Maturational Changes in Action-Effect Integration Processes Are Reflected by Changes in the Directed Cortical Network Communication

Abstract

Acting intentionally is a major aspect of human cognitive development and depends on the ability to link actions with their consequences. Action-effect binding (AEB) is a fundamental mechanism enabling this. While AEB has been well-characterized in adults, its neurophysiological underpinnings during adolescence remain unclear. This study investigates differences between adolescence and adulthood in the directed cortical network communication underlying AEB. Using an EEG frequency tagging approach, we examined differences in theta-driven directed connectivity between adolescents and adults. Our findings reveal that both groups engage a core network comprising the insular cortex, anterior temporal lobe, and inferior frontal cortex. However, adolescents exhibit stronger directed connectivity within this network, particularly in anterior temporal lobe-mediated interactions, suggesting a greater reliance on representational processing for action-effect integration. Furthermore, adolescents uniquely recruit posterior ventral stream regions, including the lingual gyrus. This additional involvement suggests an increased demand for sensory integration in adolescents, potentially compensating for immaturities in action-effect representation. These results indicate that while the essential neural architecture for AEB is established in adolescence, its functional organization differs from that of adults. This study provides novel insights into developmental changes in cortical network communication underlying intentional action control.