PeerJ
Effects of dance and music training on the plasticity of the core empathy network: intra- and inter-network connectivity
By Liu Y, He H, Li G and 14 others.
Abstract
Background
Dance and music are two of the oldest and most universal forms of artistic expression, each requiring extensive training. Prolonged training is known to induce neuroplastic changes and enhance socio-emotional abilities such as empathy. The mirror neuron system (MNS) is associated with empathy; however, few studies systematically explored how dance and music training modulate the core empathy network, including subcortical regions within the limbic MNS.
Method
Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were obtained from 25 dancers, 24 musicians and 39 demographically matched control group (both groups are healthy). Core regions within relevant brain networks, along with key subcortical components of limbic MNS, specifically the amygdala and basal ganglia, were defined as regions of interest (ROIs) to build a core empathy network. Graph-theoretical metrics, including within-network degree (WND) and between-network degree (BND), were calculated to evaluate connectivity patterns. These metrics were further correlated with empathy scores.