Singing training predicts increased insula connectivity with speech and respiratory sensorimotor areas at rest

TY - JOUR

T1 - Singing training predicts increased insula connectivity with speech and respiratory sensorimotor areas at rest

AU - Zamorano, A. M.

AU - Zatorre, R. J.

AU - Vuust, P.

AU - Friberg, A.

AU - Birbaumer, N.

AU - Kleber, B.

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Authors

PY - 2023/8

Y1 - 2023/8

N2 - The insula contributes to the detection of salient events during goal-directed behavior and participates in the coordination of motor, multisensory, and cognitive systems. Recent task-fMRI studies with trained singers suggest that singing experience can enhance the access to these resources. However, the long-term effects of vocal training on insula-based networks are still unknown. In this study, we employed resting-state fMRI to assess experience-dependent differences in insula co-activation patterns between conservatory-trained singers and non-singers. Results indicate enhanced bilateral anterior insula connectivity in singers relative to non-singers with constituents of the speech sensorimotor network. Specifically, with the cerebellum (lobule V-VI) and the superior parietal lobes. The reversed comparison showed no effects. The amount of accumulated singing training predicted enhanced bilateral insula co-activation with primary sensorimotor areas representing the diaphragm and the larynx/phonation area–crucial regions for cortico-motor control of complex vocalizations—as well as the bilateral thalamus and the left putamen. Together, these findings highlight the neuroplastic effect of expert singing training on insula-based networks, as evidenced by the association between enhanced insula co-activation profiles in singers and the brain's speech motor system components.

AB - The insula contributes to the detection of salient events during goal-directed behavior and participates in the coordination of motor, multisensory, and cognitive systems. Recent task-fMRI studies with trained singers suggest that singing experience can enhance the access to these resources. However, the long-term effects of vocal training on insula-based networks are still unknown. In this study, we employed resting-state fMRI to assess experience-dependent differences in insula co-activation patterns between conservatory-trained singers and non-singers. Results indicate enhanced bilateral anterior insula connectivity in singers relative to non-singers with constituents of the speech sensorimotor network. Specifically, with the cerebellum (lobule V-VI) and the superior parietal lobes. The reversed comparison showed no effects. The amount of accumulated singing training predicted enhanced bilateral insula co-activation with primary sensorimotor areas representing the diaphragm and the larynx/phonation area–crucial regions for cortico-motor control of complex vocalizations—as well as the bilateral thalamus and the left putamen. Together, these findings highlight the neuroplastic effect of expert singing training on insula-based networks, as evidenced by the association between enhanced insula co-activation profiles in singers and the brain's speech motor system components.

KW - Expertise

KW - Larynx

KW - Respiration

KW - rs-fMRI

KW - Singing

KW - Voice

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85160556835&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148418

DO - 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148418

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 37217111

AN - SCOPUS:85160556835

SN - 0006-8993

VL - 1813

JO - Brain Research

JF - Brain Research

M1 - 148418

ER -