[Interindividual variability of contingent negative variation]

The use of CNV in clinical practice requires the choice of a standardised protocol, the constitution of reference normative data and the consideration of intra- and interindividual variability. For this purpose, we recorded CNV in 86 control subjects (44 men and 42 women, 18 to 62 years old (mean age = 34 +/- 13 years) during a reaction time paradigm with a warning signal and a 1-second S1-S2 interval. Moreover, the role of inter-stimulation interval was analysed in a group of 12 subjects through the comparison of recordings made with 1- and 3-second intervals. The CNV amplitude, its morphology and topographic distribution as well as its resolution mode and evolution through the recording were studied. The subjects' performances and their interactions with electroencephalographic data were also included in the analyses. Our results underscore the contribution of age and gender and psychological factors to CNV variability. CNV amplitude (both M1 and M2) increased and changed topographic distribution toward more central sites in older. Men had faster reaction times than women and lower post-S1 P300. Moreover, the life events-related stress and the subject's current anxiety level were accompanied by a decreased CNV amplitude.