Reconfiguration of Functional Brain Network Organization and Dynamics With Changing Cognitive Demands in Children...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pathophysiology involves atypical brain network organization.
• Previous research primarily focused on resting-state network dysfunction in ADHD.
• This study investigates dynamic network reconfiguration across rest and cognitive tasks in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how functional brain network organization and dynamics differ between children with ADHD and typically developing children.
• To explore the flexible reconfiguration of brain networks across varying cognitive demands.
• To understand the role of network dynamics in ADHD symptoms and cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• Graph theoretical analyses were used to assess network segregation and integration.
• Specific networks analyzed include frontoparietal, default mode, and salience networks.
• Edge time series analyses quantified connectivity dynamics within and between networks.

Main Results:

• Children with ADHD exhibited lower whole-graph modularity and increased dissociation between default mode and visual networks.
• A significant interaction showed frontoparietal network within-module degree decreased in ADHD children from rest to task.
• ADHD group displayed more dynamic connectivity within and across networks, particularly during tasks.

Conclusions:

• Static and dynamic network analyses reveal altered context-specific and timescale-dependent connectivity in ADHD.
• Findings underscore the involvement of association and sensory/motor systems in ADHD.
• Network dynamics are clinically relevant and associated with cognitive performance and ADHD symptoms.