekar
James J
JJ
McGinty
Vince B
VB
Adali
Tulay
T
Watson
Todd D
TD
Pearlson
Godfrey D
GD
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009039:Motion Perception / Q000502:physiology; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology