Functional brain networks reconfigure between the resting state and cognitive tasks.

Greater brain network reconfiguration predicts better executive function in children.

Brain network reconfiguration also predicts crystallized cognition.

Brain network reconfiguration to the response inhibition task decreases with age.

Greater network segregation is related to decreased brain network reconfiguration.

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. These relationships hold even when accounting for network segregation, though segregation was negatively related to reconfiguration. Reconfiguration was also related to crystallized intelligence, with diverging effects across tasks. Overall, these findings demonstrate that in contrast to adulthood during late childhood, before functional brain networks are fully mature, greater reconfiguration promotes successful task performance.

Functional connectivity

Brain networks

Reconfiguration

Resting state

Working memory

Response inhibition

© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.