Skip to main content
Erschienen in: Documenta Ophthalmologica 1/2013

01.02.2013 | Original Research Article

Objective assessment of the human visual attentional state

verfasst von: Kevin T. Willeford, Kenneth J. Ciuffreda, Naveen K. Yadav, Diana P. Ludlam

Erschienen in: Documenta Ophthalmologica | Ausgabe 1/2013

Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhalten

Abstract

Primary objective

The purpose of this study was to develop an objective way to assess human visual attention using the alpha-band component of the visual-evoked potential (VEP).

Design and methods

Six different attentional conditions were tested: eyes-open, eyes-closed, eyes-closed with backwards number counting, and three rapid-serial visual presentation (RSVP) tasks. Eighteen visually normal, young-adult subjects (ages 21–28 years) were tested binocularly at 1 m for each condition on two separate days. The Diopsys™ NOVA-TR system was used to obtain the visual-evoked potential (VEP) and extracted alpha wave and its related power spectrum. Additionally, the Visual Search and Attention Test (VSAT) was administered as a subjective measure of visual attention.

Results

Subjects exhibited significant decreases in power in the alpha band when comparing the eyes-closed with the eyes-open conditions, with power in the eyes-closed condition being, on average, twice as large. The response from the other four conditions did not reflect the differential attentional demands. The ratio of the power in the eyes-closed condition to the eyes-open condition in the lower-alpha frequencies (8–10 Hz) was found to be significantly correlated with the group’s performance on the VSAT, especially the 10-Hz component.

