2024 Theses Doctoral

Autonomic and Central Nervous Systems Responses to the Eyes Open-Eyes Closed Challenge During Childhood

Nugent, J. David Declan

This dissertation investigates the complex interplay of age, sex and physiological responses to attentional tasks in childhood, employing heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) as measures of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and periodic electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha power and the aperiodic EEG measure of exponent of the spectral slope to assess central nervous system (CNS) activity.

Through meticulous analysis of neurophysiological data, this study unveils developmental trajectories and sex-specific disparities in attentional processes. Initial examinations reveal age-related fluctuations in ANS and CNS responses, highlighting the dynamic nature of childhood neurodevelopment. Furthermore, sex-stratified analyses unveil distinct patterns of response, emphasizing the importance of considering sex as a pivotal factor in neurophysiological research. Surprisingly, despite expectations of developmental maturation, ANS reactivity to attentional challenges remains stable across childhood, challenging traditional developmental paradigms and prompting further exploration into underlying mechanisms.

Moving forward, leveraging longitudinal mixed-effects modeling, cluster analysis, and assessments of neurobehavioral outcomes offers promising avenues for comprehensive understanding. This research significantly advances our understanding of childhood neurophysiology and lays the groundwork for targeted interventions and public health initiatives to optimize developmental outcomes.