Critical Dynamics in Spontaneous Resting-State Oscillations Are Associated With the Attention-Related P300 ERP in a Go/Nogo Task

Abstract

Sustained attention is the ability to continually concentrate on task-relevant information, even in the presence of distraction. Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying this ability is critical for comprehending attentional processes as well as neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by attentional deficits, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this study, we aimed to investigate how trait-like critical oscillations during rest relate to the P300 evoked potential—a biomarker commonly used to assess attentional deficits. We measured long−range temporal correlations (LRTC) in resting-state EEG oscillations as index for criticality of the signal. In addition, the attentional performance of the subjects was assessed as reaction time variability (RTV) in a continuous performance task following an oddball paradigm. P300 amplitude and latencies were obtained from EEG recordings during this task. We found that, after controlling for individual variability in task performance, LRTC were positively associated with P300 amplitudes but not latencies. In line with previous findings, good performance in the sustained attention task was related to higher P300 amplitudes and earlier peak latencies. Unexpectedly, we observed a positive relationship between LRTC in ongoing oscillations during rest and RTV, indicating that greater criticality in brain oscillations during rest relates to worse task performance. In summary, our results show that resting-state neuronal activity, which operates near a critical state, relates to the generation of higher P300 amplitudes. Brain dynamics close to criticality potentially foster a computationally advantageous state which promotes the ability to generate higher event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes.

Temporal structure in sensorimotor variability: a stable trait, but what for?

“…Broadening up to individual differences in overall task performance, in the two studies using a sustained attention task, higher temporal structures in resting-state EEG oscillations were associated with better (Irrmischer et al, 2018B) or worse performance (Herzog, Steinfath & Tarrasch, 2021). In contrast, temporal structure of EEG during the task was associated with worse performance (Irrmischer et al 2018) or not associated with performance (Herzog, Steinfath & Tarrasch, 2021). In conclusion, and similar to the literature on behavioural temporal structure, the literature on neural temporal structures does not currently support clear directional predictions.…”

“…In contrast, Smit et al (2013) reported only weak correlation between temporal structures in finger tapping series and EEG oscillations during rest, and none with EEG activity recorded during the task. Broadening up to individual differences in overall task performance, in the two studies using a sustained attention task, higher temporal structures in resting-state EEG oscillations were associated with better (Irrmischer et al, 2018B) or worse performance (Herzog, Steinfath & Tarrasch, 2021). In contrast, temporal structure of EEG during the task was associated with worse performance (Irrmischer et al 2018) or not associated with performance (Herzog, Steinfath & Tarrasch, 2021).…”

Temporal Structure in Sensorimotor Variability: A Stable Trait, But What For?

“…In contrast, Smit et al ( 2013 ) reported only weak correlation between temporal structures in finger tapping series and EEG oscillations during rest, and none with EEG activity recorded during the task. Broadening up to individual differences in overall task performance, in the two studies using a sustained attention task, higher temporal structures in resting-state EEG oscillations were associated with better (Irrmischer et al, 2018b ) or worse performance (Herzog et al, 2021 ). In contrast, temporal structure of EEG during the task was associated with worse performance (Irrmischer et al, 2018b ) or not associated with performance (Herzog et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Broadening up to individual differences in overall task performance, in the two studies using a sustained attention task, higher temporal structures in resting-state EEG oscillations were associated with better (Irrmischer et al, 2018b ) or worse performance (Herzog et al, 2021 ). In contrast, temporal structure of EEG during the task was associated with worse performance (Irrmischer et al, 2018b ) or not associated with performance (Herzog et al, 2021 ). In conclusion, and similar to the literature on behavioural temporal structure, the literature on neural temporal structures does not currently support clear directional predictions.…”

The role of comorbid depressive symptoms on long-range temporal correlations in resting EEG in adults with ADHD

“…the ability to maintain the balance between stability and flexibility of neuronal assemblies [25]. The utilization of LRTC during resting state as an indicator for adaptability of neural system involving behavior [24], sensory [26] and cognition [27][28][29] became recently evident. Aberrant LRTC has been observed in several psychiatric or neurological pathological conditions: LRTC was stronger in seizure-affected areas in epileptic [30] and depressive patients [31,32].…”