Brain activities on fMRI using the shiritori task in normal subjects.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Linguistics

Background:

• Shiritori is a Japanese word chain game similar to verbal fluency tasks.
• It has potential applications in determining language dominance and as a rehabilitation tool.
• Limited neuroimaging studies exist for shiritori.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate brain activity during the Shiritori game using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
• To identify specific brain regions activated during this word chain task.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed.
• Participants engaged in the Shiritori word game during the fMRI scan.

Main Results:

• Activation was observed in the left inferior frontal gyrus (pars opecularis, pars triangularis, pars orbitalis), a key language area.
• Additional activation was noted in the left superior and middle frontal gyri.
• The right pars orbitalis (inferior frontal gyrus) and the right cerebellar hemisphere also showed activation.

Conclusions:

• Shiritori engages a network of brain regions beyond traditional language areas.
• The findings suggest Shiritori is a valuable tool for psychological studies.
• Its utility as a rehabilitation tool for cognitive and language functions is supported.