A new method based on ICBM152 head surface for probe placement in multichannel fNIRS

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Multichannel functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a key neuroimaging technique.
• Accurate probe placement is crucial for reliable fNIRS data, especially in group studies.
• Current methods often require individual MRI scans and digitizing, limiting efficiency and comparability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, simplified probe placement method for multichannel fNIRS.
• To enable accurate and reproducible probe positioning based on the ICBM152 standard brain template.
• To facilitate direct comparison of fNIRS results across different studies and techniques within the neuroimaging community.

Main Methods:

• Developed a probe placement strategy utilizing a physical model of the ICBM152 head surface as a reference.
• Leveraged established cranio-cerebral correlation principles to validate the method.
• Focused on probe positioning according to MNI coordinates for regions of interest, bypassing individual participant scans.

Main Results:

• The proposed method offers a fast, simple, and reproducible approach to fNIRS probe placement.
• Achieved an average measurement error comparable to existing, more complex methods.
• Demonstrated the method's validity through its reliance on the widely accepted ICBM152 template.

Conclusions:

• This new fNIRS probe placement method significantly streamlines group study procedures.
• It enhances the standardization and comparability of fNIRS findings in neuroimaging research.
• The technique provides a practical solution for researchers seeking efficient and accurate probe positioning without individual MRIs.