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Curzel F, Tillmann B, Ferreri L. Lights on music cognition: A systematic and critical review of fNIRS applications and future perspectives. Brain Cogn 2024; 180:106200. [PMID: 38908228 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2024.106200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Research investigating the neural processes related to music perception and production constitutes a well-established field within the cognitive neurosciences. While most neuroimaging tools have limitations in studying the complexity of musical experiences, functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) represents a promising, relatively new tool for studying music processes in both laboratory and ecological settings, which is also suitable for both typical and pathological populations across development. Here we systematically review fNIRS studies on music cognition, highlighting prospects and potentialities. We also include an overview of fNIRS basic theory, together with a brief comparison to characteristics of other neuroimaging tools. Fifty-nine studies meeting inclusion criteria (i.e., using fNIRS with music as the primary stimulus) are presented across five thematic sections. Critical discussion of methodology leads us to propose guidelines of good practices aiming for robust signal analyses and reproducibility. A continuously updated world map is proposed, including basic information from studies meeting the inclusion criteria. It provides an organized, accessible, and updatable reference database, which could serve as a catalyst for future collaborations within the community. In conclusion, fNIRS shows potential for investigating cognitive processes in music, particularly in ecological contexts and with special populations, aligning with current research priorities in music cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Curzel
- Laboratoire d'Étude des Mécanismes Cognitifs (EMC), Université Lumière Lyon 2, Bron, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 69500, France; Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL), INSERM, U1028, CNRS, UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, Université de Lyon, Bron, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 69500, France.
| | - Barbara Tillmann
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL), INSERM, U1028, CNRS, UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, Université de Lyon, Bron, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 69500, France; LEAD CNRS UMR5022, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche Comté 21000, France.
| | - Laura Ferreri
- Laboratoire d'Étude des Mécanismes Cognitifs (EMC), Université Lumière Lyon 2, Bron, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 69500, France; Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Lombardia 27100, Italy.
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Garrido-Palomino I, Giles D, Fryer S, González-Montesinos JL, España-Romero V. Cognitive Function of Climbers: An Exploratory Study of Working Memory and Climbing Performance. THE SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 27:e24. [PMID: 39324757 DOI: 10.1017/sjp.2024.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Sport climbing requires a combination of physical and cognitive skills, with working memory (WM) playing a crucial role in performance. This study aimed to investigate the association between WM capacity and climbing ability, while considering potential confounding factors including sex, age, education level, and climbing experience. Additionally, the study compared prefrontal cortex (PFC) hemodynamic responses among different climbing ability groups and sex during WM performance. Twenty-eight climbers participated, with WM assessed using the eCorsi task and PFC hemodynamic responses measured with near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Initial linear regression analyses revealed no association between WM and climbing ability. However, significant associations were found after adjustment for covariates. Specifically, sex (p = .014), sex in conjunction with age (p = .026), sex combined with climbing experience (p = .022), and sex along with education level (p = .038) were identified as significant predictors of differences in WM between Expert and Elite climbers. Additionally, notable differences in PFC hemodynamic responses were observed between Expert and Elite climbers, as well as between sexes during the WM task, providing support for differences in WM capacity. This study contributes to understanding the complex relationship between WM capacity and climbing performance, emphasizing the need to account for influencing factors in assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Garrido-Palomino
- MOVE-IT Research Group, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidad de Cádiz, Cadiz (Spain)
| | | | - Simon Fryer
- School of Education and Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester (UK)
| | | | - Vanesa España-Romero
- MOVE-IT Research Group, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidad de Cádiz, Cadiz (Spain)
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz (Spain)
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Kothe C, Hanada G, Mullen S, Mullen T. Decoding working-memory load during n-back task performance from high channel fNIRS data. J Neural Eng 2024; 21:056005. [PMID: 39178905 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ad731b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Objective.Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) can measure neural activity through blood oxygenation changes in the brain in a wearable form factor, enabling unique applications for research in and outside the lab and in practical occupational settings. fNIRS has proven capable of measuring cognitive states such as mental workload, often using machine learning (ML) based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). To date, this research has largely relied on probes with channel counts from under ten to several hundred, although recently a new class of wearable NIRS devices featuring thousands of channels has emerged. This poses unique challenges for ML classification, as fNIRS is typically limited by few training trials which results in severely under-determined estimation problems. So far, it is not well understood how such high-resolution data is best leveraged in practical BCIs and whether state-of-the-art or better performance can be achieved.Approach.To address these questions, we propose an ML strategy to classify working-memory load that relies on spatio-temporal regularization and transfer learning from other subjects in a combination that, to our knowledge, has not been used in previous fNIRS BCIs. The approach can be interpreted as an end-to-end generalized linear model and allows for a high degree of interpretability using channel-level or cortical imaging approaches.Main results.We show that using the proposed methodology, it is possible to achieve state-of-the-art decoding performance with high-resolution fNIRS data. We also replicated several state-of-the-art approaches on our dataset of 43 participants wearing a 3198 dual-channel NIRS device while performing then-Back task and show that these existing methodologies struggle in the high-channel regime and are largely outperformed by the proposed pipeline.Significance.Our approach helps establish high-channel NIRS devices as a viable platform for state-of-the-art BCI and opens new applications using this class of headset while also enabling high-resolution model imaging and interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sean Mullen
