Understanding the mechanisms subserving expertise: transference of domain-specific skill to domain-general cognitive ability

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There is a growing interest in examining the neural underpinning of elite performance. Investigations into motor expertise, as observed in skilled athletes, have raised questions of whether superior cognitive-perceptual skills (i.e., a domain-specific skill) can transfer to more domain-general cognitive tasks (e.g., attention, executive function). There is some evidence that athletes outperform novice/non-athletes on domain-general cognitive tests of processing speed, aspects of attention, and executive function. However, findings have been mixed and limited by the variability in comparison groups, the lack of objective measures of motor expertise, and the sensitivity of the outcome measurements selected. The main objectives of the research program are: 1. To determine whether cognitive motor integration expertise (as measured by objective measures of cognitive motor integration) increases depending on sport demands (Study 1) 2. To determine whether cognitive motor integration expertise relates to better performance on domain-general tasks requiring attention and executive control (Study 1). 3. To examine whether cognitive motor integration expertise is associated with altered resting-state across functional brain networks that facilitate domain-general cognitive performance (Study 2). This research program will fill key knowledge gaps in our understanding of (i) the underlying neural and cognitive correlates associated with physical training in athletes; and (ii) the generalizability of domain-specific training to domain-general cognitive functioning. This work will provide foundational mechanistic knowledge in the field of sport-related cognitive neuroscience. It would inform the development of future cognitive and motor training programs targeting improved performance in elite athletes, and healthy non-athlete populations.