Action observation training promotes motor improvement and modulates functional network dynamic connectivity in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) often exhibit altered brain functional connectivity.
• Resting-state dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) may reflect neural underpinnings of motor impairment.
• Action observation training (AOT) is a potential rehabilitation strategy for motor deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of AOT on dFNC in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and healthy controls (HC).
• To explore the relationship between changes in dFNC and motor function improvements.
• To compare AOT effects against a control (C) training group.

Main Methods:

• Forty-one pwMS with dominant-hand motor impairment and 46 HC underwent a 2-week training intervention (AOT or C).
• Resting-state fMRI was used to assess dFNC before and after the intervention.
• Motor function of the right upper limb was evaluated.

Main Results:

• PwMS showed reduced baseline dFNC compared to HC.
• Both AOT and C groups in pwMS improved upper limb function, with greater improvements in the AOT group.
• AOT led to increased dFNC in sensorimotor and cognitive networks in pwMS, which correlated with motor gains.
• HC groups exhibited decreased dFNC over time.

Conclusions:

• AOT enhances motor function in pwMS, associated with significant changes in sensorimotor and cognitive network connectivity.
• dFNC modifications in sensorimotor and cognitive networks are linked to motor recovery following AOT.
• Dynamic functional network connectivity alterations may serve as a biomarker for motor rehabilitation outcomes.