Spontaneous Alpha and Theta Oscillations Are Related to Complementary Aspects of Cognitive Control in Younger and Older Adults.

ABSTRACT: The resting-state human electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum is dominated by alpha (8-12 Hz) and theta (4-8 Hz) oscillations, and also includes non-oscillatory broadband activity inversely related to frequency (1/f activity). Gratton proposed that alpha and theta oscillations are both related to cognitive control function, though in a complementary manner. Alpha activity is hypothesized to facilitate the maintenance of representations, such as task sets in preparation for expected task conditions. In contrast, theta activity would facilitate changes in representations, such as the updating of task sets in response to unpredicted task demands. Therefore, theta should be related to reactive control (which may prompt changes in task representatio

SUBMITTER: Clements GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8025241 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature