Title
Negative emotions facilitate isometric force through activation of prefrontal cortex and periaqueductal gray.
Abstract
Emotions are considered to modulate action readiness. Previous studies have demonstrated increased force production following exposure to emotionally arousing visual stimuli; however the neural mechanisms underlying how precise force output is controlled within varying emotional contexts remain poorly understood. To identify the neural correlates of emotion-modulated motor behaviour, twenty-two participants produced a submaximal isometric precision-grip contraction while viewing pleasant, unpleasant, neutral or blank images (without visual feedback of force output). Force magnitude was continuously recorded together with change in brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Viewing unpleasant images resulted in reduced force decay during force maintenance as compared with pleasant, neutral and blank images. Subjective valence and arousal ratings significantly predicted force production during maintenance. Neuroimaging revealed that negative valence and its interaction with force output correlated with increased activity in right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), while arousal was associated with amygdala and periaqueductal gray (PAG) activation. Force maintenance alone was correlated with cerebellar activity. These data demonstrate a valence-driven modulation of force output, mediated by a cortico-subcortical network involving rIFG and PAG. These findings are consistent with engagement of motor pathways associated with aversive motivation, eliciting defensive behaviour and action preparedness in response to negative emotional signals.
Year
DOI
Venue
2016
10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.09.029
NeuroImage
Keywords
Field
DocType
Defensive behaviour,Emotion,Force control,Freezing,Inferior frontal gyrus
Brain mapping,Arousal,Developmental psychology,Functional magnetic resonance imaging,Prefrontal cortex,Psychology,Brain activity and meditation,Periaqueductal gray,Amygdala,Inferior frontal gyrus
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
124
Pt A
1053-8119
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
1
0.37
19
Authors
3
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Rebekah L. Blakemore110.70
Sebastian W Rieger2221.85
P Vuilleumier343540.82