Shared EEG functional connectivity patterns between time reproduction and working memory.

Abstract

Time perception is a fundamental cognitive ability that is essential for adaptive behavior. It relies on the integration of multiple cognitive processes, including working memory (WM). Existing literature suggests a close relation among these processes, and their dependence of synchronization of neural oscillations across distributed brain networks. In this study, we analyzed shared EEG correlation patterns during an intervallic time reproduction (TR) task and an n-back WM task and explored sex differences. EEG was recorded in 52 participants (28 women) during performance of both tasks, then EEG correlation matrices were computed for each frequency band. Similarity analyses were performed to identify overlapping connectivity patterns between tasks. Results revealed a positive correlation between WM capacity and TR precision, with no behavioral difference between sexes. For EEG connectivity, we found that local efficiency improved in both tasks compared to the resting state. The WM task showed higher network density than the TR task and overlapping networks between TR and WM were identified. Regarding sex, no differences were found in performance or EEG connectivity. The present study demonstrates the value of EEG functional connectivity for characterizing the dynamic organization of large-scale oscillatory networks during WM and TR. Together, these results provide a network-level framework for understanding the shared neural mechanisms underlying temporal cognition and working memory.