Cognition through the lens of a body–brain dynamic system. Issue 9 (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Criscuolo, Antonio; Schwartze, Michael; Kotz, Sonja A.
• Is Part Of: Trends in neurosciences. Volume 45:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: 667
• Page End: 677
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: body–brain interaction -- respiratory rhythm -- cardiac rhythm -- neural oscillations -- human behavior -- dynamic system; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Neurobiology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.06.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0166-2236

Abstract

Abstract : Continuous interactions between physiological body–brain rhythms influence how individuals act, perceive, and evaluate their environment. Despite increasing interest, the intricate interface between breathing, cardiac, neural rhythms, and cognitive function remains poorly understood. By evaluating current theoretical and empirical implications, we derive an integrative framework of a 'body–brain dynamic system' that combines a hidden hierarchical structure with dynamical state transitions. We propose that body–brain signals can interchangeably drive state- and task-specific coupling mechanisms which influence cognitive functions. The dynamical nature of this framework parallels the intrinsic variability of human behavior, and ultimately aims at better understanding how individuals act in and adapt to a dynamically changing environment. Highlights: Although physiological activity from the body and the brain are often studied in isolation, accumulating evidence shows that body signals (e.g., respiratory and heart rhythms) modulate neural activity and influence cognitive functions. We propose to look at continuous and bidirectional body–brain interactions through the lens of a dynamic system, with a hierarchical but flexible functional organization, and the scope to optimize adaptation in a dynamic environment. After defining possible body–brain states in action, re-action, and perception, we provide empirical examples to address the causal role of body–brain dynamics in behavior and put forward implications for its clinical translation.