The role of resting-state EEG localized activation and central nervous system arousal in executive function performance in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Authors

Dawei Zhang, University of WollongongFollow
Stuart J. Johnstone, University of WollongongFollow
Steven J. Roodenrys, University of WollongongFollow
Xiangsheng Luo, Peking University
Hui Li, Peking University
Encong Wang, Beijing Normal University
Qihua Zhao, Peking University
Yan Song, Beijing Normal University
Lu Liu, Peking University
Qiujin Qian, Peking University
Yufeng Wang, Peking University
Li Sun, Peking University

RIS ID

126742

Publication Details

Zhang, D., Johnstone, S., Roodenrys, S., Luo, X., Li, H., Wang, E., Zhao, Q., Song, Y., Liu, L., Qian, Q., Wang, Y. & Sun, L. (2018). The role of resting-state EEG localized activation and central nervous system arousal in executive function performance in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Clinical Neurophysiology, 129 (6), 1192-1200.

Abstract

2018 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology Objective: This study explored the relationships between resting-state electroencephalogram (RS-EEG) localized activation and two important types of executive functions (EF) to extend the prognostic utilization of RS-EEG in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Also, the role of central nervous system (CNS) arousal in the relationships was examined. Methods: Fifty-eight children with AD/HD participated in the study. RS-EEG localized activation was derived from spectral power differences between EEG in eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions. CNS arousal was measured based on alpha band power. Common and everyday EF scores were obtained as EF outcomes. Results: Frontal delta activation predicted common EF ability and posterior alpha activation predicted everyday EF. A serial mediation analysis found that lower CNS baseline arousal was related to greater arousal and delta activation in series, which in turn related to worse common EF. A follow-up study found that baseline arousal was related to larger interference cost. Conclusions: RS-EEG is indicative of individual differences in two important types of EF in children with AD/HD. Lower CNS arousal may be a driving force for the poorer common EF performance. Significance: The current study supports prognostic utilization of RS-EEG and AD/HD models that take resting brain activity into consideration in children with AD/HD.