Operant-contingency-based preparation of children for functional magnetic resonance imaging.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is used to study brain function during behavioral tasks. The participation of pediatric subjects is problematic because reliable task performance and control of head movement are simultaneously required. Differential reinforcement decreased head motion and improved vigilance task performance in 4 children (2 with behavioral disorders) undergoing simulated fMRI scans. Results show that behavior analysis techniques can improve child cooperation during fMRI procedures.
Slifer
Keith J
KJ
Department of Behavioral Psychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. Slifer@kennedykrieger.org
Koontz
Kristine L
KL
Cataldo
Michael F
MF
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003216:Conditioning, Operant / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis