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Updated: Jan 27, 2026
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A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
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Structural and functional connectivity changes in response to short-term neurofeedback training with motor imagery
T Marins1, E C Rodrigues2, T Bortolini3
1D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Morphological Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Neuroimage
|March 23, 2019
Summary
Neurofeedback training using fMRI rapidly enhances brain plasticity. Healthy individuals showed increased white matter integrity and functional connectivity after just one hour of neurofeedback, demonstrating swift brain changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Current understanding of brain plasticity's speed is challenged by new findings.
- Neurofeedback (NFB) using fMRI allows real-time modulation of brain activity, offering insights into brain plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of short-term NFB training on brain structure and function.
- To explore the potential of NFB by fMRI in inducing rapid brain plasticity.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study involving healthy individuals.
- One hour of fMRI-based NFB training focused on motor execution via motor imagery.
- Assessment of white matter integrity (fractional anisotropy - FA) and functional connectivity.
Main Results:
- Participants showed increased FA in the sensorimotor corpus callosum after NFB training.
- Enhanced functional connectivity was observed in the sensorimotor resting-state network and the default mode network.
- These changes were specific to the NFB group and not seen in the sham-controlled group.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of white matter FA changes after less than one hour of NFB training.
- NFB by fMRI is a promising tool for studying dynamic brain plasticity.
- NFB may offer new avenues for research in healthy individuals and neurological conditions.
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