Conclusions

An individual’s ability to attenuate their alpha component during visual processing may be a predictor of their visual attentional state. These findings solidify the role of the VEP alpha subcomponent as an objective electrophysiological correlate of visual attention, which may be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of human visual attention disorders in the future.
Literatur
1.
Zurück zum Zitat Odom JV, Bach M, Brigell M, Holder GE, McCulloch DL, Tormene AP, Vaegan (2010) ISCEV standard for clinical visual-evoked potentials (2009 update). Doc Ophthalmol 120:111–119PubMedCrossRef Odom JV, Bach M, Brigell M, Holder GE, McCulloch DL, Tormene AP, Vaegan (2010) ISCEV standard for clinical visual-evoked potentials (2009 update). Doc Ophthalmol 120:111–119PubMedCrossRef
2.
Zurück zum Zitat Yadav NK, Almogbel F, Head L, Irving EL, Leat SJ (2009) Threshold determination in sweep VEP and the effects of criterion. Doc Ophthalmol 119:109–121PubMedCrossRef Yadav NK, Almogbel F, Head L, Irving EL, Leat SJ (2009) Threshold determination in sweep VEP and the effects of criterion. Doc Ophthalmol 119:109–121PubMedCrossRef
3.
Zurück zum Zitat Almoqbel FM, Yadav NK, Leat SJ, Head LM, Irving EL (2011) Effects of sweep VEP parameters on visual acuity and contrast thresholds in children and adults. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 249:613–623PubMedCrossRef Almoqbel FM, Yadav NK, Leat SJ, Head LM, Irving EL (2011) Effects of sweep VEP parameters on visual acuity and contrast thresholds in children and adults. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 249:613–623PubMedCrossRef
4.
Zurück zum Zitat Politzer T, Suter PS (2011) Vision examination of patients with neurological disease and injury. In: Suter PS, Harvey LH (eds) Vision rehabilitation: multidisciplinary care of the patient following brain injury. Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, pp 427–460CrossRef Politzer T, Suter PS (2011) Vision examination of patients with neurological disease and injury. In: Suter PS, Harvey LH (eds) Vision rehabilitation: multidisciplinary care of the patient following brain injury. Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, pp 427–460CrossRef
5.
Zurück zum Zitat Berger H (1929) Ueber des elektrenkephelogramm des menschen. Arch Psychiat Nervenkr 87:527–570CrossRef Berger H (1929) Ueber des elektrenkephelogramm des menschen. Arch Psychiat Nervenkr 87:527–570CrossRef
6.
Zurück zum Zitat Klimesch W (1999) EEG alpha and theta oscillations reflect cognitive and memory performance: a review and analysis. Brain Res 29:169–195CrossRef Klimesch W (1999) EEG alpha and theta oscillations reflect cognitive and memory performance: a review and analysis. Brain Res 29:169–195CrossRef
7.
Zurück zum Zitat Feige B, Scheffler K, Esposito F, Di Salle F, Jurgen H, Seifritz E (2005) Cortical and subcortical correlates of electroencephalographic alpha rhythm modulation. J Neurophysiol 93:2864–2872PubMedCrossRef Feige B, Scheffler K, Esposito F, Di Salle F, Jurgen H, Seifritz E (2005) Cortical and subcortical correlates of electroencephalographic alpha rhythm modulation. J Neurophysiol 93:2864–2872PubMedCrossRef
8.
Zurück zum Zitat Gomarus HK, Wijers AA, Minderaa RB, Althaus M (2009) Do children with ADHD and/or PDD-NOS differ in reactivity of alpha/theta ERD/ERS to manipulations of cognitive load and stimulus relevance? Clin Neurophysiol 120:73–79PubMedCrossRef Gomarus HK, Wijers AA, Minderaa RB, Althaus M (2009) Do children with ADHD and/or PDD-NOS differ in reactivity of alpha/theta ERD/ERS to manipulations of cognitive load and stimulus relevance? Clin Neurophysiol 120:73–79PubMedCrossRef
9.
Zurück zum Zitat Luria AR (1966) Higher cortical functions in man. Basic Books, New York Luria AR (1966) Higher cortical functions in man. Basic Books, New York
10.
Zurück zum Zitat Niedermeyer E, Lopes da Silva F (eds) (1993) Electroencephalogrpahy: basic principles, clinical applications, and related fields, 3rd edn. Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore Niedermeyer E, Lopes da Silva F (eds) (1993) Electroencephalogrpahy: basic principles, clinical applications, and related fields, 3rd edn. Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore
