Functional connectivity of neural motor networks is disrupted in children with developmental coordination disorder...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Child Psychology
• Developmental Disorders

Background:

• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are common childhood conditions.
• These disorders frequently co-occur, suggesting potential shared underlying mechanisms.
• Neuroimaging studies indicate motor circuitry disruptions in children with DCD and/or ADHD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate functional motor network connectivity in children with DCD and/or ADHD.
• To identify common neurophysiological substrates underlying the co-occurrence of DCD and ADHD.
• To compare motor network connectivity between affected children and typically developing controls.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used.
• Participants included children with DCD, ADHD, combined DCD + ADHD, and typically developing controls.
• Connectivity of the primary motor cortex was analyzed, with age as a covariate.

Main Results:

• Children with DCD and/or ADHD showed reduced functional connectivity between the primary motor cortex and regions including the inferior frontal gyri, supramarginal and angular gyri, insular cortices, amygdala, putamen, and pallidum, compared to controls.
• Distinct age-related connectivity patterns were observed in children with DCD and/or ADHD versus controls.
• These connectivity differences suggest shared neurophysiological underpinnings for motor and attention deficits.

Conclusions:

• Disruptions in motor circuitry are evident in children with DCD and/or ADHD.
• These motor network alterations may contribute to both motor and attention problems.
• The study supports the existence of common neurophysiological substrates for DCD and ADHD.