Synergetic fMRI-EEG brain mapping in alpha-rhythm voluntary control mode

Area of Science:

• Neurobiology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Alpha biofeedback training is used to modulate brain activity.
• Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying alpha biofeedback is crucial for its therapeutic applications.
• Previous research has not fully elucidated the synergistic spatial dynamics of EEG and fMRI during this process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the synergistic spatial dynamics of electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during cognitive alpha biofeedback training.
• To identify specific brain regions and neuronal networks involved in the development and stability of the alpha rhythm under operant conditioning.
• To explore the relationship between cognitive processes and brain activity during alpha-EEG biofeedback.

Main Methods:

• Utilized simultaneous EEG and fMRI (BOLD phenomenon) recordings.
• Employed cognitive alpha biofeedback training in an operant conditioning paradigm with acoustic reinforcement.
• Analyzed changes in alpha-rhythm intensity and spatial dynamics across various Brodmann areas.

Main Results:

• Significant changes in alpha-rhythm intensity were observed in the T6 electrode area (Brodmann area 37).
• Key Brodmann areas involved in alpha-training task performance and new neuronal network formation included the middle and superior temporal gyri (21, 22, 37), fusiform gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus (4, 6, 46), anterior cingulate gyrus (23, 24), cuneus, and precuneus (7).
• The study highlights the broad involvement of these areas due to the complex cognitive activities underpinning alpha-rhythm control.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive alpha biofeedback training engages a wide network of brain regions involved in complex cognitive functions.
• The findings provide novel insights into the synergistic spatial dynamics of EEG and fMRI during alpha biofeedback.
• The results underscore the intricate relationship between cognitive processes, such as decision-making and memory retrieval, and the neural control of the alpha rhythm.