11.
Zurück zum Zitat Ludlam WM (1976) Review of psycho-physiological factors in visual information processing as they relate to learning. In: Greenstein T (ed) Vision and learning disability. J Am Optom Assoc, St Louis, pp 179–222 Ludlam WM (1976) Review of psycho-physiological factors in visual information processing as they relate to learning. In: Greenstein T (ed) Vision and learning disability. J Am Optom Assoc, St Louis, pp 179–222
12.
Zurück zum Zitat Ludlam WM (1979) Visual training, the alpha activation cycle, and reading. J Am Optom Assoc 50:111–115PubMed Ludlam WM (1979) Visual training, the alpha activation cycle, and reading. J Am Optom Assoc 50:111–115PubMed
13.
Zurück zum Zitat Babiloni F, Cincotti F, Babiloni C, Carducci F, Mattia D, Astolfi L, Basilisco A, Rossini PM, Ding L, Ni Y, Cheng J, Christine K, Sweeney J, He B (2005) Estimation of the cortical functional connectivity with the multimodal integration of high-resolution EEG and fMRI data by directed transfer function. Neuroimage 24:118–131PubMedCrossRef Babiloni F, Cincotti F, Babiloni C, Carducci F, Mattia D, Astolfi L, Basilisco A, Rossini PM, Ding L, Ni Y, Cheng J, Christine K, Sweeney J, He B (2005) Estimation of the cortical functional connectivity with the multimodal integration of high-resolution EEG and fMRI data by directed transfer function. Neuroimage 24:118–131PubMedCrossRef
14.
Zurück zum Zitat Adrian ED, Matthews BHC (1934) The Berger rhythm: potential changes from the occipital lobes in man. Brain 57:355–385CrossRef Adrian ED, Matthews BHC (1934) The Berger rhythm: potential changes from the occipital lobes in man. Brain 57:355–385CrossRef
15.
Zurück zum Zitat Gale A, Coles M, Boyd E (1971) Variation in visual input and the occipital EEG. Psychon Sci 23:99–100 Gale A, Coles M, Boyd E (1971) Variation in visual input and the occipital EEG. Psychon Sci 23:99–100
16.
Zurück zum Zitat Mann CA, Sterman MB, Kaiser DA (1996) Suppression of EEG rhythmic frequencies during somato-motor and visuo-motor behavior. Int J Psychophysiol 23:1–7PubMedCrossRef Mann CA, Sterman MB, Kaiser DA (1996) Suppression of EEG rhythmic frequencies during somato-motor and visuo-motor behavior. Int J Psychophysiol 23:1–7PubMedCrossRef
17.
Zurück zum Zitat Legewie H, Simonova O, Creutzfeldt OD (1969) EEG changes during performance of various tasks under open and closed-eyed conditions. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol 27:470–479PubMedCrossRef Legewie H, Simonova O, Creutzfeldt OD (1969) EEG changes during performance of various tasks under open and closed-eyed conditions. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol 27:470–479PubMedCrossRef
18.
Zurück zum Zitat Gotman J, Wang LY (1991) State-dependent spike detection: concepts and preliminary results. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol 79:11–19PubMedCrossRef Gotman J, Wang LY (1991) State-dependent spike detection: concepts and preliminary results. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol 79:11–19PubMedCrossRef
19.
Zurück zum Zitat Kopruner V, Pfurtscheller G, Auer LM (1984) Quantitative EEG in normals and in patients with cerebral ischemia. In: Pfurtscheller G, Jonkman EJ, Lopes da Silva FH (eds) Brain ischemia: quantitative EEG and imaging techniques, progress in brain research, vol 62. Elsevier, New York, pp 29–50 Kopruner V, Pfurtscheller G, Auer LM (1984) Quantitative EEG in normals and in patients with cerebral ischemia. In: Pfurtscheller G, Jonkman EJ, Lopes da Silva FH (eds) Brain ischemia: quantitative EEG and imaging techniques, progress in brain research, vol 62. Elsevier, New York, pp 29–50
20.
Zurück zum Zitat Helvie R (2011) Neural substrates of vision. In: Suter PS, Harvey LH (eds) Vision rehabilitation: multidisciplinary care of the patient following brain injury. Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, pp 45–76CrossRef Helvie R (2011) Neural substrates of vision. In: Suter PS, Harvey LH (eds) Vision rehabilitation: multidisciplinary care of the patient following brain injury. Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, pp 45–76CrossRef
21.
