Source connectivity patterns in the default mode network differ between elderly golf-novices and non-golfers.
J K Gowik, C Goelz, S Vieluf, F Van den Bongard, C Reinsberger
Scientific Reports April 17, 2023 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31893-1 (opens in new tab)
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Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 22 |
| Population | Elderly people (mean age 67 ± 4.3 years, 55% females), comprising golf novices and non-golfers |
| Intervention | Golf learning program |
| Duration | 22-week golf learning program; four-minute resting-state EEG recording |
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Keywords | Humans Magnetic resonance imaging Electroencephalography Brain mapping Cross-sectional studies Middle aged Female |
| Key findings | The text reports that non-golfers had significantly higher source connectivity values in the anterior Default Mode Network compared to non-golfers, a statement that is internally contradictory as written. Exploratory analyses did not indicate an association between connectivity and cognitive performance in either group, and inverse correlations between a marker of external attention and anterior DMN connectivity may suggest a trend in the golf group only, requiring replication. |
Abstract
Learning to play golf has high demands on attention and therefore may counteract age-related changes of functional brain networks. This cross-sectional study compared source connectivity in the Default Mode Network (DMN) between elderly golf novices and non-golfers. Four-minute resting-state electroencephalography (128 channels) from 22 elderly people (mean age 67 ± 4.3 years, 55% females) were recorded after completing a 22-week golf learning program or after having continued with normal life. Source connectivity was assessed after co-registration of EEG data with native MRI within pre-defined portions of the DMN in the beta band (14-25 Hz). Non-golfers had significantly higher source connectivity values in the anterior DMN compared to non-golfers. Exploratory correlation analyses did not indicate an association to cognitive performance in either group. Inverse correlations between a marker of external attention with source connectivity of the anterior DMN may suggest a trend in the golf group only, but have to be replicated in future studies. Clinical relevance of these findings remains to be elucidated, but the observed difference in the anterior DMN may provide a starting point to further investigate if and how learning golf may have an impact on physiological age-related cognitive changes.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on default mode network, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 2
- Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 23, 2011
- Frontal theta EEG activity correlates negatively with the default mode network in resting state International Journal of Psychophysiology July 13, 2007