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Comparing fixed-array and functionally-defined channel of interest approaches to infant functional near-infrared
Yiyu Liu1, Fernando Sánchez Hernández1, Fransisca Ting2
1University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Psychology, Champaign, United States.
Insights
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) analysis for infants benefits from functional channel of interest (fCOI) methods over traditional approaches. fCOI analysis enhances sensitivity for studying infant brain function and development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a valuable tool for studying infant brain activity.
- Standardized analysis techniques for infant fNIRS data lag behind technological advancements.
- Existing analysis methods may not fully capture nuanced infant brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of different infant fNIRS data analysis methods.
- To evaluate traditional fixed-array analysis against functional channel of interest (fCOI) approaches.
- To provide guidelines for optimal fNIRS data analysis in infant research.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two independent infant fNIRS datasets (6-9 months old) and one simulated dataset.
- Comparison of fixed-array analysis with multiple fCOI analysis strategies.
- Testing the impact of varying the number and anatomical location of channels in fCOI definitions.
Main Results:
- Functional channel of interest (fCOI) approaches demonstrated higher sensitivity than fixed-array analyses.
- Within-subject definition of channels of interest particularly improved sensitivity.
- Anatomical restrictions and multi-channel fCOI definitions did not reduce, and sometimes improved, sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- fCOI approaches are recommended for analyzing infant fNIRS data due to increased sensitivity.
- Researchers should consider within-subject fCOI definitions for enhanced detection of brain activity.
- Guidelines are provided for selecting fCOI approaches and settings for infant brain function studies.
Abstract:
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is increasingly used to study brain function in infants, but the development and standardization of analysis techniques for use with infant fNIRS data have not paced other technical advances. Here we quantify and compare the effects of different methods of analysis of infant fNIRS data on two independent fNIRS datasets involving 6-9-month-old infants and a third simulated infant fNIRS dataset. With each, we contrast results from a traditional, fixed-array analysis with several functional channel of interest (fCOI) analysis approaches. In addition, we tested the effects of varying the number and anatomical location of potential data channels to be included in the fCOI definition. Over three studies we find that fCOI approaches are more sensitive than fixed-array analyses, especially when channels of interests were defined within-subjects. Applying anatomical restriction and/or including multiple channels in the fCOI definition does not decrease and in some cases increases sensitivity of fCOI methods. Based on these results, we recommend that researchers consider employing fCOI approaches to the analysis of infant fNIRS data and provide some guidelines for choosing between particular fCOI approaches and settings for the study of infant brain function and development.
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