Aperiodic and Hurst EEG exponents across early human brain development: A systematic review

Stanyard, R.A.; Mason, D.; Ellis, C.; Dickson, H.; Short, R.; Batalle, D.; Arichi, T.

Abstract

In electroencephalographic (EEG) data, power-frequency slope exponents (1/f_β) can provide non-invasive markers of in vivo neural activity excitation-inhibition (E:I) balance. E:I balance may be altered in neurodevelopmental conditions; hence, understanding how 1/f β evolves across infancy/childhood has implications for developing early assessments/interventions. This systematic review (PROSPERO-ID: CRD42023363294) explored the early maturation (0–26 yrs) of resting-state EEG 1/f measures (aperiodic [AE], power law [PLE] and Hurst [HE] exponents), including studies containing ≥1 1/f measures and ≥10 typically developing participants. Five databases (including Embase and Scopus) were searched during March 2023. Forty-two studies were identified (Nparticipants=3478). Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies tool. Narrative synthesis of HE data suggests non-stationary EEG activity occurs throughout development. Age-related trends were complex, with rapid decreases in AEs during infancy and heterogenous changes thereafter. Regionally, AE maxima shifted developmentally, potentially reflecting spatial trends in maturing brain connectivity. This work highlights the importance of further characterising the development of 1/f measures to better understand how E:I balance shapes brain and cognitive development.

Citation

Stanyard, R., Mason, D., Ellis, C., Dickson, H., Short, R., Batalle, D., & Arichi, T. (2024). Aperiodic and Hurst EEG exponents across early human brain development: A systematic review. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 68, Article 101402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101402

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 3, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jun 6, 2024
• Publication Date: Jun 24, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 1, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 4, 2024
• Journal: Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
• Print ISSN: 1878-9293
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 68
• Article Number: 101402
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101402
• Keywords: Systematic review; Aperiodic exponent; Hurst exponent; EEG; Electroencephalography; Development; Infant; Toddler; Child; Adolescent; Young adult
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/947446
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187892932400063X?via%3Dihub
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: Aperiodic and Hurst EEG exponents across early human brain development: A systematic review; Journal Title: Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101402; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.