Role of task-based functional MRI in the assessment of sports-related concussion: a systematic review

Task-based fMRI demonstrates consistent alterations in brain activity following SRC, particularly within frontoparietal networks. However, tb-fMRI findings were heterogeneous, sample sizes were small, and clinical applications such as return-to-play decisions based on functional imaging are not yet validated. To date tb-fMRI provides valuable insights into post-concussive brain function but remains an investigational tool and hence larger, standardized and longitudinal studies are needed to establish its clinical reproducibility and diagnostic utility.