Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetic Detection and Intelligent Perception, Xi'an, China; Military Medical Innovation Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
Neuroimage. 2024 Sep;298:120785. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120785. Epub 2024 Aug 20.
Working memory (WM) is an essential cognitive function that underpins various higher-order cognitive processes. Improving WM capacity through targeted training interventions has emergered as a potential approach for enhancing cognitive abilities. The present study employed an 8-week regimen of computerized WM training (WMT) to investigate its effect on neuroplasticity in healthy individuals, utilizing neuroimaging data gathered both before and after the training. The key metrics assessed included the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), voxel-based morphometry (VBM), and the spatial distribution correlations of neurotransmitter. The results indicated that post-training, compared to baseline, there was a reduction in ALFF in the medial superior frontal gyrus and an elevation in ALFF in the left middle occipital gyrus within the training group. In comparison to the control group, the training group also exhibited decreased ALFF in the anterior cingulate cortex, angular gyrus, and superior parietal lobule, along with increased ALFF in the postcentral gyrus post-training. VBM analysis revealed a significant increase in gray matter volume (GMV) in the right dorsal superior frontal gyrus after the training period, compared to the initial baseline measurement. Furthermore, the training group showed GMV increases in the dorsal superior frontal gyrus, Rolandic operculum, precentral gyrus, and postcentral gyrus when compared to the control group. In addition, significant associations were identifed between neuroimaging measurements (AFLL and VBM) and the spatial patterns of neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), providing insights into the underlying neurochemical processes. These findings clarify the neuroplastic changes caused by WMT, offering a deeper understanding of brain plasticity and highlighting the potential advantages of cognitive training interventions.
工作记忆（WM）是一种基本的认知功能，它支撑着各种高级认知过程。通过有针对性的训练干预来提高 WM 能力，已成为增强认知能力的一种潜在方法。本研究采用 8 周的计算机 WM 训练（WMT）方案，利用训练前后的神经影像学数据，来研究其对健康个体神经可塑性的影响。评估的关键指标包括低频振幅（ALFF）、基于体素的形态测量学（VBM）和神经递质的空间分布相关性。结果表明，与基线相比，训练后，训练组的内侧额上回的 ALFF 降低，左中枕叶的 ALFF 升高。与对照组相比，训练组的前扣带皮层、角回和上顶叶的 ALFF 降低，后中央回的 ALFF 升高。VBM 分析显示，与初始基线测量相比，训练后右背额上回的灰质体积（GMV）显著增加。此外，与对照组相比，训练组的背额上回、 Rolandic 脑回、中央前回和中央后回的 GMV 增加。此外，还确定了神经影像学测量（ALFF 和 VBM）与神经递质（如 5-羟色胺（5-HT）、多巴胺（DA）和 N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸（NMDA））的空间模式之间存在显著关联，为深入了解神经化学过程提供了线索。这些发现阐明了 WMT 引起的神经可塑性变化，加深了对大脑可塑性的理解，并突出了认知训练干预的潜在优势。
