Cognition is associated with task-related brain network reconfiguration in late childhood

In order to transition between a resting state and carrying out cognitively-demanding processes the brain makes a host of subtle changes to its network organization. In adults, less reconfiguration relates to better task performance, suggesting a preconfigured brain organization at rest is beneficial, such that only minute changes are required to execute task demands. Here, we take a developmental lens to this phenomenon, examining reconfiguration in late childhood by leveraging a large sample of 9-11 year olds from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study. We find more reconfiguration between the resting state and two executive function tasks is related to better task performance, as well as better crystalized and fluid cognition in some cases. These relationships hold even when accounting for network segregation. These findings suggest a less-preconfigured, and thus more flexible, brain organization that enacts more reconfiguration to move from the resting state into a task state is beneficial in children. This aligns with theories positioning late childhood and the beginning of adolescence as a period of increased brain plasticity where functional brain networks are still undergoing refinement, and thus preconfiguration may be less beneficial and, instead, may place premature constraints on brain organization.