A consensus guide to using functional near-infrared spectroscopy in posture and gait research

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomechanics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is widely applied to study cortical brain activity during posture and gait.
• Variability in fNIRS methods, data analysis, and reporting hinders research reproducibility and cross-study comparisons.
• Specific challenges exist for clinical populations with posture and gait disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose practical recommendations for conducting and reporting fNIRS studies in posture and gait research.
• To address challenges unique to clinical groups with posture and gait impairments.
• To promote standardization in fNIRS research for improved reliability and comparability.

Main Methods:

• The paper is structured around key aspects of fNIRS research: hardware setup, study protocols, artifact removal, data processing, and outcome measures.
• Recommendations are provided for ensuring validity and reliability of fNIRS data.
• A detailed checklist is included to aid researchers.

Main Results:

• The recommendations cover hardware setup, study protocols, data processing, and outcome measures.
• Guidance is provided on artifact removal, data analysis, and ensuring validity and reliability.
• A comprehensive checklist is offered to facilitate standardized research conduct.

Conclusions:

• Implementing these recommendations will enhance the quality and consistency of fNIRS studies in posture and gait.
• Standardization will facilitate more robust interpretation of findings and comparisons across studies.
• This work aims to support the research community in conducting impactful fNIRS research in posture and gait.