EEG Network Analysis of Depressive Emotion Interference Spatial Cognition Based on a Simulated Robotic Arm Docking...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Depressive emotion (DE) involves significant depressive symptoms below diagnostic thresholds for depression.
• Existing research links DE to spatial cognition impairment.
• The precise brain network mechanisms behind this interference are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in brain network connectivity between individuals with DE and healthy controls (HC).
• To compare network activity during both resting-state and a spatial cognition task.
• To elucidate the neural underpinnings of how DE affects spatial cognition.

Main Methods:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to record brain activity in DE and HC groups.
• Functional connectivity analysis was performed in different frequency bands (theta, alpha, delta, beta, gamma).
• Participants completed a spatial cognition task, with performance metrics (e.g., operation time) recorded.

Main Results:

• During resting state, the DE group exhibited weaker network connections in theta and alpha bands, particularly involving parietal regions associated with spatial attention.
• During the spatial cognition task, the DE group showed stronger left frontoparietal network connections in delta, beta, and gamma bands.
• The DE group had longer operation times during the spatial task, confirming DE's interference with spatial cognition.

Conclusions:

• Altered brain network connectivity characterizes DE's impact on spatial cognition.
• Weaker resting-state parietal network connections may reflect underlying neural changes.
• Enhanced left frontoparietal network activity during tasks might represent a compensatory mechanism for cognitive deficits in DE.