Neural Correlates of Inhibitory Control in Impulsivity Traits in Non-Ecological Human–Computer Tasks: An ALE Meta-Analysis

Overview

1. Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Via Giovanni Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
2. Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.G.); (F.G.)
3. Studio di Psicologia Frammenti, Via Porta Al Borgo, 8, 51100 Pistoia, Italy
4. “Mario Serio” Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
5. Unit of Neurology of Florence, Central Tuscany Local Health Authority, 50143 Firenze, Italy
6. IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, 80143 Naples, Italy; (L.T.); (C.C.)

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings?

Both impulsive and non-impulsive individuals recruit a common subcortical–prefrontal network during response inhibition in computerized paradigms.

Impulsive individuals show different recruitment of the r-MFG and r-SFG compared to non-impulsive individuals.

What are the implications of the main findings?

Refine neural models of impulsivity by dissociating shared versus trait-sensitive inhibition mechanisms.

Suggest potential relevance for environments involving frequent interaction with artificial systems, with possible implications for adaptive technologies that support decision-making.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Response inhibition is the capacity to restrain impulsive actions, representing a pivotal facet of cognitive control. Although several studies report a dynamic relationship between impulsivity and inhibitory control, the neural mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of the present study is to explore neural correlates of response inhibition as a function of impulsive personality traits. Methods: For this purpose, two groups of fMRI studies conducted on subjects with and without impulsive traits were compared. The selected studies were included based on both the impulsivity levels and the performance of the subjects in inhibitory human–computer tasks (e.g., Go/No-go, Stop-signal). This was done to minimize potential differences due to samples’ performances. Neuroimaging data were analyzed with an Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) meta-analysis approach. Results: Results reveal highly congruent clusters encompassing subcortical and prefrontal brain regions in both impulsive and non-impulsive subjects, albeit with subtle distinctions. Specifically, a direct contrast highlighted different activity in the right Middle and Superior Frontal Gyrus during inhibition tasks in the impulsive group. Conclusions: These findings deepen our comprehension of the neural mechanisms governing inhibitory control in human impulsivity. Understanding such mechanisms is increasingly relevant in today’s world, where frequent interactions with artificial systems may challenge or modulate inhibitory control, with potential implications for everyday behavior.

Reproduced under the paper's license (CC BY), from the paper cited above.

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Data

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Data Availability Statement

No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Data sharing is not applicable to this article.

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Version 1, 27 September 2026: the first record

Recorded: type, language, journal, volume, issue, pages, dates, 9 authors, 6 keywords, 1 funder, 185 references.

Cite

This paper

Noferini, C., Gavazzi, G., Giovannelli, F., Puddu, C., Mascalchi, M., Cincotta, M., Tramontano, L., Cavaliere, C., & Viggiano, M. P. (2026). Neural Correlates of Inhibitory Control in Impulsivity Traits in Non-Ecological Human–Computer Tasks: An ALE Meta-Analysis. Brain sciences, 16(6), 609.

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