The neural correlates of working memory training in typically developing children

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Working memory training enhances cognitive abilities in children.
• Neural mechanisms underlying these improvements are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neural mechanisms of working memory training in children.
• To examine how training affects brain connectivity and activity.

Main Methods:

• 32 typically developing children (aged 10-14) participated in a randomized controlled trial.
• Multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess brain function.
• Working memory performance was measured before and after training.

Main Results:

• Working memory training significantly improved performance on untrained tasks.
• Increased intrinsic functional connectivity was observed between bilateral intraparietal sulci.
• Greater recruitment of the left middle frontal gyrus correlated with working memory gains.

Conclusions:

• Working memory training enhances cognitive performance through neurobiological changes.
• Increased fronto-parietal connectivity and activity underlie improved working memory.
• Findings support the neurobiological basis of generalizable cognitive benefits and inform neurodevelopmental theories.