2024
Journal article
Open Access
Integrative neuro-cardiovascular dynamics in response to test anxiety: a brain-heart axis study
Catrambone V, Zallocco L, Ramoretti E, Mazzoni Mr, Sebastiani L, Valenza G
Test anxiety (TA), a recognized form of social anxiety, is the most prominent cause of anxiety among studentsand, if left unmanaged, can escalate to psychiatric disorders. TA profoundly impacts both central and autonomicnervous systems, presenting as a dual manifestation of cognitive and autonomic c... omponents. While limitedstudies have explored the physiological underpinnings of TA, none have directly investigated the intricateinterplay between the CNS and ANS in this context. In this study, we introduce a non-invasive, integrated neurocardiovascularapproach to comprehensively characterize the physiological responses of 27 healthy subjectssubjected to test anxiety induced via a simulated exam scenario. Our experimental findings highlight that anisolated analysis of electroencephalographic and heart rate variability data fails to capture the intricate informationprovided by a brain-heart axis assessment, which incorporates an analysis of the dynamic interactionbetween the brain and heart. With respect to resting state, the simulated examination induced a decrease in theneural control onto heartbeat dynamics at all frequencies, while the studying condition induced a decrease in theascending heart-to-brain interplay at EEG oscillations up to 12Hz. This underscores the significance of adopting amultisystem perspective in understanding the complex and especially functional directional mechanisms underlyingtest anxiety. [show more]Source: PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR, vol. 276
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114460
Metrics:
Catrambone V, Zallocco L, Ramoretti E, Mazzoni Mr, Sebastiani L, Valenza G
Test anxiety (TA), a recognized form of social anxiety, is the most prominent cause of anxiety among studentsand, if left unmanaged, can escalate to psychiatric disorders. TA profoundly impacts both central and autonomicnervous systems, presenting as a dual manifestation of cognitive and autonomic c... omponents. While limitedstudies have explored the physiological underpinnings of TA, none have directly investigated the intricateinterplay between the CNS and ANS in this context. In this study, we introduce a non-invasive, integrated neurocardiovascularapproach to comprehensively characterize the physiological responses of 27 healthy subjectssubjected to test anxiety induced via a simulated exam scenario. Our experimental findings highlight that anisolated analysis of electroencephalographic and heart rate variability data fails to capture the intricate informationprovided by a brain-heart axis assessment, which incorporates an analysis of the dynamic interactionbetween the brain and heart. With respect to resting state, the simulated examination induced a decrease in theneural control onto heartbeat dynamics at all frequencies, while the studying condition induced a decrease in theascending heart-to-brain interplay at EEG oscillations up to 12Hz. This underscores the significance of adopting amultisystem perspective in understanding the complex and especially functional directional mechanisms underlyingtest anxiety. [show more]Source: PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR, vol. 276
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114460
Metrics:
See at:
CNR IRIS 
| ISTI Repository | www.sciencedirect.com | CNR IRIS 
2024
Journal article
Open Access
Hypnotizability-related risky experience and behavior
Cruzsanabria F, Faraguna U, Panu C, Tommasi L, Bruno S, Bazzani A, Sebastiani L, Santarcangelo El
Risk is the probability of an adverse event. The proneness to take a risk and the risk taking behavior differ among the general population. Hypnotizability is a stable psychophysiological trait expressing the individual proneness to modify perception, memory and behavior following specific suggestio... ns also in the ordinary state of consciousness. Some hypnotizability-related neurophysiological and behavioral correlates suggest that hypnotizability level, measured by standard scales classifying individuals as low (lows), medium (mediums) and high hypnotizable (highs) subjects, can be related to risk propensity and risk-taking. To study whether hypnotizability modulates risk propensity and behavior, we recruited healthy participants, classified through the Standford Hypnotic Susceptibility scale, form A, and compared lows' (n = 33), mediums' (n = 19) and highs'(n = 15) experiential and behavioral risk perception and propensity variables through the Domain-specific risk-taking scale and the Balloon Analogue Risk Task. MANOVA results indicated that different hypnotizability levels are not associated with different risky behavior and experience, except for higher expected financial benefits from risky behavior in lows. However, hypnotizability-related risk profiles were identified through correlational analyses. In fact, highs exhibited a negative association between risk perception and propensity to risk-taking, whereas mediums and lows displayed a positive association between risk propensity and expected benefit. In conclusion, the highs' profile indicates a more automatic behavior with respect to mediums and lows. [show more]Source: NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS, vol. 821
DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137625
Metrics:
Cruzsanabria F, Faraguna U, Panu C, Tommasi L, Bruno S, Bazzani A, Sebastiani L, Santarcangelo El
Risk is the probability of an adverse event. The proneness to take a risk and the risk taking behavior differ among the general population. Hypnotizability is a stable psychophysiological trait expressing the individual proneness to modify perception, memory and behavior following specific suggestio... ns also in the ordinary state of consciousness. Some hypnotizability-related neurophysiological and behavioral correlates suggest that hypnotizability level, measured by standard scales classifying individuals as low (lows), medium (mediums) and high hypnotizable (highs) subjects, can be related to risk propensity and risk-taking. To study whether hypnotizability modulates risk propensity and behavior, we recruited healthy participants, classified through the Standford Hypnotic Susceptibility scale, form A, and compared lows' (n = 33), mediums' (n = 19) and highs'(n = 15) experiential and behavioral risk perception and propensity variables through the Domain-specific risk-taking scale and the Balloon Analogue Risk Task. MANOVA results indicated that different hypnotizability levels are not associated with different risky behavior and experience, except for higher expected financial benefits from risky behavior in lows. However, hypnotizability-related risk profiles were identified through correlational analyses. In fact, highs exhibited a negative association between risk perception and propensity to risk-taking, whereas mediums and lows displayed a positive association between risk propensity and expected benefit. In conclusion, the highs' profile indicates a more automatic behavior with respect to mediums and lows. [show more]Source: NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS, vol. 821
DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137625
Metrics:
See at:
CNR IRIS | ISTI Repository | www.sciencedirect.com | CNR IRIS
2024
Journal article
Open Access
Interoception as a function of hypnotizability during rest and a heartbeat counting task
Giusti G., Zelič Z., Callara A. L., Sebastiani L., Santarcangelo E. L.
: The hypnotizability-related differences in morpho-functional characteristics of the insula could at least partially account for the differences in interoceptive accuracy (IA) observed between high and low hypnotizable individuals (highs, lows). Our aim was to investigate interoceptive processing i... n highs, lows, and medium hypnotizable individuals (mediums), who represent most of the population, during a 10-minute open eyes relaxation condition (Part 1) and three repetitions of consecutive 2-minute open eyes, closed eyes, and heartbeat counting conditions, followed by a 2-minute post-counting condition (Part 2). Electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram were recorded in 14 highs, 14 mediums, and 18 lows, classified according to the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale: Form A. Heartbeat-evoked cortical potentials (HEP) were extracted throughout the entire session, and IA index was obtained for the heartbeat counting task (HCT). In Part 1, significant hypnotizability-related differences were observed in the right central region in both early and late HEP components, with lows showing positive amplitudes and highs/mediums showing negative amplitudes. In Part 2, the same group differences were limited to the early component. Moreover, in the left frontal regions, only mediums modified their HEP during the counting task with respect to the open/closed eyes conditions, whereas highs displayed HEP differences between counting and post-counting rest. HCT did not show significant group differences. In conclusion, highs and mediums seem to be more similar than mediums and lows regarding HEP, despite the absence of significant differences in HCT. Nonetheless, a negative correlation between hypnotizability scores and HEP amplitudes was observed in the regions showing group differences. [show more]Source: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, vol. 61 (issue 6)
DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14535
DOI: 10.22541/au.170992225.51600454/v1
Metrics:
Giusti G., Zelič Z., Callara A. L., Sebastiani L., Santarcangelo E. L.
