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Yang X, Zeng Y, Jiao G, Gan X, Linden D, Hernaus D, Zhu C, Li K, Yao D, Yao S, Jiang Y, Becker B. A brief real-time fNIRS-informed neurofeedback training of the prefrontal cortex changes brain activity and connectivity during subsequent working memory challenge. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 132:110968. [PMID: 38354898 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Working memory (WM) represents a building-block of higher cognitive functions and a wide range of mental disorders are associated with WM impairments. Initial studies have shown that several sessions of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) informed real-time neurofeedback (NF) allow healthy individuals to volitionally increase activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a region critically involved in WM. For the translation to therapeutic or neuroenhancement applications, however, it is critical to assess whether fNIRS-NF success transfers into neural and behavioral WM enhancement in the absence of feedback. We therefore combined single-session fNIRS-NF of the left DLPFC with a randomized sham-controlled design (N = 62 participants) and a subsequent WM challenge with concomitant functional MRI. Over four runs of fNIRS-NF, the left DLPFC NF training group demonstrated enhanced neural activity in this region, reflecting successful acquisition of neural self-regulation. During the subsequent WM challenge, we observed no evidence for performance differences between the training and the sham group. Importantly, however, examination of the fMRI data revealed that - compared to the sham group - the training group exhibited significantly increased regional activity in the bilateral DLPFC and decreased left DLPFC - left anterior insula functional connectivity during the WM challenge. Exploratory analyses revealed a negative association between DLPFC activity and WM reaction times in the NF group. Together, these findings indicate that healthy individuals can learn to volitionally increase left DLPFC activity in a single training session and that the training success translates into WM-related neural activation and connectivity changes in the absence of feedback. This renders fNIRS-NF as a promising and scalable WM intervention approach that could be applied to various mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Yang
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Yixu Zeng
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Guojuan Jiao
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianyang Gan
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - David Linden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Hernaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Chaozhe Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Keshuang Li
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dezhong Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuxia Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yihan Jiang
- Center for the Cognitive Science of Language, Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing, China.
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The University of Hong Kong, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Hong Kong, China; The University of Hong Kong, Department of Psychology, Hong Kong, China.
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Wider W, Mutang JA, Chua BS, Pang NTP, Jiang L, Fauzi MA, Udang LN. Mapping the evolution of neurofeedback research: a bibliometric analysis of trends and future directions. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1339444. [PMID: 38799297 PMCID: PMC11116792 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1339444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study conducts a bibliometric analysis on neurofeedback research to assess its current state and potential future developments. Methods It examined 3,626 journal articles from the Web of Science (WoS) using co-citation and co-word methods. Results The co-citation analysis identified three major clusters: "Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback and Self-Regulation of Brain Activity," "EEG Neurofeedback and Cognitive Performance Enhancement," and "Treatment of ADHD Using Neurofeedback." The co-word analysis highlighted four key clusters: "Neurofeedback in Mental Health Research," "Brain-Computer Interfaces for Stroke Rehabilitation," "Neurofeedback for ADHD in Youth," and "Neural Mechanisms of Emotion and Self-Regulation with Advanced Neuroimaging. Discussion This in-depth bibliometric study significantly enhances our understanding of the dynamic field of neurofeedback, indicating its potential in treating ADHD and improving performance. It offers non-invasive, ethical alternatives to conventional psychopharmacology and aligns with the trend toward personalized medicine, suggesting specialized solutions for mental health and rehabilitation as a growing focus in medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walton Wider
- Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Jasmine Adela Mutang
- Faculty of Psychology and Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Bee Seok Chua
- Faculty of Psychology and Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Nicholas Tze Ping Pang
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Leilei Jiang
- Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Ashraf Fauzi
- Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Lester Naces Udang
- Faculty of Liberal Arts, Shinawatra University, Pathumthani, Thailand
- College of Education, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Philippines
