Correlations in spontaneous activity and gray matter density between left and right sensoritmotor areas of pianists

Neuroreport. 2008 Apr 16;19(6):631-4. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0b013e3282fa6da0.

Abstract

Resting-state functional MRI and structural MRI were used to study correlations of spontaneous activity and gray matter density between the left and right primary sensorimotor areas in pianists and nonmusicians. Functional MRI analysis showed significant correlation of spontaneous activity between the left and right primary sensorimotor area in both groups; however, there was no between-group difference. Structural MRI analysis showed significant correlation in gray matter density between the left and right sensorimotor areas in nonmusicians (r=0.65, P=0.001), but not in pianists (r=0.07, P=0.78), with a significant between-group difference (P=0.035). The lack of correlation of gray matter density between the left and right sensorimotor areas might be the basis of bimanual coordination of the pianists.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Music
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*