Dynamic Changes in EEG Power Spectral Densities During NIH-Toolbox Flanker, Dimensional Change Card Sort Test and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) traditionally focused on sleep studies.
• Wireless EEG advancements enable real-time brain activity monitoring during awake behaviors.
• Normative EEG data during cognitive tasks is crucial for clinical and research applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first normative study of EEG activity in healthy young adults during cognitive testing.
• To investigate power spectral density (PSD) in four EEG frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta, gamma).
• To explore the relationship between EEG dynamics and cognitive performance using the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery (NIH-TCB).

Main Methods:

• Utilized a wireless EEG system for continuous data acquisition.
• Measured power spectral density (PSD) across theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands.
• Administered the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognitive Battery (NIH-TCB) to assess cognitive functions.

Main Results:

• Lower frequency bands (theta, alpha) showed greater power than higher bands (beta, gamma) during baseline and testing, indicating relaxation and alertness.
• Increased alpha, beta, and gamma activity was observed during a memory test compared to less demanding executive function tests.
• Gamma activity inversely correlated with memory test performance, supporting the neural efficiency hypothesis.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive performance in young adults is associated with dynamic changes in EEG activity.
• EEG patterns, particularly in alpha and gamma bands, reflect cognitive load and neural efficiency during tasks.
• This study provides normative EEG data for young adults performing standardized cognitive assessments.