Electroencephalogram Coherence Analysis of Developmental Changes in Functional Connectivity Networks from Infancy to...

Investigating brain development during infancy and childhood is essential for identifying critical periods of cognitive growth. Brain connectivity networks constructed from electroencephalograms provide an effective method for examining cortical connections across various frequency bands. While current studies often focus on analyzing trends in functional connectivity or network dynamics over time, they offer limited insights into distinguishing specific differences. This study addresses this gap by examining variations in nodal strength, global efficiency, clustering coefficient, and betweenness centrality during the N1 sleep stage across infancy, toddlerhood, and the preschool stage.Clinical Relevance- This study revealed the lowest nodal strength, global efficiency, and clustering coefficient in the theta band during infancy, while these network indices were highest in the beta band during infancy. Additionally, these indices peaked in the alpha band in preschool children. These findings demonstrate the progressive development of brain connectivity, functional integration, and segregation from infancy to preschool age.