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Chen JW, Zhu K. Single Exercise for Core Symptoms and Executive Functions in ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Atten Disord 2024; 28:399-414. [PMID: 38156611 DOI: 10.1177/10870547231217321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of single exercise on core symptoms and executive function in adolescents with ADHD. METHODS Four databases were searched for studies of the effects of single exercise on core symptoms and executive functioning in adolescents with ADHD. RESULTS Thirteen studies were included, and a single session of exercise had small effect-size improvements in core symptoms and executive function in adolescents with ADHD: 10 to 13 year olds in the early adolescent-elementary school years and 18 to 24 year olds in the late adolescent-college years. Moderate-intensity continuous training, high-intensity interval training, single sessions of less than 30 minutes, and single sessions of 30 minutes and more significantly improved cycling training, attention, inhibition, substance use, and pre-study abstinence. CONCLUSIONS A single session of exercise had an overall ameliorative effect on core symptoms and executive function in adolescents with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kun Zhu
- Shanghai University of Sport, China
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Fagerland SM, Berntsen HR, Fredriksen M, Endestad T, Skouras S, Rootwelt-Revheim ME, Undseth RM. Exploring protocol development: Implementing systematic contextual memory to enhance real-time fMRI neurofeedback. JOURNAL OF ELECTRICAL BIOIMPEDANCE 2024; 15:41-62. [PMID: 38827812 PMCID: PMC11141335 DOI: 10.2478/joeb-2024-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Objective The goal of this study was to explore the development and implementation of a protocol for real-time fMRI neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) and to assess the potential for enhancing the selective brain activation using stimuli from Virtual Reality (VR). In this study we focused on two specific brain regions, supplementary motor area (SMA) and right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG). Publications by other study groups have suggested impaired function in these specific brain regions in patients with the diagnoses Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Tourette's Syndrome (TS). This study explored the development of a protocol to investigate if attention and contextual memory may be used to systematically strengthen the procedure of rtfMRI-nf. Methods We used open-science software and platforms for rtfMRI-nf and for developing a simulated repetition of the rtfMRI-nf brain training in VR. We conducted seven exploratory tests in which we updated the protocol at each step. During rtfMRI-nf, MRI images are analyzed live while a person is undergoing an MRI scan, and the results are simultaneously shown to the person in the MRI-scanner. By focusing the analysis on specific regions of the brain, this procedure can be used to help the person strengthen conscious control of these regions. The VR simulation of the same experience involved a walk through the hospital toward the MRI scanner where the training sessions were conducted, as well as a subsequent simulated repetition of the MRI training. The VR simulation was a 2D projection of the experience.The seven exploratory tests involved 19 volunteers. Through this exploration, methods for aiming within the brain (e.g. masks/algorithms for coordinate-system control) and calculations for the analyses (e.g. calculations based on connectivity versus activity) were updated by the project team throughout the project. The final procedure involved three initial rounds of rtfMRI-nf for learning brain strategies. Then, the volunteers were provided with VR headsets and given instructions for one week of use. Afterward, a new session with three rounds of rtfMRI-nf was conducted. Results Through our exploration of the indirect effect parameters - brain region activity (directed oxygenated blood flow), connectivity (degree of correlated activity in different regions), and neurofeedback score - the volunteers tended to increase activity in the reinforced brain regions through our seven tests. Updates of procedures and analyses were always conducted between pilots, and never within. The VR simulated repetition was tested in pilot 7, but the role of the VR contribution in this setting is unclear due to underpowered testing. Conclusion This proof-of-concept protocol implies how rtfMRI-nf may be used to selectively train two brain regions (SMA and rIFG). The method may likely be adapted to train any given region in the brain, but readers are advised to update and adapt the procedure to experimental needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Maude Fagerland
- The Intervention Centre, Division of Technology and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cognitive and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Henrik Røsholm Berntsen
- The Intervention Centre, Division of Technology and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mats Fredriksen
- Neuropsychatric Outpatient Clinic, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Tor Endestad
- RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Neuropsychology, Helgeland Hospital, Norway
| | - Stavros Skouras
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, CH-1202, Switzerland
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, NO-5020, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital Bern, Bern, CH-3010, Switzerland
| | - Mona Elisabeth Rootwelt-Revheim
- The Intervention Centre, Division of Technology and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Marie Undseth
- The Intervention Centre, Division of Technology and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cognitive and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Radiology Research, The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Gallagher A, Wallois F, Obrig H. