Functional and Diffusion-Based Microstructural Correlates in Cortical and Subcortical Substrates of Motor Performance
Diana Kyriazis1, Makoto Uji2, Samira Bouyagoub1
1Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, BN1 9RY Falmer, UK.
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience
|August 6, 2025
Summary
Cognitive training improved performance in middle-aged adults, showing fast brain reorganization. Individual brain structure variations correlated with these performance gains in visuo-motor tasks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Cognitive training may prevent age-related cognitive decline.
- Middle-aged adults are underrepresented in cognitive training studies.
- This study explores short-term training effects and neural correlates in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the effects of a single session of perceptual-cognitive-motor training in middle-aged adults.
- Examine the functional and structural neural changes associated with this training.
- Determine if baseline brain microstructure predicts training outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-one healthy middle-aged adults (40-50 years) participated.
- Performance and functional imaging (fMRI) were compared between early and late learning phases.
- Diffusion MRI assessed baseline brain microstructure (FA, MD, NDI, ODI) in relation to training outcome.
Main Results:
- Significant performance improvement was observed after training.
- Gaming experience correlated with improvement, but impulsivity did not.
- Training induced functional activity changes in cerebellar, cortical, and subcortical regions.
- Baseline fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and orientation dispersion index (ODI) correlated with performance gains.
Conclusions:
- The middle-aged brain exhibits rapid functional reorganization following cognitive-motor training.
- Individual differences in brain microstructure are linked to swift improvements in visuo-motor task performance.
Keywords:
NODDIdiffusiongaming experienceimpulsivitymiddle-agedprediction error fMRIsensorimotor learningMore Related Videos
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