Event-related potentials related to target matching in trail making test

Abstract

Trail Making Test (TMT) is one of the most commonly used neuropsychological tests to assess attention and executive functions. In the present study, we investigated event-related potentials (ERPs) related to target matching in TMT. In the experiments, one of cue stimuli (TMT-A: 1-10, TMT-B: 1-E) was presented to subjects. A correct or incorrect target stimulus appeared after the subjects imaged a target according to the TMT rules. ERP analyses showed that, in both TMT parts, N2 and P3 components were observed around 300 and 450 ms after the target stimulus appeared. Amplitude and latency of the N2 and P3 components were larger and longer in the incorrect target condition compared with those in the correct target condition. Furthermore, amplitude and duration of the P3 in TMT-B were lower and longer than those in TMT-A. These properties of the N2-P3 complex reflect brain activity related to target matching in TMT.