ePoster

Neurophysiological correlates of hypnosis: Induction and arm-rigidity

Juliette Gelebart, Alexandre Foure, Romain Quentin, Ursula Debarnot
FENS Forum 2024(2024)
Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Conference

FENS Forum 2024

Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Resources

Authors & Affiliations

Juliette Gelebart, Alexandre Foure, Romain Quentin, Ursula Debarnot

Abstract

Hypnosis is a natural psychophysiological state of consciousness characterized by selective attention and elevated responsiveness to suggestions aimed at modifying perception and behavior. Induction of hypnosis typically leads to phenomenological changes, including feeling of mental absorption, dissociation, and alterations of agentivity. In investigating associated brain mechanisms, researchers have focused primarily on perceptual-cognitive suggestions. Yet, ideo-motor responses to suggestions, like limb rigidity, provide a relevant opportunity to examine behavioral responses dissociated from conscious volition. This study aimed to determine the neurophysiological and behavioural correlates associated with the induction of hypnosis and arm rigidity responses to suggestions. Fifteen volunteers underwent four experimental phases: a resting state (Resting), hypnotic induction (HypnoInduc), arm rigidity during hypnosis (HypnoRigid), and simulated arm rigidity outside of hypnosis (AwakeSimu). Objective multimodal approach including 64-channels electroencephalogram, electromyogram, ultrasound elastography maps of the biceps brachii and triceps brachii, and subjective self-reports were collected. Results showed that while the degree of hypnosis was subjectively effective (7.5 ± 1.2 out of 10), HypnoInduc (vs.Resting) was associated with an increase in theta band (i.e 4-8Hz) in the frontocentral region of the right hemisphere, which was in line with the prior findings suggesting intensified attentional and imagery processes. There was no behavioural difference between HypnoRigid and AwakeSimul, nor in the preliminary spectral analysis. Through ongoing connectivity analysis, we expect an increased connectivity between the executive (fronto-parietal) and motor networks during arm-rigidity suggestions, reflecting agentivity alteration. These findings would contribute to a better understanding of processes taking place in our body and mind in hypnosis state.

Unique ID: fens-24/neurophysiological-correlates-hypnosis-210877b8