Real-time fMRI paradigm control, physiology, and behavior combined with near real-time statistical analysis

This study presents an integrated approach to on-line fMRI data processing that combines real-time paradigm control and real-time MR image statistical analysis with nearly real-time integration of fMRI behavioral and physiological data. The real-time paradigms involve accurate timing control of multiple independent processing streams for stimulus presentation, physiological monitoring, behavioral response recording, and scanner synchronization. The real-time image analysis provides high resolution MR image reconstruction, head motion detection, translational motion correction, and t test statistical activation maps for either block design or single-trial based paradigms. The near real-time analysis allows physiological and behavioral data collected during a paradigm to be combined with the MR time series and provides extended data filtering and statistical processing within a few minutes after the end of the scan. This integrated approach improves fMRI reliability for both clinical and research studies.