Abstract #2807

MacIntosh B, Mraz R, Graham S, Verpakhovski V

Understanding the basis for fluctuations in fMRI time series baseline has become an active area of research. It remains to be seen whether output from the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates attention and arousal, affects the rest conditions in fMRI experiments that involve volitional movements. As a result, we have developed a novel quantitative skin conductance response (SCR) system that can be used as a surrogate measure of sympathetic activity. We describe the implementation of the SCR system and provide evidence to suggest the addition of complimentary behavioural information helps to refine the interpretation of fMRI signals.