A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Neurologic disorders involve abnormal brain function at cellular, molecular, and circuit levels.
• Neuroplasticity interventions aim to correct dysfunction and potentially shift functions to healthy brain regions.
• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback training (NFT) is a non-invasive, non-pharmacologic approach with no known side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel fMRI NFT protocol for modulating brain function in both healthy and abnormal states.
• To demonstrate the application of fMRI NFT for targeting cognitive and auditory brain regions.
• To highlight the potential of fMRI NFT for treating neurologic disorders and augmenting human performance.

Main Methods:

• Real-time measurement and processing of fMRI signals from specific brain regions.
• Participants utilize self-directed mental techniques to regulate the fMRI signal.
• Development of a protocol for fMRI NFT at the institution for targeted brain modulation.

Main Results:

• fMRI NFT enables volitional control over diverse brain regions, impacting cognitive, behavioral, and motor systems.
• The technique has shown potential in treating various neurologic conditions.
• Applications extend to enhancing baseline human performance.

Conclusions:

• fMRI NFT is a versatile, non-invasive tool for brain function modulation.
• The presented protocol offers a method for targeting specific cognitive and auditory regions.
• fMRI NFT holds significant promise for therapeutic applications and performance augmentation.