Functional network segregation is associated with higher functional connectivity in endurance runners
Long Cao1, Lunxiong Li2, Zitong Huang3
1Henan Key Laboratory of Imaging and Intelligent Processing, PLA Strategic Support Force Information Engineering University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China.
Neuroscience Letters
|July 17, 2023
Summary
Endurance runners exhibit distinct brain network organization compared to controls, featuring enhanced functional connectivity and a more segregated network structure. These neural differences may underpin superior endurance performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Sports Science
Background:
- Neuroimaging reveals structural and functional brain differences in endurance runners.
- The topological organization of large-scale functional brain networks in runners is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in functional brain network topology between endurance runners and healthy controls.
- To explore the relationship between network topology and functional connectivity in endurance runners.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was used.
- Graph theoretical approaches and network-based statistics were applied.
- Functional brain networks of 22 endurance runners and 20 healthy controls were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Endurance runners showed higher whole-brain clustering coefficients.
- A specific subnetwork with increased functional connectivity was identified in runners.
- This subnetwork's connectivity correlated with small-world network parameters.
Conclusions:
- Endurance runners possess a significantly different whole-brain functional network topology.
- Enhanced segregation in a specific subnetwork may optimize neural processing for endurance activities.
- These findings suggest a neural basis for enhanced endurance performance in runners.
Keywords:
Endurance runningFunctional connectivityGraph theoryNetwork-based statisticsSmall-world property
