A proof-of-principle study of multi-site real-time functional imaging at 3T and 7T: Implementation and validation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging
• Computer Science

Background:

• Real-time functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rtfMRI) is primarily used for neurofeedback and brain-computer interfaces (BCI).
• Existing frameworks lack the capability for multi-site rtfMRI, limiting interactive experimental paradigms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend a framework for integrated control and data analysis of rtfMRI experiments to enable multi-site capabilities.
• To develop and integrate a signal calibration procedure for connecting sites with different hardware and inter-individual brain activation levels.
• To validate the extended framework for real-time multi-site rtfMRI applications.

Main Methods:

• Extension of an existing rtfMRI framework with a data exchange platform for independent and joint analysis of MR scanner data.
• Development and integration of a signal calibration procedure to harmonize data from disparate hardware and varying brain activation levels.
• Validation through a proof-of-principle study involving twelve volunteers.

Main Results:

• Successful extension of the rtfMRI framework to support multi-site data acquisition and analysis.
• Effective signal calibration enabling the integration of sites with different hardware and inter-individual differences.
• Demonstrated BCI functionality on each site and successful validation of the overall concept.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework enables multi-site rtfMRI, opening possibilities for novel interactive paradigms like monitoring information flow and controlling shared virtual environments.
• The integrated signal calibration is crucial for harmonizing data from diverse MR systems.
• The framework supports the development of advanced social fMRI experiments by modeling real-time brain interactions.