Head motion during overt language production in functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Head motion parameters (translation, rotation) during an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment of overt picture naming were investigated for two fixation conditions. We compared normal fixation with cushions and belts with the additional use of a bite-bar. Neither mean nor maximum values differed between the two conditions for any of the parameters. By applying the head motion parameters to the cytoarchitectonically defined volume of the left Brodmann area 44, we demonstrated volume overlap of 95% (normal fixation) to 100% (bite-bar) that did not differ significantly between fixation conditions. The data encourage further use of overt language production in functional magnetic resonance imaging with careful head fixation but no bite-bar.