| |
Abstract:
Abstract: The Stroop word-color task, a classical test
involving response selection during the presentation of incongruent
stimuli, is widely used to assess frontal lobe functions. In this
study we used fMRI to investigate brain activation during the
Stroop word-color task in three different developmental age groups:
children (ages 7-11), adolescents (ages 12-16), and young adults
(ages 17-22). Brain activation related to the Stroop interference
effect was determined by comparing incongruent word-color and
congruent letter string conditions. Behavioral analysis of the
standard paper and pencil Stroop task showed a linear increase in
interference with age group. Young adult subjects (n= 9) showed
significant activation in the left inferior and middle frontal
gyri, left superior parietal lobule and left putamen. Compared to
young adults, adolescent subjects (n= 9) showed significantly
decreased activation in the left middle frontal gyrus. On the other
hand, children (n= 9) showed decreased activation in this region as
well as the left superior parietal lobule. No differences were
found between any of the groups in the anterior cingulate, a region
thought to be involved in response selection in the Stroop task.
Our findings suggest that, at least within the context of the
Stroop task, functional development of the parietal lobe occurs by
adolescence, whereas prefrontal cortex function continues to
develop into adulthood.
|