- Intheon, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Tim Mullen
- Intheon, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
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Wei L, Chen Y, Chen X, Baeken C, Wu GR. Cardiac vagal activity changes moderated the association of cognitive and cerebral hemodynamic variations in the prefrontal cortex. Neuroimage 2024; 297:120725. [PMID: 38977040 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Phasic cardiac vagal activity (CVA), reflecting ongoing, moment-to-moment psychophysiological adaptations to environmental changes, can serve as a predictor of individual difference in executive function, particularly executive performance. However, the relationship between phasic CVA and executive function demands requires further validation because of previous inconsistent findings. Moreover, it remains unclear what types of phasic changes of CVA may be adaptive in response to heightened executive demands. This study used the standard N-back task to induce different levels of working memory (WM) load and combined functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) with a multipurpose polygraph to investigate the variations of CVA and its interactions with cognitive and prefrontal responses as executive demands increased in fifty-two healthy young subjects. Our results showed phasic decreases in CVA as WM load increased (t (51) = -3.758, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.526). Furthermore, phasic changes of CVA elicited by increased executive demands moderated the association of cognitive and cerebral hemodynamic variations in the prefrontal cortex (B = 0.038, SE = 0.014, p < 0.05). Specifically, as executive demands increased, individuals with larger phasic CVA withdrawal showed a positive relationship between cognitive and hemodynamic variations in the prefrontal cortex (β = 0.281, p = 0.031). No such significant relationship was observed in individuals with smaller phasic CVA withdrawal. The current findings demonstrate a decrease in CVA with increasing executive demands and provide empirical support for the notion that a larger phasic CVA withdrawal can be considered adaptive in situations requiring high executive function demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luqing Wei
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, PR China.
| | - Yuchun Chen
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Xiuwen Chen
- Huizhou Second People's Hospital, Huizhou, PR China
| | - Chris Baeken
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital (UZBrussel), Brussels, Belgium; Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Guo-Rong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, PR China.
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Park JH. Is virtual reality-based cognitive training in parallel with functional near-infrared spectroscopy-derived neurofeedback beneficial to improve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment? Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39033386 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2380483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cognitive training in parallel with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-derived neurofeedback has been identified to be beneficial in enhancing cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, effects of virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive training ensuring ecological validity in parallel with fNIRS-derived neurofeedback on neural efficiency has received little attention. This study investigated effects of VR-based cognitive training in parallel with fNIRS-derived neurofeedback on cognitive function and neural efficiency in patients with MCI. METHOD Ninety participants were randomly assigned into the active group (AG) receiving VR-based cognitive training in parallel with fNIRS-derived neurofeedback, the sham group (SG), or wait-list group (CG). The AG and SG group performed each intervention for fifteen minutes a session, for eight sessions. The Trail Making Test Part B and Backward Digit Span Test were used for outcomes. In addition, activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during cognitive testing using fNIRS was measured. RESULTS After the eight sessions, the AG achieved greater improvements in all outcomes than the other groups. In addition, the AG showed a lower DLPFC activity during cognitive testing than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS VR-based cognitive training in parallel with fNIRS-derived neurofeedback is superior to enhancing cognitive function and neural efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hyuck Park
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
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Khazaei S, Parshi S, Alam S, Amin MR, Faghih RT. A multimodal dataset for investigating working memory in presence of music: a pilot study. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1406814. [PMID: 38962177 PMCID: PMC11220373 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1406814] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Decoding an individual's hidden brain states in responses to musical stimuli under various cognitive loads can unleash the potential of developing a non-invasive closed-loop brain-machine interface (CLBMI). To perform a pilot study and investigate the brain response in the context of CLBMI, we collect multimodal physiological signals and behavioral data within the working memory experiment in the presence of personalized musical stimuli. Methods Participants perform a working memory experiment called the n-back task in the presence of calming music and exciting music. Utilizing the skin conductance signal and behavioral data, we decode the brain's cognitive arousal and performance states, respectively. We determine the association of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) data with performance state. Furthermore, we evaluate the total hemoglobin (HbT) signal energy over each music session. Results A relatively low arousal variation was observed with respect to task difficulty, while the arousal baseline changes considerably with respect to the type of music. Overall, the performance index is enhanced within the exciting session. The highest positive correlation between the HbO concentration and performance was observed within the higher cognitive loads (3-back task) for all of the participants. Also, the HbT signal energy peak occurs within the exciting session. Discussion Findings may underline the potential of using music as an intervention to regulate the brain cognitive states. Additionally, the experiment provides a diverse array of data encompassing multiple physiological signals that can be used in the brain state decoder paradigm to shed light on the human-in-the-loop experiments and understand the network-level mechanisms of auditory stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Khazaei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Srinidhi Parshi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Samiul Alam
