Covert neurofeedback without awareness shapes cortical network spontaneous connectivity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Blood oxygen level-dependent functional MRI (BOLD-fMRI) neurofeedback allows individuals to modulate neuronal properties.
• The potential for neurofeedback to induce training effects without participant awareness remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether neurofeedback training can alter brain function in the absence of conscious awareness.
• To examine the impact of covertly delivered rewards on functional connectivity in visual cortex regions.

Main Methods:

• Participants underwent neurofeedback training using BOLD-fMRI.
• Positive and negative rewards were covertly coupled to activity in specific category-selective visual cortex regions.
• Functional connectivity changes were assessed post-training.

Main Results:

• Unconscious neurofeedback training led to significant changes in functional connectivity.
• These modifications occurred despite participants' lack of awareness of the training or reward contingencies.
• Activity in category-selective visual cortex regions was successfully modulated through covert reward mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Brain networks can be modified through neurofeedback even without conscious intention or awareness.
• Unconscious learning mechanisms can influence neural plasticity and functional connectivity.
• These findings suggest novel therapeutic possibilities for neurological and psychiatric conditions.