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Neuropediatrics 2005; 36(6): 373-379
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-873077
Original Article

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Recruitment of the Sensorimotor Cortex - A Developmental fMRI Study

V. Mall1 , M. Linder1 , M. Herpers2 , A. Schelle1 , J. Mendez-Mendez3 , R. Korinthenberg1 , M. Schumacher3 , J. Spreer3
  • 1Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
  • 2Department of Neurology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
  • 3Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: July 15, 2005

Accepted after Revision: December 1, 2005

Publication Date:
23 January 2006 (online)

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Abstract

Introduction: The growing mastery of motor tasks is one of the most visible changes in the developing child. The cortex is known to play a central role in learning, planning, and performance of motor tasks. We investigated the age dependency of motor cortex activation using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: Thirty-two right-handed subjects were studied: 11 children (median age 9 years, range 6 - 10 years), 10 adolescents (median age 13 years, range 11 - 15 years), and 11 adults (median age 27 years, range 23 - 42 years). The subjects performed a simple, paced unilateral motor task (repetitive squeezing of a ball with the right hand). Also, we set up a control experiment (visual stimulation using an alternating checkerboard pattern) in which no age-related differences were expected. Results: Compared to children, adults showed significantly increased activation of the bilateral sensorimotor cortex, parietal areas, the supplementary motor area, and the cerebellum. In the visual stimulation experiment there were no age-related differences. Conclusion: Children show a significant difference in the degree of cortical activation compared to adults when performing a simple motor task. The change in fMRI activation patterns may reflect a maturation process of primary and secondary motor areas.

Key words

Children - corticospinal system - motor development - fMRI - adolescent - motor cortex

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MD Michaela Linder

Children's University Hospital
Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders

Mathildenstrasse 1

79106 Freiburg

Germany

Email: linder@kikli.ukl.uni-freiburg.de

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