Brain Lateralization Enhanced by Long-Term Intensive Training and its Resilience to Short-Term Concussion in Elite...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sports Science
• Brain Imaging

Background:

• Brain lateralization is crucial for motor and cognitive functions.
• The impact of intensive athletic training on hemispheric organization is not well understood.
• This study examines how training and concussions affect brain lateralization in athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the formation of functional lateralization in elite athletes due to intensive training.
• To assess the potential alteration of brain lateralization by sport-related concussions.
• To explore the relationship between brain lateralization and neurotransmitter densities.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state fMRI data from elite gymnasts and non-athletic controls.
• Longitudinal data from soccer players and golfers before and after a season, monitoring concussions.
• Calculation of laterality indices (LIint, LIseg, LI) to quantify hemispheric differences and asymmetry.

Main Results:

• Elite gymnasts showed increased left-hemispheric functional integration (LIint) in key brain regions.
• Higher hemispheric asymmetry (LI) was observed in elite athletes compared to controls.
• Laterality indices correlated with neurotransmitter densities, but concussions did not significantly alter these patterns.

Conclusions:

• Long-term intensive training strengthens functional integration and stable brain lateralization.
• Brain lateralization patterns in athletes demonstrate resilience to sport-related concussions.