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Brain state-based detection of attentional fluctuations and their modulation
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Brain state-based detection of attentional fluctuations and their modulation

Ayumu Yamashita, David Rothlein, Aaron Kucyi, Eve M Valera and Michael Esterman
NeuroImage (Orlando, Fla.), v 236, pp 118072-118072
01 Aug 2021
PMID: 33882346
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118072View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

ADHD fMRI Sustained attention Mind wandering Energy landscape Motivation
In the search for brain markers of optimal attentional focus, the mainstream approach has been to first define attentional states based on behavioral performance, and to subsequently investigate "neural correlates" associated with these performance variations. However, this approach constrains the range of contexts in which attentional states can be operationalized by relying on overt behavior, and assumes a one-to-one correspondence between behavior and brain state. Here, we reversed the logic of these previous studies and sought to identify behaviorally-relevant brain states based solely on brain activity, agnostic to behavioral performance. In four independent datasets, we found that the same two brain states were dominant during a sustained attention task. One state was behaviorally optimal, with higher accuracy and stability, but a greater tendency to mind wander (State1). The second state was behaviorally suboptimal, with lower accuracy and instability (State2). We further demonstrate how these brain states were impacted by motivation and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Individuals with ADHD spent more time in suboptimal State2 and less time in optimal State1 than healthy controls. Motivation overcame the suboptimal behavior associated with State2. Our study provides compelling evidence for the existence of two attentional states from the sole viewpoint of brain activity.

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31 citations in Scopus

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
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Web of Science research areas
Neuroimaging
Neurosciences
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
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