Cerebellum and integration of neural networks in dual-task processing

Abstract

Performing two tasks simultaneously (dual-task) is common in human daily life. The neural correlates of dual-task processing remain unclear. In the current study, we used a dual motor and counting task with functional MRI (fMRI) to determine whether there are any areas additionally activated for dual-task performance. Moreover, we investigated the functional connectivity of these added activated areas, as well as the training effect on brain activity and connectivity. We found that the right cerebellar vermis, left lobule V of the cerebellar anterior lobe and precuneus are additionally activated for this type of dual-tasking. These cerebellar regions had functional connectivity with extensive motor- and cognitive-related regions. Dual-task training induced less activation in several areas, but increased the functional connectivity between these cerebellar regions and numbers of motor- and cognitive-related areas. Our findings demonstrate that some regions within the cerebellum can be additionally activated with dual-task performance. Their role in dual motor and cognitive task processes is likely to integrate motor and cognitive networks, and may be involved in adjusting these networks to be more efficient in order to perform dual-tasking properly. The connectivity of the precuneus differs from the cerebellar regions. A possible role of the precuneus in dual-tasks may be to monitor the operation of active brain networks.

Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1. Brain activations in dual and single tasks

Brain areas activated while performing single tapping (A), counting (B), and dual-task (C) at the after training stage (p

Figure 2. Brain regions added activated in the dual-task

Brain areas more activated in the dual-task compared with single component tasks at the after training stage (one-way ANOVA, p

Figure 3. Activations within the cerebellum

Activations within the cerebellum during performing tapping (A, left column), counting (A, right column), and dual-task (B), and more activated in the dual-task compared with single component tasks at the after training stage (C).

Figure 4. Functional connectivity in the left cerebellum

Functional connectivity in the left lobule V of the cerebellum during performing tapping (A), counting (B), and dual-task (C) at the after training stage (p

Figure 5. Functional connectivity in the right cerebellum

Functional connectivity in the right vermisof the cerebellum during performing tapping (A), counting (B), and dual-task (C) at the after training stage (p

Figure 6. Functional connectivity in the precuneus

Functional connectivity in the precuneus during performing tapping (A), counting (B), and dual-task (C) at the after training stage (p