Exploring Sex-Specific Brain Complexity in Quran Memorizers: A Fractal Dimension Approach

Abdul Halim Sapuan; Zafri Azran Abdul Majid; Mohd Izzuddin Mohd Tamrin; Mohd Zulfaezal Che Azemin

doi:10.33102/mjosht.v11i1.440

Authors

Abdul Halim Sapuan Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kampus Kuantan, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2384-8771
Zafri Azran Abdul Majid Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kampus Kuantan, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia.
Mohd Izzuddin Mohd Tamrin Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1397-8174
Mohd Zulfaezal Che Azemin Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kampus Kuantan, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5496-0822

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33102/mjosht.v11i1.440

Keywords:

MRI, Sexual Dimorphism, Fractal Dimension, Huffaz

Abstract

This study explores sex-specific variations in brain complexity among Quran memorizers (Huffaz) and non-Huffaz using fractal dimension (FD) analysis, a novel method for quantifying structural intricacies of the brain. By employing both box-counting and Fourier FD techniques, we analysed T1-weighted MRI scans from 47 healthy young adults, investigating whether intensive cognitive practices, such as Quran memorization, impact brain structure differently in males and females. The findings reveal significant sex-related differences in FD across multiple brain regions, with the declive, lingual gyrus, and medial frontal gyrus emerging as key areas of interest. These differences persisted even after controlling for Huffaz status, suggesting that both inherent sexual dimorphism and cognitive engagement contribute to brain complexity. The study underscores the potential of FD as a tool for understanding the nuanced interplay between sex, cognition, and brain structure, offering insights that may inform future research on brain morphology and sex-based neurological differences.

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