Prefrontal Activation During Executive Tasks Emerges Over Early Childhood: Evidence From Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy

Dev Neuropsychol. 2017;42(4):253-264. doi: 10.1080/87565641.2017.1318391. Epub 2017 Jun 16.

Abstract

Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a brain imaging technique that is well-suited for use in young children, making it particularly useful for investigating the neural bases of the development of executive functions. In the present study, children (ages 4-10) underwent fNIRS while completing response inhibition and working memory tasks. While both tasks were associated with increases in oxyhemoglobin and decreases in deoxyhemoglobin, we found that strength of activation increased with age and with improvements in task performance. These findings support the relation between emerging executive functions and maturation of the prefrontal cortex.

MeSH terms

  • Brain Mapping / methods
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Executive Function / physiology*
  • Female
  • Hemoglobins
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiology*
  • Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared*
  • Task Performance and Analysis

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • deoxyhemoglobin