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Md. Rafiul Amin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rose T. Faghih
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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Green GD, Jacewicz E, Santosa H, Arzbecker LJ, Fox RA. Evaluating Speaker-Listener Cognitive Effort in Speech Communication Through Brain-to-Brain Synchrony: A Pilot Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Investigation. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2024; 67:1339-1359. [PMID: 38535722 DOI: 10.1044/2024_jslhr-23-00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We explore a new approach to the study of cognitive effort involved in listening to speech by measuring the brain activity in a listener in relation to the brain activity in a speaker. We hypothesize that the strength of this brain-to-brain synchrony (coupling) reflects the magnitude of cognitive effort involved in verbal communication and includes both listening effort and speaking effort. We investigate whether interbrain synchrony is greater in native-to-native versus native-to-nonnative communication using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). METHOD Two speakers participated, a native speaker of American English and a native speaker of Korean who spoke English as a second language. Each speaker was fitted with the fNIRS cap and told short stories. The native English speaker provided the English narratives, and the Korean speaker provided both the nonnative (accented) English and Korean narratives. In separate sessions, fNIRS data were obtained from seven English monolingual participants ages 20-24 years who listened to each speaker's stories. After listening to each story in native and nonnative English, they retold the content, and their transcripts and audio recordings were analyzed for comprehension and discourse fluency, measured in the number of hesitations and articulation rate. No story retellings were obtained for narratives in Korean (an incomprehensible language for English listeners). Utilizing fNIRS technique termed sequential scanning, we quantified the brain-to-brain synchronization in each speaker-listener dyad. RESULTS For native-to-native dyads, multiple brain regions associated with various linguistic and executive functions were activated. There was a weaker coupling for native-to-nonnative dyads, and only the brain regions associated with higher order cognitive processes and functions were synchronized. All listeners understood the content of all stories, but they hesitated significantly more when retelling stories told in accented English. The nonnative speaker hesitated significantly more often than the native speaker and had a significantly slower articulation rate. There was no brain-to-brain coupling during listening to Korean, indicating a break in communication when listeners failed to comprehend the speaker. CONCLUSIONS We found that effortful speech processing decreased interbrain synchrony and delayed comprehension processes. The obtained brain-based and behavioral patterns are consistent with our proposal that cognitive effort in verbal communication pertains to both the listener and the speaker and that brain-to-brain synchrony can be an indicator of differences in their cumulative communicative effort. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25452142.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff D Green
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Ewa Jacewicz
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | | | - Lian J Arzbecker
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Robert A Fox
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus
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Manz S, Schmalz T, Ernst M, Köhler TM, Gonzalez-Vargas J, Dosen S. Using mobile eye tracking to measure cognitive load through gaze behavior during walking in lower limb prosthesis users: A preliminary assessment. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2024; 115:106250. [PMID: 38657356 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2024.106250] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower limb amputation does not affect only physical and psychological functioning but the use of a prosthetic device can also lead to increased cognitive demands. Measuring cognitive load objectively is challenging, and therefore, most studies use questionnaires that are easy to apply but can suffer from subjective bias. Motivated by this, the present study investigated whether a mobile eye tracker can be used to objectively measure cognitive load by monitoring gaze behavior during a set of motor tasks. METHODS Five prosthetic users and eight able-bodied controls participated in this study. Eye tracking data and kinematics were recorded during a set of motor tasks (level ground walking, walking on uneven terrain, obstacle avoidance, stairs up and ramp down, as well as ramp up and stairs down) while the participants were asked to focus their gaze on a visual target for as long as possible. Target fixation times and increase in pupil diameters were determined and correlated to subjective ratings of cognitive load. FINDINGS Overall, target fixation time and pupil diameter showed strong negative and positive correlations, respectively, to the subjective rating of cognitive load in the able-bodied controls (-0.75 and 0.80, respectively). However, the individual correlation strength, and in some cases, even the sign, was different across participants. A similar trend could be observed in prosthetic users. INTERPRETATION The results of this study showed that a mobile eye tracker may be used to estimate cognitive load in prosthesis users during locomotor tasks. This paves the way to establish a new approach to assessing cognitive load, which is objective and yet practical and simple to administer. Nevertheless, future studies should corroborate these results by comparing them to other objective measures as well as focus on translating the proposed approach outside of a laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Manz
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA, Global Research, Duderstadt, Germany
| | - Thomas Schmalz
- Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA, Clinical Research & Services, Research Biomechanics, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Ernst
- Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA, Clinical Research & Services, Research Biomechanics, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Strahinja Dosen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
