Brain-computer-interface-based intervention re-normalizes brain functional network topology in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

• Main Authors: Qian, Xing, Loo, Beatrice Rui Yi, Castellanos, Francisco Xavier, Liu, Siwei, Koh, Hui Li, Krishnan, Ranga, Fung, Daniel, Guan, Cuntai, Lee, Tih-Shih, Lim, Choon Guan, Zhou, Juan, Poh, Wendy Xue Wei, Chee, Michael W. L.
• Other Authors: School of Computer Science and Engineering
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Computer science and engineering; Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Brain-Computer-Interface (BCI)
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/89114; http://hdl.handle.net/10220/46122
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

A brain-computer-interface (BCI)-based attention training game system has shown promise for treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children with inattentive symptoms. However, little is known about brain network organizational changes underlying behavior improvement following BCI-based training. To cover this gap, we aimed to examine the topological alterations of large-scale brain functional networks induced by the 8-week BCI-based attention intervention in ADHD boys using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging method. Compared to the non-intervention (ADHD-NI) group, the intervention group (ADHD-I) showed greater reduction of inattention symptoms accompanied with differential brain network reorganizations after training. Specifically, the ADHD-NI group had increased functional connectivity (FC) within the salience/ventral attention network (SVN) and increased FC between task-positive networks (including the SVN, dorsal attention (DAN), somatomotor, and executive control network) and subcortical regions; in contrast ADHD-I group did not have this pattern. In parallel, ADHD-I group had reduced degree centrality and clustering coefficient as well as increased closeness in task-positive and the default mode networks (prefrontal regions) after the training. More importantly, these reduced local functional processing mainly in the SVN were associated with less inattentive/internalizing problems after 8-week BCI-based intervention across ADHD patients. Our findings suggest that the BCI-based attention training facilitates behavioral improvement in ADHD children by reorganizing brain functional network from more regular to more random configurations, particularly renormalizing salience network processing. Future long-term longitudinal neuroimaging studies are needed to develop the BCI-based intervention approach to promote brain maturation in ADHD.