An fMRI-compatible multi-configurable handheld response system using an intensity-modulated fiber-optic sensor

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Interpreting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data requires integrating behavioral measurements.
• The MRI scanner's magnetic field and participant positioning hinder accurate behavioral response recording.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a low-cost, MRI-compatible handheld response system (HRS) for fMRI studies.
• To enhance the collection of behavioral data during fMRI experiments.

Main Methods:

• Developed a handheld response system (HRS) using a fiber-optic sensor (FOS) and programmable visual interface.
• Designed an optomechanical system with configurable input modules (buttons, scroll wheel, joystick).
• Ensured MRI compatibility using nonferromagnetic materials and tested on a 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner.

Main Results:

• The HRS accurately captures behavioral responses within the MRI scanner environment.
• The system demonstrated flexibility with interchangeable input modules suitable for diverse user groups.
• MRI compatibility testing showed minimal signal-to-noise ratio (tSNR) loss (average 2%) during echo planar imaging (EPI).

Conclusions:

• The developed HRS is a viable, low-cost solution for acquiring precise behavioral data during fMRI.
• This system overcomes previous limitations in behavioral data collection within MRI scanners.
• The flexible and MRI-compatible design supports broader applications in neuroscience research.