Exploring visuospatial function neuroplasticity in elite speed skaters: a resting-state fMRI independent component...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sports Science
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Limited research exists on the neural basis of visuospatial attention in elite athletes within closed-skill sports.
• Understanding these mechanisms in skaters can reveal unique cognitive adaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neural mechanisms underlying visuospatial attention in elite skaters.
• To compare resting-state networks (RSNs) associated with visuospatial attention between elite skaters and controls.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilized an expert-novice paradigm.
• Independent Component Analysis (ICA) was employed to analyze resting-state functional connectivity (FC) in 15 elite skaters and 15 controls.

Main Results:

• Elite skaters exhibited significantly different FC in several RSNs, including the dorsal attention network (DAN), fronto-parietal network (FPN), somatomotor network (SMN), and visual network (VIS).
• Specific regions like the right angular gyrus, left precuneus, and visual cortex showed heightened FC in skaters, while areas like the superior temporal gyrus showed diminished FC.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences in RSNs related to visuospatial functions were observed between elite skaters and controls.
• These neural variations are likely a result of extensive training, leading to neuroplasticity and enhanced visuospatial abilities.