Action observation training promotes motor improvement and modulates functional network dynamic connectivity in multiple sclerosis. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cordani, Claudio; Valsasina, Paola; Preziosa, Paolo; Meani, Alessandro; Filippi, Massimo; Rocca, Maria A
• Is Part Of: Multiple sclerosis. Volume 27:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 146
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Multiple sclerosis -- training -- hand motor impairment -- action observation -- time-varying functional connectivity; Central nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Myelin sheath -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple sclerosis -- Periodicals; Central Nervous System Diseases -- Periodicals; Demyelinating Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple Sclerosis -- Periodicals; Système nerveux central -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Gaine de myéline -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Inflammation (Pathologie) -- Périodiques; Sclérose en plaques -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.834005
• DOI: 10.1177/1352458519887332
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-4585

Abstract

We investigated modifications of resting state dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) following a 2-week action observation training (AOT) in 46 right-handed healthy controls (HC) and 41 patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and dominant-hand motor impairment, who were randomized to AOT or control (C) training. PwMS had decreased baseline dFNC versus HC. After training, MS groups improved in right upper limb functions, mainly in AOT, and showed dFNC increase (larger in MS-AOT vs MS-C) in sensorimotor and cognitive networks ( p range, ⩽0.001–0.01). Both HC groups showed decreased dFNC over time ( p range, ⩽0.001–0.01). Clinical improvements following interventions correlated with sensorimotor and cognitive dFNC changes, suggesting their possible role in motor recovery.