Spatial working memory tasks increased lateral prefrontal cortex activation compared to rest in children aged 3 to 7, with activation, accuracy, and response speed positively correlating with age.
Cross-Sectional (n=68)
The study provides fNIRS evidence that developmental changes in prefrontal function correlate with working memory improvements in early to middle childhood.
The neural underpinnings of working memory are hypothesized to develop incrementally across preschool and early school age, coinciding with the rapid maturation of executive function occurring during this period. This study investigates the development of prefrontal cortex function between the ages of 3 and 7. Children (n = 68) participated in a novel spatial working memory task while their middle and lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) was monitored using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We found increased activation of the LPFC when comparing working memory to rest. Greater LPFC increase was noted for longer compared with shorter delay periods. Increase in LPFC activation, accuracy, and response speed were positively correlated with child age, suggesting that developmental changes in prefrontal function might underlie effective development of executive function in this age range.
Perlman et al. (Fri,) reported a cross-sectional. Spatial working memory task vs. Rest was evaluated on Lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) activation. Spatial working memory tasks increased lateral prefrontal cortex activation compared to rest in children aged 3 to 7, with activation, accuracy, and response speed positively correlating with age.