Touch and Attention MRI Study

This project builds on our previous research to build a platform for a successful NIH proposal to address a key gap in our understanding of the mechanism of non-verbal clinician-patient communication on physiology and behavior. Social neuroscience is a rapidly growing area of research that offers unique opportunities to better understand the mechanisms underlying common observations about clinician-patient interactions.The purpose of this study is to better understand the CNS mechanisms underlying the observed changes in self-reported well-being and ANS activity by evaluating resting fMRI activity under controlled conditions. The specific aims are to compare resting fMRI activity in the mirror neuron system (MNS) and resting state networks (RSN), reflected specifically in the Insula, Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC), Precuneus, Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC), Amygdala, Bilateral Inferior Parietal Cortex, Primary Motor-Visual System, and Dorsal Medulla while viewing touch with lovingkindness meditation lovingkindness meditation vs no lovingkindness meditation, receiving touch with lovingkindness meditation vs no lovingkindness meditation and both viewing and receiving touch with lovingkindness meditation vs no lovingkindness meditation. This is a descriptive study to generate sample size estimates for an NIH RO1 proposal.

Inclusion criteria

• 18-40 years old
• healthy
• can understand and respond to verbal directions while in an MRI

Exclusion criteria

• blind
• undergone treatment for brain tumor, stroke, intracranial hemorrhage
• diabetes or any other form of peripheral neuropathy
• require a pacemaker, insulin pump or other electronic equipment
• taking beta blocking medications, systemic steroid medications or other medications likely to affect autonomic or central nervous system function