Keywords: Low-Field MRI, fMRI Acquisition, Brain, Low-Field MRI, BOLD fMRI, echo planar imaging (EPI), fMRI (task based), fMRI (Analysis)
Motivation: 0.55T MRI offers advantages compared to conventional field strengths, including reduced susceptibility artifacts and better compatibility with simultaneous EEG recordings. However, reliable task-based fMRI at 0.55T has not been significantly demonstrated.
Goal(s): To establish a robust task-based fMRI protocol and analysis pipeline at 0.55T that achieves full brain coverage and results comparable to what is expected for activation extent and location.
Approach: We attempted fMRI at 0.55T by combining EPI acquisition with custom analysis techniques. Finger-tapping and visual tasks compared 5 and 10-minute runs to enhance activation detection.
Results: Significant activations demonstrating that high-quality task-based fMRI is achievable at 0.55T in single subjects.
Impact: This study demonstrates that reliable task-based fMRI is feasible on 0.55T scanners, potentially broadening functional neuroimaging access in clinical and research settings where high-field MRI is unavailable or impractical, supporting broader diagnostic and research applications.
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