Training-Induced Neural Plasticity in Youth: A Systematic Review of Structural and Functional MRI Studies

Abstract

Experience-dependent neural plasticity is high in the developing brain, presenting a unique window of opportunity for training. To optimize existing training programs and develop new interventions, it is important to understand what processes take place in the developing brain during training. Here, we systematically review MRI-based evidence of training-induced neural plasticity in children and adolescents. A total of 71 articles were included in the review. Significant changes in brain activation, structure, microstructure, and structural and functional connectivity were reported with different types of trainings in the majority (87%) of the studies. Significant correlation of performance improvement with neural changes was reported in 51% of the studies. Yet, only 48% of the studies had a control condition. Overall, the review supports the hypothesized neural changes with training while at the same time charting empirical and methodological desiderata for future research.

Synaptic plasticity and mental health: methods, challenges and opportunities

“…Structural MRI allows measurement of the volume and thickness of brain structures. For example, gray matter increases, as measured through voxel-based morphometry (VBM), have been shown to be reflective of neuroplasticity in adults after task learning [ 32 ]. In particular, cortical gray matter has been noted to increase during learning over weeks to months, with such changes believed to be secondary to synaptogenesis and dendritic arborization [ 33 ].…”

“…For instance, individuals with a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s disease have been shown to display a distinct neuroanatomical signature of a thinner entorhinal cortex, as seen as early as childhood [ 34 ]. Another example demonstrated that, preadolescent brains have an increase in cortical thickness as opposed to the thinning seen in young adulthood [ 32 ]. This is especially salient considering developmental plasticity may overlap with experience-dependent plasticity, reinforcing the need for well-matched control subjects to account for physiological age-related discrepancies in MRI metrics.…”

Anxiety symptoms and puberty interactively predict lower cingulum microstructure in preadolescent Latina girls

“…Identifying reduced cingulum microstructure as a vulnerability marker for pediatric anxiety in this high-risk population may inform and increase the generalizability of diagnosis and treatment. For example, because white matter microstructure exhibits plasticity in youth and can be altered by training [67][68][69][70] , targeting cingulum microstructure may be a promising cross-cultural approach for the treatment for pediatric anxiety.…”

PLAT 20(3) 2021: Promoting Self-Regulated Learning: Training, Feedback, and Addressing Teachers’ Misconceptions

“…Self-regulated learning can be trained and the literature on cognitive training more broadly can inform approaches to training of self-regulated learning. At the same time, self-regulated learning seems to be a domain that can challenge and extend the educational psychology perspective on training: Often, cognitive training has targeted working memory or other general cognitive systems and skills through dedicated repeated practice over many sessions (Strobach & Karbach, 2021) to uncover the limits and processes of plasticity in cognitive and brain functions (Kubik & Knopf, 2021;Tymofiyeva & Gaschler, 2021).…”

“…Although this college course is referred to as training, the focus is not on repetitive practice of learning strategies per se. Instead, the focus is on high-quality experiences with learning strategies and to observe their effectiveness, without necessarily involving repetitive practice of the strategy (Kubik & Knopf, 2021;Tymofiyeva & Gaschler, 2021).…”