Training induces changes in white-matter architecture.

Scholz J., Klein MC., Behrens TEJ., Johansen-Berg H.

Although experience-dependent structural changes have been found in adult gray matter, there is little evidence for such changes in white matter. Using diffusion imaging, we detected a localized increase in fractional anisotropy, a measure of microstructure, in white matter underlying the intraparietal sulcus following training of a complex visuo-motor skill. This provides, to the best of our knowledge, the first evidence for training-related changes in white-matter structure in the healthy human adult brain.

DOI

10.1038/nn.2412

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Neurosci

Publication Date

11/2009

Volume

12

Pages

1370 - 1371

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Anisotropy, Brain, Brain Mapping, Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Female, Hand Strength, Humans, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted, Male, Movement, Neuronal Plasticity, Psychomotor Performance, Teaching, Time Factors, Young Adult

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