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Rehabilitation‐induced brain changes detected through magnetic resonance imaging in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review
Author(s) -
IzadiNajafabadi Sara,
Rinat Shie,
Zwicker Jill G.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of developmental neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.761
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1873-474X
pISSN - 0736-5748
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2018.12.001
Subject(s) - cinahl , psycinfo , rehabilitation , magnetic resonance imaging , medicine , medline , physical medicine and rehabilitation , intervention (counseling) , neuroplasticity , psychology , clinical psychology , physical therapy , psychiatry , psychological intervention , radiology , political science , law
Aim The aim of this study was to systematically review evidence about rehabilitation‐induced neuroplasticity measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Method The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Two independent reviewers screened articles according to inclusion criteria: (1) peer‐review study published in a scientific journal; (2) studies that evaluated a rehabilitation‐based intervention; (3) participants aged less than 19 years with a neurodevelopmental disorder; and (4) studies that used at least one MRI modality as an outcome measure. Twenty‐seven studies met the criteria for the review and their quality was assessed by two independent reviewers using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool. Results Based on an assessment of bias and overall quality, 11% of the papers were rated as strong; 30% moderate; and 59% weak. Outcomes were categorized into structural connectivity, functional connectivity, cortical activation, and structural volume. Cortical activation and structural connectivity were the most commonly reported measures. Most studies were able to identify brain changes in children with neurodevelopmental disorders after therapy. Interpretations Rehabilitation is shown to induce MRI‐detectable neuroplastic changes in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Structural connectivity might need greater intensity and/or duration of intervention to induce change.