Development of the Brain Network Control Theory and Its Implications

Overview

Journal Psychoradiology

Publisher Oxford University Press

Date 2025 Jan 23

PMID 39845725

Authors

Zhoukang Wu

Liangjiecheng Huang

Min Wang

Xiaosong He

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Brain network control theory (NCT) is a groundbreaking field in neuroscience that employs system engineering and cybernetics principles to elucidate and manipulate brain dynamics. This review examined the development and applications of NCT over the past decade. We highlighted how NCT has been effectively utilized to model brain dynamics, offering new insights into cognitive control, brain development, the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders, and neuromodulation. Additionally, we summarized the practical implementation of NCT using the nctpy package. We also presented the doubts and challenges associated with NCT and efforts made to provide better empirical validations and biological underpinnings. Finally, we outlined future directions for NCT, covering its development and applications.

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