A comprehensive systematic review of fMRI studies on brain connectivity in healthy children and adolescents: Current insights and future directions
Raquel Cosío‐Guirado, Merida Galilea Tapia‐Medina, Ceren Kaya, Maribel Peró, Erwin Rogelio Villuendas‐González, Joan Guàrdia‐Olmos
Abstract
This systematic review considered evidence of children’s and adolescents' typical brain connectivity development studied through resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). With aim of understanding the state of the art, what has been researched thus far and what remains unknown, this paper reviews 58 studies from 2013 to 2023. Considering the results, rs-fMRI stands out as an appropriate technique for studying language and attention within cognitive domains, and personality traits such as impulsivity and empathy. The most used analyses encompass seed-based, independent component analysis (ICA), the amplitude of the low frequency fluctuations (ALFF), and fractional ALFF (fALFF). The findings highlight key themes, including age-related changes in intrinsic connectivity, sex-specific patterns, and the relevance of the Default Mode Network (DMN). Overall, there is a need for longitudinal approaches to trace the typical developmental trajectory of neural networks from childhood through adolescence with fMRI at rest. • Sex-specific neural connectivity patterns are crucial during the typical neurodevelopment of children and adolescents. • 5-years of age seems to be a milestone in normal neurodevelopment with a strengthening of connectivity. • Longitudinal studies covering broad periods of development are needed to identify normal brain activation patterns in youth. • Lateralization trajectories in healthy youth remain unexplored besides language and reading. • Resting-state fMRI in healthy children and adolescents is key to elucidate the neural underpinnings of typical development.