Large-Scale Brain Networks in Board Game Experts: Insights from a Domain-Related Task and Task-Free Resting State

Duan, Xujun; Liao, Wei; Liang, Dongmei; Qiu, Lihua; Gao, Qing; Liu, Cheng-Yi; Gong, Qiyong; Chen, Huafu · 2012 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032532

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Summary

This study investigates how long-term cognitive expertise influences large-scale brain networks, specifically examining the neural mechanisms underlying high-level performance in Chinese chess. The research addresses the gap in understanding how extensive, long-term practice affects functional connectivity and task-evoked activity in the default mode network (DMN) and three cognitive networks: the central-executive network (CEN), dorsal attention network (DAN), and salience network (SN). The authors posit that cognitive expertise involves not just localized changes but widespread reorganization of these networks, affecting both active task processing and spontaneous resting-state activity. The experimental design involved two groups: fifteen grandmaster and master-level Chinese chess players (GM/Ms) with an average of 13.7 years of experience, and fifteen novice players. Both groups underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning while performing a Chinese chess problem-solving task and a task-free resting-state scan. The task utilized a block-design paradigm with three conditions: viewing a blank board, viewing a board with randomly placed pieces, and solving checkmate problems. Data preprocessing and analysis were conducted using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM8), employing general linear model (GLM) analysis for task-evoked activation and seed-based correlation analysis for resting-state functional connectivity. Group comparisons were performed using two-sample t-tests with AlphaSim correction to control for false positives. The results demonstrated that GM/Ms significantly outperformed novices in solving chess problems, despite no differences in general intelligence measures. During the chess task, both groups showed activation in the CEN, DAN, and SN, and deactivation in the DMN. However, GM/Ms exhibited significantly broader deactivation in key DMN regions, including the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), angular gyrus (AG), and middle temporal gyrus, compared to novices. No significant differences were found in task-evoked activation or resting-state connectivity within the CEN, DAN, or SN between the two groups. Crucially, resting-state analysis revealed that GM/Ms had increased functional connectivity within the DMN, specifically showing enhanced connectivity between the DMN and the caudate nucleus, a region associated with decision-making and motivation that is not typically considered part of the DMN. These findings suggest that long-term cognitive expertise is characterized by more efficient suppression of the DMN during demanding tasks, allowing for better focus and resource allocation. The enhanced intrinsic connectivity between the DMN and the caudate nucleus in experts implies a specialized circuitry that supports high-level cognitive control and behavioral regulation. The study highlights that expertise in complex cognitive domains like chess involves distinct neural adaptations in large-scale networks, particularly involving the integration of spontaneous activity in the DMN with subcortical structures, rather than changes in the primary cognitive control networks. This provides insight into the neural plasticity associated with extensive skill acquisition and the functional role of the DMN in expert performance.

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• executive function