Resting parietal EEG asymmetry and cardiac vagal tone predict attentional control

The present study explores both resting cortical EEG asymmetry and vagally-mediated heart rate variability (HRV), as an index for vagal tone, as physiological correlates of self-reported attentional control in a sample of 53 healthy young adults. Regression analyses indicate that higher vagally-mediated HRV and lower right-sided parietal activity in the β2 frequency range (20–30 Hz) are significant predictors of larger attentional control. Results are in line with some of the basic features of the neurovisceral integration model and stress the role of parietal areas in attentional control capabilities, thus aiming to consider attentional control as a trait-like disposition.

► First to analyze resting EEG and HRV as related to self-reported attentional control. ► Higher HRV and lower right-sided parietal activity in β2 predict larger attentional control. ► Results fit with some of basic features of the Neurovisceral Integration Model. ► Results also stress the role of parietal areas in attentional processes.