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Parallel Changes in Cognitive Function and Gray Matter Volume After Multi-Component Training of Cognitive Control
Dasom Lee1, Seyul Kwak1, Jeanyung Chey1
1Department of Psychology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|August 6, 2019
Summary
Multi-component cognitive control training (MTCC) in adolescents showed modest improvements in fluid intelligence. The training was associated with structural brain changes in the right inferior cortex, suggesting effects on inhibitory control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical period for cognitive development and brain plasticity.
- Cognitive training studies in adolescents are limited, with few established neural correlates.
- Cognitive control, encompassing inhibition, working memory, shifting, and dual tasking, is crucial for goal-directed behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of multi-component training of cognitive control (MTCC) on adolescents' cognitive abilities.
- To determine if MTCC enhances cognitive control and generalizes to other cognitive domains.
- To examine the neural correlates of MTCC effects using neuroimaging.
Main Methods:
- Middle school students (aged 11-14) were randomly assigned to an MTCC group or an active control group.
- The MTCC group underwent 30 minutes of daily training for 6 weeks.
- Cognitive performance, regional gray matter volume, and their relationship were assessed.
Main Results:
- The MTCC group showed a non-significant modest improvement in visuospatial fluid intelligence (Block Design).
- A significant time × group interaction effect on gray matter volume was observed in the right inferior cortex (rIFC).
- The MTCC group exhibited a relative increase in rIFC volume, contrasting with a typical reduction in the control group; this change correlated with Stroop performance.
Conclusions:
- MTCC may influence brain structure, specifically the right inferior cortex, which is implicated in inhibitory control.
- The findings suggest that cognitive training can induce structural brain changes relevant to cognitive control in adolescents.
- Further research is needed to confirm the generalizability and long-term effects of MTCC on cognitive functions and brain structure.
Keywords:
brain plasticitycognitive controlcognitive traininginferior frontalinhibitionshiftingvoxel-based morphometryworking memoryMore Related Videos
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