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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Little Rock, Arkansas » Microbiome and Metabolism Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #151189
Title: EYEBLINK-ASSOCIATED MODULATION OF REACTION TIME IN PREADOLESCENTS

Author
item PIVIK, R - ACNC
item DYKMAN, ROSCOE - ACNC

Submitted to: Society for Neuroscience Abstracts and Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/6/2003
Publication Date: 10/15/2003
Citation: Pivik, R.T., Dykman, R.A. 2003. Eyeblink-associated modulation of reaction time in preadolescents. Program No. 196.21. [CD-ROM] Abstract Viewer and Itinerary Planner Society For Neuroscience.

Interpretive Summary: In the past blinking of the eye has cause interference with measurements of electrical signals from the brain. This has necessitated deletion of some data because the neuromuscular events of eye blinking. However, the current study found that there was an association of spontaneous eye blinks with performance measures in healthy 8-11 year old children performing an attentional task that required pressing a button to target stimuli. Reaction times to target stimuli were faster when subjects blinked, and response times were most rapid when the blinks and button presses occurred close together (within one fifth of a second of each other). These findings show that when they occur close to a motor response, spontaneous blinks can speed reaction time. This new finding is now being incorporated into future studies to determine the effects of dietary factors on central nervous system fundtion.

Technical Abstract: Eyeblink parameters have been related to a wide range of variables, including dopaminergic activity, clinical status, learning and information processing. Nevertheless, spontaneously occurring blinks are generally considered as events imposed on ongoing behavior but having little behavioral consequence other than cleansing and moistening the eyes and the transient interruption of visual input. The present study provides evidence that spontaneous blinks are associated with behavioral effects beyond these functional consequences. Associations among blinks (based on vertical EOG recordings) and stimulus-response parameters were determined in healthy children (n= 40; 16 males; 8-11 yrs. old; IQ >80) performing a visual Continuous Performance Task (300 letters:.2 sec duration;1/2.2 sec) requiring a button press to target letters(X after A; 17% random occurrence). Subjects were tested in the morning while continuing overnight fasting. Recordings were digitized off-line for determination of blink onset(fast component >25uV above baseline)with respect to reaction times(RTs)to target stimuli. Blink and RT latencies were computer determined with msec accuracy. Data were analyzed using ANOVA procedures with post-hoc t-tests. Blinks occurred more often before than after RT (p<.001), RTs were longer on blink-free trials relative to those with blinks (p<.001), and were shortest when blinks followed RT (Pre>Post, p<.05). Additional analyses revealed that the blink-related facilitation of reaction time was most evident when blink onset and the button press occurred within 200 msec of one another (p<.001 relative to remaining distribution of latencies), and within this time frame RT was not influenced by the order of event occurrence(blinks preceding vs following button press RTs, ns). The results indicate a reliable blink-associated facilitation of processes involved in effecting reaction time.