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Long-term Chinese calligraphic handwriting reshapes the posterior cingulate cortex: A VBM study.
Wen Chen1,2,3,4, Chuansheng Chen5, Pin Yang6
1Advanced Innovation Center for Future Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
Plos One
|April 5, 2019
Summary
Long-term Chinese calligraphic handwriting (CCH) practice enhances attention but not anxiety levels. This practice is linked to reduced grey matter volume in the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Art Therapy
Background:
- Chinese calligraphic handwriting (CCH) involves intense concentration and emotion regulation, similar to meditation.
- Previous research suggests CCH offers physical and psychological benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the long-term effects of CCH on anxiety, attention, and brain structure.
- To compare individuals with extensive CCH experience to a control group.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing 32 CCH practitioners (≥5 years experience) with 44 controls.
- Utilized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and region of interest (ROI) analyses.
- Assessed selective and divided attention, anxiety levels, and grey matter volume (GMV).
Main Results:
- CCH training improved selective and divided attention but did not reduce anxiety.
- CCH practitioners showed smaller GMV in the right precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex (PCC).
- ROI analysis revealed differences in meditation-related areas, not handwriting-related areas.
Conclusions:
- Long-term CCH practice may enhance attention through meditation-like mental processes.
- CCH influences specific brain structures, particularly the PCC, potentially impacting cognitive functions.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these findings.
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