Journal article
Brain Network Modularity Predicts Improvements in Cognitive and Scholastic Performance in Children Involved in a Physical Activity Intervention
Frontiers in human neuroscience, Vol.14, pp.346-346
09/03/2020
DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00346
PMCID: PMC7497763
PMID: 33100988
Abstract
Introduction
: Brain network modularity is a principle that quantifies the degree to which functional brain networks are divided into subnetworks. Higher modularity reflects a greater number of within-module connections and fewer connections between modules, and a highly modular brain is often interpreted as a brain that contains highly specialized brain networks with less integration between networks. Recent work in younger and older adults has demonstrated that individual differences in brain network modularity at baseline can predict improvements in performance after cognitive and physical interventions. The use of brain network modularity as a predictor of training outcomes has not yet been examined in children.
Method
: In the present study, we examined the relationship between baseline brain network modularity and changes (post-intervention performance minus pre-intervention performance) in cognitive and academic performance in 8- to 9-year-old children who participated in an after-school physical activity intervention for 9 months (
N
= 78) as well as in children in a wait-list control group (
N
= 72).
Results
: In children involved in the after-school physical activity intervention, higher modularity of brain networks at baseline predicted greater improvements in cognitive performance for tasks of executive function, cognitive efficiency, and mathematics achievement. There were no associations between baseline brain network modularity and performance changes in the wait-list control group.
Discussion
: Our study has implications for biomarkers of cognitive plasticity in children. Understanding predictors of cognitive performance and academic progress during child development may facilitate the effectiveness of interventions aimed to improve cognitive and brain health.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Brain Network Modularity Predicts Improvements in Cognitive and Scholastic Performance in Children Involved in a Physical Activity Intervention
- Creators
- Laura Chaddock-Heyman - , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,Timothy B. Weng - The University of Texas at AustinCaitlin Kienzler - University of Colorado DenverRobert Weisshappel - University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignEric S. Drollette - University of North Carolina at GreensboroLauren B. Raine - Northeastern UniversityDaniel R. Westfall - Northeastern UniversityShih-Chun Kao - , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,Pauline Baniqued - University of California, BerkeleyDarla M. Castelli - The University of Texas at AustinCharles H. Hillman - Northeastern UniversityArthur F. Kramer - Northeastern University
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in human neuroscience, Vol.14, pp.346-346
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media S.A
- DOI
- 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00346
- PMID
- 33100988
- PMCID
- PMC7497763
- ISSN
- 1662-5161
- eISSN
- 1662-5161
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 09/03/2020
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences
- Record Identifier
- 9984627312902771
Metrics
12 Record Views