Event-related brain potentials during a continuous performance test (CPT) task in normal children.

BACKGROUND Continuous Performance Test (CPT) is a commonly used paradigm to assess attention disorders that could involve working memory processes. METHODS Event-related potentials (ERPs) during a CPT (X-AX) test were obtained in 16 healthy male students, with ages ranging from 9 to 11 years (X = 10.3). In grouped averaged ERPs, an endogenous slow positive potential was recorded in the first task (infrequent letter detection); maximum was at 460 msec with a slight lateralization tendency toward left parietal area. In the second task (target detection with an A as warning signal), an early (maximum at 330 msec) and more acute peak was detected without evidence of any lateralization. RESULTS Reaction times were significantly shorter for the second task. Electrophysiologic differences between both target conditions showed an early, remarkable, and statistically significant component located at the parietal area at 340 msec. CONCLUSIONS These ERPs findings could be interpreted as correlates with working memory processes in children.