Arithmetic learning modifies the functional connectivity of the fronto-parietal network

Publication date: Available online 31 July 2018

Source: Cortex

Author(s): Hui Zhao, Xiaoxi Li, Vyacheslav Karolis, Yi Feng, Haijing Niu, Brian Butterworth

Abstract

How Resting-State Functional Connectivity (RSFC) is modified by learning is an important but rarely asked question. Here we used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure changes in RSFC after learning novel subtraction and multiplication facts by forty-one young adult volunteers. We also measured changes in regional hemoglobin concentration. Fronto-parietal RSFC was modified by arithmetic learning and the fronto-parietal RSFC configuration before learning predicted the effectiveness of arithmetic learning. We also found a significant learning effect indicated by a monotonic decrease in reaction time and an increase in accuracy. Regional task-dependent oxy-hemoglobin concentration differentiated subtraction from multiplication learning supporting previous fMRI findings. These results suggest the sensitivity and importance of fronto-parietal connectivity to arithmetic learning.

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