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Updated: Dec 13, 2025
A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
Network-based fMRI-neurofeedback training of sustained attention
Gustavo S P Pamplona1, Jennifer Heldner2, Robert Langner3
1Sensory-Motor Laboratory (SeMoLa), Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital/Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Department of Ophthalmology/University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; InBrain Lab, Department of Physics, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zürich, Switzerland.
Neurofeedback training using real-time fMRI helped participants regulate brain activity between the sustained attention network (SAN) and default-mode network (DMN). This improved sustained attention, offering a potential non-pharmacological tool for attention deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- The sustained attention network (SAN) and default-mode network (DMN) are critical for attention and mind-wandering, respectively.
- Existing knowledge of SAN and DMN has not been fully leveraged for advanced attention training protocols.
- Developing non-invasive methods to modulate these networks is crucial for understanding and treating attention deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of network-based real-time fMRI neurofeedback in training individuals to control differential activity between the SAN and DMN.
- To assess whether learned self-regulation of SAN-DMN activity translates to behavioral improvements in sustained attention.
- To explore the potential of this neurofeedback approach as a non-pharmacological intervention for attention enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Utilized network-based real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with 15 healthy participants.
- Participants trained to control the difference between SAN and DMN hemodynamic activity using neurofeedback.
- Behavioral attention tests were administered before and after the neurofeedback training period.
Main Results:
- Participants successfully learned to control the differential SAN-DMN feedback signal, primarily by deactivating the DMN.
- The ability to self-regulate the feedback signal transferred to conditions without ongoing feedback (transfer runs).
- The neurofeedback group showed improvements in sustained attention, though these effects were often comparable to practice effects observed in a control group.
Conclusions:
- Neurofeedback training of differential SAN and DMN activity demonstrates the potential for learned self-regulation.
- The approach shows promise as a non-invasive, non-pharmacological tool for enhancing attention.
- Further research is warranted to optimize this method for mitigating specific attention deficits.
