Functional Localization

Definition: Functional localization refers to the process of using a well-defined task to decide which brain regions are selective, i.e. show statistically significant activation, for a particular function, and then testing if the same brain regions are engaged in a second task. For example, participants perform a finger tapping task to assess the location of motor functions and the channel(s) with the strongest motor response(s) in each participant is (are) taken as that person’s functional ROI. The same participants then perform a motor planning task and the brain response to motor planning is assessed ONLY in the functional ROI. Note the functional ROI is defined by the first task and could be in a different location in each participant. This method is common in fMRI but less common in fNIRS.

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References: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1073858417703033 https://doi.org/10.1161/01.STR.29.1.229

Related terms: Hyperemia