Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Enhancement Through Mental Arithmetic: A Systematic Review of Abacus-Based Training in Children

Background: Traditional mathematical education primarily engages the verbal-phonological loop of working memory. This systematic review evaluates the cognitive impact of Abacus-Based Mental Calculation (AMC), a specialized mental arithmetic (MA) training that facilitates a transition from linguistic processing to a dynamic "mental blackboard" representational format. The study aims to characterize the causal relationship between systematic practice and the optimization of neurocognitive plasticity, fluid intelligence, and executive functions. Methods: A thematic synthesis was conducted on high-quality, peer-reviewed studies (primarily 2019–2026), including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal interventions involving children aged 6–12. The review integrates behavioral outcomes, such as standardized IQ scores (Raven’s Matrices), with neurobiological markers obtained via fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). Results: Evidence confirms that long-term MA training (12–24 months) induces significant "far-transfer" effects, notably enhancing fluid intelligence and visuospatial reasoning. Neuroimaging data reveal structural reorganization, including increased gray matter volume in the superior parietal lobule (SPL) and medial temporal lobe (MTL), alongside improved white matter integrity in the superior longitudinal fasciculus. Furthermore, experts demonstrate higher neural efficiency in prefrontal regions and enhanced specialized activation in the frontal pole (BA10) during executive tasks. Conclusion: Mental arithmetic serves as a powerful, low-cost cognitive technology that fundamentally reshapes the brain's functional architecture. The findings underscore the importance of intervention intensity, where sustained practice leads to permanent neurocognitive reorganization. Integrating MA into early childhood education offers a strategic framework for enhancing intellectual potential and fostering cognitive resilience in an information-dense world.