Temporal Structure of Item Presentation Modulates Brain Oscillations in Verbal Working Memory.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies of verbal working memory (WM) have reported inconsistent changes in alpha power during retention, with both increases and decreases observed. We asked whether these discrepancies arise from how stimuli are presented. Thirty adults memorized seven digits presented in four modes: Simultaneous (all digits for 2800 ms) or sequential presentations at Fast (400 ms per digit), Slow (1000 ms per digit), and Fast + delay (400 ms per digit plus a 600-ms free time in between). We analyzed EEG during encoding and a 6-s retention period in theta (4-7 Hz), alpha (8-13 Hz), and beta (18-24 Hz) frequency bands. Encoding produced parametric load-related theta increase and beta decrease, possibly reflecting growing executive control demands and motor program formation, respectively. Alpha p

SUBMITTER: Kosachenko AI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12746538 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature