Spatial patterns of functional activation of the cerebellum investigated using high field (4 T) MRI

Using single and multislice functional MRI at high field strength (4 T) we studied cerebellar activation in 12 subjects making a series of alternating wrist flexion and extension movements against constant inertial loads. Three spatial patterns of activation were observed: (i) parasagittal bands of activity localized primarily in the ipsilateral intermediate and lateral zones of the cerebellar hemispheres, (ii) medio-lateral bands which in some subjects followed the contour of individual folia and (iii) fragmented regions of activation covering extensive areas of the cerebellum. Bilateral activation of the cerebellum was observed in all subjects with measurable activity. Mean statistically significant activation intensity ranged from 2.34 to 13.54% above baseline.