Brain’s functional network clustering coefficient changes in response to instruction (RTI) in students with and without reading disabilities: Multi-leveled reading brain’s RTI

In students in grades 4 to 9 (22 males, 20 females), two reading disability groups—dyslexia (n = 20) or oral and written language learning disability (OWL LD) (n = 6)—were compared to each other and two kinds of control groups—typical readers (n = 6) or dysgraphia (n = 10) on word reading/spelling skills and fMRI imaging before and after completing 18 computerized reading lessons. Mixed ANOVAs showed significant time effects on repeated measures within participants and between groups effects on three behavioral markers of reading disabilities—word reading/spelling: All groups improved on the three behavioral measures, but those without disabilities remained higher than those with reading disabilities. On fMRI reading tasks, analyzed for graph theory derived clustering coefficients within a neural network involved in cognitive control functions, on a word level task the time × group interaction was significant in right medial cingulate; on a syntax level task the time × group interaction was significant in left superior frontal and left inferior frontal gyri; and on a multi-sentence text level task the time × group interaction was significant in right middle frontal gyrus. Three white matter-gray matter correlations became significant only after reading instruction: axial diffusivity in left superior frontal region with right inferior frontal gyrus during word reading judgments; mean diffusivity in left superior corona radiata with left middle frontal gyrus during sentence reading judgments; and mean diffusivity in left anterior corona radiata with right middle frontal gyrus during multi-sentence reading judgments. Significance of results for behavioral and brain response to reading instruction (RTI) is discussed.