Frontoparietal network and neuropsychological measures in typically developing children
Isabel Solis1, Jacki Janowich1, Felicha Candelaria-Cook2
1Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, 2001 Redondo S Dr, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA; Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, 1101 Yale Blvd N.E., Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA.
Neuropsychologia
|June 13, 2021
Summary
Resting-state brain activity in children aged 9-14 shows higher alpha power in those with better attention. Neural oscillations in theta and alpha bands did not significantly change with age in this group.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Resting-state activity provides insights into typical and aberrant brain development.
- The developmental trajectory of resting-state activity and its link to cognitive performance requires further investigation.
- The frontoparietal network (FPN) is crucial for cognitive functions, including attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental trajectory of resting-state spectral characteristics (theta and alpha bands) within the FPN.
- To examine the relationship between resting-state activity and cognitive performance, specifically attentional control, in typically developing children.
- To test the hypothesis that older children and those with higher attentional scores exhibit distinct patterns of resting-state theta and alpha activity.
Main Methods:
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG) data were collected from 65 typically developing children (ages 9-14).
- Resting-state data (eyes open and closed) were analyzed for spectral power density in theta (5-8 Hz) and alpha (9-13 Hz) bands within the FPN.
- Cognitive performance was assessed using the NIH Toolbox Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (FICA) and the Dimensional Change Card Sort Test (DCCS).
Main Results:
- All participants exhibited higher theta and alpha power in parietal regions compared to frontal regions, irrespective of state (eyes open/closed).
- Children with high attentional scores demonstrated significantly higher parietal alpha power during eyes-closed resting-state compared to those with low attentional scores.
- No significant differences in theta and alpha activity were found between age groups, indicating limited age-related changes in neural oscillations within this age range.
Conclusions:
- Resting-state alpha power, particularly during eyes-closed conditions, is associated with attentional control in children aged 9-14.
- The maturation of neural oscillations in the theta and alpha frequency bands within the FPN may not be prominent in typically developing children between 9 and 14 years old.
- Future research should explore different age ranges or cognitive tasks to further elucidate developmental changes in resting-state brain activity.