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Zohdi H, Märki J, Scholkmann F, Wolf U. Cerebral, systemic physiological and behavioral responses to colored light exposure during a cognitive task: A SPA-fNIRS study. Behav Brain Res 2024; 462:114884. [PMID: 38296201 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Colored light has important implications for human health and well-being, as well as for the aesthetics and function of various environments. In addition to its effects on visual function, colored light has significant effects on cognitive performance, behavior and systemic physiology. The aim of the current study was to comprehensively investigate how colored light exposure (CLE) combined with a cognitive task (2-back) affects performance, cerebral hemodynamics, oxygenation, and systemic physiology as assessed by systemic physiology augmented functional near-infrared spectroscopy (SPA-fNIRS). 36 healthy subjects (22 female, 14 male, age 26.3 ± 5.7 years) were measured twice on two different days. They were exposed to the sequence of blue and red light or vice versa in a randomized crossover design. During the CLE, the subjects were asked to perform a 2-back task. The 2-back task performance was correlated with changes in the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex (red: r = -0.37, p = 0.001; blue: r = -0.33, p = 0.004) and the high-frequency component of the heart rate variability (red: r = 0.35, p = 0.003; blue: r = 0.25, p = 0.04). These changes were independent of the CLE. Sequence-dependent effects were observed for fNIRS signals at the visual cortex (VC) and for electrodermal activity (EDA). While both colors caused relatively similar changes in the VC and EDA at the position of the first exposure, blue and red light caused greater changes in the VC and EDA, respectively, in the second exposure. There was no significant difference in the subjects' 2-back task performance between the CLE (p = 0.46). The results of this study provide new insights into how human physiology and behavior respond to colored light exposure. Our findings are important for understanding the impact of colored light in our daily lives and its potential applications in a variety of settings, including education, the workplace and healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamoon Zohdi
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Josefa Märki
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Felix Scholkmann
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ursula Wolf
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Mark JA, Curtin A, Kraft AE, Ziegler MD, Ayaz H. Mental workload assessment by monitoring brain, heart, and eye with six biomedical modalities during six cognitive tasks. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2024; 5:1345507. [PMID: 38533517 PMCID: PMC10963413 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2024.1345507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The efficiency and safety of complex high precision human-machine systems such as in aerospace and robotic surgery are closely related to the cognitive readiness, ability to manage workload, and situational awareness of their operators. Accurate assessment of mental workload could help in preventing operator error and allow for pertinent intervention by predicting performance declines that can arise from either work overload or under stimulation. Neuroergonomic approaches based on measures of human body and brain activity collectively can provide sensitive and reliable assessment of human mental workload in complex training and work environments. Methods In this study, we developed a new six-cognitive-domain task protocol, coupling it with six biomedical monitoring modalities to concurrently capture performance and cognitive workload correlates across a longitudinal multi-day investigation. Utilizing two distinct modalities for each aspect of cardiac activity (ECG and PPG), ocular activity (EOG and eye-tracking), and brain activity (EEG and fNIRS), 23 participants engaged in four sessions over 4 weeks, performing tasks associated with working memory, vigilance, risk assessment, shifting attention, situation awareness, and inhibitory control. Results The results revealed varying levels of sensitivity to workload within each modality. While certain measures exhibited consistency across tasks, neuroimaging modalities, in particular, unveiled meaningful differences between task conditions and cognitive domains. Discussion This is the first comprehensive comparison of these six brain-body measures across multiple days and cognitive domains. The findings underscore the potential of wearable brain and body sensing methods for evaluating mental workload. Such comprehensive neuroergonomic assessment can inform development of next generation neuroadaptive interfaces and training approaches for more efficient human-machine interaction and operator skill acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A. Mark
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Adrian Curtin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Amanda E. Kraft
- Advanced Technology Laboratories, Lockheed Martin, Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Matthias D. Ziegler
- Advanced Technology Laboratories, Lockheed Martin, Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Hasan Ayaz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Drexel Solutions Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Shirzadi S, Dadgostar M, Einalou Z, Erdoğan SB, Akin A. Sex based differences in functional connectivity during a working memory task: an fNIRS study. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1207202. [PMID: 38390414 PMCID: PMC10881810 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1207202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Differences in corticocerebral structure and function between males and females and their effects on behavior and the prevalence of various neuropsychiatric disorders have been considered as a fundamental topic in various fields of neuroscience. Recent studies on working memory (WM) reported the impact of sex on brain connectivity patterns, which reflect the important role of functional connectivity in the sex topic. Working memory, one of the most important cognitive tasks performed by regions of the PFC, can provide evidence regarding the presence of a difference between males and females. The present study aimed to assess sex differences in brain functional connectivity during working memory-related tasks by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). In this regard, nine males and nine females completed a dual n-back working memory task with two target inputs of color and location stimuli in three difficulty levels (n = 0, 1, 2). Functional connectivity matrices were extracted for each subject for each memory load level. Females made less errors than males while spending more time performing the task for all workload levels except in 0-back related to the color stimulus, where the reaction time of females was shorter than males. The results of functional connectivity reveal the inverse behavior of two hemispheres at different memory workload levels between males and females. In the left hemisphere, males exhibited stronger connectivity compared to the females, while stronger connectivity was observed in the females' right hemisphere. Furthermore, an inverse trend was detected in the channel pairs with significant connectivity in the right hemisphere of males (falling) and females (rising) by enhancing working memory load level. Considering both behavioral and functional results for two sexes demonstrated a better performance in females due to the more effective use of the brain. The results indicate that sex affects functional connectivity between different areas in both hemispheres of the brain during cognitive tasks of varying difficulty levels although the general impression is that spatial capabilities are considered as a performance of the brain's right hemisphere. These results reinforce the presence of a sex effect in the functional imaging studies of hemodynamic function and emphasize the importance of evaluating brain network connectivity for achieving a better scientific understanding of sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Shirzadi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Dadgostar
