Assessing sustained attention processes and related cerebral activations in typically developing adolescents using the gradual-onset continuous performance task (gradCPT)

Awada, J.; Fernandez, NB.; Siffredi, V.; Liverani, MC.; Miehlbradt, J.; Borradori-Tolsa, C.; Leuchter, R. Ha-Vinh · 2024 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1101/2024.10.01.24314449

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Summary

This study investigates the neural correlates of sustained attention and response inhibition in typically developing adolescents, a population undergoing rapid cognitive maturation. While continuous performance tasks (CPTs) are standard for assessing these functions, traditional CPTs limit the analysis of moment-to-moment reaction time variability. To address this, the authors utilized the gradual-onset continuous performance task (gradCPT), which requires frequent responses to non-target stimuli and inhibition for rare targets, allowing for continuous monitoring of attentional states. The research specifically aimed to characterize brain activation patterns during this task in adolescents aged 11–18 and to determine how behavioral performance relates to cerebral activity. The study employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in a cohort of 26 typically developing adolescents. Participants completed two modalities of the gradCPT: a "face" modality (withholding response to female faces) and a "scene" modality (withholding response to mountain images). Behavioral performance was assessed using accuracy, sensitivity scores (d’), and reaction time coefficient of variation (RTCV). Additionally, executive functions and attentional abilities were measured using the Conners 3-SR, BRIEF, and TAP questionnaires. fMRI data were preprocessed using SPM12, and statistical analyses included whole-brain general linear models to identify activation patterns during response inhibition, as well as linear regressions to correlate brain activity with behavioral and demographic covariates. Behavioral results indicated that adolescents performed better on the scene gradCPT than the face gradCPT, demonstrating higher sensitivity scores and lower reaction time variability. However, accuracy in withholding responses to target stimuli was significantly lower than in adult populations, suggesting immature inhibitory control. Neuroimaging revealed a bilateral fronto-parieto-occipito-thalamic activation pattern during response inhibition across both tasks. Specifically, the face modality elicited left-lateralized activation in fronto-cingulo-cerebellar regions, while the scene modality produced extended bilateral activation in fronto-temporo-parieto-occipital areas. Crucially, the study found significant associations between brain activity and behavioral measures. For instance, higher reaction time variability correlated with increased activation in frontal and parietal regions during the face task, while better sensitivity scores correlated with anterior cingulate activation during the scene task. Inattention scores from the Conners 3-SR were positively associated with activation in various cortical regions across both modalities. These findings provide a detailed map of the neural networks supporting sustained attention and inhibition in adolescents, highlighting distinct activation patterns based on stimulus modality. The lower inhibition accuracy compared to adults underscores the ongoing development of executive control during this period. By linking specific brain activations to behavioral metrics like reaction time variability and inattention symptoms, the study establishes the gradCPT as a valuable tool for probing the neurodevelopmental trajectory of attention. This work contributes to the understanding of typical adolescent brain function and offers a baseline for future investigations into clinical populations with attention deficits.

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• sustained attention vigilance