Static and dynamic resting-state brain activity patterns of table tennis players in 7-Tesla MRI

Abstract

Table tennis involves quick and accurate motor responses during training and competition. Multiple studies have reported considerably faster visuomotor responses and expertise-related intrinsic brain activity changes among table tennis players compared with matched controls. However, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we performed static and dynamic resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) analyses of 20 table tennis players and 21 control subjects using 7T ultra-high field imaging. We calculated the static and dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) of the two groups. The results revealed that table tennis players exhibited decreased static ALFF in the left inferior temporal gyrus (lITG) compared with the control group. Voxel-wised static functional connectivity (sFC) and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) analyses using lITG as the seed region afforded complementary and overlapping results. The table tennis players exhibited decreased sFC in the right middle temporal gyrus and left inferior parietal gyrus. Conversely, they displayed increased dFC from the lITG to prefrontal cortex, particularly the left middle frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus-medial, and left superior frontal gyrus-dorsolateral. These findings suggest that table tennis players demonstrate altered visuomotor transformation and executive function pathways. Both pathways involve the lITG, which is a vital node in the ventral visual stream. These static and dynamic analyses provide complementary and overlapping results, which may help us better understand the neural mechanisms underlying the changes in intrinsic brain activity and network organization induced by long-term table tennis skill training.

Analysis of Technical–Tactical Actions in High-Level Table Tennis Players: Differences between Sexes

“…However, specific studies have yet to be found where the technical-tactical response of TT is analyzed in terms of the development of brain processes combined with their differences between sexes. The neurological adaptations between male and female players differ depending on the years of deliberate practice and continuous learning in a specific domain [50,51]. Both processes alter functional brain activity, which is associated with optimal sport behavioral performance and differentiated because of different training designs [51].…”

Characteristics of Resting-State Electroencephalogram Network in α-Band of Table Tennis Athletes

“…Previous studies solely relied on functional connectivity and effective connectivity to analyze the connection relationships between local brain regions. However, delving into the topological properties of the whole brain network has provided a deeper understanding of this connectivity [ 33 , 34 , 35 ]. The examination of whole-brain topological properties unveils the overall structure and characteristics of the brain network, along with the connection patterns and topological features among diverse brain regions.…”

“…Therefore, with advancements in human brain connectomics, it has become evident that the human brain does not operate in isolation; rather, it exhibits close connections between different regions and operates in coordination through specific connection patterns with efficient network transmission characteristics [32]. Previous investigations into brain networks among TTAs have primarily emphasized functional connectivity and efficiency connectivity [33,34]. For instance, Li et al (2023) [33] observed reduced static functional connectivity in the right middle temporal gyrus and left inferior parietal gyrus among individuals with TTAs.…”

“…Previous investigations into brain networks among TTAs have primarily emphasized functional connectivity and efficiency connectivity [33,34]. For instance, Li et al (2023) [33] observed reduced static functional connectivity in the right middle temporal gyrus and left inferior parietal gyrus among individuals with TTAs. Conversely, they identified increased dynamic functional connectivity originating from the left inferior temporal gyrus towards the prefrontal cortex, notably in the left middle frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus medial, and left superior frontal gyrus dorsolateral regions.…”