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Zahra Einalou
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Sinem Burcu Erdoğan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ata Akin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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da Silva Soares R, Ramirez-Chavez KL, Tufanoglu A, Barreto C, Sato JR, Ayaz H. Cognitive Effort during Visuospatial Problem Solving in Physical Real World, on Computer Screen, and in Virtual Reality. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:977. [PMID: 38339693 PMCID: PMC10857420 DOI: 10.3390/s24030977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Spatial cognition plays a crucial role in academic achievement, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) domains. Immersive virtual environments (VRs) have the growing potential to reduce cognitive load and improve spatial reasoning. However, traditional methods struggle to assess the mental effort required for visuospatial processes due to the difficulty in verbalizing actions and other limitations in self-reported evaluations. In this neuroergonomics study, we aimed to capture the neural activity associated with cognitive workload during visuospatial tasks and evaluate the impact of the visualization medium on visuospatial task performance. We utilized functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) wearable neuroimaging to assess cognitive effort during spatial-reasoning-based problem-solving and compared a VR, a computer screen, and a physical real-world task presentation. Our results reveal a higher neural efficiency in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during 3D geometry puzzles in VR settings compared to the settings in the physical world and on the computer screen. VR appears to reduce the visuospatial task load by facilitating spatial visualization and providing visual cues. This makes it a valuable tool for spatial cognition training, especially for beginners. Additionally, our multimodal approach allows for progressively increasing task complexity, maintaining a challenge throughout training. This study underscores the potential of VR in developing spatial skills and highlights the value of comparing brain data and human interaction across different training settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimundo da Silva Soares
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.L.R.-C.); (A.T.); (C.B.)
- Center of Mathematics Computation and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo 09606-405, Brazil;
| | - Kevin L. Ramirez-Chavez
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.L.R.-C.); (A.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Altona Tufanoglu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.L.R.-C.); (A.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Candida Barreto
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.L.R.-C.); (A.T.); (C.B.)
| | - João Ricardo Sato
- Center of Mathematics Computation and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo 09606-405, Brazil;
| | - Hasan Ayaz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.L.R.-C.); (A.T.); (C.B.)
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Drexel Solutions Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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13
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Shin JH, Kang MJ, Lee SA. Wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy for measuring dissociable activation dynamics of prefrontal cortex subregions during working memory. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26619. [PMID: 38339822 PMCID: PMC10858338 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been extensively studied in relation to various cognitive abilities, including executive function, attention, and memory. Nevertheless, there is a gap in our scientific knowledge regarding the functionally dissociable neural dynamics across the PFC during a cognitive task and their individual differences in performance. Here, we explored this possibility using a delayed match-to-sample (DMTS) working memory (WM) task using NIRSIT, a high-density, wireless, wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system. First, upon presentation of the sample stimulus, we observed an immediate signal increase in the ventral (orbitofrontal) region of the anterior PFC, followed by activity in the dorsolateral PFC. After the DMTS test stimulus appeared, the orbitofrontal cortex activated once again, while the rest of the PFC showed overall disengagement. Individuals with higher accuracy showed earlier and sustained activation of the PFC across the trial. Furthermore, higher network efficiency and functional connectivity in the PFC were correlated with individual WM performance. Our study sheds new light on the dynamics of PFC subregional activity during a cognitive task and its potential applicability in explaining individual differences in experimental, educational, or clinical populations. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) captured dissociable temporal dynamics across prefrontal subregions during a delayed match-to-sample task. Anterior regions of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) activated first during the delay period, followed by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC). PFC disengaged overall after the delay, but the OFC reactivated to the test stimulus. Earlier and sustained activation of PFC was associated with better accuracy. Functional connectivity and network efficiency also varied with task performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Han Shin
- Program of Brain and Cognitive EngineeringKorea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)DaejeonSouth Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Min Jun Kang
- Department of Bio and Brain EngineeringKorea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)DaejeonSouth Korea
| | - Sang Ah Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
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14
