Working memory (WM) models have traditionally assumed at least two domain-specific storage systems for verbal and visuo-spatial information. We review data that suggest the existence of an additional slave system devoted to the temporary storage of body movements, and present a novel instrument for its assessment: the movement span task. The movement span task assesses individuals' ability to r...

Objective: To explore the reactivity of the theta and alpha rhythms during visuo-spatial working memory. Methods: One hundred and seventy-four subjects performed a delayed response task. They had to remember the spatial location of a target stimulus on a computer screen for a 1 or a 4 s retention interval. The target either remained visible throughout the entire interval (sensory trials) or dis...

This thesis investigates the developmental trajectory of visuo-spatial working memory as well as the potential influence of acute exercise on working memory performance. Individuals between the ages of 6 and 25 years were randomly assigned to a 30-minute bout of exercise on an elliptical trainer or to a no-exercise control condition. Participants then performed a computerized N-back task to ass...

Prior research studying the relationship between music training (MT) and more general cognitive faculties, such as visuospatial working memory (VSWM), often fails to include tests of musical memory. This may result in causal pathways MT other variables being misrepresented, potentially explaining certain ambiguous findings literature concerning executive functions. Here we address this problem ...

The Barnes maze is a visuo-spatial learning and memory test originally designed for use with rats, and later adapted for use with mice. The Barnes maze design and test procedure vary across studies using mice, but the effects of variation in Barnes maze design and test procedure on learning and memory in mice have not yet been investigated. Therefore the present experiment investigates whether ...

Working memory predicts children's reading comprehension but it is not clear whether this relation is due to a modality-specific or general working memory. This study, which investigated the relations between children's reading skills and working memory (WM) abilities in 3 modalities, extends previous work by including measures of both reading comprehension and reading accuracy. Tests of word r...

This paper attempts to provide a synthesis and appraisal of the field of executive functions (EF). In a moment in which early education is a very important issue in Romania, the purpose of this study is to emphasize the importance of early development of EF and EF correlation with school readiness (Ionescu and Benga, 2007). Core EF skills are (i) inhibitory control, (ii) working memory (WM), an...

Introduction: Ethanol can induce a wide spectrum of neurophysiological effects via interaction with multiple neurotransmitter systems and disruption of the balances between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters. Prefrontal cortex is involved in cognitive process including working memory and is sensitive to ethanol. Present study investigates the effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) admini...