kirkovski-examiningresting-inpress-2021.pdf (748.61 kB)
Examining resting-state functional connectivity in key hubs of the default mode network in chronic low back pain
journal contribution
posted on 2021-10-01, 00:00 authored by S K Ng, D M Urquhart, P B Fitzgerald, F M Cicuttini, Melissa KirkovskiMelissa Kirkovski, J J Maller, Peter EnticottPeter Enticott, S L Rossell, B M FitzgibbonAbstract
Objectives
Changes in brain connectivity have been observed within the default mode network (DMN) in chronic low back pain (CLBP), however the extent of these disruptions and how they may be related to CLBP requires further examination. While studies using seed-based analysis have found disrupted functional connectivity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a major hub of the DMN, limited studies have investigated other equally important hubs, such as the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) in CLBP.
Methods
This preliminary study comprised 12 individuals with CLBP and 12 healthy controls who completed a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. The mPFC and PCC were used as seeds to assess functional connectivity.
Results
Both groups displayed similar patterns of DMN connectivity, however group comparisons showed that CLBP group had reduced connectivity between the PCC and angular gyrus compared to healthy controls. An exploratory analysis examined whether the alterations observed in mPFC and PCC connectivity were related to pain catastrophizing in CLBP, but no significant associations were observed.
Conclusions
These results may suggest alterations in the PCC are apparent in CLBP, however, the impact and functional role of these disruptions require further investigation.
Objectives
Changes in brain connectivity have been observed within the default mode network (DMN) in chronic low back pain (CLBP), however the extent of these disruptions and how they may be related to CLBP requires further examination. While studies using seed-based analysis have found disrupted functional connectivity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a major hub of the DMN, limited studies have investigated other equally important hubs, such as the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) in CLBP.
Methods
This preliminary study comprised 12 individuals with CLBP and 12 healthy controls who completed a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. The mPFC and PCC were used as seeds to assess functional connectivity.
Results
Both groups displayed similar patterns of DMN connectivity, however group comparisons showed that CLBP group had reduced connectivity between the PCC and angular gyrus compared to healthy controls. An exploratory analysis examined whether the alterations observed in mPFC and PCC connectivity were related to pain catastrophizing in CLBP, but no significant associations were observed.
Conclusions
These results may suggest alterations in the PCC are apparent in CLBP, however, the impact and functional role of these disruptions require further investigation.
History
Journal
Scandinavian Journal of PainVolume
21Issue
4Pagination
839 - 846Publisher
WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBHLocation
GermanyPublisher DOI
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ISSN
1877-8860eISSN
1877-8879Language
EnglishPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalUsage metrics
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