Subscribe
The latest psychology and neuroscience discoveries.
My Account
  • Mental Health
  • Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Science
  • Psychopharmacology
No Result
View All Result
PsyPost
PsyPost
No Result
View All Result
Home Exclusive Cognitive Science

New study finds long-term musical training alters brain connectivity networks

by Viviana Greco
May 5, 2023
in Cognitive Science, Neuroimaging
(Photo credit: Adobe Firefly)

(Photo credit: Adobe Firefly)

[Subscribe to PsyPost on YouTube to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in psychology and neuroscience]

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

A new study published in Human Brain Mapping revealed that long-term musical training can modify the connectivity networks in the brain’s white matter.

Previous research has shown that intense musical training induces structural neuroplasticity in different brain regions. However, previous studies mainly investigated brain changes in instrumental musicians, and little is known about how structural connectivity in non-instrumental musicians is affected by long-term training.

To examine how the connections between different parts of the brain might be affected by long-term vocal training, the researchers of the study used graph theory and diffusion-weighted images. Graph theory is a mathematical framework used to study the networks’ architecture in the human brain, while diffusion-weighted imaging is an MRI technique that measures the diffusion of water molecules in tissues, providing information on the structural connectivity of the brain.

The researchers hypothesized that “intense musical practice that involves the interpretation of emotions could strengthen the connectivity between brain regions related to emotional expression and motor control.” Moreover, they expected to see differences in connectivity between professional singers and instrumental musicians.

The study involved 95 participants between vocalists (35), instrumental musicians (27), and non-musicians (33) and suggested that musical training can alter white matter connectivity networks in an experience-dependent manner, strengthening connections among emotion-related regions of the brain.

In fact, musical training can help people to comprehend and evaluate the emotions behind the music. An important structure of the brain that helps us in the processing emotion-related information is the amygdala, that was found to be highly interconnected with other brain regions in vocalists and pianists.

It was also found that training specific music-related skills can reshape the structural organization of experience-dependent networks. For example, the intensive practice of singing skills can change brain circuit organization involved in the regulation of vocal pitch.

While the researchers acknowledge that they could not have determined if structural changes were experience or genetic-dependent, and gender might have biased their results, the study provides insights into how musical training affects the brain and gives us a better understanding of how art education and aesthetics are related to neuroscience. Further research is needed to better understand “the causal relationship between long-term musical training and structural changes.”

The study, “Long-term musical training induces white matter plasticity in emotion and language networks“, was authored by Li-Kai Cheng, Yu-Hsien Chiu, Ying-Chia Lin, Wei-Chi Li, Tzu-Yi Hong, Ching-Ju Yang, Chung-Heng Shih, Tzu-Chen Yeh, Wen-Yih Isaac Tseng, Hsin-Yen Yu, Jen-Chuen Hsieh, and Li-Fen Chen.

ShareTweetSendScanShareSharePin11Send
Previous Post

New psychology research shows long gaps in conversation function differently between strangers and friends

Next Post

New research identifies 24 factors of romantic compatibility and their relationship to different love styles

STAY CONNECTED

Find these awesome psychology shirts and more at the PsyPost Store!

TRENDING

Social anxiety tends to be elevated among those who suffered emotional maltreatment in childhood

New study identifies perceived mattering as a core psychological component of happy marriages

Scientists use deep learning algorithms to predict political ideology based on facial characteristics

New study hints at the characteristics of the “ideal” female breast

Higher prenatal testosterone exposure is linked to Machiavellianism and psychopathy, study suggests

Diversity of the gut microbiota is associated with the severity of depression

RECENT

Diversity of the gut microbiota is associated with the severity of depression

Higher prenatal testosterone exposure is linked to Machiavellianism and psychopathy, study suggests

New research: Brain implant can objectively measure chronic pain severity

New study hints at the characteristics of the “ideal” female breast

Our brain prefers positive vocal sounds that come from our left

Study highlights the importance of napping for memory consolidation in early childhood

People with advanced biological age are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety, study finds

Sun avoidance and lack of vitamin D dietary intake linked to heightened anxiety among college women

Currently Playing

Childhood adversity associated with increased emotional response to others’ suffering in adulthood

Childhood adversity associated with increased emotional response to others’ suffering in adulthood

Childhood adversity associated with increased emotional response to others’ suffering in adulthood

Mental Health
New study sheds light on cognitive mechanisms linked to hypnosis

Chronic intake of refined carbohydrates between meals is associated with decreased cognitive performance, study finds

Cognitive Science
Mindfulness might hinder prosocial behavior among individuals with high intelligence

Mindfulness might hinder prosocial behavior among individuals with high intelligence

Social Psychology
Women who have larger breasts tend to have lower levels of satisfaction with their breasts, study finds

Women who have larger breasts tend to have lower levels of satisfaction with their breasts, study finds

Social Psychology
Unwanted celibacy is linked to hostility towards women, sexual objectification of women, and endorsing rape myths

Depressive symptoms tied to malevolent creativity in new study

Depression
Psychosocial stress triggers an oxytocin response in women, study finds

Oxytocin alters amygdala activation in response to angry faces in antisocial personality disorder

Cognitive Science
  • Cognitive Science
  • COVID-19
  • Mental Health
  • Social Psychology
  • Drug Research
  • Conspiracy Theories
  • Meditation
  • Psychology of Religion
  • Aviation Psychology and Human Factors
  • Relationships and Sexual Health
  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Neuroimaging
  • Psychedelic Drugs
  • Dark Triad
  • Political Psychology

About

PsyPost is a psychology and neuroscience news website dedicated to reporting the latest research on human behavior, cognition, and society. (READ MORE...)

  • Contact us
  • Privacy policy

Subscribe
  • My Account
  • Cognitive Science Research
  • Mental Health Research
  • Social Psychology Research
  • Drug Research
  • Relationship Research
  • About PsyPost
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used.