Activation Dynamics Analysis of Language-related Areas with High Temporal Resolution fMRI

PURPOSE To investigate the activation dynamics of language-related areas from multiple activation maps by performing analysis while shifting the signal change model from the actual stimulation timing along the temporal axis using high temporal resolution fMRI data. METHODS High temporal resolution fMRI data were obtained using 3T MRI. Ten healthy right-handed volunteers participated in the study. Task paradigm was block design to carry out two sets of the rest periods and word-generation tasks. Data analysis was performed using SPM 12 software. We created several different activation maps of different phases by shifting the signal change model along the temporal axis, and the activation dynamics of activation areas were analyzed. RESULTS In the activation dynamics analysis, there was a tendency for activation to become stronger in the order of bilateral superior temporal gyrus and supplementary motor area, left angular gyrus with slight delay, and then left middle and inferior frontal gyrus. This result was considered to reflect the processing process in the brain during the word-generation task. CONCLUSIONS It was suggested that this analysis method is useful for activation dynamics analysis.