Methods and Considerations for Dynamic Analysis of Functional MR Imaging Data

Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2017 Nov;27(4):547-560. doi: 10.1016/j.nic.2017.06.009. Epub 2017 Sep 1.

Abstract

Functional MR imaging (fMR imaging) studies have recently begun to examine spontaneous changes in interregional interactions (functional connectivity) over seconds to minutes, and their relation to natural shifts in cognitive and physiologic states. This practice opens the potential for uncovering structured, transient configurations of coordinated brain activity whose features may provide novel cognitive and clinical biomarkers. However, analysis of these time-varying phenomena requires careful differentiation between neural and nonneural contributions to the fMR imaging signal and thorough validation and statistical testing. In this article, the authors present an overview of methodological and interpretational considerations in this emerging field.

Keywords: Dynamics; Functional connectivity; Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Networks; Resting state.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping / methods*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Neural Pathways / diagnostic imaging
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Rest