EEG connectivity patterns in response to gaming and learning-based cognitive stimulations in Rett syndrome

• Published in: Research in developmental disabilities Vol. 150; p. 104751
• Main Authors: Tost, Ana, Romero, Sergio, Alonso, Joan F., Bachiller, Alejandro, Serna, Leidy-Yanet, Medina-Rivera, Inés, García-Cazorla, Ángeles, Mañanas, Miguel Ángel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2024
• Subjects: Attention; Cognitive stimulation; EEG connectivity; Pediatrics; Rett syndrome; Therapeutic intervention; Cognitive stimulation; Pediatrics; EEG connectivity; Therapeutic intervention; Rett syndrome; Attention
• ISSN: 0891-4222; 1873-3379; 1873-3379
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104751

Functional connectivity is scarcely studied in Rett syndrome (RTT). Explorations revealed associations between RTT's clinical, genetic profiles, and coherence measures, highlighting an unexplored frontier in understanding RTT's neural mechanisms and cognitive processes. To evaluate the effects of diverse cognitive stimulations—learning-focused versus gaming-oriented—on electroencephalography brain connectivity in RTT. The comparison with resting states aimed to uncover potential biomarkers and insights into the neural processes associated with RTT. The study included 15 girls diagnosed with RTT. Throughout sessions lasting about 25 min, participants alternated between active and passive tasks, using an eyetracker device while their brain activity was recorded with a 20-channel EEG. Results revealed significant alterations during cognitive tasks, notably in delta, alpha and beta bands. Both tasks induced spectral pattern changes and connectivity shifts, hinting at enhanced neural processing. Hemispheric asymmetry decreased during tasks, suggesting more balanced neural processing. Linear and nonlinear connectivity alterations were observed in active tasks compared to resting state, while passive tasks showed no significant changes. Results underscores the potential of cognitive stimulation for heightened cognitive abilities, promoting enhanced brain connectivity and information flow in Rett syndrome. These findings offer valuable markers for evaluating cognitive interventions and suggest gaming-related activities as effective tools for improving learning outcomes. •Cognitive stimulation alters connectivity: lower delta, higher beta coherence.•Gaming tasks foster enhanced learning outcomes.•Optimizing cognition through combined gaming and learning activities.•Active tasks boost both linear and non-linear information flow, unlike passive tasks.•Cognitive stimulation diminishes interhemispheric asymmetry.