HyperOptoNet: a MATLAB-based toolbox for inter-brain neuronal synchrony analysis using fNIRS hyperscanning

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Inter-brain synchrony (IBS) research using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning is an emerging field.
• Existing fNIRS analysis toolboxes lack the capability to visualize inter-brain neuronal synchrony on 3D head models.
• Previous toolboxes, OptoNet I and II, facilitated fNIRS-based functional brain network analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel MATLAB-based toolbox, HyperOptoNet, for analyzing inter-brain synchrony (IBS) from fNIRS hyperscanning data.
• To enable visualization of inter-brain cortical connectivity on 3D head models.
• To overcome the limitations of previous fNIRS analysis toolboxes.

Main Methods:

• Developed HyperOptoNet, a MATLAB toolbox for simultaneous analysis of inter-brain cortical connectivity from fNIRS hyperscanning signals.
• Implemented visualization of inter-brain neuronal synchrony using colored lines on two standard 3D head models.
• Evaluated the toolbox performance through an fNIRS hyperscanning study involving 32 healthy adults.

Main Results:

• The HyperOptoNet toolbox successfully analyzed inter-brain cortical connectivity using fNIRS hyperscanning data.
• Visualizations clearly represented inter-brain neuronal synchrony on 3D head models.
• The study revealed distinct inter-brain synchronization patterns based on task type, with interactive cognitive tasks (ICT) showing more extensive networks.

Conclusions:

• The developed HyperOptoNet toolbox demonstrates effective performance in analyzing inter-brain synchrony (IBS).
• The toolbox simplifies the analysis of fNIRS hyperscanning data, making it accessible even for researchers with limited experience.
• HyperOptoNet facilitates a deeper understanding of neural interactions during cognitive tasks.