Dynamic Functional Network Connectivity Changes Associated with fMRI Neurofeedback of Right Premotor Cortex
Zhiying Long1, Zhaoxi Guo1, Zhitao Guo1
1The State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
Brain Sciences
|May 5, 2021
Summary
Real-time fMRI (rtfMRI) neurofeedback trains self-regulation of motor brain regions, altering dynamic functional connectivity. This study shows rtfMRI neurofeedback changes temporal properties of brain network connectivity, improving motor performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI) neurofeedback allows self-regulation of brain activity.
- Functional connectivity (FC) dynamically fluctuates during motor tasks.
- The impact of neurofeedback on dynamic FC (DFNC) during motor execution remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how self-regulation of the right premotor area (PMA) via rtfMRI neurofeedback affects DFNC during motor execution (ME).
- To explore the relationship between DFNC, neurofeedback training effects, and motor performance.
Main Methods:
- Participants underwent rtfMRI neurofeedback targeting the right PMA.
- Dynamic functional network connectivity (DFNC) was analyzed before and after training.
- Motor performance was assessed using tapping frequency.
- Correlation analyses examined relationships between DFNC, PMA upregulation, and motor performance.
Main Results:
- The experimental group, post-training, spent less time in a low-connectivity state (state 2) and more time in a high-connectivity state (state 6) compared to controls.
- In the experimental group, reduced time in state 2 correlated negatively with tapping frequency and PMA upregulation.
- Changes in DFNC temporal properties were observed.
Conclusions:
- rtfMRI neurofeedback can alter the temporal dynamics of functional brain networks during motor tasks.
- Modifications in DFNC, particularly in states with weaker connections, are linked to successful neurofeedback training and enhanced motor performance.
