Publication: Functional connectivity of alpha and alpha white noise during a 3-back task: an fmri study among university students
| dc.contributor.author | Tharmini | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-11-12T06:51:21Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-11-12T06:51:21Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026-01 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Working memory is essential for academic functioning and cognitive performance, particularly in young adulthood, which is characterized by increased cognitive demands during academic and professional development. Although auditory stimulation is becoming increasingly prevalent as a non-invasive method to modify cognition, the neural effects of different alpha-frequency stimuli remain poorly understood. This study examined the effects of alpha binaural beats (ABB) and alpha white noise (AWN) on working memory performance and large-scale functional brain connectivity. A within-subject functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study was conducted in 30 university students performing a high-load 3-back task for ABB and AWN, with functional connectivity analyzed within and between conditions using functional connectivity multivariate pattern analysis (fcMVPA) followed by post-hoc region-of-interest analyses. The results demonstrated that ABB improved task accuracy and promoted more focused brain organization, as evidenced by higher involvement of frontoparietal and attention systems and decreased interaction with the default mode network, indicating greater neural efficiency under cognitive strain. In contrast, AWN triggered larger recruitment across attention, visual, sensorimotor, and default mode systems, indicating a stronger reliance on compensating brain resources. Behaviorally, ABB resulted in significant performance increases whereas20 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://erepo.usm.my/handle/123456789/25428 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.title | Functional connectivity of alpha and alpha white noise during a 3-back task: an fmri study among university students | |
| dc.type | Resource Types::text::thesis::bachelor thesis | |
| dspace.entity.type | Publication | |
| oairecerif.author.affiliation | Universiti Sains Malaysia |