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Le Cunff AL, Dommett E, Giampietro V. Neurophysiological measures and correlates of cognitive load in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and dyslexia: A scoping review and research recommendations. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:256-282. [PMID: 38109476 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Working memory is integral to a range of critical cognitive functions such as reasoning and decision-making. Although alterations in working memory have been observed in neurodivergent populations, there has been no review mapping how cognitive load is measured in common neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and dyslexia. This scoping review explores the neurophysiological measures used to study cognitive load in these specific populations. Our findings highlight that electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are the most frequently used methods, with a limited number of studies employing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRs), magnetoencephalography (MEG) or eye-tracking. Notably, eye-related measures are less commonly used, despite their prominence in cognitive load research among neurotypical individuals. The review also highlights potential correlates of cognitive load, such as neural oscillations in the theta and alpha ranges for EEG studies, blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses in lateral and medial frontal brain regions for fMRI and fNIRS studies and eye-related measures such as pupil dilation and blink rate. Finally, critical issues for future studies are discussed, including the technical challenges associated with multimodal approaches, the possible impact of atypical features on cognitive load measures and balancing data richness with participant well-being. These insights contribute to a more nuanced understanding of cognitive load measurement in neurodivergent populations and point to important methodological considerations for future neuroscientific research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Laure Le Cunff
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Eleanor Dommett
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Vincent Giampietro
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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15
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Shao G, Xu G, Huo C, Nie Z, Zhang Y, Yi L, Wang D, Shao Z, Weng S, Sun J, Li Z. Effect of the VR-guided grasping task on the brain functional network. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:77-94. [PMID: 38223191 PMCID: PMC10783918 DOI: 10.1364/boe.504669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) technology has been demonstrated to be effective in rehabilitation training with the assistance of VR games, but its impact on brain functional networks remains unclear. In this study, we used functional near-infrared spectroscopy imaging to examine the brain hemodynamic signals from 18 healthy participants during rest and grasping tasks with and without VR game intervention. We calculated and compared the graph theory-based topological properties of the brain networks using phase locking values (PLV). The results revealed significant differences in the brain network properties when VR games were introduced compared to the resting state. Specifically, for the VR-guided grasping task, the modularity of the brain network was significantly higher than the resting state, and the average clustering coefficient of the motor cortex was significantly lower compared to that of the resting state and the simple grasping task. Correlation analyses showed that a higher clustering coefficient, local efficiency, and modularity were associated with better game performance during VR game participation. This study demonstrates that a VR game task intervention can better modulate the brain functional network compared to simple grasping movements and may be more beneficial for the recovery of grasping abilities in post-stroke patients with hand paralysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangjian Shao
- School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, China
| | - Gongcheng Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, China
| | - Congcong Huo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, China
| | - Zichao Nie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, China
| | - Yizheng Zhang
- School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Li Yi
- School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Dongyang Wang
- School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Zhiyong Shao
- School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Shanfan Weng
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Jinyan Sun
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Zengyong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, China
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16
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Park JH. Mental workload classification using convolutional neural networks based on fNIRS-derived prefrontal activity. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:442. [PMID: 38102540 PMCID: PMC10722812 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03504-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a tool to assess brain activity during cognitive testing. Despite its usefulness, its feasibility in assessing mental workload remains unclear. This study was to investigate the potential use of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-derived signals to classify mental workload in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS Spatial images by constructing a statistical activation map from the prefrontal activity of 120 subjects with MCI performing three difficulty levels of the N-back task (0, 1, and 2-back) were used for CNNs. The CNNs were evaluated using a 5 and 10-fold cross-validation method. RESULTS As the difficulty level of the N-back task increased, the accuracy decreased and prefrontal activity increased. In addition, there was a significant difference in the accuracy and prefrontal activity across the three levels (p's < 0.05). The accuracy of the CNNs based on fNIRS-derived spatial images evaluated by 5 and 10-fold cross-validation in classifying the difficulty levels ranged from 0.83 to 0.96. CONCLUSION fNIRS could also be a promising tool for measuring mental workload in older adults with MCI despite their cognitive decline. In addition, this study demonstrated the feasibility of the classification performance of the CNNs based on fNIRS-derived signals from the prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hyuck Park
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Ranchod S, Rakobowchuk M, Gonzalez C. Distinct age-related brain activity patterns in the prefrontal cortex when increasing cognitive load: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293394. [PMID: 38091335 PMCID: PMC10718428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Researchers have long observed distinct brain activity patterns in older adults compared with younger adults that correlate with cognitive performance. Mainly, older adults tend to show over-recruitment of bilateral brain regions during lower task loads and improved performance interpreted as compensation, but not observed at higher loads. However, there are discrepancies about whether increases in activity are compensatory and whether older adults can show compensation at higher loads. Our aim was to examine age-related differences in prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity and cognitive performance using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during single and dual N-back tasks. Twenty-seven young adults (18-27 years) and 31 older adults (64-84 yrs) took part in the study. We used a robust fNIRS data methodology consisting of channel and region of interest analyses. Results showed differences in performance between task load conditions and age-related differences in reaction times but no age-group effects for accuracy. Older adults exhibited more bilateral PFC activation compared with young adults across all tasks and showed increases in brain activity in high compared to low load conditions. Our findings further support previous reports showing that older adults use compensatory recruitment of additional brain regions in PFC to maintain cognitive performance but go against the notion that such compensation is not present at higher cognitive loads. Additionally, our results indicate that fNIRS is a sensitive tool that can characterize adaptive cortical changes in healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supreeta Ranchod
