iVR-fNIRS: studying brain functions in a fully immersive virtual environment

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Immersive virtual reality (iVR) simulates physical presence in digital spaces, offering promising applications in neuroscience research and therapy.
• VR technologies create realistic scenarios for controlled brain stimulation, providing a cost-effective alternative to conventional methods.
• Combining iVR with traditional brain imaging is challenging due to signal interference, prompting exploration of alternative neuroimaging techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review current research utilizing an immersive virtual reality (iVR) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) setup.
• To cover device types, stimulation approaches, data analysis methods, and key scientific findings in iVR-fNIRS studies.
• To highlight the potential of iVR-fNIRS for exploring cognitive, behavioral, and motor functions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies employing iVR-fNIRS.
• Analysis of device types, stimulation paradigms, and data processing techniques.
• Synthesis of major scientific findings from the reviewed literature.

Main Results:

• The iVR-fNIRS setup demonstrates high potential for versatile brain stimulation and examination of neural responses.
• Studies reviewed cover diverse applications in cognitive, behavioral, and motor function research.
• The combination allows for flexible examination of brain activity within immersive virtual environments.

Conclusions:

• The iVR-fNIRS approach holds significant promise for advancing neuroscience research and therapeutic applications.
• This technology can explore cognitive, behavioral, and motor functions in controlled, immersive settings.
• Future adaptive iVR programs can be developed for training and clinical therapeutics, including pain and various disorders.