: The hypnotizability-related differences in morpho-functional characteristics of the insula could at least partially account for the differences in interoceptive accuracy (IA) observed between high and low hypnotizable individuals (highs, lows). Our aim was to investigate interoceptive processing i... n highs, lows, and medium hypnotizable individuals (mediums), who represent most of the population, during a 10-minute open eyes relaxation condition (Part 1) and three repetitions of consecutive 2-minute open eyes, closed eyes, and heartbeat counting conditions, followed by a 2-minute post-counting condition (Part 2). Electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram were recorded in 14 highs, 14 mediums, and 18 lows, classified according to the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale: Form A. Heartbeat-evoked cortical potentials (HEP) were extracted throughout the entire session, and IA index was obtained for the heartbeat counting task (HCT). In Part 1, significant hypnotizability-related differences were observed in the right central region in both early and late HEP components, with lows showing positive amplitudes and highs/mediums showing negative amplitudes. In Part 2, the same group differences were limited to the early component. Moreover, in the left frontal regions, only mediums modified their HEP during the counting task with respect to the open/closed eyes conditions, whereas highs displayed HEP differences between counting and post-counting rest. HCT did not show significant group differences. In conclusion, highs and mediums seem to be more similar than mediums and lows regarding HEP, despite the absence of significant differences in HCT. Nonetheless, a negative correlation between hypnotizability scores and HEP amplitudes was observed in the regions showing group differences. [show more]Source: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, vol. 61 (issue 6)
DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14535
DOI: 10.22541/au.170992225.51600454/v1
Metrics:
See at:
IRIS - Institutional Research Information System of the University of Trento | IRIS Cnr | IRIS Cnr | Archivio della Ricerca - Università di Pisa | doi.org | Archivio della Ricerca - Università di Pisa | IRIS - Institutional Research Information System of the University of Trento | CNR IRIS
2020
Conference article
Open Access
Pilot study on music-heart entrainment in a pianist during a live performance
Sebastiani L, Magrini M, Orsini P, Mastorci F, Pingitore A, Paradisi P
Entrainment between music features and heart rhythms have been reported but, to date, evidence in support of music-heart synchronization are still inconsistent. We studied the possible music-heart entrainment in a skilled pianist during a live performance before an audience. We recorded ECG before a... nd during the concert. We derived the beat-to-beat RR time series and analyzed heart rate variability in the time domain and with non linear analysis, to evaluate the autonomic changes associated with 4 different music pieces. Results indicated an autonomic modulation specific for each piece and the decrease and increase of parasympathetic and sympathetic tone across the whole session. Also, for each music piece, analysis of correlation between the music envelope and the RR series revealed a negative correlation which could be the expression of the entrainment of music on heart rhythm. [show more]DOI: 10.1109/esgco49734.2020.9158149
Metrics:
Sebastiani L, Magrini M, Orsini P, Mastorci F, Pingitore A, Paradisi P
Entrainment between music features and heart rhythms have been reported but, to date, evidence in support of music-heart synchronization are still inconsistent. We studied the possible music-heart entrainment in a skilled pianist during a live performance before an audience. We recorded ECG before a... nd during the concert. We derived the beat-to-beat RR time series and analyzed heart rate variability in the time domain and with non linear analysis, to evaluate the autonomic changes associated with 4 different music pieces. Results indicated an autonomic modulation specific for each piece and the decrease and increase of parasympathetic and sympathetic tone across the whole session. Also, for each music piece, analysis of correlation between the music envelope and the RR series revealed a negative correlation which could be the expression of the entrainment of music on heart rhythm. [show more]DOI: 10.1109/esgco49734.2020.9158149
Metrics:
See at:
CNR IRIS | ieeexplore.ieee.org | ISTI Repository | doi.org | CNR IRIS | CNR IRIS
2020
Patent
Metadata Only Access
Sistema e metodo di supporto ad un operatore per la navigazione
Sebastiani L., Di Summa Maria, Viganò G. P., Sacco M., Cassarà P, Gotta A., Figari M., Martelli M., Zaccone R.
Sistema di supporto alle decisioni
Sebastiani L., Di Summa Maria, Viganò G. P., Sacco M., Cassarà P, Gotta A., Figari M., Martelli M., Zaccone R.
