The Neural Correlates of Working Memory Training in Typically Developing Children - Working Paper

Abstract

Working memory training improves childrens cognitive performance on untrained tasks; however, little is known about the underlying neural mechanisms. We investigated this in 32 typically developing children aged 10-14 years (19 girls and 13 boys; Devon, UK) using a randomized controlled design and multi-modal MRI. 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. The repeated engagement of fronto-parietal regions during training may increase their activity and functional connectivity over time, affording greater working memory performance. We discuss the plausibility of generalizable cognitive benefits from a neurobiological perspective and implications for neurodevelopmental theory. This is not the version of record.