Cerebellar functional connectivity alteration in individuals with lower limb amputation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Limb amputation causes significant brain reorganization.
• Previous studies show altered sensorimotor network connectivity in amputees.
• Limited research exists on lower limb amputees' brain adaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate functional connectivity differences in the sensorimotor network (S1M1) in lower limb amputees.
• To compare sensorimotor network connectivity between 26 lower limb amputees and non-amputees.
• To identify specific network alterations post-lower limb amputation.

Main Methods:

• Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was employed.
• Analysis focused on 10 regions of interest within the S1M1 network.
• Statistical analysis compared functional connectivity in amputees versus non-amputees.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in functional connectivity was observed in the sensorimotor network of lower limb amputees.
• Connectivity alterations involved cerebellar regions, specifically between the contralateral Cerebellum and ipsilateral sensorimotor cortical areas.
• These findings highlight a network-level decrease in functional connectivity.

Conclusions:

• Lower limb amputation induces complex cerebral adaptations.
• Reduced functional connectivity involving the cerebellum is a key neuroadaptive process post-amputation.
• Further research is crucial to understand neuroplasticity in amputee populations.