Real-time fMRI training-induced changes in regional connectivity mediating verbal working memory behavioral...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Brain Training

Background:

• Working memory is crucial for complex cognition and can be enhanced through training.
• Previous research shows training alters frontal and parietal cortex activity and connectivity.
• Real-time fMRI (rtfMRI) neurofeedback targeting the left DLPFC improves working memory.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how working memory training affects brain region interactions.
• To determine if enhanced brain connectivity correlates with performance improvements.

Main Methods:

• Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze brain network interactions.
• rtfMRI neurofeedback training was applied to target the left DLPFC.
• Participants underwent working memory tasks before and after training.

Main Results:

• rtfMRI training enhanced the direct frontoparietal connection in the left hemisphere.
• Increased connectivity from the left DLPFC to the left IPL positively correlated with verbal working memory performance gains.

Conclusions:

• Working memory training strengthens frontoparietal connectivity.
• Enhanced frontoparietal connectivity, particularly between left DLPFC and left IPL, is a key factor in behavioral improvement for working memory.