Sports Neurocience 4

Neuroimaging
Techniques and Applications in Sport

1. Magnetic Resonance Imagine (MRI)
Essential technique
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance relies on spin.
MRI: mostly focused on hydrogen nuclei
Radio Frequency pulse: oscillation electromagnetic field is applied to measure a signal from the bulk of procession nuclei.
Two types of relaxation:
• longitudinal (energy is transferred to the surrounding molecular environment; T1 is the time constant for this process) and
• transverse (Energy is transferred to the nearby nuclei; T2 is the time contact for this process).

2. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
Advanced MRI-based tool
Based on water diffusion: isotropic and anisotropic diffusion
Several DTI measures shown directionality, rate (along specific axes): Association with white mater, loss of myelin.

3. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Visualization of neuroanatomical regions (information processing).
Relies on blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD): difference between deoxynated (paramagnetic) and oxygenated (diamagnetic).

4. Applications of Neuroimaging Techniques in Sport
a. MRI
Differences between athletes and controls and between different sports:
Structural alternations, such as larger grey matter volumes in athletes and higher cerebellar grey matter volume in power than endurance athletes.
b. DTI
Microstructural brain changes
• Specific training: neuroplastic alternations
• Beneficial effects of exercise in old age.
c. fMRI
Functional changes thanks to athletic activity.
Most studies have focused on experts:
• Long-term motor training influences neural activation
• Higher activation in the Action-Observation Network (AON): involved in early prediction
• Experts rely more on body awareness.
• Level of expertise influences neural activation, such as greater efficiency in shooting

5. Future Directions in Sport Imaging
• Larger sample sizes
• Combined imaging will reveal both structure AND function
• Challenge: apply MRI while exercising
• Changes in the brain based on type of exercise.