Modulating Brain Network Dynamics Through Training: Impacts on Perception, Cognition, and Action in Health and Disorder

Dear Colleagues,

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Special Issue of Brain Sciences titled "Modulating Brain Network Dynamics Through Training: Impacts on Perception, Cognition, and Action in Health and Disorder". This Special Issue aims to gather cutting-edge research exploring how various forms of behavioral training can modulate brain network dynamics, affecting perceptual processes, cognitive functions, and motor actions in both healthy individuals and those with neurological or psychiatric disorders.

Behavioral training, including activities such as physical exercises, cognitive exercises, motor skills practice, music, and video game playing, has been shown to induce significant changes in brain network dynamics, leading to enhanced cognitive and motor abilities. This Special Issue seeks to highlight research that delves into the mechanisms through which these training regimens bring about neural adaptations. We encourage submissions that utilize advanced neuroimaging techniques, computational models, and interdisciplinary approaches to uncover the underlying principles of brain plasticity induced by training.

We are particularly interested in studies that investigate the differential effects of training on brain networks in health versus disorder. This includes examining how training can ameliorate deficits in perceptual, cognitive, and motor functions in individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and other neurological or psychiatric disorders. Additionally, research exploring the impact of training on decision-making processes and the long-term sustainability of training-induced changes in brain network dynamics is highly welcomed. Video game playing, in particular, offers a unique lens through which to study these phenomena due to its immersive and interactive nature, making it a valuable tool for understanding and enhancing cognitive functions.

By compiling a diverse range of studies, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the modulation of brain network dynamics through training. We hope to foster a deeper understanding of how targeted behavioral interventions can optimize brain function and contribute to the development of effective therapeutic strategies for various neurological and psychiatric conditions. We invite researchers from across the globe to submit their work and contribute to this important and rapidly evolving field.

We are looking forward to receiving your submissions and joining in the collective exploration of this exciting field.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mukesh Dhamala
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• perception
• cognition
• motor actions
• behavioral training
• music
• video game playing
• neuroimaging
• computational models
• physical exercise