Efficiency at rest: Magnetoencephalographic resting-state connectivity and individual differences in verbal working memory

Inter-individual differences in cognitive performance are based on an efficient use of task-related brain resources. However, little is known yet on how these differences might be reflected on resting-state brain networks. Here we used Magnetoencephalography resting-state recordings to assess the relationship between a behavioral measurement of verbal working memory and functional connectivity as measured through Mutual Information. We studied theta (4–8 Hz), low alpha (8–10 Hz), high alpha (10–13 Hz), low beta (13–18 Hz) and high beta (18–30 Hz) frequency bands. A higher verbal working memory capacity was associated with a lower mutual information in the low alpha band, prominently among right-anterior and left-lateral sensors. The results suggest that an efficient brain organization in the domain of verbal working memory might be related to a lower resting-state functional connectivity across large-scale brain networks possibly involving right prefrontal and left perisylvian areas.

► MEG recordings were obtained during an eyes-closed, resting-state condition.
► Resting connectivity was contrasted with verbal Working Memory (WM) performance.
► Long-range coupling in the 8-10 Hz band was negatively related with WM capacity.
► Neural efficiency might be related to resting functional connectivity.