Zurück zum Zitat American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (2006) Guideline 5: guidelines for standard electrode position nomenclature. J Clin Neurophysiol 23:107–110CrossRef American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (2006) Guideline 5: guidelines for standard electrode position nomenclature. J Clin Neurophysiol 23:107–110CrossRef
22.
Zurück zum Zitat Walter WG (1963) The living brain. WW Norton and Co Inc, New York Walter WG (1963) The living brain. WW Norton and Co Inc, New York
23.
Zurück zum Zitat Ciuffreda KJ (2002) The scientific basis for and efficacy of optometric vision therapy in nonstrabismic accommodative and vergence disorders. Optometry 73:735–762PubMed Ciuffreda KJ (2002) The scientific basis for and efficacy of optometric vision therapy in nonstrabismic accommodative and vergence disorders. Optometry 73:735–762PubMed
24.
Zurück zum Zitat Solan HA, Shelley-Tremblay J, Ficarra A, Silverman M, Larson S (2003) Effect of attention therapy on reading comprehension. J Learn Disabil 36:556–563PubMedCrossRef Solan HA, Shelley-Tremblay J, Ficarra A, Silverman M, Larson S (2003) Effect of attention therapy on reading comprehension. J Learn Disabil 36:556–563PubMedCrossRef
25.
Zurück zum Zitat Fuller P (1978) Attention and the EEG alpha rhythm in learning disabled children. J Learn Disabil 11:303–312PubMedCrossRef Fuller P (1978) Attention and the EEG alpha rhythm in learning disabled children. J Learn Disabil 11:303–312PubMedCrossRef
26.
Zurück zum Zitat Yadav NK, Ludlam DP, Ciuffreda KJ (2012) Effect of different stimulus configurations on the visual evoked potential (VEP). Doc Ophthalmol 124:177–196PubMedCrossRef Yadav NK, Ludlam DP, Ciuffreda KJ (2012) Effect of different stimulus configurations on the visual evoked potential (VEP). Doc Ophthalmol 124:177–196PubMedCrossRef
27.
Zurück zum Zitat Ciuffreda KJ, Yadav NK, Ludlam DP (2012) Effect of binasal occlusion (BNO) on the visual-evoked potential (VEP) in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Brain Inj (in press) Ciuffreda KJ, Yadav NK, Ludlam DP (2012) Effect of binasal occlusion (BNO) on the visual-evoked potential (VEP) in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Brain Inj (in press)
28.
Zurück zum Zitat Trenerry MR, Crosson B, DeBoe J, Leber WR (1989) Professional manual: visual search and attention test. Psychological Assessment Resources, Lutz Trenerry MR, Crosson B, DeBoe J, Leber WR (1989) Professional manual: visual search and attention test. Psychological Assessment Resources, Lutz
29.
Zurück zum Zitat Benjamin WJ (2006) Borish’s Clinical Refraction (2nd edn). Butterworth-Heinemann, St. Louis Benjamin WJ (2006) Borish’s Clinical Refraction (2nd edn). Butterworth-Heinemann, St. Louis
31.
Zurück zum Zitat Bradley JV (1958) Complete counterbalancing of immediate sequential effects in a latin square design. J Am Stat Assoc 53:525–528CrossRef Bradley JV (1958) Complete counterbalancing of immediate sequential effects in a latin square design. J Am Stat Assoc 53:525–528CrossRef
32.
Zurück zum Zitat Squires N, Squires K, Hillyard S (1975) Two varieties of long-latency positive waves evoked by unpredictable auditory stimuli in man. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol 38:387–401PubMedCrossRef Squires N, Squires K, Hillyard S (1975) Two varieties of long-latency positive waves evoked by unpredictable auditory stimuli in man. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol 38:387–401PubMedCrossRef
34.
Zurück zum Zitat Salkind N (ed) (2010) Encyclopedia of research design. Sage, Thousand Oaks Salkind N (ed) (2010) Encyclopedia of research design. Sage, Thousand Oaks
35.
Zurück zum Zitat Maltez J, Hyllienmark L, Nikulin VV, Brismar T (2004) Time course and variability of power in different frequency bands of EEG during resting conditions. Clin Neurophysiol 34:195–202CrossRef Maltez J, Hyllienmark L, Nikulin VV, Brismar T (2004) Time course and variability of power in different frequency bands of EEG during resting conditions. Clin Neurophysiol 34:195–202CrossRef
36.
Zurück zum Zitat Chiappa KH (1990) Evoked potentials in clinical medicine. Raven Press, New York Chiappa KH (1990) Evoked potentials in clinical medicine. Raven Press, New York
