NeuroSci最新文献

{"title":"Limited Evidence to Review-Is There an Association Between Cognition and Upper Extremity Motor Reaction Time in Older Adults?","authors":"Alexandria Jones, Natalie Weaver, Mardon E So, Abbis Jaffri, Rosalind L Heckman","doi":"10.3390/neurosci6030071","DOIUrl":"10.3390/neurosci6030071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Optimal sensorimotor control depends on response timing. With age, it is broadly assumed that reaction time (RT) increases as cognitive function declines. However, it is not clear if the literature supports this assumption. The purpose of this work was to review the association between cognition and upper extremity RT in older adults. We conducted a search using Scopus database with four inclusion criteria: (1) healthy, community-dwelling adults over 60 years old, (2) upper extremity movement, (3) cognitive assessment, and (4) RT measure. Twenty-five of the 1608 articles screened met the inclusion criteria. Only nine studies directly or indirectly assessed the association between cognition and RT. Our interpretation of the literature was further limited by inconsistency in test selection and measurement interdependence that could be addressed by future studies. We present a conceptual framework to guide research assessing the influence of cognition on sensorimotor control with age.</p>","PeriodicalId":74294,"journal":{"name":"NeuroSci","volume":"6 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12372119/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hippocampal Volumetric Changes in Astronauts Following a Mission in the International Space Station.","authors":"Shafaq Batool, Tejdeep Jaswal, Ford Burles, Giuseppe Iaria","doi":"10.3390/neurosci6030070","DOIUrl":"10.3390/neurosci6030070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>(1) Background: Evidence from non-human animal and spaceflight analog studies have suggested that traveling to outer space could have a significant impact on the structural properties of the hippocampus, a brain region within the medial temporal lobe that is critical for learning and memory. Here, we tested this hypothesis in a group of astronauts who participated in a six-month mission in the International Space Station (ISS). (2) Methods: We collected magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from a sample of 17 (9 males, 8 females) astronauts before and after the ISS mission, and calculated percent gray matter volume changes in the whole hippocampus and its (anterior, body, and posterior) subregions in both hemispheres. (3) Following the six-month mission in the ISS, we found a significantly decreased volume in the whole left hippocampus; in addition, when looking at subregions separately, we detected a significantly decreased volume in the anterior subregion of the left hippocampus and the body subregion of the right hippocampus. We also found a significantly decreased volume in the whole right hippocampus of male astronauts as compared to female astronauts. (4) Conclusions: This study, providing the very first evidence of hippocampal volumetric changes in astronauts following a six-month mission to the ISS, could have significant implications for cognitive performance during future long-duration spaceflights.</p>","PeriodicalId":74294,"journal":{"name":"NeuroSci","volume":"6 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12372098/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Which One Would You Choose?-Investigation of Widely Used Housekeeping Genes and Proteins in the Spinal Cord of an Animal Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.","authors":"Aimo Samuel Christian Epplen, Sarah Stahlke, Carsten Theiss, Veronika Matschke","doi":"10.3390/neurosci6030069","DOIUrl":"10.3390/neurosci6030069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains a progressive neurodegenerative disease, lacking effective causal therapies. The Wobbler mouse model harboring a spontaneous autosomal recessive mutation in the vacuolar protein sorting associated protein (Vps54), has emerged as a valuable model for investigating ALS pathophysiology and potential treatments. This model exhibits cellular and phenotypic parallels to human ALS, including protein aggregation, microglia and astrocyte activation, as well as characteristic disease progression at distinct stages. Exploring the underlying pathomechanisms and identifying therapeutic targets requires a comprehensive analysis of gene and protein expression. In this study, we examined the expression of three well-established housekeeping genes and proteins-calnexin, ß-actin, and ßIII-tubulin-in the cervical spinal cord of the Wobbler model. These candidates were selected based on their demonstrated stability across various systems like animal models or cell culture. Calnexin, an integral protein of the endoplasmic reticulum, ß-actin, a structural component of the cytoskeleton, and ß-tubulin III, a component of microtubules, were quantitatively assessed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for gene expression and Western blotting for protein expression. Our results revealed no significant differences in the expression of <i>CANX</i>, <i>ACTB</i>, and <i>TUBB3</i> between spinal cords of wild-type and Wobbler mice at the symptomatic stage (p40) at both the gene and protein levels. These findings suggest that the pathophysiological alterations induced by the Wobbler mutation do not significantly affect the expression of these crucial housekeeping genes and proteins at p40. Overall, this study provides a basis for further investigations using the Wobbler mouse