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Temporal and spatio-temporal attention to tactile stimuli in extinction patients

Guerrini, Chiara; Aglioti, Salvatore M.

Authors

Salvatore M. Aglioti



Abstract

The temporal deployment of attention to tactile stimuli delivered to the same or to a symmetrical position of the body was assessed in 6 Right-Brain Damaged (RBD) patients with left tactile extinction and 6 healthy controls. Two different tasks called Temporal (T) and Spatio-Temporal (ST) extinction were used. In the T task single or double electro tactile stimuli were delivered to the same point to the left or, in separate blocks, to the right index finger. Double stimuli were separated by different Stimulus Onset Asynchronies (SOAs). In the ST task, stimuli could be single (left or right) or double (left and right). Double stimuli were delivered to the index finger of both hands simultaneously or sequentially. In both tasks subjects were asked to report the number of the stimuli they perceived. In the ST task, subjects were also requested to report the stimuli location. Results show that in both tasks RBD patients' detection of left sided stimuli was significantly lower than of right sided stimuli detection, mainly at shortest SOAs. Moreover, detection of left sided stimuli was higher when two stimuli were delivered in sequence and in symmetrical body areas and in different sides of the space than when stimuli were delivered in sequence in the same body area. Results suggest that the interaction between spatial and temporal variables enhances the ability of tactile extinction patients to detect left sided stimuli.

Citation

Guerrini, C., & Aglioti, S. M. (2006). Temporal and spatio-temporal attention to tactile stimuli in extinction patients. Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior, 42(1), 17-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0010-9452%2808%2970318-6

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 18, 2004
Online Publication Date Mar 4, 2008
Publication Date 2006
Journal CORTEX
Print ISSN 0010-9452
Electronic ISSN 0010-9452
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 42
Issue 1
Pages 17-27
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/S0010-9452%2808%2970318-6
Keywords Human; Tactile; Extinction; Spatial attention; Temporal attention
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/391379
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010945208703186?via%3Dihub