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Updated: Jan 28, 2026
07:05
A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
11.5K
Neurofeedback Training of Gamma Oscillations in Monkey Primary Visual Cortex
1Ernst Struengmann Institute for Neuroscience in Cooperation with Max Planck Society, Deutschordenstrasse 46, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany.
Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)
|February 24, 2019
Summary
Neurofeedback (NFB) training successfully enhanced gamma oscillations in the primary visual cortex of macaque monkeys. This demonstrates top-down control of neuronal activity in sensory areas, even without external stimuli.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Neurofeedback (NFB) training is established for manipulating brain activity using various signals like EEG and fMRI.
- Previous NFB applications focused on modifying the BOLD signal, oscillatory power, and single unit activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if NFB can control neuronal activity in primary sensory cortices.
- To determine if top-down control extends to areas primarily influenced by sensory input.
Main Methods:
- Trained two macaque monkeys using NFB to increase gamma oscillations in the primary visual cortex.
- Utilized acoustic feedback linked to gamma oscillation power, rewarding increases.
- Recorded local field potentials via chronically implanted microelectrodes.
Main Results:
- Both monkeys learned to increase gamma activity in the absence of visual stimulation.
- The enhancement occurred in the selected frequency band and at the NFB signal's origin.
- Demonstrated volitional control over specific neural oscillations in a primary sensory area.
Conclusions:
- Top-down signals can drive or facilitate neural microcircuits in primary sensory areas.
- NFB can modulate neuronal activity in the primary visual cortex without direct sensory input.
- Suggests broader potential for NFB in controlling sensory cortex activity.
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