Sex-dependent hemodynamic responses in the whole brain during single-session fNIRS neurofeedback

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy-based neurofeedback (fNIRS-NF) training shows potential for improving cognitive function. However, current paradigms often overlook individual differences-particularly gender-specific effects on neuroplastic responses. This study investigates gender's role by analyzing brain functional characteristics during neurofeedback training across genders.

A total of 38 subjects (20 males and 18 females) were included in this study. All subjects completed neuropsychological tests, followed by a single NIRS-NF training session targeting the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).

No significant differences were observed in demographic data, neuropsychological test scores, or neurofeedback training scores between the male and female groups (p > 0.05). During neurofeedback training, the target brain region was primarily activated in the left DLPFC, with no difference in activation patterns between the two groups (p > 0.05, FDR corrected). Functional connectivity analysis revealed that males exhibited higher whole-brain connectivity strength than females (p < 0.05, FDR corrected). Specifically, the connectivity strength between the prefrontal lobe and right parietal lobe (r = 0.420，p = 0.008), as well as between the prefrontal lobe and posterior frontal area (r = 0.383，p = 0.017), was positively correlated with neurofeedback training scores.

This study confirms that individuals can successfully achieve regulation of the target brain region through a single session of neurofeedback, while highlighting the necessity of considering gender-specific brain network characteristics in the development of personalized neurofeedback paradigms.