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Arts, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark Rakobowchuk
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Claudia Gonzalez
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Arts, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
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18
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Zhao Y, Luo H, Chen J, Loureiro R, Yang S, Zhao H. Learning based motion artifacts processing in fNIRS: a mini review. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1280590. [PMID: 38033535 PMCID: PMC10683641 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1280590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper provides a concise review of learning-based motion artifacts (MA) processing methods in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), highlighting the challenges of maintaining optimal contact during subject movement, which can lead to MA and compromise data integrity. Traditional strategies often result in reduced reliability of the hemodynamic response and statistical power. Recognizing the limited number of studies focusing on learning-based MA removal, we examine 315 studies, identifying seven pertinent to our focus area. We discuss the current landscape of learning-based MA correction methods and highlight research gaps. Noting the absence of standard evaluation metrics for quality assessment of MA correction, we suggest a novel framework, integrating signal and model quality considerations and employing metrics like ΔSignal-to-Noise Ratio (ΔSNR), confusion matrix, and Mean Squared Error. This work aims to facilitate the application of learning-based methodologies to fNIRS and improve the accuracy and reliability of neurovascular studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyi Zhao
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-Engineering, CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (DSIS), University College London, Stanmore, United Kingdom
| | - Haiming Luo
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-Engineering, CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (DSIS), University College London, Stanmore, United Kingdom
| | - Jianan Chen
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-Engineering, CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (DSIS), University College London, Stanmore, United Kingdom
| | - Rui Loureiro
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-Engineering, CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (DSIS), University College London, Stanmore, United Kingdom
| | - Shufan Yang
- School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Hubin Zhao
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-Engineering, CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (DSIS), University College London, Stanmore, United Kingdom
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19
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Han Y, Huang J, Yin Y, Chen H. From brain to worksite: the role of fNIRS in cognitive studies and worker safety. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1256895. [PMID: 37954053 PMCID: PMC10634210 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1256895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective hazard recognition and decision-making are crucial factors in ensuring workplace safety in the construction industry. Workers' cognition closely relates to that hazard-handling behavior. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a neurotechique tool that can evaluate the concentration vibration of oxygenated hemoglobin [ H b O 2 ] and deoxygenated hemoglobin [H b R ] to reflect the cognition process. It is essential to monitor workers' brain activity by fNIRS to analyze their cognitive status and reveal the mechanism in hazard recognition and decision-making process, providing guidance for capability evaluation and management enhancement. This review offers a systematic assessment of fNIRS, encompassing the basic theory, experiment analysis, data analysis, and discussion. A literature search and content analysis are conducted to identify the application of fNIRS in construction safety research, the limitations of selected studies, and the prospects of fNIRS in future research. This article serves as a guide for researchers keen on harnessing fNIRS to bolster construction safety standards and forwards insightful recommendations for subsequent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Huihua Chen
- School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
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20
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HOLGADO DARÍAS, JOLIDON LÉO, BORRAGÁN GUILLERMO, SANABRIA DANIEL, PLACE NICOLAS. Individualized Mental Fatigue Does Not Impact Neuromuscular Function and Exercise Performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:1823-1834. [PMID: 37227196 PMCID: PMC10487395 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent studies have questioned previous empirical evidence that mental fatigue negatively impacts physical performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the critical role of individual differences in mental fatigue susceptibility by analyzing the neurophysiological and physical responses to an individualized mental fatigue task. METHODS In a preregistered ( https://osf.io/xc8nr/ ), randomized, within-participant design experiment, 22 recreational athletes completed a time to failure test at 80% of their peak power output under mental fatigue (individual mental effort) or control (low mental effort). Before and after the cognitive tasks, subjective feeling of mental fatigue, neuromuscular function of the knee extensors, and corticospinal excitability were measured. Sequential Bayesian analysis until it reached strong evidence in favor of the alternative hypothesis (BF 10 > 6) or the null hypothesis (BF 10 < 1/6) were conducted. RESULTS The individualized mental effort task resulted in a higher subjective feeling of mental fatigue in the mental fatigue condition (0.50 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39-0.62)) arbitrary units compared with control (0.19 (95% CI, 0.06-0.339)) arbitrary unit. However, exercise performance was similar in both conditions (control: 410 (95% CI, 357-463) s vs mental fatigue: 422 (95% CI, 367-477) s, BF 10 = 0.15). Likewise, mental fatigue did not impair knee extensor maximal force-generating capacity (BF 10 = 0.928) and did not change the extent of fatigability or its origin after the cycling exercise. CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence that mental fatigue adversely affects neuromuscular function or physical exercise; even if mental fatigue is individualized, computerized tasks seem not to affect physical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- DARÍAS HOLGADO
