Project
Reducing Motion to Maximize MRI Scanning Success for Children with Developmental Disabilities
Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Kris Malisza, 984-6616, Mr. Toby Martin, 256-4301 x5481, Dr. C. T. Yu, 256-4301, x5399. Collaborators: Dr. A. Chudley, Dr. S. Longstaffe
Start/End Dates: May 1, 2007 - May 1, 2010
Brief Description: This project will be concerned with the development of methods to deal with a significant problem encountered in paediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research: the low quality imaging data resulting from the tendency for children to move during MRI procedures. We will demonstrate that positive reinforcement methods can be used to reduce children’s movement during MRI scans.
Participants will receive one or both of two procedures. Standard Prompting involves repeatedly telling the child that he/she is moving too much and gently reminding him/her to stay as still as possible. If a reduced motion criterion has not been met by that time, the participant will receive Response Shaping. Response shaping involves the child watching a movie and if the amount of motion is more than an acceptable range the movie will stop projecting. Once the child is still again, the movie will resume. Slowly, the amount of acceptable motion will be decreased until we are satisfied that the child can be sufficiently still for long enough to acquire good images from a real magnetic resonance imager.
Participants who do not meet a specific reduced motion criterion will receive no further intervention. Those who meet the criterion will undergo an actual MRI scan, to evaluate behavioural generalization of any learned effects, and to measure the degree of movement in terms most relevant to clinical outcomes.
Hypothesis to be tested: We hypothesize that response shaping methods can be used to train children with developmental disabilities to remain motionless within a MRI scanner environment.
Project Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of positive reinforcement and response shaping for reducing unwanted motion of children with developmental disabilities during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures.
Time Frame: To begin in May 2007 for 3 years.
Kind of Project: Research into maximizing success of scanning and minimizing stress and discomfort.
Population Served: Children diagnosed with Autism and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
|
