Practical considerations for dense longitudinal neuroimaging: Ten simple rules for frequent scanning over short time periods.

Dense longitudinal neuroimaging (DLN) is a precision neuroimaging approach that samples frequently throughout a targeted window of time to characterize individual trajectories of brain change. The approach enables the answering of fundamental questions about the underlying mechanisms of cognitive development and learning. However, acquiring DLN data presents practical challenges that go beyond those associated with acquiring conventional longitudinal data. In this paper, we discuss key practical considerations for designing and executing DLN studies, especially with respect to collecting data from children and other populations with limited scan tolerance. We provide ten simple rules for study design, measurement, recruitment and retention, and compliance to assist research teams seeking to conduct DLN studies.