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Zhou Q, Chen Y, Zhou C, Wang J. Long-term motor training enhances functional connectivity between semantic and motor regions in an effector-specific manner: evidence from elite female football athletes. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:1447-1459. [PMID: 38814332 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The relation between the action verb semantic processing and sensorimotor experience remains controversial. In this study, we examined whether plasticity changes in brain are specifically related to semantic processing of foot action verbs when long-term motor training is mainly aimed at the foot. To address this question, we acquired resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans and behavioral data from a verb two-choice task from female expertise football players and football novices. We compared the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) differences between experts and novices using motor execution regions and general semantic regions (left anterior temporal lobe, lATL) as seed, and explored the neural correlates of behavioral performance. Here, the drift rate (v) parameter of the drift diffusion model (DDM) was used to capture the semantic processing capability. We found experts showed increased correlation between lATL subregions and important brain regions for motor processing, including supplementary motor area (SMA), bilateral paracentral lobule (PL), superior parietal lobule and inferior parietal lobule, in contrast to novices. Further predictive model analysis showed the FC found in rsFC analysis can significantly predict drift rate of foot action verb in both experts and novices, but not drift rate of hand action verb. Our findings therefore establish a connection between effector-related semantic processing and the plasticity changes in brain functional connectivity, attributable to long-term foot-related motor training. This provides evidence supporting the view that semantic processing is fundamentally rooted in the sensorimotor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingcan Zhou
- Department of Sports Industry, Graduate School of Sports Industry, Kookmin University, Seoul, 142820, South Korea
| | - Yanzhang Chen
- Department of Sport Psychology, School of Sport Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
- Center for Exercise and Brain Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenglin Zhou
- Department of Sport Psychology, School of Sport Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
- Center for Exercise and Brain Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Sport Psychology, School of Sport Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China.
- Center for Exercise and Brain Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China.
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Junker FB, Schlaffke L, Lange J, Schmidt-Wilcke T. The angular gyrus serves as an interface between the non-lexical reading network and the semantic system: evidence from dynamic causal modeling. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:561-575. [PMID: 36905417 PMCID: PMC10978681 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02624-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Understanding encoded language, such as written words, requires multiple cognitive processes that act in a parallel and interactive fashion. These processes and their interactions, however, are not fully understood. Various conceptual and methodical approaches including computational modeling and neuroimaging have been applied to better understand the neural underpinnings of these complex processes in the human brain. In this study, we tested different predictions of cortical interactions that derived from computational models for reading using dynamic causal modeling. Morse code was used as a model for non-lexical decoding followed by a lexical-decision during a functional magnetic resonance examination. Our results suggest that individual letters are first converted into phonemes within the left supramarginal gyrus, followed by a phoneme assembly to reconstruct word phonology, involving the left inferior frontal cortex. To allow the identification and comprehension of known words, the inferior frontal cortex then interacts with the semantic system via the left angular gyrus. As such, the left angular gyrus is likely to host phonological and semantic representations and serves as a bidirectional interface between the networks involved in language perception and word comprehension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Benjamin Junker
- Department of Neuropsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Lara Schlaffke
- Department for Neurology, Professional Association Berufsgenossenschaft-University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bürkle de La Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Joachim Lange
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmidt-Wilcke
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Neurological Center Mainkofen, Mainkofen A 3, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
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Junker FB, Schlaffke L, Axmacher N, Schmidt-Wilcke T. Impact of multisensory learning on perceptual and lexical processing of unisensory Morse code. Brain Res 2021; 1755:147259. [PMID: 33422535 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Multisensory learning profits from stimulus congruency at different levels of processing. In the current study, we sought to investigate whether multisensory learning can potentially be based on high-level feature congruency (same meaning) without perceptual congruency (same time) and how this relates to changes in brain function and behaviour. 