37.
Zurück zum Zitat Doppelmayr M, Klimesch W, Pachinger T, Ripper B (1998) The functional significance of absolute power with respect to event-related desynchronization. Brain Topogr 11:133–140PubMedCrossRef Doppelmayr M, Klimesch W, Pachinger T, Ripper B (1998) The functional significance of absolute power with respect to event-related desynchronization. Brain Topogr 11:133–140PubMedCrossRef
38.
Zurück zum Zitat Mann CA, Lubar JF, Zimmerman AW, Miller CA, Muenchen RA (1992) Quantitative analysis of EEG in boys with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder: controlled study with clinical implications. Pediatr Neurol 8:30–36PubMedCrossRef Mann CA, Lubar JF, Zimmerman AW, Miller CA, Muenchen RA (1992) Quantitative analysis of EEG in boys with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder: controlled study with clinical implications. Pediatr Neurol 8:30–36PubMedCrossRef
39.
Zurück zum Zitat Conners KC (2004) Conners’ continuous performance test II [manual]. Multi-Health Systems Inc, Toronto Conners KC (2004) Conners’ continuous performance test II [manual]. Multi-Health Systems Inc, Toronto
40.
Zurück zum Zitat Suchoff IB, Ciuffreda KJ, Kapoor N (eds) (2001) Visual and vestibular consequences of acquired brain injury. Optometric Extension Program, Santa Ana Suchoff IB, Ciuffreda KJ, Kapoor N (eds) (2001) Visual and vestibular consequences of acquired brain injury. Optometric Extension Program, Santa Ana
41.
Zurück zum Zitat Chabot R, Serfontein G (1996) Quantitative electroencephalographic profiles of children with attention deficit disorder. Biol Psychiatry 40:951–963PubMedCrossRef Chabot R, Serfontein G (1996) Quantitative electroencephalographic profiles of children with attention deficit disorder. Biol Psychiatry 40:951–963PubMedCrossRef
42.
Zurück zum Zitat Clarke AR, Barry RJ, McCarthy R, Selikowitz M (1998) EEG analysis in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a comparative study of two subtypes. Psychiatry Res 81:19–29PubMedCrossRef Clarke AR, Barry RJ, McCarthy R, Selikowitz M (1998) EEG analysis in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a comparative study of two subtypes. Psychiatry Res 81:19–29PubMedCrossRef
43.
Zurück zum Zitat Somers DC, Dale AM, Seiffert AE, Tootell RBH (1999) Functional MRI reveals spatially specific attentional modulation in human primary visual cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 96:1663–1668PubMedCrossRef Somers DC, Dale AM, Seiffert AE, Tootell RBH (1999) Functional MRI reveals spatially specific attentional modulation in human primary visual cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 96:1663–1668PubMedCrossRef
44.
Zurück zum Zitat Herrero JL, Roberts MJ, Delicato LS, Gieselmann MA, Dayan P, Thiele A (2008) Acetylcholine contributes through muscarinic receptors to attentional modulation in V1. Nature 454:1110–1114PubMedCrossRef Herrero JL, Roberts MJ, Delicato LS, Gieselmann MA, Dayan P, Thiele A (2008) Acetylcholine contributes through muscarinic receptors to attentional modulation in V1. Nature 454:1110–1114PubMedCrossRef
45.
Zurück zum Zitat Bollimunta A, Mo J, Schroeder CE, Ding M (2011) Neuronal mechanisms and attentional modulation of corticothalamic alpha oscillations. J Neurosci 31:4935–4943PubMedCrossRef Bollimunta A, Mo J, Schroeder CE, Ding M (2011) Neuronal mechanisms and attentional modulation of corticothalamic alpha oscillations. J Neurosci 31:4935–4943PubMedCrossRef
46.
Zurück zum Zitat Lopes da Silva FH, Vos JE, Mooibroek J, Van Rotterdam A (1980) Relative contributions of intracortical and thtalamocortical processes in the generation of alpha rhythms, revealed by partial coherence analysis. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol 50:449–456PubMedCrossRef Lopes da Silva FH, Vos JE, Mooibroek J, Van Rotterdam A (1980) Relative contributions of intracortical and thtalamocortical processes in the generation of alpha rhythms, revealed by partial coherence analysis. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol 50:449–456PubMedCrossRef
47.
