Default mode network connectivity during task execution.
Initially described as task-induced deactivations during goal-directed paradigms of high attentional load, the unresolved functionality of default mode regions has long been assumed to interfere with task performance. However, recent evidence suggests a potential default mode network involvement in fulfilling cognitive demands. We tested this hypothesis in a finger opposition paradigm with task and fixation periods which we compared with an independent resting state scan using functional magnetic resonance imaging and a comprehensive analysis pipeline including activation, functional connectivity, behavioural and graph theoretical assessments. The results indicate task specific changes in the default mode network topography. Behaviourally, we show that increased connectivity of the posterior cingulate cortex with the left superior frontal gyrus predicts faster reaction times. Moreover, interactive and dynamic reconfiguration of the default mode network regions' functional connections illustrates their involvement with the task at hand with higher-level global parallel processing power, yet preserved small-world architecture in comparison with rest. These findings demonstrate that the default mode network does not disengage during this paradigm, but instead may be involved in task relevant processing.
['Vatansever|D|D|', 'Menon|D K|DK|', 'Manktelow|A E|AE|', 'Sahakian|B J|BJ|', 'Stamatakis|E A|EA|']
D000328:Adult D001921:Brain D001931:Brain Mapping D003071:Cognition D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical D005260:Female D005625:Frontal Lobe D006179:Gyrus Cinguli D006801:Humans D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D008959:Models, Neurological D009043:Motor Activity D009434:Neural Pathways D009483:Neuropsychological Tests D011597:Psychomotor Performance D011930:Reaction Time D055815:Young Adult
Default mode network Functional connectivity Finger opposition task Graph theory Hierarchical clustering