model, while highlighting the potential use of calnexin, ß-actin, and ßIII-tubulin as reliable reference genes and proteins in future research to aid in the discovery for effective therapeutic interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":74294,"journal":{"name":"NeuroSci","volume":"6 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12372114/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disentangling False Memories: Gray Matter Correlates of Memory Sensitivity and Decision Bias.","authors":"Ryder Anthony Pavela, Chloe Haldeman, Jennifer Legault-Wittmeyer","doi":"10.3390/neurosci6030068","DOIUrl":"10.3390/neurosci6030068","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human memory is inherently susceptible to errors, including the formation of false memories-instances where individuals mistakenly recall information they were never exposed to. While prior research has largely focused on neural activity associated with false memory, the structural brain correlates of this phenomenon remain relatively unexplored. This study bridges that gap by investigating gray matter structure as it relates to individual differences in false memory performance. Using publicly available magnetic resonance imaging datasets, we analyzed cortical thickness (CT) in neural regions implicated in memory processes. To assess false memory, we applied signal detection theory, which provides a robust framework for differentiating between true and false memory. Our findings reveal that increased CT in the parietal lobe and middle occipital gyrus correlates with greater susceptibility to false memories, highlighting its role in integrating and manipulating memory information. Conversely, CT in the middle frontal gyrus and occipital pole was associated with enhanced accuracy in memory recall, emphasizing its importance in perceptual processing and encoding true memories. These results provide novel insights into the structural basis of memory errors and offer a foundation for future investigations into the neural underpinnings of memory reliability.</p>","PeriodicalId":74294,"journal":{"name":"NeuroSci","volume":"6 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12371954/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Pulsed Radiofrequency Current and Thermal Condition on the Expression of β-Endorphin in Human Monocytic Cells.","authors":"Akira Nishioka, Toshiharu Azma, Tsutomu Mieda, Yasushi Mio","doi":"10.3390/neurosci6030067","DOIUrl":"10.3390/neurosci6030067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) current applied to peripheral nerves is a modality used in interventional pain medicine, but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether ex vivo exposure of human monocytic THP-1 cells to PRF current or to heat induces β-endorphin production.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>THP-1 cells were exposed to PRF current for 15 min or incubated at elevated temperatures (42 °C to 50 °C) for 3 or 15 min. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell viability, and β-endorphin concentrations in culture supernatants were quantified by ELISA. In a separate experiment, cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to compare its effects on β-endorphin release.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A 3 min exposure to temperatures ≥ 46 °C reduced THP-1 cell viability, whereas a 15 min exposure to PRF current or to heat at 42 °C did not impair viability. Both PRF current and mild heat significantly enhanced β-endorphin release. β-Endorphin levels in the supernatant of LPS-stimulated cells were comparable to those of cells exposed to PRF current.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Ex vivo application of PRF current or mild heat enhanced β-endorphin production from THP-1 cells without significant cytotoxicity. These preliminary findings warrant further investigation using primary human monocytes and in vivo models to assess therapeutic potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":74294,"journal":{"name":"NeuroSci","volume":"6 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12285971/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cognitive Performance and Quality of Life in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A BICAMS- and PROs-Based Study in a Mexican Public Hospital.","authors":"María Fernanda Castillo-Zuñiga, Rodolfo Manuel Roman-Guzman, Idefonso Rodríguez-Leyva","doi":"10.3390/neurosci6030066","DOIUrl":"10.3390/neurosci6030066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cognitive impairment (CI) is a common and disabling symptom in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), potentially emerging at any stage, including preclinical phases. Despite its impact on quality of life, CI often goes unrecognized, as clinical follow-up typically focuses on motor and sensory symptoms. Validated tools, such as the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), should be integrated into routine evaluations beyond the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of this study was to evaluate cognitive impairment and quality of life in patients with RRMS using the BICAMS and PROs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional, descriptive study included patients with RRMS under follow-up at a tertiary hospital in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Participants underwent cognitive screening with the BICAMS battery and completed the MSQoL-54 (quality of life), FSMC (fatigue), and MSIS-29 (functional impact) scales. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Pearson correlations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nineteen patients were evaluated (73.7% female, mean age 36.5 ± 8.9 years). BICAMS results showed variable cognitive performance, with no significant differences across treatment groups for processing speed (<i>p</i> = 0.222), verbal memory (<i>p</i> = 0.082), or visuospatial memory (<i>p</i> = 0.311). A significant correlation was found between verbal and visuospatial memory (r = 0.668, <i>p</i> = 0.002). Total quality of life differed significantly across treatments (F = 8.007, <i>p</i> = 0.029), with a strong correlation between overall quality of life and general health perception (r = 0.793, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Fatigue and MSIS scores showed no association with treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Cognitive impairment is common in RRMS and can be detected using brief assessment tools, such as the BICAMS. Incorporating cognitive screening and PROs into clinical practice is essential to guide comprehensive management.</p>","PeriodicalId":74294,"journal":{"name":"NeuroSci","volume":"6 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12286033/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Meta-Analysis of Gene Expression in Bulk-Processed Post-Mortem Spinal Cord from ALS Patients and Normal Controls.","authors":"William R Swindell","doi":"10.3390/neurosci6030065","DOIUrl":"10.3390/neurosci6030065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by upper and lower motor neuron failure and poor prognosis. This study performed a meta-analysis of gene expression datasets that compared bulk-processed post-mortem spinal cord from ALS and control (CTL) patients. The analysis included 569 samples (454 ALS, 115 CTL) from 348 individuals (262 ALS, 86 CTL). Patterns of differential expression bias, related to mRNA abundance, gene length and GC content, were discernable from individual studies but attenuated by meta-analysis. A total of 213 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (144 ALS-increased, 69 ALS-decreased). ALS-increased DEGs were most highly expressed by microglia and associated with MHC class II, immune response and leukocyte activation. ALS-decreased DEGs were abundantly expressed by mature oligodendrocytes (e.g., the MOL5 phenotype) and associated with myelin production, plasma membrane and sterol metabolism. Comparison to spatial transcriptomics data showed that DEGs were prominently expressed in white matter, with increased DEG expression strongest in the ventral/lateral white matter. These results highlight white matter as the spinal cord region most strongly associated with the shifts in mRNA abundance observed in bulk-processed tissues. These shifts can be explained by attrition of mature oligodendrocytes and an ALS-emergent microglia phenotype that is partly shared among neurodegenerative conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":74294,"journal":{"name":"NeuroSci","volume":"6 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12286074/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond Cognition: Cognitive Re-Education's Impact on Quality of Life and Psychological Well-Being in People with Multiple Sclerosis-A Narrative Review.","authors":"Nicola Manocchio, Chiara Moriano, Anna D'Amato, Michela Bossa, Calogero Foti, Ugo Nocentini","doi":"10.3390/neurosci6030064","DOIUrl":"10.3390/neurosci6030064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cognitive impairment is a prevalent and disabling feature of multiple sclerosis (MS), significantly impacting patients' quality of life (QoL) and psychological well-being. Despite its clinical relevance, there are currently no approved pharmacological treatments for cognitive deficits in MS, highlighting the need for effective non-pharmacological interventions. This narrative review explores evidence from studies evaluating the efficacy of cognitive re-education (CR) approaches (including traditional, group-based, computer-assisted, virtual reality, and innovative methods such as music therapy) on cognitive and QoL outcomes in people with MS. The findings demonstrate that while CR consistently influences cognitive domains such as memory, attention, and executive function, its effects on QoL are more variable and often depend on intervention type, duration, and individual patient characteristics. Notably, integrative approaches like virtual reality and music therapy show promising results in enhancing both cognitive performance and psychosocial well-being. Several studies report that cognitive gains are accompanied by improvements in mental health and functional QoL, particularly when interventions are tailored to individual needs and delivered within multidisciplinary frameworks. However, some interventions yield only limited or transient QoL benefits, underlining the importance of personalized, goal-oriented strategies that address both cognitive and psychosocial dimensions. Further research is needed to optimize intervention strategies and clarify the mechanisms linking cognitive and QoL outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":74294,"journal":{"name":"NeuroSci","volume":"6 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12286144/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Combined Cognitive and Exercise Training Enhances Muscular Strength and Endurance: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Alexandru Rautu, Jesús Díaz-García, Christopher Ring","doi":"10.3390/neurosci6030063","DOIUrl":"10.3390/neurosci6030063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Combined cognitive and exercise training improves exercise endurance, including submaximal muscular endurance. Its effects on maximal muscular strength have yet to be determined. Accordingly, we tested the effects of combined training on muscular strength (one repetition maximum, 1RM) and endurance (as many repetitions as possible, AMRAP).