Zurück zum Zitat Hughes SW, Crunelli V (2007) Just a phase they’re going through: the complex interaction of intrinsic high-threshold bursting and gap junctions in the generation of thalamic alpha and theta rhythms. Int J Psychophysiol 64:3–17PubMedCrossRef Hughes SW, Crunelli V (2007) Just a phase they’re going through: the complex interaction of intrinsic high-threshold bursting and gap junctions in the generation of thalamic alpha and theta rhythms. Int J Psychophysiol 64:3–17PubMedCrossRef
48.
Zurück zum Zitat Tineke G, Boehler CN, Kenemans JL, Woldorff MG (2011) Differential functional roles of slow-wave and oscillatory alpha activity in visual sensory cortex during anticipatory visual-spatial attention. Cereb Cortex 21:2204–2216CrossRef Tineke G, Boehler CN, Kenemans JL, Woldorff MG (2011) Differential functional roles of slow-wave and oscillatory alpha activity in visual sensory cortex during anticipatory visual-spatial attention. Cereb Cortex 21:2204–2216CrossRef
49.
Zurück zum Zitat Kelly SP, Gomez-Ramirez M, Foxe JJ (2009) The strength of anticipatory spatial biasing predicts target discrimination at attended locations: a high-density EEG study. Eur J Neurosci 30:2224–2234PubMedCrossRef Kelly SP, Gomez-Ramirez M, Foxe JJ (2009) The strength of anticipatory spatial biasing predicts target discrimination at attended locations: a high-density EEG study. Eur J Neurosci 30:2224–2234PubMedCrossRef
50.
Zurück zum Zitat van Dijk H, Schoffelen JM, Oostenveld R, Jensen O (2008) Prestimulus oscillatory activity in the alpha band predicts visual discrimination ability. J Neurosci 28:1816–1823PubMedCrossRef van Dijk H, Schoffelen JM, Oostenveld R, Jensen O (2008) Prestimulus oscillatory activity in the alpha band predicts visual discrimination ability. J Neurosci 28:1816–1823PubMedCrossRef
51.
Zurück zum Zitat Hanslmayr S, Aslan A, Staudigl T, Klimesch W, Hermann CS, Bäuml CH (2007) Prestimulus oscillations predict visual perception performance between and within subjects. Neuroimage 37:1465–1473PubMedCrossRef Hanslmayr S, Aslan A, Staudigl T, Klimesch W, Hermann CS, Bäuml CH (2007) Prestimulus oscillations predict visual perception performance between and within subjects. Neuroimage 37:1465–1473PubMedCrossRef
52.
Zurück zum Zitat Tello C, De Moraes CGV, Prata TS, Derr P, Patel J, Siegfried J, Liebmann JM, Ritch R (2010) Repeatability of short-duration transient visual evoked potentials in normal subjects. Doc Ophthalmol 120:219–228PubMedCrossRef Tello C, De Moraes CGV, Prata TS, Derr P, Patel J, Siegfried J, Liebmann JM, Ritch R (2010) Repeatability of short-duration transient visual evoked potentials in normal subjects. Doc Ophthalmol 120:219–228PubMedCrossRef
53.
Zurück zum Zitat Arciniegas DB (2011) Clinical electrophysiological assessments and mild traumatic brain injury: state-of-the-science and implications for clinical practice. Int J Psychophysiol 82:41–52PubMedCrossRef Arciniegas DB (2011) Clinical electrophysiological assessments and mild traumatic brain injury: state-of-the-science and implications for clinical practice. Int J Psychophysiol 82:41–52PubMedCrossRef
54.
Zurück zum Zitat Ciuffreda KJ, Tannen B (1995) Eye movement basics for the clinician. Mosby-Year Book Inc, St. Louis Ciuffreda KJ, Tannen B (1995) Eye movement basics for the clinician. Mosby-Year Book Inc, St. Louis
55.
Zurück zum Zitat Corbetta M, Shulman GL (2002) Control of goal-directed and stimulus-driven attention in the brain. Nat Rev Neurosci 3:201–215PubMedCrossRef Corbetta M, Shulman GL (2002) Control of goal-directed and stimulus-driven attention in the brain. Nat Rev Neurosci 3:201–215PubMedCrossRef
Metadaten
Titel
Objective assessment of the human visual attentional state
verfasst von
Kevin T. Willeford
Kenneth J. Ciuffreda
Naveen K. Yadav
Diana P. Ludlam
Publikationsdatum
01.02.2013
Verlag
Springer-Verlag
Erschienen in
Documenta Ophthalmologica / Ausgabe 1/2013
Print ISSN: 0012-4486
Elektronische ISSN: 1573-2622
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10633-012-9357-7

Weitere Artikel der Ausgabe 1/2013

Documenta Ophthalmologica 1/2013 Zur Ausgabe

Neu im Fachgebiet Augenheilkunde

Update Augenheilkunde

Bestellen Sie unseren Fach-Newsletter und bleiben Sie gut informiert.