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Development of cortical connections as measured by EEG coherence and phase delays

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Check out this Knowledge Base article from StressTherapy Solutions: Development of cortical connections as measured by EEG coherence and phase delays.

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Study at a glance

Area
Learning & Development
Study type
Observational study
Authors
Thatcher RW, North DM, Biver CJ
Journal
Human Brain Mapping
Year
2007
Participants
458 (ages 2 months to 16.67 years)
Population
Children, Adolescents
Protocol
19-channel EEG coherence and phase analysis (beta band)

Key findings

  • Coherence and phase showed rhythmic oscillations across age in all electrode pairs
  • Developmental paths differed by direction (front-to-back versus back-to-front) and by electrode distance
  • The largest changes occurred from about 6 months to 4 years of age
  • Later development showed a significant linear trend toward higher short-distance coherence and longer long-distance phase delays

DOI 10.1002/hbm.20474 → PubMed 17957703 →

This study charted how EEG coherence and phase delays, indirect measures of cortical connections, develop from infancy to age 16. EEG was recorded from 19 scalp sites in 458 children and adolescents aged 2 months to 16.67 years, and beta-band coherence and phase were tracked across age using overlapping averages. Both measures rose and fell in rhythmic cycles, with large changes between about 6 months and 4 years. The authors interpret this as a genetically guided, cyclical formation of connections along a curved path toward adulthood.