Rapid acquisition of dynamic control over DLPFC using real-time fMRI feedback

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Psychiatry

Background:

• The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is crucial for working memory and cognitive functions.
• Previous neurofeedback studies focused on increasing DLPFC activity.
• Dynamic control over DLPFC activity states may offer superior self-regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of achieving dynamic control over DLPFC activity within a single fMRI session.
• To determine if real-time neurofeedback enhances the ability to switch between high and low DLPFC activity states.
• To explore implications for cognitive performance and psychiatric disorders.

Main Methods:

• Healthy volunteers (N=24) underwent fMRI scans at 7 Tesla.
• Participants were instructed to intentionally increase and decrease left DLPFC activity using real-time visual feedback.
• An experimental group received real-time feedback, while a control group received sham feedback.

Main Results:

• The experimental group significantly improved the speed of intentionally alternating DLPFC activity.
• The control group showed no significant changes in DLPFC activity control.
• Neurofeedback training primarily reduced the time for DLPFC to return to baseline after activation.

Conclusions:

• Real-time neurofeedback enables dynamic self-regulation of DLPFC activity.
• This ability to up- and down-regulate DLPFC activity at will is achievable within a single fMRI session.
• Findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for psychiatric conditions involving DLPFC dysfunction.