Altered Global and Local Network Organization in Exercise Dependence: Evidence from Graph Theory Analysis of...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Exercise dependence is a behavioral disorder with negative physical and mental health consequences.
• Understanding the neural underpinnings of exercise dependence is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in brain network properties in individuals at high risk for exercise dependence.
• To explore the relationship between these brain network properties and addictive behavioral tendencies.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded from individuals with high and low risk of exercise dependence.
• Source analysis and graph-theory analysis were used to examine brain network measures.
• The Chinese version of the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS) was used for participant classification and behavioral assessment.

Main Results:

• Significant group differences were found in local graph measures, specifically the nodal degree of the right ventral prefrontal cortex and left temporal pole.
• Global graph measures, including global clustering coefficient and small-worldness, showed moderate effect sizes but did not reach statistical significance after FDR correction.
• Nodal degree of the left temporal pole, global clustering coefficient, and small-worldness were independently associated with EDS scores and specific sub-scale scores.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with high exercise dependence exhibit altered brain functional networks.
• These alterations in brain networks are significantly associated with specific addictive behavioral tendencies in exercise dependence.