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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

Oscillatory motor patterning is impaired in neurofibromatosis type 1: a behavioural, EEG and fMRI study

Authors: Gilberto Silva, Isabel Catarina Duarte, Inês Bernardino, Tânia Marques, Inês R. Violante, Miguel Castelo-Branco

Published in: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Neurofibromatosis type1 (NF1) is associated with a broad range of behavioural deficits, and an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission has been postulated in this disorder. Inhibition is involved in the control of frequency and stability of motor rhythms. Therefore, we aimed to explore the link between behavioural motor control, brain rhythms and brain activity, as assessed by EEG and fMRI in NF1.

Methods

We studied a cohort of 21 participants with NF1 and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, with a finger-tapping task requiring pacing at distinct frequencies during EEG and fMRI scans.

Results

We found that task performance was significantly different between NF1 and controls, the latter showing higher tapping time precision. The time-frequency patterns at the beta sub-band (20–26 Hz) mirrored the behavioural modulations, with similar cyclic synchronization/desynchronization patterns for both groups. fMRI results showed a higher recruitment of the extrapyramidal motor system (putamen, cerebellum and red nucleus) in the control group during the fastest pacing condition.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated impaired precision in rhythmic pacing behaviour in NF1 as compared with controls. We found a decreased recruitment of the cerebellum, a structure where inhibitory interneurons are essential regulators of rhythmic synchronization, and in deep brain regions pivotally involved in motor pacing. Our findings shed light into the neural underpinnings of motor timing deficits in NF1.

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Title: Oscillatory motor patterning is impaired in neurofibromatosis type 1: a behavioural, EEG and fMRI study
Authors: Gilberto Silva
Isabel Catarina Duarte
Inês Bernardino
Tânia Marques
Inês R. Violante
Miguel Castelo-Branco
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1866-1947
Electronic ISSN: 1866-1955
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s11689-018-9230-4

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Oscillatory motor patterning is impaired in neurofibromatosis type 1: a behavioural, EEG and fMRI study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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