Current progress in real-time functional magnetic resonance-based neurofeedback: Methodological challenges and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Neurofeedback (NF) is a technique for training brain self-regulation by providing real-time feedback on brain activity.
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) enhances NF with superior spatial resolution compared to electroencephalography (EEG).
• The feasibility and mechanisms of NF learning remain subjects of ongoing research and debate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate key design aspects of fMRI-NF studies.
• To advocate for a developmental perspective in selecting neural targets, particularly for pediatric populations.
• To discuss controversial topics and identify areas for future conceptual and empirical research in fMRI-NF.

Main Methods:

• Review and critical analysis of existing fMRI-NF literature.
• Discussion of neural target localization, training procedures, personalization, and success metrics.
• Exploration of controversial elements like strategy instructions and feedback timing.

Main Results:

• fMRI-NF offers high spatial resolution for brain self-regulation training.
• A developmental perspective is essential for pediatric fMRI-NF target selection.
• Defining success through both neural and clinical effects is vital for therapeutic applications.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing fMRI-NF requires careful consideration of neural target selection informed by functional neuroanatomy and developmental factors.
• Further research is needed to resolve controversies surrounding strategy instructions and feedback timing.
• Standardized approaches to success metrics are necessary to advance the impact of fMRI-NF in research and clinical practice.