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Resistance-trained adults (five males, three females) completed ten sessions (four testing, six training) over 4 weeks. In each testing session, they were assessed for bench press 1RM before they completed AMRAP at 50% of initial 1RM. In each training session, they performed five bench press sets (five repetitions at 80% current 1RM), with each set followed by a hard 5 min cognitive task (Time-Load Dual-Back or Color Multi-Source Interference). Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were averaged to provide a session RPE. At the end of each session, participants completed a Psychomotor Fatigue Threshold Test and rated mental fatigue.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ANOVAs (four testing sessions) showed that combined training increased 1RM (<i>p</i> < 0.001; averaging 8.0 kg or 11% from sessions 1-4) and AMRAP (<i>p</i> < 0.01; 5.1 repetitions or 22%). Moreover, training increased RPE (<i>p</i> < 0.05; 0.3 or 5%) and decreased mental fatigue ratings (<i>p</i> < 0.001; -1.2 or -49%) but did not affect Psychomotor Fatigue Threshold Test reaction times (<i>p</i> > 0.05; 2 ms or 0%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A 4-week training program that combined high-intensity cognitive and resistance exercise tasks improved maximal and submaximal resistance exercise performance. This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that high-intensity combined training can enhance muscular strength and endurance.</p>","PeriodicalId":74294,"journal":{"name":"NeuroSci","volume":"6 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12285987/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Do Pain and Autonomic Regulation Share a Common Central Compensatory Pathway? A Meta-Analysis of HRV Metrics in Pain Trials.","authors":"Marianna Daibes, Bassel Almarie, Maria Fernanda Andrade, Giovanna de Paula Vidigal, Nadine Aranis, Anna Gianlorenco, Carlos Bandeira de Mello Monteiro, Prateek Grover, David Sparrow, Felipe Fregni","doi":"10.3390/neurosci6030062","DOIUrl":"10.3390/neurosci6030062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic pain is closely associated with dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, often reflected by reduced heart rate variability (HRV). While observational studies have demonstrated this association, the extent to which pain interventions modulate HRV and the impact of individual factors on HRV changes remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the impact of pain interventions on HRV parameters through meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and to examine whether intervention type and individual factors such as body mass index (BMI) moderate HRV responses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a systematic review of 23 RCTs and a meta-analysis of 21 RCTs (1262 subjects) involving patients with acute and chronic pain. HRV outcomes were extracted pre- and post-intervention. Both between-group (active vs. sham/control) and one-group (pre-post within active group) analyses were performed for time-domain indices-standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and percentage of successive normal-to-normal intervals > 50 ms (pNN50)-and frequency-domain indices-high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) components. Meta-regressions tested moderators including BMI, age, and pain phenotype. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023448264).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-three RCTs involving 1262 participants with a wide range of pain conditions were included. Meta-analysis of time-domain HRV parameters showed a trend toward improvement: SDNN (g = 0.435, <i>p</i> = 0.059) approached significance, while RMSSD (g = 0.361, <i>p</i> = 0.099) and pNN50 (g = 0.222, <i>p</i> = 0.548) showed smaller, non-significant effects. Frequency-domain analysis revealed a significant moderate reduction in the LF/HF ratio (g = -0.378, <i>p</i> = 0.003), suggesting a shift toward parasympathetic dominance. HF and LF showed small, non-significant changes. One-group meta-analysis confirmed significant improvements in vagally mediated HRV, with large effects for RMSSD (g = 1.084, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and HF (g = 0.622, <i>p</i> < 0.001), and a moderate effect for SDNN (g = 0.455, <i>p</i> = 0.004). Meta-regression identified BMI as a significant moderator: higher BMI was associated with attenuated improvements in HF and RMSSD and a slight shift toward sympathetic predominance. <b>Conclusions:</b> Pain interventions can significantly modulate autonomic function, as reflected in HRV improvements, particularly in vagally mediated indices. These effects are influenced by patient characteristics such as BMI. HRV may serve as a valuable biomarker for both treatment efficacy and autonomic recovery in pain management. In this context, HRV highlights its role as a biomarker for pain dysregulation and compensatory failure, reflecting shared top-down modulation between nociception and autonomic regulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":74294,"journal":{"name":"NeuroSci","volume":"6 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12285944/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}