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Components of executive function in typically developing and head-injured children
Bonnie Brookshire1, Harvey S Levin, James Song
1Cognitive Neurscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Developmental Neuropsychology
|February 27, 2004
Summary
Executive functions (EFs) in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) were analyzed. A five-factor model emerged, showing TBI severity and age impact cognitive domains, offering insights into TBI outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children can significantly impact cognitive abilities, particularly executive functions (EFs).
- Understanding the structure of EFs post-TBI is crucial for effective intervention and outcome prediction.
- Previous research has explored various cognitive deficits following pediatric TBI, but a clear factor structure of EFs remains to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the core components of executive functions (EFs) in children with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- To examine the factor structure of cognitive abilities at different time points post-TBI.
- To investigate the influence of TBI severity and age on these cognitive factors and their relationship with adaptive functioning.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed on data from pediatric TBI patients (n=286 at ≥3 years post-injury, n=265 at 3 months post-injury).
- Tests assessed discourse, EFs (problem-solving, planning), processing speed, declarative memory, and motor speed.
- The Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scale-Revised was used to measure adaptive functioning.
Main Results:
- A five-factor model (discourse, EFs, processing speed, declarative memory, motor speed) fit data from patients ≥3 years post-TBI.
- At 3 months post-injury, a four-factor model emerged, combining processing and motor speed.
- TBI severity and age significantly affected all factors; adaptive functioning showed stronger correlations with factor scores at longer follow-up durations.
Conclusions:
- The study identified a robust five-factor structure of executive functions and related cognitive domains in pediatric TBI survivors.
- Cognitive performance is influenced by TBI severity and age, with distinct patterns emerging at acute versus chronic stages.
- These factor scores demonstrate validity as indicators of TBI outcome and can aid in data reduction for clinical trials.