Slow cortical potential training in Japanese children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

We examined the effects of self-regulation of slow cortical potentials （SCP）. Ten children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder （ADHD） participated in SCP training. During pre- and post-training, we conducted various tests for event-related potentials （ERPs） and behavioral indexes to examine the effects of training. In addition, we examined the changes in electroencephalographic （EEG） shifts during SCP training. For ERP index, we used the amplitude of contingent negative variation （CNV） in an attention task that measures the ability to maintain attention. To examine the behavioral index, we used SNAP-J （Japanese version of the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham rating scale）, which are subjective scales that measure ADHD tendency. For the EEG index, we analyzed the changes in peak amplitude of negative and positive EEG shifts during 16 SCP training sessions. The results showed effects of SCP training on the ERP index, but not on the behavioral index. In the former, the CNV amplitude for pre-training was higher than that for post-training, indicating that the attention ability of children with ADHD might be enhanced due to SCP training. The EEG index showed an increase in the peak amplitude of negative and positive EEG shifts depending on SCP training sessions. These results suggest a relationship between enhancements of CNV amplitude and changes in EEG shifts during SCP sessions. We provide the first evidence for the effect of SCP training in Japan. Future research should carefully examine the relationship between the number of sessions and various indexes （ERP, psychological, and behavioral） and the effect of SCP training by comparing these effects in experimental and control groups.