Cognitive analysis based on EEG measurements on children with stunting-indicated in East Nusa Tenggara

Abstract

Children with stunting have been associated with delayed brain development and poor cognitive performance by a lack of attentional control. The aim of the present study was to determine characteristics of stunting children based on theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz) and beta (12-30 Hz) oscillation at anterofrontal (AF) and temporoparietal (TP). This research involved two groups: Stunting Group (SG, N=14) and Control Group (C; N=8) from East Nusa Tenggara. EEG was recorded during an eyes-open condition at baseline and puzzle task. Our result revealed alteration of theta oscillation in SG AF8 and TP10 during puzzle task, supporting role of theta oscillation in higher working memory loads although it was not accompanied by proper TP connectivity. Higher alpha and beta AF7 activity in SG compared to control group implying decreasing attentional processing and higher arousal. According to Laterality Index (LI), we revealed alteration in temporoparietal SG during puzzle task. These findings provide new insights about theta, alpha, and beta oscillation in stunting children may reflect that declining attentional functioning during the puzzle task leads to poor cognitive performance.