Abstract
Glider flying is a unique skill that requires pilots to control an aircraft at high speeds in three dimensions and amidst frequent full-body rotations. In the present study, we investigated the neural correlates of flying a glider using voxel-based morphometry. The comparison between gray matter densities of 15 glider pilots and a control group of 15 non-pilots exhibited significant gray matter density increases in left ventral premotor cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and the supplementary eye field. We posit that the identified regions might be associated with cognitive and motor processes related to flying, such as joystick control, visuo-vestibular interaction, and oculomotor control.
Highlights
In order to keep up with the demands of a changing environment, our brains adapt quickly and efficiently
We investigated the neural correlates of flying a glider using voxel-based morphometry
ETHICS STATEMENT All subjects gave written informed consent for experimental procedures approved by the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) Human Subject Review Committee in accordance with the principles expressed in the Declaration of Helsinki
Summary
In order to keep up with the demands of a changing environment, our brains adapt quickly and efficiently This is best demonstrated by gray and white matter structure changes in brain regions associated with practicing specific motor or cognitive skills. Such findings have been reported by many cross-sectional studies done over the past decade comparing trained experts to non-experts. Skilled golfers were reported to have larger GMD in premotor and parietal areas [5]. Long-term practice might result in a decrease of gray matter as was the case with ballet dancers where authors reported decreased gray matter volumes in the left premotor cortex, supplementary motor area, putamen, and superior frontal gyrus [6]. Bilinguals had larger GMD in the inferior parietal cortex compared with monolinguals [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
