Responses at Individual Gamma Frequencies Are Related to the Processing Speed but Not the Inhibitory Control

Abstract

The link between the state of networks underlying the generation of periodic responses at gamma ranges and cognitive outcomes is still poorly understood. In this study, we tested the idea that the individual differences in the ability to generate responses to auditory stimulation at gamma frequencies may underlie the individual differences in the inhibitory control. We focused on the processing speed and accuracy in the Bivalent Shape Task (a cognitive inhibition task assessing attentional interference) and explored the relationship with responses at 40 Hz and at individual gamma frequencies (IGFs, assessed utilizing auditory envelope-following responses in 30–60 Hz range). In a sample of 70 subjects, we show that individual measures (phase-locking index and event-related spectral perturbation) of the ability to generate gamma-range activity are not related to the individual differences in inhibitory control but rather reflect basic information processing speed in healthy young subjects. With the individualized approach (at IGFs), the observed associations were found to be somewhat stronger. These findings have important implications for the interpretation of gamma activity in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Gamma music: a new acoustic stimulus for gamma-frequency auditory steady-state response

“…Cortical phase-locked activity in the gamma range varies significantly across individuals ( Zaehle et al, 2010 ; Gransier et al, 2021 ). The ASSR to IGF is reported to correlate more robustly with individual cognitive indices than with the 40 Hz ASSR ( Griškova-Bulanova et al, 2022 ). Consequently, the response to IGF may more accurately reflect the state of neural networks associated with information processing.…”

Individual/Peak Gamma Frequency: What Do We Know?

“…Finally, the relationship of peak gamma frequencies with language processing was observed by Rufener and Zaehle [5] who found a positive correlation between IGF and phonological awareness in dyslexic patients. Nevertheless, it should be mentioned that a few studies did not observe any relationship between estimated IGFs and performance in complex planning tasks [6] or inhibition interference [7].…”

“…For example, peak alpha frequencies or peak theta frequencies are frequently assessed in various conditions and are used as markers for certain processes to track the effect of behavioral manipulations or neurostimulation [1][2][3]. Similarly, interest in peak frequency in the gamma band is increasing [4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

“…To note, the terminology used to address the phenomenon is highly diverse. While some studies use the terms "peak gamma frequency" [18] or "gamma peak frequency" [19], in others, the term "individual gamma frequency" [7] can be found. All of these terms generally denote a specific individual frequency in the gamma band (mostly that is characterized by the highest amplitude, power or phase-locking values.…”