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Mirror neuron system activation in children with developmental coordination disorder: A replication functional MRI study.
- Source :
-
Research in developmental disabilities [Res Dev Disabil] 2019 Jan; Vol. 84, pp. 16-27. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Dec 21. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Background: It has been hypothesised that abnormal functioning of the mirror neuron system (MNS) may lead to deficits in imitation and the internal representation of movement, potentially contributing to the motor impairments associated with developmental coordination disorder (DCD).<br />Aims: Using fMRI, this study examined brain activation patterns in children with and without DCD on a finger adduction/abduction task during four MNS activation states: observation; motor imagery; execution; and imitation.<br />Methods and Procedures: Nineteen boys (8.25-12.75 years) participated, including 10 children with DCD (≤16th percentile on MABC-2; no ADHD/ASD), and nine typically developing controls (≥25th percentile on MABC-2).<br />Outcomes and Results: Even though children with DCD displayed deficits behaviourally on imitation (Sensory Integration & Praxis Test Subtests) and motor imagery assessments prior to scanning, no differences in MNS activation were seen between the DCD and control groups at a neurological level, with both groups activating mirror regions effectively across conditions. Small clusters of decreased activation during imitation were identified in non-mirror regions in the DCD group, including the thalamus, caudate, and posterior cingulate - regions involved in motor planning and attentional processes.<br />Conclusions and Implications: The results of this study do not provide support for the MNS dysfunction theory as a possible causal mechanism for DCD. Further research to explore attentional and motor planning processes and how they may interact at a network level may enhance our understanding of this complex disorder.<br /> (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Brain physiopathology
Case-Control Studies
Child
Fingers
Functional Neuroimaging
Humans
Imagination
Imitative Behavior
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Motor Skills Disorders physiopathology
Reproducibility of Results
Brain diagnostic imaging
Mirror Neurons physiology
Motor Skills Disorders diagnostic imaging
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1873-3379
- Volume :
- 84
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Research in developmental disabilities
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 29274848
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2017.11.012