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A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
Real-time fMRI: a tool for local brain regulation
Andrea Caria1, Ranganatha Sitaram, Niels Birbaumer
1Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. andrea.caria@uni-tuebingen.de
Summary
Real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) enables direct observation and volitional control of brain activity. This neurofeedback approach allows researchers to study brain-function relationships and their impact on behavior.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Neurofeedback
Background:
- Real-time fMRI allows simultaneous measurement of brain activity during tasks.
- Controlling localized brain activity via neurofeedback is a key application.
- This technique offers noninvasive manipulation of brain activity to study behavioral effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the implementation and application of real-time fMRI.
- To emphasize self-regulation of local brain activity.
- To investigate brain-function relationships.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing real-time fMRI for neurofeedback protocols.
- Implementing protocols for volitional control of localized brain activity.
- Observing effects of manipulated brain activity on behavior.
Main Results:
- Learned control of local brain activity through neurofeedback leads to specific behavioral changes.
- Real-time fMRI facilitates the investigation of causal brain-function relationships.
- Demonstrated feasibility of self-regulation of brain activity.
Conclusions:
- Real-time fMRI is a promising tool for cognitive neuroscience.
- It complements traditional neuroimaging by providing causal insights.
- Enables deeper understanding of circumscribed brain regions' roles in behavior.