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy in pediatric clinical research: Different pathophysiologies and promising clinical applications. NEUROPHOTONICS 2023; 10:023517. [PMID: 36873247 PMCID: PMC9982436 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.10.2.023517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Over its 30 years of existence, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has matured into a highly versatile tool to study brain function in infants and young children. Its advantages, amongst others, include its ease of application and portability, the option to combine it with electrophysiology, and its relatively good tolerance to movement. As shown by the impressive body of fNIRS literature in the field of cognitive developmental neuroscience, the method's strengths become even more relevant for (very) young individuals who suffer from neurological, behavioral, and/or cognitive impairment. Although a number of studies have been conducted with a clinical perspective, fNIRS cannot yet be considered as a truly clinical tool. The first step has been taken in this direction by studies exploring options in populations with well-defined clinical profiles. To foster further progress, here, we review several of these clinical approaches to identify the challenges and perspectives of fNIRS in the field of developmental disorders. We first outline the contributions of fNIRS in selected areas of pediatric clinical research: epilepsy, communicative and language disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. We provide a scoping review as a framework to allow the highlighting of specific and general challenges of using fNIRS in pediatric research. We also discuss potential solutions and perspectives on the broader use of fNIRS in the clinical setting. This may be of use to future research, targeting clinical applications of fNIRS in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gallagher
- CHU Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Université de Montréal, LIONLab, Cerebrum, Department of Psychology, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fabrice Wallois
- Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Inserm U1105, GRAMFC, Amiens, France
| | - Hellmuth Obrig
- University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Leipzig/Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, Leipzig, Germany
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Poliakova E, Conrad AL, Schieltz KM, O’Brien MJ. Using fNIRS to evaluate ADHD medication effects on neuronal activity: A systematic literature review. FRONTIERS IN NEUROIMAGING 2023; 2. [PMID: 37033327 PMCID: PMC10078617 DOI: 10.3389/fnimg.2023.1083036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundFunctional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a relatively non-invasive and inexpensive functional neuroimaging technique that has shown promise as a method for understanding the differences in neuronal activity associated with various neurodevelopmental conditions, including ADHD. Additionally, fNIRS has been suggested as a possible tool to understand the impact of psychotropic medications on brain activity in individuals with ADHD, but this approach is still in its infancy.ObjectiveThe purpose of this systematic literature review was to synthesize the extant research literature on the use of fNIRS to assess the effects of ADHD medications on brain activity in children and adolescents with ADHD.MethodsA literature search following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Literature Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted for peer-reviewed articles related to ADHD, medication, and fNIRS in PsychInfo, Scopus, and PubMed electronic databases.ResultsThe search yielded 23 published studies meeting inclusion criteria. There was a high degree of heterogeneity in terms of the research methodology and procedures, which is explained in part by the distinct goals and approaches of the studies reviewed. However, there was also relative consistency in outcomes among a select group of studies that demonstrated a similar research focus.ConclusionAlthough fNIRS has great potential to further our understanding of the effects of ADHD medications on the neuronal activity of children and adolescents with ADHD, the current research base is still relatively small and there are limitations and methodological inconsistencies that should be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Poliakova
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Amy L. Conrad
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Kelly M. Schieltz
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Matthew J. O’Brien
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- CORRESPONDENCE: Matthew J. O’Brien,
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Li R, Hosseini H, Saggar M, Balters SC, Reiss AL. Current opinions on the present and future use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy in psychiatry. NEUROPHOTONICS 2023; 10:013505. [PMID: 36777700 PMCID: PMC9904322 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.10.1.013505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an optical imaging technique for assessing human brain activity by noninvasively measuring the fluctuation of cerebral oxygenated- and deoxygenated-hemoglobin concentrations associated with neuronal activity. Owing to its superior mobility, low cost, and good tolerance for motion, the past few decades have witnessed a rapid increase in the research and clinical use of fNIRS in a variety of psychiatric disorders. In this perspective article, we first briefly summarize the state-of-the-art concerning fNIRS research in psychiatry. In particular, we highlight the diverse applications of fNIRS in psychiatric research, the advanced development of fNIRS instruments, and novel fNIRS study designs for exploring brain activity associated with psychiatric disorders. We then discuss some of the open challenges and share our perspectives on the future of fNIRS in psychiatric research and clinical practice. We conclude that fNIRS holds promise for becoming a useful tool in clinical psychiatric settings with respect to developing closed-loop systems and improving individualized treatments and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rihui Li
- Stanford University, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, California, United States
| | - Hadi Hosseini
- Stanford University, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, California, United States
| | - Manish Saggar
- Stanford University, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, California, United States
| | - Stephanie Christina Balters
- Stanford University, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, California, United States
| | - Allan L. Reiss
- Stanford University, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, California, United States
- Stanford University, Department of Radiology and Pediatrics, Stanford, California, United States
- Stanford University, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford, California, United States
- Address all correspondence to Allan L. Reiss,
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