Unveiling the hidden electroencephalographical rhythms during development: aperiodic and periodic activity in healthy subjects

Abstract

ObjectiveThe study analyzes power spectral density (PSD) components, aperiodic (AP) and periodic (P) activity, in resting-state EEG of 240 healthy subjects from 6 to 29 years old, divided into 4 groups. MethodsWe calculate AP and P components using the (Fitting Oscillations and One-Over-f (FOOOF)) plugging in EEGLAB. All PSD components were calculated from 1-45Hz. Topography analysis, Spearman correlations, and regression analysis with age were computed for all the components. ResultsAP and P activity show different topography across frequencies and age groups. Age-related decreases in AP exponent and offset parameters lead to reduced power, while P power decreases (1-6Hz) and increases (10-15Hz) with age. ConclusionsWe support the distinction between the AP and P components of the PSD and its possible functional changes with age. AP power is dominant in the configuration of the canonical EEG rhythms topography, although P contribution to topography is embedded in the canonical EEG topography. Some EEG canonical characteristics are similar to those of P component, as topographies of EEG rhythms (embedded) and increases in oscillatory frequency with age. SignificanceWe support that spectral power parameterization improves the interpretation and neurophysiological and functional accuracy of brain processes. HighlightsO_LIDifferential topography for aperiodic and periodic EEG components. C_LIO_LIPower decrease in aperiodic component (exponent and offset) with age. C_LIO_LIDecrease (lower frequencies) and increase (higher frequencies) of periodic component. C_LI