Brain adaptations during a long-time task: An Event-Related Potential (ERP) study.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of prolonged cognitive demand in Event Related Potential (ERP) modulation in inhibitory control paradigm. Data were collected in 19 right-handed volunteers with mean age of 21.21 (±1,77) years who performed the Go/NoGo paradigm for 50 minutes, with synchronized electroencephalogram recording to obtain the ERPs. The time on task effect induced significant changes in subjective variable, cognitive performance and maximum amplitudes of the N2 and P3 component. Our results suggest that when our brain is subjected to extensive cognitive demands, there are adaptations to maintain the behavioral performance through strategy reallocation of energy resources.

Keywords:
long time task; inhibitory control; ERP; N2; P3