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bioRxiv · 10.1101/685487

Dynamic reconfiguration of functional brain networks during working memory training

Finc, K.·Bonna, K.·He, X.·Lydon, D. M.·Kühn, S.·Duch, W.·Bassett, D. S.
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Abstract

The functional network of the brain continually adapts to changing environmental demands. The consequence of behavioral automation for task-related functional network architecture remains far from understood. We investigated the neural reflections of behavioral automation as participants mastered a dual n-back task. In four fMRI scans equally spanning a 6-week training period, we assessed brain network modularity, a substrate for adaptation in biological systems. We found that whole-brain modularity steadily increased during training for both conditions of the dual n-back task. In a dynamic analysis, we found that the autonomy of the default mode system and integration among task-positive systems were modulated by training. The automation of the n-back task through training resulted in non-linear changes in integration between the fronto-parietal and default mode systems, and integration with the subcortical system. Our findings suggest that the automation of a cognitively demanding task may result in more segregated network organization.

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Finc, K., Bonna, K., He, X., Lydon, D. M., Kühn, S., Duch, W., Bassett, D. S.. 2019-06-27. Dynamic reconfiguration of functional brain networks during working memory training. https://doi.org/10.1101/685487

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