The neural correlates of working memory training in typically developing children |
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| Authors: | Jonathan S Jones Anna-Lynne R Adlam Abdelmalek Benattayallah Fraser N Milton |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK;2. School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
School of Medicine, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK |
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| Abstract: | Working memory training improves children's cognitive performance on untrained tasks; however, little is known about the underlying neural mechanisms. This was investigated in 32 typically developing children aged 10–14 years (19 girls and 13 boys) using a randomized controlled design and multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging (Devon, UK; 2015–2016). Training improved working memory performance and increased intrinsic functional connectivity between the bilateral intraparietal sulci. Furthermore, improvements in working memory were associated with greater recruitment of the left middle frontal gyrus on a complex span task. Repeated engagement of fronto-parietal regions during training may increase their activity and functional connectivity over time, affording greater working memory performance. The plausibility of generalizable cognitive benefits from a neurobiological perspective and implications for neurodevelopmental theory are discussed. |
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