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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
A Repetitive Concussive Head Injury Model in Mice
Published on: October 12, 2016
Disrupted Multi-frequency Topological Properties of Brain Functional Networks in Attention Networks after Repetitive
Chengfang Wang1, Jian Song2, Shuochen Wang3
1Center for Mind & Brain Sciences and Cognition and Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, PR China; Center for Mind & Brain Sciences and Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Changsha, Hunan 410081, PR China.
Repetitive subconcussive head impacts may lead to attention deficits by altering brain connectivity. This study found increased functional connectivity in attention networks after subconcussion, suggesting potential neurophysiological signatures for attention impairment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Attention impairment is a common deficit after subconcussive head impacts.
- The neural mechanisms underlying these attention deficits remain poorly understood.
- Repetitive subconcussive head impacts are prevalent in contact sports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neural alterations in attention networks following repetitive subconcussive head impacts.
- To integrate electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity with the Attention Network Test (ANT).
- To identify potential neurophysiological markers of attention impairment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized source-level EEG functional connectivity analysis with phase-locking value (PLV).
- Examined connectivity across delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands.
- Applied graph-theoretical analysis to assess network topology and correlated with ANT performance.
Main Results:
- Subconcussion group showed increased functional connectivity across attention networks compared to controls.
- Specific increases observed in alerting, orienting, and executive control networks across various frequency bands.
- Exploratory analyses revealed correlations between specific connectivity patterns and attention efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Repetitive subconcussive exposure leads to frequency-specific hyperconnectivity within attention networks.
- Selective topological reorganization was observed in the executive control network.
- Findings offer insights into subconcussion-related neural alterations and potential biomarkers for attention deficits.
