The neural correlates of driving performance identified using positron emission tomography

Brain Cogn. 2005 Jul;58(2):166-71. doi: 10.1016/j.bandc.2004.10.002. Epub 2004 Dec 2.

Abstract

Driving is a complex behavior involving multiple cognitive domains. To identify neural correlates of driving performance, [15O]H2O positron emission tomography was performed using a simulated driving task. Compared with the resting condition, simulated driving increased regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the cerebellum, occipital, and parietal cortices. Correlations between rCBF and measurements of driving performance were evaluated during simulated driving. Interestingly, rCBF in the thalamus, midbrain, and cerebellum were positively correlated with time required to complete the course and rCBF in the posterior cingulate gyrus was positively correlated with number of crashes during the task. These brain regions may thus play roles in the maintenance of driving performance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Automobile Driving*
  • Brain / blood supply*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesencephalon / blood supply
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Thalamus / blood supply
  • Time Factors