Morning nutrition and executive function processes in preadolescents: gender variations in phasic modulation of frontal EEG theta activity during a go/ no‐go task

Abstract

Frontal EEG theta activity has been related to executive functions (i.e., goal‐directed behavior such as inhibition and flexibility of action). We studied the effects of morning nutritional status on frontal theta‐executive function relationships using stimulus‐locked responses [event‐related increases (ERS) and decreases (ERD) in synchronization] of 4‐6 Hz activity in a cued visual go/no‐go task in healthy, right‐handed children (8‐11 yrs. old; IQ > 80). Children were tested after overnight fasting (Phase 1), and again (Phase 2) after eating a standardized breakfast (n = 30; 15 males) or while continuing to fast (n = 30; 15 males). Performance measures‐accuracy and reaction time (RT)‐were obtained. Data were analyzed using ANOVA procedures with post‐hoc t‐tests. Response accuracy was similar across groups. Relative to Phase 1, RT slowed in Phase 2 for both groups, but the decrease was only significant for fasting females (p < .01). Consistent with increased executive function demands associated with response inhibition, ERS was greater to no‐go than go stimuli (p < .05) for both groups. Nutritional status did not significantly influence ERS responses in females, but Phase 2 responses to no‐go stimuli were decreased in fasting, but not fed, males (p < .05). These data suggest a greater sensitivity of frontal executive function processes to morning nutritional status in preadolescent males than females. (Supported by USDA ARS CRIS 6251‐51000‐002‐03S)