1. Brain-computer-interface-based intervention re-normalizes brain functional network topology in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
- Author
-
Qian X, Loo BRY, Castellanos FX, Liu S, Koh HL, Poh XWW, Krishnan R, Fung D, Chee MW, Guan C, Lee TS, Lim CG, and Zhou J
- Subjects
- Brain diagnostic imaging, Brain Mapping, Child, Cluster Analysis, Defense Mechanisms, Executive Function, Humans, Male, Neural Pathways, Psychomotor Agitation, Singapore, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity psychology, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity rehabilitation, Brain physiopathology, Brain-Computer Interfaces, Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Abstract
A brain-computer-interface (BCI)-based attention training game system has shown promise for treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children with inattentive symptoms. However, little is known about brain network organizational changes underlying behavior improvement following BCI-based training. To cover this gap, we aimed to examine the topological alterations of large-scale brain functional networks induced by the 8-week BCI-based attention intervention in ADHD boys using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging method. Compared to the non-intervention (ADHD-NI) group, the intervention group (ADHD-I) showed greater reduction of inattention symptoms accompanied with differential brain network reorganizations after training. Specifically, the ADHD-NI group had increased functional connectivity (FC) within the salience/ventral attention network (SVN) and increased FC between task-positive networks (including the SVN, dorsal attention (DAN), somatomotor, and executive control network) and subcortical regions; in contrast ADHD-I group did not have this pattern. In parallel, ADHD-I group had reduced degree centrality and clustering coefficient as well as increased closeness in task-positive and the default mode networks (prefrontal regions) after the training. More importantly, these reduced local functional processing mainly in the SVN were associated with less inattentive/internalizing problems after 8-week BCI-based intervention across ADHD patients. Our findings suggest that the BCI-based attention training facilitates behavioral improvement in ADHD children by reorganizing brain functional network from more regular to more random configurations, particularly renormalizing salience network processing. Future long-term longitudinal neuroimaging studies are needed to develop the BCI-based intervention approach to promote brain maturation in ADHD.
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF