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Updated: May 15, 2026

Real-Time Proxy-Control of Re-Parameterized Peripheral Signals using a Close-Loop Interface
Published on: May 8, 2021
Volitional control of neuromagnetic coherence.
Matthew D Sacchet1, Jürgen Mellinger, Ranganatha Sitaram
1Neurosciences Program, Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, CA, USA ; Department of Psychology, Stanford University Stanford, CA, USA ; Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen Tübingen, Germany.
This study shows that people can learn to control neural coherence, which is brain region communication. This finding has implications for understanding cognition and developing brain-computer interfaces.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Neural coherence, or synchronized brain activity between regions, is linked to brain communication and cognitive functions.
- While neurofeedback allows control of neural activity, volitional control of neural coherence remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if neural coherence can be volitionally controlled.
- To explore the potential of neural coherence as a signal for brain-computer interfaces (BCI).
Main Methods:
- Used the Weighted Overlapping Segment Averaging method to measure coherence.
- Assessed coherence between bilateral magnetoencephalograph sensors during voluntary digit movement.
Main Results:
- Participants demonstrated successful control of neural coherence.
- Achieved high success rates in controlling an onscreen cursor using this method (68.9% and 84%).
Conclusions:
- Neural coherence is likely volitionally controllable.
- This control has specific behavioral correlates and potential applications in BCIs.
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