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Published on: May 24, 2020
Relationship between Neural Activity and Executive Function: An NIRS Study
Akira Yasumura1, Masumi Inagaki2, Kazuo Hiraki3
1Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8553, Japan ; Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
This study found a link between executive function (EF) and brain activity using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Oral reading span test (RST) performance correlated with neural responses in the left inferior frontal gyrus.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Executive functions (EF) are crucial cognitive processes.
- Understanding the neural basis of EF is an active area of research.
- Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a non-invasive method to measure brain activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between neural activity and executive function (EF).
- To explore the association using an oral reading span test (RST) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).
Main Methods:
- Fifteen adult participants were recruited.
- Two tasks were employed: an oral reading span test (RST) and simple reading.
- Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to measure cortical hemodynamic responses.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was observed between the RST score and cortical hemodynamic response.
- This correlation was specifically identified in the left inferior frontal gyrus.
- The findings suggest a link between oral reading span performance and neural activation patterns.
Conclusions:
- The study supports a relationship between executive function and cortical activation.
- Oral reading span test performance is associated with specific neural activity patterns.
- NIRS is a viable tool for examining the neural underpinnings of EF.