Sistema di supporto alle decisioni
See at:
CNR IRIS
2022
Journal article
Open Access
Synchronization between music dynamics and heart rhythm is modulated by the musician's emotional involvement: a single case study
Sebastiani L, Mastorci F, Magrini M, Paradisi P, Pingitore A
In this study we evaluated heart rate variability (HRV) changes in a pianist, playing in a laboratory, to investigate whether HRV changes are guided by music temporal features or by technical difficulty and/or subjective factors (e.g., experienced effort). The pianist was equipped with a wearable te... lemetry device for ECG recording during the execution of 4 classical and 5 jazz pieces. From ECG we derived the RR intervals series (tachogram), and, for each piece, analyzed HRV in the time (RR, RMSSD, Stress Index) and frequency domains (Total spectral power) and performed non-linear analysis (Multiscale Entropy). We also studied the correlation (Pearson) between the time course of music volume envelope and tachogram. Results showed a general reduction of parasympathetic and an increase of sympathetic activity, with the greatest changes during the classical pieces execution, the pianist appraised as more demanding than the jazz ones. The most marked changes occurred during the most technically/emotionally demanding piece, and correlation analysis revealed a negative association between music volume envelope time course and tachogram only for this piece, suggesting a modulation of the limbic system on the synchronization between heart rhythm and music temporal features. Classical music was also associated with the increase of entropy (1st scale) with respect to rest, indicating its effectiveness in driving flexible, healthy, heart dynamics. In conclusion, HRV seems modulated not only by the music temporal features, but also by the pianist's emotional involvement, which is greatly influenced, in a non-trivial manner, by the technical demands and musician expertise. [show more]Source: FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY, vol. 13 (issue 908488)
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.908488
Metrics:
Sebastiani L, Mastorci F, Magrini M, Paradisi P, Pingitore A
In this study we evaluated heart rate variability (HRV) changes in a pianist, playing in a laboratory, to investigate whether HRV changes are guided by music temporal features or by technical difficulty and/or subjective factors (e.g., experienced effort). The pianist was equipped with a wearable te... lemetry device for ECG recording during the execution of 4 classical and 5 jazz pieces. From ECG we derived the RR intervals series (tachogram), and, for each piece, analyzed HRV in the time (RR, RMSSD, Stress Index) and frequency domains (Total spectral power) and performed non-linear analysis (Multiscale Entropy). We also studied the correlation (Pearson) between the time course of music volume envelope and tachogram. Results showed a general reduction of parasympathetic and an increase of sympathetic activity, with the greatest changes during the classical pieces execution, the pianist appraised as more demanding than the jazz ones. The most marked changes occurred during the most technically/emotionally demanding piece, and correlation analysis revealed a negative association between music volume envelope time course and tachogram only for this piece, suggesting a modulation of the limbic system on the synchronization between heart rhythm and music temporal features. Classical music was also associated with the increase of entropy (1st scale) with respect to rest, indicating its effectiveness in driving flexible, healthy, heart dynamics. In conclusion, HRV seems modulated not only by the music temporal features, but also by the pianist's emotional involvement, which is greatly influenced, in a non-trivial manner, by the technical demands and musician expertise. [show more]Source: FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY, vol. 13 (issue 908488)
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.908488
Metrics:
See at:
CNR IRIS | ISTI Repository | ISTI Repository | www.frontiersin.org | CNR IRIS | CNR IRIS
2023
Patent
Restricted
System and method for supporting an operator for navigation
Sebastiani L., Di Summa Maria, Viganò G. P., Sacco M., Cassarà P, Gotta A., Figari M., Martelli M., Zaccone R.
A system (100) for supporting an operator for navigation, comprising: a main shipboard control unit (101); a plurality of sources of information (102) representative of a ship, the plurality of sources of information (102) being operatively connected to the main shipboard control unit (101); at leas... t one user interface (102) operatively connected to the main shipboard control unit (101). The main shipboard control unit (101) comprises: a navigation simulation module (104) configured to determine, based on the information provided by the plurality of sources of information (102), information representative of a simulated anti-collision route of the ship, the navigation simulation module (104) further being configured to determine, based on the information provided by the plurality of sources of information (102), information representative of the status of the ship, the navigation simulation 15 module (104) further being configured to generate a message comprising the information representative of a simulated anti-collision route of the ship and information representative of the status of the ship, said navigation simulation module (104) being configured to provide such message on a data 20 25 30 communication channel; a message routing module (107) operatively connected to the navigation simulation module (104), the message routing module (107) being configured to send such message provided on the data communication channel from the navigation simulation module (104) to a set plurality of recipients interested in receiving messages provided on the data communication channel. The at least one user interface (103) being configured as a recipient interested in receiving a message provided on the data communication channel by the navigation simulation module (104), the at least one user interface (103) being further configured to display a processing of such message overlapping or substituting the real navigation scenario visible by a shipboard bridge operator (OP). [show more]
Sebastiani L., Di Summa Maria, Viganò G. P., Sacco M., Cassarà P, Gotta A., Figari M., Martelli M., Zaccone R.
