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The neural correlates of working memory training in typically developing children.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Adlam, Anna-Lynne R 
Benattayallah, Abdelmalek 
Milton, Fraser N 

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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Keywords

Brain Mapping, Child, Female, Frontal Lobe, Humans, Learning, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Memory, Short-Term, Parietal Lobe

Journal Title

Child Dev

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0009-3920
1467-8624

Volume Title

Publisher

Wiley
Sponsorship
Economic and Social Research Council (1490438)