Fasting and cognitive load-related changes in quantitative EEG measures
Journal
International Journal of Psychological Research
ISSN
2011-7922
2011-2084
Publisher
Universidad de San Buenaventura
Date Issued
2025-07-24
Author(s)
Adrián Ávila-Garibay
Andrés A. González-Garrido
Fabiola R. Gómez-Velázquez
Hugo Vélez-Pérez
Rebeca Romo-Vázquez
Geisa B. Gallardo-Moreno
Type
journal-article
Abstract
Fasting might affect attentional processes; however, its effects on quantitative electroencephalographic activity (qEEG) remain unclear. We used an n-back task to assess the effects of an 18-hour fasting period on behavior and qEEG absolute power. Twenty-six participants performed the experimental task with two cognitive load levels during fasting and regular breakfast in different sessions. Artifact-free epochs were selected for further analysis between conditions. The higher cognitive load affected accuracy, which decreased, while frontal and parietal theta power increased. We also found greater absolute theta power magnitudes for the left-frontocentral locations and a significant interaction between cognitive load and recording site, reflecting the greater increase in left-central parietal locations. Alpha increased in left-frontocentral locations. Although fasting did not considerably vary EEG power, there was a relevant fasting-related increase in theta power over frontal areas, probably reflecting transient changes in cognitive control mechanisms.
License
Acceso Abierto.
URL License
How to cite
Ávila-Garibay, A., González-Garrido, A. A., Gómez-Velázquez, F. R., Brofman-Epelbaum, J. J., Vélez-Pérez, H., Romo-Vázquez, R., y Gallardo-Moreno, G. B. (2025). Fasting and cognitive load-related changes in quantitative EEG measures. International Journal of Psychological Research, 18(1), 59–68. https://doi.org/10.21500/20112084.6690
Table of contents
1. Introduction -- 2. Method -- 3. Results -- 4. Discussion -- 5. Conclusions -- 6. Limitations.