Investigating neural correlates of reading writing in children: an fNIRS study

• Grant number: 19/14879-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2019
• End date: July 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: João Ricardo Sato
• Grantee: Milena Silva Bonfim
• Host Institution: Centro de Matemática, Computação e Cognição (CMCC). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/21934-5 - Network statistics: theory, methods, and applications, AP.TEM

Abstract

Despite the advances in neuroimaging technology, investigations of brain functional dynamics and processes in real-life situations are scarce. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a promising technology on this matter, particularly in children, who are more prone to head movement. In this fNIRS study, we aim to identify neural markers associated with reading and writing in children who are under the process of alphabetization (8 years, 3rd grade). Twenty participants of 8 years (3rd grade) from the local community, who are under the process of alphabetization and with different proficiency in reading and writing. The fNIRS signal will be acquired using a portable system with 8 emitters and 8 detectors and continuous wave. The optodes montage will cover inferior parietal, superior temporal and inferior frontal cortices of the left hemisphere. The experiment will consist of two tasks: reading and writing, each one lasting 10 min. We aim to compare the differences in brain activation between the task and rest, and actual and pseudowords. We expect to provide a proof-of-concept that fNIRS has the potential to provide functional neurobiological correlates of reading and writing in children. A secondary result is the identification of brain regions which activity is associated with these tasks.