3D-video-fMRI: 3D motion tracking in a 3T MRI environment

Abstract

We propose a technical solution that enables 3D video-based in-bore movement quantification to be acquired synchronously with the BOLD function magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sequences. Our solution relies on in-bore video setup with 2 cameras mounted in a 90 degrees angle that allows tracking movments while acquiring fMRI sequences. In this study we show that using 3D motion quantification of a simple finger opposition paradigm we were able to map two different finger positions to two different BOLD response patterns in a typical block design protocol. The motion information was also used to adjust the block design to the actual motion start and stop improving the time accuracy of the analysis. These results reinforce the role of video based motion quantification in fMRI analysis as an independent regressor that allows new findings not discernable when using traditional block designs. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.