Functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) based on the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) contrast has become a widely used modality for mapping the brain's functional architecture. In recent years, applications of fcMRI have led to numerous breakthroughs in both clinical research and basic sciences. However, there are a number of unresolved issues associated with fcMRI relating to both the modality itself, and to methods used to analyse fcMRI data. The aim of this thesis was twofold: to develop novel data analysis procedures, and to demonstrate their feasibility in dedicated neuroimaging studies. Subject head movement can act as a significant confound in fcMRI. Investigating this issue, it was found that subject motion can induce significant increases and decreases in functional connectivity across the brain. A novel motion correction method was developed, which proved more effective than standard procedures in the removal of motion induced connectivity changes. The BOLD contrast is not a direct measure of neural activity, it measures the hemodynamic response caused by changes in neural activity, which varies across the brain. The hypercapnic state is often used to calibrate the BOLD signal. This calibration crucially relies on the assumption that hypercapnia does not affect neuronal activity. An investigation into the hypercapnic state revealed that it is associated with both increases and decreases in functional connectivity. Whilst carrying out this investigation, a number of limitations, such as the need for a hypothesis and information loss, were identified in standard data analysis procedures. Three novel methods were developed to address these limitations. The efficacy of these methods was demonstrated in four different neuroimaging studies, which investigated functional connectivity changes induced by hypercapnia, aerobic exercise, hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle, and electroconvulsive therapy treatment in depression.

published_or_final_version / Clinical Psychology / Doctoral / Doctor of Psychology

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1999. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 183-192). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Thesis (DClinPsychol)--Salomons Centre. BLDSC no. DXN049059.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 85-89).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2001. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xix, 238 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 211-218).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--York University, 1998. Graduate Programme in Psychology. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 149-157). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/yorku/fullcit?pNQ39290.

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The purpose of this research was to explore the role of recreation and leisure assessment for Australian adults with acquired brain injuries in their transition from rehabilitation to community recreation and leisure participation. This research set out to discover if common themes existed concerning the role of recreation and leisure assessment which may assist in the provision of recreation and leisure services for Australian adults with acquired brain injuries. / A qualitative research approach was used involving two primary data collection methods: firstly, interviews with adults with acquired brain injuries, family members/advocates and recreation providers throughout Australia; and secondly, recreation providers supplying copies of written organisational data such as recreation assessment instruments, clinical pathways and recreation and leisure service evaluation tools. Data from interviews were analysed using N6 qualitative data analysis software and the process of recreation assessment. Program development and service evaluation were considered during this data analysis in a triangulation of results. / Results from interview and collected written data identified common themes. These included the assessment of the past, current and future recreation interests of adults with acquired brain injuries, the involvement of a multi-disciplinary approach to service delivery, pre-discharge planning for community inclusion and the effective evaluation of recreation services for future development. Through exploration of these themes, fourteen implications for future research have been identified. These fourteen implications have been proposed to assist with the provision of improved recreation and leisure assessment and thereby assist recreation and leisure service provision for adults with acquired brain injuries throughout Australia. / Thesis ([MBusiness-Research?])--University of South Australia, 2005.

Thesis (MHlthSc(OccTh))--University of South Australia, 1999