Source connectivity patterns in the default mode network differ between elderly golf-novices and non-golfers

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.

Figure 1

Localization of frontal midline theta (FMT, 4–7 Hz) based on the 22 individual components. MNI coordinates: X = 4.2 Y = 7.9 Z = 30.8. The brain networks were visualized with the BrainNet Viewer.

Figure 2

Data processing stream overview adapted from Kabbara et al.. Blue box: Determination of frontal midline theta with independent component analysis. The average component was localized within Brodman Area (BA) 24. Power spectrum density (Welch method) was used to extract relative power over the whole epoch. Orange box: Preprocessing steps and selection of epochs for source connectivity and power analysis in the Default Mode Network (DMN). Green box: Preprocessing of native MRI and co-registration with the electrode coordinates. AMICA adaptive mixture independent component analysis, ICA independent component analysis, wMNE weighted minimum norm estimation, BEM boundary element model, PLV phase locking value.

Figure 3

Analyzed subsystems of the Default Mode Network (DMN). (a) All 15 regions of interest of the DMN, (b) 7 regions of interest of the anterior DMN, (c) 3 regions of interest for the core DMN (d) 4 regions of interest for posterior DMN. The brain networks were visualized with BrainNet Viewer.