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A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
NIRS-based neurofeedback learning systems for controlling activity of the prefrontal cortex
Kaoru Sakatani1, N Takemoto2, T Tsujii2
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Division of Optical Brain Engineering, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. sakatani@med.nihon-u.ac.jp.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 16, 2013
Summary
This study developed a neurofeedback system using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to improve self-control of prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity. Neurofeedback training enhanced PFC activity modulation, particularly in the dorsolateral PFC, aiding emotional regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity is crucial for executive functions and emotional regulation.
- Developing effective neurofeedback systems is key to enhancing self-control of brain activity.
- Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a non-invasive method for monitoring hemodynamic responses in the PFC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a NIRS-based neurofeedback system for modulating PFC activity.
- To assess the system's effectiveness in improving self-control over PFC activation.
- To investigate the impact of neurofeedback on specific PFC regions, such as the dorsolateral PFC.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel NIRS-based neurofeedback system.
- Evaluation of system effectiveness by measuring the separability of oxy-hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) changes.
- Comparison of neurofeedback training with control conditions (training without neurofeedback, no training).
Main Results:
- Neurofeedback training significantly increased the separability of oxy-Hb changes compared to control groups.
- The neurofeedback system demonstrated an ability to enhance self-control of PFC activity.
- Enhanced activity and high separability were observed in the dorsolateral PFC following neurofeedback training.
Conclusions:
- The developed NIRS-based neurofeedback system is effective in modulating PFC activity.
- Neurofeedback training can enhance self-control, potentially aiding in emotional regulation.
- Targeting the dorsolateral PFC with neurofeedback shows promise for improving emotional self-regulation strategies.
