A collaborative research group led by Associate Professor Hiroyuki Tomita of Juntendo University graduate school revealed that there is a brain network structure characteristic of world-class Japanese gymnasts by analyzing the brain network using magnetic resonance images (MRI).It is expected to be useful for objectively evaluating the aptitude of athletes for their discipline and training effect.
In recent years, excellent brain functions such as a keen sense of a first-class athlete, a precise motor control ability, a decision-making ability to make an accurate situation judgment, and a strong motivation have been attracting attention.These brain functions are said to be based on the neuroplasticity (mechanism that the brain learns) obtained by long-term intensive exercise training.
In this study, we targeted 10 active Japanese gymnastics athletes who have won prizes in world competitions and 10 healthy men who have no experience in gymnastics.Diffusion-weighted images of the brain are imaged by the latest MRI, and the structural connection between the two brains is compared using the brain network analysis method.We also analyzed the relationship between athletic performance and structural connectivity of the brain.
As a result, gymnastics athletes have strengthened neural connections between brain regions that control functions closely related to the sport, such as sensation, movement, attention, and emotion.In addition, some neural connections correlated with competition performance.Floor movement is for "spatial recognition, equilibrium / posture sensation, movement learning", parallel bar is for "sensory movement including visual movement perception and hand perception", and iron rod D score (difficulty of technique) is "visual space recognition, episode". Significant positive correlations were found with the neural connections connecting the respective brain regions related to "memory, consciousness, and object recognition in the visual field."
From this result, it was found that the strength of the neural connection connecting the brain parts that control specific functions is important for gymnastics.In addition, this research method may be useful for objectively evaluating the aptitude of gymnastics athletes and their training effects.