A system (100) for supporting an operator for navigation, comprising: a main shipboard control unit (101); a plurality of sources of information (102) representative of a ship, the plurality of sources of information (102) being operatively connected to the main shipboard control unit (101); at leas... t one user interface (102) operatively connected to the main shipboard control unit (101). The main shipboard control unit (101) comprises: a navigation simulation module (104) configured to determine, based on the information provided by the plurality of sources of information (102), information representative of a simulated anti-collision route of the ship, the navigation simulation module (104) further being configured to determine, based on the information provided by the plurality of sources of information (102), information representative of the status of the ship, the navigation simulation 15 module (104) further being configured to generate a message comprising the information representative of a simulated anti-collision route of the ship and information representative of the status of the ship, said navigation simulation module (104) being configured to provide such message on a data 20 25 30 communication channel; a message routing module (107) operatively connected to the navigation simulation module (104), the message routing module (107) being configured to send such message provided on the data communication channel from the navigation simulation module (104) to a set plurality of recipients interested in receiving messages provided on the data communication channel. The at least one user interface (103) being configured as a recipient interested in receiving a message provided on the data communication channel by the navigation simulation module (104), the at least one user interface (103) being further configured to display a processing of such message overlapping or substituting the real navigation scenario visible by a shipboard bridge operator (OP). [show more]
2024
Conference article
Restricted
Assessment of dance movement therapy outcomes: a preliminary proposal
Daoudagh S., Ignesti G., Moroni D., Sebastiani L., Paradisi P.
Context: Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a therapeutic modality that utilizes movement to promote holistic well-being. Current DMT assessment methods rely heavily on the subjective judgment of the DMT professional. Objective: Our research aims to develop a framework composed of different components ... with specific functionalities that can be integrated with the DMT modality to improve the objectivity and efficiency of DMT evaluations. Method: The DMT framework consists of an experimental protocol for data collection and a reference-supporting architecture that includes components for video analysis, physiological signal management, and evaluation tools. Artificial Intelligence (AI) based human pose estimation techniques are also employed to derive the DMT participants’ poses during the DMT sessions for more reliable movement analysis. Results: Our preliminary results consist of demonstrating the effectiveness of the AI-based pose estimation tool, YOLO-NAS-Pose, in accurately detecting participants’ poses. Conclusion: The proposed framework offers a promising approach to improving DMT practices by integrating and leveraging AI-based human pose estimation to evaluate participants’ movement in the DMT setting objectively. Future research will focus on refining the framework and developing user-friendly tools for widespread adoption in real DMT contexts. [show more]Project(s): Tuscany Health Ecosystem
Daoudagh S., Ignesti G., Moroni D., Sebastiani L., Paradisi P.
Context: Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a therapeutic modality that utilizes movement to promote holistic well-being. Current DMT assessment methods rely heavily on the subjective judgment of the DMT professional. Objective: Our research aims to develop a framework composed of different components ... with specific functionalities that can be integrated with the DMT modality to improve the objectivity and efficiency of DMT evaluations. Method: The DMT framework consists of an experimental protocol for data collection and a reference-supporting architecture that includes components for video analysis, physiological signal management, and evaluation tools. Artificial Intelligence (AI) based human pose estimation techniques are also employed to derive the DMT participants’ poses during the DMT sessions for more reliable movement analysis. Results: Our preliminary results consist of demonstrating the effectiveness of the AI-based pose estimation tool, YOLO-NAS-Pose, in accurately detecting participants’ poses. Conclusion: The proposed framework offers a promising approach to improving DMT practices by integrating and leveraging AI-based human pose estimation to evaluate participants’ movement in the DMT setting objectively. Future research will focus on refining the framework and developing user-friendly tools for widespread adoption in real DMT contexts. [show more]Project(s): Tuscany Health Ecosystem
2023
Other
Restricted
THE D.3.2.1 - AA@THE User needs, technical requirements and specifications
Pratali L, Campana M G, Delmastro F, Di Martino F, Pescosolido L, Barsocchi P, Broccia G, Ciancia V, Gennaro C, Girolami M, Lagani G, La Rosa D, Latella D, Magrini M, Manca M, Massink M, Mattioli A, Moroni D, Palumbo F, Paradisi P, Paternò F, Santoro C, Sebastiani L, Vairo C
Deliverable D3.2.1 del progetto PNRR Ecosistemi ed innovazione - THE
Pratali L, Campana M G, Delmastro F, Di Martino F, Pescosolido L, Barsocchi P, Broccia G, Ciancia V, Gennaro C, Girolami M, Lagani G, La Rosa D, Latella D, Magrini M, Manca M, Massink M, Mattioli A, Moroni D, Palumbo F, Paradisi P, Paternò F, Santoro C, Sebastiani L, Vairo C
Deliverable D3.2.1 del progetto PNRR Ecosistemi ed innovazione - THE