Working memory training causes functional adaptations in the brain, which include changes in activation and functional connectivity that remain stable over time. Few studies have investigated gray matter (GM) changes after working memory training, and they have produced heterogeneous results without clarifying the stable effects of training. The present study was designed to test for sustained and transient anatomic changes after only 200 min of working memory training. The voxel-based morphometry technique was used in order to investigate the GM changes produced by a brief single n-back training, immediately and 5 weeks after finishing it. The sample was composed by 59 human participants who underwent MRI scanning and were assigned to either a training group or a passive control group. Results showed sustained GM volume enlargement in the right superior parietal cortex and a transient GM decrease in the right putamen. The brain adaptation in the right superior parietal cortex was stronger in individuals who showed greater improvements in performance. The results provide further evidence that a brief working memory training is able to produce brain plasticity in structures related to the trained task.

工作记忆训练会导致大脑的功能适应，包括随着时间的推移保持稳定的激活和功能连接的变化。很少有研究调查工作记忆训练后的灰质 (GM) 变化，并且在没有阐明训练的稳定效果的情况下产生了不同的结果。本研究旨在测试仅 200 分钟的工作记忆训练后持续和短暂的解剖结构变化。使用基于体素的形态测量技术来研究由简短的单个n产生的 GM 变化。- 背部训练，完成后立即和 5 周。该样本由 59 名接受 MRI 扫描的人类参与者组成，并被分配到训练组或被动对照组。结果显示右侧上顶叶皮层 GM 体积持续增大，右侧壳核 GM 短暂减少。在表现出更大改善的个体中，右侧上顶叶皮层的大脑适应性更强。结果进一步证明，短暂的工作记忆训练能够在与训练任务相关的结构中产生大脑可塑性。