Abnormal Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review.
Jothini Sritharan, Nicola Brunello, Magda Gamba et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review synthesized original seed-based whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity studies comparing people with spinal cord injury (SCI) with controls. Nine studies contributed 11 datasets, comprising 151 individuals with SCI and 208 controls. Reported connectivity differences involved links between the somatomotor and ventral attention networks, between the ventral attention network and frontal pole, and between the cerebellum and attentional or default-mode network regions. The authors propose that functional brain changes in SCI extend beyond the somatomotor network and highlight the need to investigate higher-order cognitive functions.
Key findings
- Nine studies contributed 11 datasets: 151 individuals with SCI and 208 controls.
- Connectivity differences included links between the somatomotor and ventral attention networks and between the ventral attention network and frontal pole.
- Cerebellar connectivity differences involved regions of the attentional and default-mode networks.
Why it matters
The review suggests that resting-state brain changes associated with SCI may involve networks beyond those directly related to sensorimotor function. This broadens the scope for understanding possible links between SCI and secondary health conditions, including cognitive impairment, and supports further study of higher-order brain functions alongside sensorimotor changes.
What to keep in mind
The review included only nine studies and 11 datasets, and the abstract notes that results across existing studies are partially conflicting.