A role for preparatory midfrontal theta in autism as revealed by a high executive load brain–computer interface reverse spelling task
Abstract Midfrontal theta oscillations have been linked to executive function, yet their role in autism—where this function is often compromised—remains unclear. We hypothesized that preparatory increases in theta power may help normalize performance in autism. To test this, we used a challenging in...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00670-7 |
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| author | Camila Dias Teresa Sousa Aniana Cruz Diana Costa Susana Mouga João Castelhano Gabriel Pires Miguel Castelo-Branco |
| author_facet | Camila Dias Teresa Sousa Aniana Cruz Diana Costa Susana Mouga João Castelhano Gabriel Pires Miguel Castelo-Branco |
| author_sort | Camila Dias |
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| description | Abstract Midfrontal theta oscillations have been linked to executive function, yet their role in autism—where this function is often compromised—remains unclear. We hypothesized that preparatory increases in theta power may help normalize performance in autism. To test this, we used a challenging interactive executive function task designed to impose a high working memory load and require constant error monitoring. An electroencephalogram (EEG)-based brain–computer interface (BCI) was used to maximize cognitive load and engagement. Neural activity from autistic and non-autistic adults was compared while participants were asked to mentally reverse pseudowords (engaging working memory) and write them using the BCI, which provided real-time performance feedback (maximizing error monitoring). The study focused on theta power modulation during the preparatory (pre-response) and feedback (post-response) periods but also explored the role of posterior alpha oscillations. Results showed similar task performance between groups, but distinct recruitment of brain resources, particularly during the preparatory period. The finding of an increased preparatory theta in autism favors the hypothesis of compensatory recruitment of cognitive control and attentional mechanisms to achieve accurate results. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2c940cbc554d48c4a3986ca0a111dcee |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-2c940cbc554d48c4a3986ca0a111dcee2025-08-20T01:51:38ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111610.1038/s41598-025-00670-7A role for preparatory midfrontal theta in autism as revealed by a high executive load brain–computer interface reverse spelling taskCamila Dias0Teresa Sousa1Aniana Cruz2Diana Costa3Susana Mouga4João Castelhano5Gabriel Pires6Miguel Castelo-Branco7CIBIT – Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of CoimbraCIBIT – Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of CoimbraISR - Institute of Systems and Robotics, University of CoimbraCIBIT – Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of CoimbraCIBIT – Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of CoimbraCIBIT – Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of CoimbraISR - Institute of Systems and Robotics, University of CoimbraCIBIT – Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of CoimbraAbstract Midfrontal theta oscillations have been linked to executive function, yet their role in autism—where this function is often compromised—remains unclear. We hypothesized that preparatory increases in theta power may help normalize performance in autism. To test this, we used a challenging interactive executive function task designed to impose a high working memory load and require constant error monitoring. An electroencephalogram (EEG)-based brain–computer interface (BCI) was used to maximize cognitive load and engagement. Neural activity from autistic and non-autistic adults was compared while participants were asked to mentally reverse pseudowords (engaging working memory) and write them using the BCI, which provided real-time performance feedback (maximizing error monitoring). The study focused on theta power modulation during the preparatory (pre-response) and feedback (post-response) periods but also explored the role of posterior alpha oscillations. Results showed similar task performance between groups, but distinct recruitment of brain resources, particularly during the preparatory period. The finding of an increased preparatory theta in autism favors the hypothesis of compensatory recruitment of cognitive control and attentional mechanisms to achieve accurate results.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00670-7AutismExecutive functionMidfrontal thetaError monitoringEEG-based BCI |
| spellingShingle | Camila Dias Teresa Sousa Aniana Cruz Diana Costa Susana Mouga João Castelhano Gabriel Pires Miguel Castelo-Branco A role for preparatory midfrontal theta in autism as revealed by a high executive load brain–computer interface reverse spelling task Scientific Reports Autism Executive function Midfrontal theta Error monitoring EEG-based BCI |
| title | A role for preparatory midfrontal theta in autism as revealed by a high executive load brain–computer interface reverse spelling task |
| title_full | A role for preparatory midfrontal theta in autism as revealed by a high executive load brain–computer interface reverse spelling task |
| title_fullStr | A role for preparatory midfrontal theta in autism as revealed by a high executive load brain–computer interface reverse spelling task |
| title_full_unstemmed | A role for preparatory midfrontal theta in autism as revealed by a high executive load brain–computer interface reverse spelling task |
| title_short | A role for preparatory midfrontal theta in autism as revealed by a high executive load brain–computer interface reverse spelling task |
| title_sort | role for preparatory midfrontal theta in autism as revealed by a high executive load brain computer interface reverse spelling task |
| topic | Autism Executive function Midfrontal theta Error monitoring EEG-based BCI |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00670-7 |
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