50 subjects learned to decode Morse code (MC) either in unisensory or different multisensory manners. During unisensory learning, the MC was trained as sequences of auditory trains. For low-level congruent (perceptual) multisensory learning, MC was applied as tactile stimulation to the left hand simultaneously to the auditory stimulation. In contrast, high-level congruent multisensory learning involved auditory training, followed by the production of MC sequences requiring motor actions and thereby excludes perceptual congruency. After learning, group differences were observed within three distinct brain regions while processing unisensory (auditory) MC. Both types of multisensory learning were associated with increased activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus. Multisensory low-level learning elicited additional activation in the somatosensory cortex, while multisensory high-level learners showed a reduced activation in the inferior parietal lobule, which is relevant for decoding MC. Furthermore, differences in brain function associated with multisensory learning was related to behavioural reaction times for both multisensory learning groups. Overall, our data support the idea that multisensory learning is potentially based on high-level features without perceptual congruency. Furthermore, learning of multisensory associations involves neural representations of stimulus features involved in learning, but also share common brain activation (i.e. the right IFG), which seems to serve as a site of multisensory integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- F B Junker
- Department of Neuropsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44801 Bochum, Germany; Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - L Schlaffke
- Department for Neurology, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bürkle de la Camp-Platz 1, D-44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - N Axmacher
- Department of Neuropsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - T Schmidt-Wilcke
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Neurology, St. Mauritius Clinic, Strümper Str. 111, D-40670 Meerbusch, Germany
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Semantic association ability mediates the relationship between brain structure and human creativity. Neuropsychologia 2020; 151:107722. [PMID: 33309677 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2020.107722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Creativity involves the ability to associate relatively weak or distant semantic components and combine them into novel and useful objects. Few studies have explored the brain mechanisms underlying semantic associative ability and its relationship with creativity based on semantic distance. In this study, the chain free association (CFA) task was performed, and semantic distance was quantified to measure individuals' semantic association ability, while the alternative use test (AUT) and creative activity (CAct) tasks were performed to measure creative ability. The behavioral results revealed a significant positive correlation between semantic distance and creativity. The voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis found the neural structural basis of semantic distance. Indeed, semantic distance was positively correlated with the gray matter volume (GMV) of the left posterior inferior temporal gyrus (LpITG), which is associated with visual word learning, semantic knowledge retrieval, and semantic memory, in addition to divergent thinking and creative traits. A mediation analysis showed semantic distance mediate the relationship between the regional GMV of LpITG and human creativity. Effectively, highly creative individuals with high regional GMV in LpITG were observed to have higher capacity of spontaneous association process. These findings shed light on the dedication of the brain areas related to remote semantic connectivity to creative thinking via individuals' spontaneous semantic association ability.
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Junker FB, Schlaffke L, Bellebaum C, Ghio M, Brühl S, Axmacher N, Schmidt-Wilcke T. Transition From Sublexical to Lexico-Semantic Stimulus Processing. Front Syst Neurosci 2020; 14:522384. [PMID: 33192346 PMCID: PMC7662113 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.522384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Resembling letter-by-letter translation, Morse code can be used to investigate various linguistic components by slowing down the cognitive process of language decoding. Using fMRI and Morse code, we investigated patterns of brain activation associated with decoding three-letter words or non-words and making a lexical decision. Our data suggest that early sublexical processing is associated with activation in brain regions that are involved in sound-patterns to phoneme conversion (inferior parietal lobule), phonological output buffer (inferior frontal cortex: pars opercularis) as well as phonological and semantic top-down predictions (inferior frontal cortex: pars triangularis). In addition, later lexico-semantic processing of meaningful stimuli is associated with activation of the phonological lexicon (angular gyrus) and the semantic system (default mode network). Overall, our data indicate that sublexical and lexico-semantic analyses comprise two cognitive processes that rely on neighboring networks in the left frontal cortex and parietal lobule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Benjamin Junker
- Department of Neuropsychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lara Schlaffke
- Department for Neurology, Professional Association Berufsgenossenschaft-University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian Bellebaum
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marta Ghio
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefanie Brühl
- St. Mauritius Therapy Clinic, Meerbusch, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolai Axmacher
- Department of Neuropsychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmidt-Wilcke
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- St. Mauritius Therapy Clinic, Meerbusch, Germany
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Walker M, Reed KB. Tactile Morse Code Using Locational Stimulus Identification. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HAPTICS 2018; 11:151-155. [PMID: 28858813 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2017.2743713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This research investigated several haptic interfaces designed to reduce mistakes in Morse code reception. Results concluded that a bimanual setup, discriminating dots/dashes by left/right location, reduced the amount of errors to only 56.6 percent of the errors compared to a unimanual setup that used temporal discrimination to distinguish dots and dashes.
