EEG-biomarker theta/beta ratio and attentional quotients in adults who stutter: An electrophysiological and behavioral study.

INTRODUCTION

There is increasing evidence that connects developmental stuttering to attention. However, findings have represented contradiction. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the possible relationship between stuttering and attention in resting and undertask conditions.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, 26 right-handed AWS (adults who stutter) and 25 matched fluent speakers were enrolled. Demographic data were collected, and the Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) was filled out for all participants. Then, QEEG was conducted, followed by IVA2. CPT test for all subjects. Finally, data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.

RESULTS

AWS indicated significantly weaker auditory focus attention in the task (p = .02) than the control group, while a similar resting-state EEG marker of attention was found between groups (p > .05). Moreover, attention was not correlated between the two conditions (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

The EEG marker of attention did not necessarily designate the attentional performance of AWS under the task. Furthermore, attentional skills could be considered in the assessment and therapeutic programs of at least some groups of AWS.