Training induces changes in white-matter architecture

Nat Neurosci. 2009 Nov;12(11):1370-1. doi: 10.1038/nn.2412. Epub 2009 Oct 11.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

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