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Effects of combat sports on functional network connectivity in adolescents

  • Functional Neuroradiology
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Abstract

Purpose

To explore the effects of combat sports on functional network connectivity (FNC) in healthy adolescents.

Methods

Resting-state fMRI data were acquired from the combat sports (CS) group (n = 32) and non-athlete healthy control (HC) group (n = 29). Resting-state networks (RSNs) were obtained based on independent component analysis (ICA), and FNC analysis was performed. Then, the intra-network and inter-network connections were compared between the two groups.

Results

Compared with the HC group, the CS group demonstrated increased intra-network FC within the sensorimotor network (SMN), visual network (VIN), and cerebellum network (P < 0.01, FDR correction). Besides, decreased inter-network FC was found in the SMN-VIN, SMN-auditory network, SMN-default mode network, attention network (AN)-VIN, and AN-executive control network connections (P < 0.01, FDR correction).

Conclusion

This study showed a complex relationship between combat sports and FNC in adolescents. The observed FNC patterns in the CS group may reflect training-related brain network optimization, early signs of subclinical brain damage, or preexisting differences. The extensive effects of combat sports on FNC in adolescents could expand our understanding of neuromodulatory mechanisms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119, South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China

    Wei Li, Xin Kong, Yu Zhanng, Yuqi Luo & Jun Ma

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  1. Wei Li
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  2. Xin Kong
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  3. Yu Zhanng
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  4. Yuqi Luo
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  5. Jun Ma
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Correspondence to Jun Ma.

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All procedures performed in the studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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Informed consent was obtained from the legal guardians of all individual participants included in the study.

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Li, W., Kong, X., Zhanng, Y. et al. Effects of combat sports on functional network connectivity in adolescents. Neuroradiology 63, 1863–1871 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-021-02713-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-021-02713-y

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