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Schlaffke L, Leemans A, Schweizer LM, Ocklenburg S, Schmidt-Wilcke T. Learning Morse Code Alters Microstructural Properties in the Inferior Longitudinal Fasciculus: A DTI Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 11:383. [PMID: 28798672 PMCID: PMC5526915 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Learning relies on neuroplasticity, which has mainly been studied in gray matter (GM). However, there is mounting evidence indicating a critical role of white matter changes involved in learning processes. One of the most important learning processes in human development is language acquisition. However, due to the length of this learning process, it has been notoriously difficult to investigate the underlying neuroplastic changes. Here, we report a novel learning paradigm to assess the role of white matter plasticity for language acquisition. By acoustically presenting Morse Code (MC) using an in house developed audio book as a model for language-type learning, we generated a well-controlled learning environment that allows for the detection of subtle white matter changes related to language type learning in a much shorter time frame than usual language acquisition. In total 12 letters of the MC alphabet were learned within six learning session, which allowed study participants to perform a word recognition MC decoding task. In this study, we found that learning MC was associated with significant microstructural changes in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF). The fractional anisotropy (FA) of this associative fiber bundle connecting the occipital and posterior temporal cortex with the temporal pole as well as the hippocampus and amygdala was increased. Furthermore, white matter plasticity was associated with task performance of MC decoding, indicating that the structural changes were related to learning efficiency. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate an important role of white matter neuroplasticity for acquiring a new language skill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Schlaffke
- Department of Neurology, BG-Kliniken Bergmannsheil, Ruhr Universität BochumBochum, Germany.,Department of Radiology, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alexander Leemans
- Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lauren M Schweizer
- Department of Neurology, BG-Kliniken Bergmannsheil, Ruhr Universität BochumBochum, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Schmidt-Wilcke
- Department of Neurology, BG-Kliniken Bergmannsheil, Ruhr Universität BochumBochum, Germany.,Department of Neurology, St. Mauritius TherapieklinikMeerbusch, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, University of DüsseldorfDüsseldorf, Germany
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Dynamic changes of resting state connectivity related to the acquisition of a lexico-semantic skill. Neuroimage 2017; 146:429-437. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
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9
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Debowska W, Wolak T, Nowicka A, Kozak A, Szwed M, Kossut M. Functional and Structural Neuroplasticity Induced by Short-Term Tactile Training Based on Braille Reading. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:460. [PMID: 27790087 PMCID: PMC5061995 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroplastic changes induced by sensory learning have been recognized within the cortices of specific modalities as well as within higher ordered multimodal areas. The interplay between these areas is not fully understood, particularly in the case of somatosensory learning. Here we examined functional and structural changes induced by short-term tactile training based of Braille reading, a task that requires both significant tactile expertise and mapping of tactile input onto multimodal representations. Subjects with normal vision were trained for 3 weeks to read Braille exclusively by touch and scanned before and after training, while performing a same-different discrimination task on Braille characters and meaningless characters. Functional and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences were used to assess resulting changes. The strongest training-induced effect was found in the primary somatosensory cortex (SI), where we observed bilateral augmentation in activity accompanied by an increase in fractional anisotropy (FA) within the contralateral SI. Increases of white matter fractional anisotropy were also observed in the secondary somatosensory area (SII) and the thalamus. Outside of somatosensory system, changes in both structure and function were found in i.e., the fusiform gyrus, the medial frontal gyri and the inferior parietal lobule. Our results provide evidence for functional remodeling of the somatosensory pathway and higher ordered multimodal brain areas occurring as a result of short-lasting tactile learning, and add to them a novel picture of extensive white matter plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Debowska
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of SciencesWarsaw, Poland; CNS Lab, Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of SciencesWarsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Wolak
- Bioimaging Research Center, World Hearing Center, The Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Nowicka
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Kozak
- Department of Psychology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Szwed
- Department of Psychology, Jagiellonian University Cracow, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Kossut
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of SciencesWarsaw, Poland; Department of Psychology, University of Social Sciences and HumanitiesWarsaw, Poland
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