Functional magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of changes in the brain connectome in children with cerebral palsy after the use of the neurorehabilitation suit «Reforma-ТЭКТ»

Background. Cerebral palsy is the leading cause of primary disability among neurological diseases in the Russian Federation, according to the Federal Bureau of Medical and Social Expertise of the Ministry of Labor of Russia. Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) is a modern neuroimaging technique that allows identification of functional changes in the brain connectome of children with cerebral palsy and tracking their reorganization during neurorehabilitation. This is critically important for developing effective treatment strategies and medical-social rehabilitation programs. Objective. To evaluate the potential of resting-state functional MRI as a tool for analyzing the therapeutic efficacy of neurorehabilitation interventions using the specialized "Reforma-TЭKT" suit. Object and methods. The study was performed using a 1.5 Tesla MR scanner. Changes in the functional connectivity of resting-state brain networks were analyzed in 30 patients with cerebral palsy before and after rehabilitation with the "Reforma-TЭKT" neurorehabilitation suit. Results. Intergroup statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the functional connectivity of the default mode network in all 30 cerebral palsy patients compared to the control group. Dynamic assessment showed increased functional connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex, lingual working network (left inferior frontal gyrus), right frontoparietal cortex, and right middle frontal gyrus. Simultaneously, decreased connectivity with components of the attention network was observed. Conclusion. The use of resting-state functional MRI in patients with cerebral palsy enables detection of changes in the brain connectome. With correct methodological approach, this neuroimaging technology can serve as an objective tool for monitoring therapeutic efficacy. The results obtained in this study contribute to improving rehabilitation strategies for patients undergoing treatment for the consequences of perinatal central nervous system damage.