HighlightsWe estimated theta current sources density changes in patients who received cognitive multitasking training in the early postoperative period of cardiac surgery.Patients with cognitive multitasking training had a significantly lower theta current source density (t<–3.89; p<0.002) before surgery compared to baseline. The strongest differences were localized in Brodmann areas 7, 19 and 31 which related to the structures of the parieto-occipital lobes of the brain, cuneus and precuneus. AbstractAim. The effect of cognitive recovery techniques on brain activity remains a significant issue in modern health care. The aim of this study was to estimate theta current sources density changes using standardized low resolution electromagnetic tomography – sLORETA – (standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography) in patients who have received cognitive multitasking training (CMT) in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Methods. The study included 30 patients aged between 45 and 75 years who underwent routine CABG. Clinical and neurophysiological examinations were carried out 2–3 days before surgery and 11–12 days after CABG. The cognitive training started 3–4 days after CABG and lasted until discharge and consisted of a motor task - a keypress in response to an object appearing on the screen and three consecutive cognitive tasks (counting backwards, verbal fluency and unusual use of an ordinary object).Results. Patients with CMT had lower theta current source density (t<–3.89; p<0.002) before CABG as compared to postoperative data, the most significant differences were noted in parieto-occipital lobes of the brain, cuneus and precuneus (Brodmann areas 7, 19 and 31).Conclusion. The results of our research contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying postoperative cognitive impairments in cardiac surgery patients.
