Contribution of coupling task-functional-MRI and kinematic to the analysis of motor function in healthy subjects

Motivation: There is a lack of understanding of the mechanisms of post-stroke motor recovery. To date, fMRI brings information which are not linked to the movement characteristics. Goal(s): To investigate whether integration of kinematic in fMRI adds any value to the understanding of motor function. Approach: A block designed motor-task-fMRI experiment coupled with real-time motion-tracking was performed on sixteen healthy subjects. Post-processing consisted of a group-level analysis comparing the regression of the BOLD signal with action-rest onsets, and with the flexion velocity vector. Results: Using a wider cluster-size, kinematic approach allows retrieving regions found with conventional approach and additional regions involved in motor control. Impact: Coupling of fMRI with kinematics provides additional information on motor function and motor control. Post-stroke motor recovery is subject to variability and is linked to motor control. Coupling both measurements could provide better understanding of motor recovery at the individual-level.