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Mirror neuron activation in children with developmental coordination disorder: A functional MRI study
Jess E Reynolds1, Melissa K Licari1, Jac Billington2
1School of Sport Science, Exercise & Health, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley 6009, Western Australia, Australia.
Summary
Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) show reduced brain activity in mirror neuron system (MNS) areas. This suggests a potential neural basis for motor difficulties in DCD, impacting movement and imitation skills.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is characterized by significant motor difficulties.
- The mirror neuron system (MNS) is crucial for understanding and executing actions, involving imitation and observation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential differences in cortical activation within MNS regions in children with DCD.
- To explore the role of MNS dysfunction in the motor challenges associated with DCD.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to scan 14 boys with DCD and 12 typically developing controls.
- Participants observed, executed, and imitated a finger sequencing task with their right hand.
- Cortical activations in key MNS areas, including the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and inferior parietal lobule, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Children with DCD exhibited decreased activation in MNS-related regions (precentral gyrus, IFG) and posterior cingulate/precuneus during action observation.
- Region of interest analysis showed significantly lower activation in the pars opercularis (a core MNS area) during imitation in the DCD group compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a possible mirror neuron system dysfunction in children with DCD.
- This preliminary evidence links MNS alterations to the motor coordination deficits observed in DCD, highlighting a potential neurobiological basis.
