Functional MRI neurofeedback training on connectivity between two regions induces long-lasting changes in intrinsic...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Motor and perceptual learning alter functional brain connectivity, causing short-term changes in intrinsic networks.
• A direct cause-and-effect link between specific connectivity changes and long-term global network alterations remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if simultaneous activation/deactivation of brain regions increases and preserves functional connectivity long-term.
• To test the hypothesis that experience-driven modulation can shape intrinsic brain networks.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a connectivity-neurofeedback training paradigm.
• Trained subjects to increase activity correlation between lateral parietal and primary motor areas.
• Employed whole-brain and functional network analyses to assess resting-state connectivity changes.

Main Results:

• Subjects successfully increased the correlation of activity between previously negatively correlated parietal and motor areas.
• Resting-state correlation between these specific areas and their associated intrinsic networks significantly increased for over 2 months.
• Demonstrated long-term modulation of intrinsic functional connectivity.

Conclusions:

• Connectivity-neurofeedback training can induce lasting changes in intrinsic brain connectivity.
• Intrinsic brain networks are malleable and can be shaped by targeted, experience-driven modulation of regional correlations.