- Mind, Brain & Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, SPAIN
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Granada, SPAIN
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Quartier UNIL-Centre, Bâtiment Synathlon, Lausanne, SWITZERLAND
| | - LÉO JOLIDON
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Quartier UNIL-Centre, Bâtiment Synathlon, Lausanne, SWITZERLAND
| | - GUILLERMO BORRAGÁN
- UR2NF, Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Research Unit at CRCN, Centre de Recherches en Cognition et Neurosciences and UNI—ULB Neurosciences Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium, Brussels, BELGIUM
| | - DANIEL SANABRIA
- Mind, Brain & Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, SPAIN
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Granada, SPAIN
| | - NICOLAS PLACE
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Quartier UNIL-Centre, Bâtiment Synathlon, Lausanne, SWITZERLAND
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21
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Powers S, Han X, Martinez J, Dufford AJ, Metz TD, Yeh T, Kim P. Cannabis use during pregnancy and hemodynamic responses to infant cues in pregnancy: an exploratory study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1180947. [PMID: 37743996 PMCID: PMC10512021 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1180947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cannabis is one of the most commonly used substances during pregnancy and has the potential to negatively impact parent-infant relationships. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) response to infant cues during pregnancy has been associated with subsequent positive parenting behaviors. However, PFC activation is altered in individuals who use cannabis. As the potency of cannabis has changed over the years, little is known about the specific role of cannabis use on gestational parent brain responses to infant cues. Materials and methods Using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in the second trimester of pregnancy, we measured hemodynamic responses to an infant cry task and an infant faces task among individuals who were using cannabis (N = 14) and compared them with those who were not using cannabis (N = 45). For the infant cry task, pregnant individuals listened to cry sounds and matched white noise. For the infant faces task, they viewed happy, sad, and neutral faces. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Without adjusting for multiple comparisons, we found preliminary evidence for the differences in the dorsomedial PFC associated with heightened response to infant cry among individuals who use cannabis. The groups were also different in the dorsolateral PFC associated with decreased response to infant sad faces among individuals who use cannabis. Discussion Our preliminary data suggests that cannabis use during pregnancy was associated with brain activation in the regions involved in the emotional regulation and information processes. However, the results did not survive after adjustment for multiple comparisons, thus future research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm potential differences in brain function among cannabis-using pregnant individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Powers
- University of Denver, Psychology, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Xu Han
- University of Colorado, Computer Science, Boulder, CO, United States
| | | | - Alexander John Dufford
- Department of Medical Social Sciences and Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Torri D. Metz
- University of Utah Health, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Tom Yeh
- University of Colorado, Computer Science, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Pilyoung Kim
- University of Denver, Psychology, Denver, CO, United States
- Department of Psychology, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
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22
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Geissler C, Gauselmann P, Jilek C, Maus H, Frings C, Tempel T. A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study on the prefrontal correlates of cognitive offloading via a personal knowledge assistant. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13938. [PMID: 37626078 PMCID: PMC10457398 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39540-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The saving of previously encoded information boosts both memory for subsequent information (saving-enhanced memory; SEM) as well as cognitive performance in general (saving-enhanced performance; SEP). These findings have been replicated in a setting that involves the assistance by an intelligent software that automatically structures and saves work content in an interactive sidebar. It is assumed that beneficial effects on cognitive performance due to (automatic) saving are caused by a reduction in current workload by means of cognitive offloading. We tested this assumption by measuring neural activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) via functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-once after saving and once after deleting of previously collected information that had to be recalled later-on. On a behavioral level, there was a brief benefit of saving. However, cognitive offloading became most apparent on a neural level: after saving, participants showed significantly lower activation in the right DLPFC. Also, the more participants benefited from cognitive offloading, the more they were able to re-access previously collected, saved information. Thus, fNIRS results indicated reduced mental load after saving, confirming the assumption that saving triggers cognitive offloading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Geissler
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, University of Trier, 54286, Trier, Germany.
- Institute for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (ICAN), University of Trier, Trier, Germany.
| | | | - Christian Jilek
- German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), Kaiserslautern, Germany
- RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Heiko Maus
- German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Christian Frings
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, University of Trier, 54286, Trier, Germany
- Institute for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (ICAN), University of Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - Tobias Tempel
- Ludwigsburg University of Education, Ludwigsburg, Germany
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23
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Lee I, Kim D, Kim S, Kim HJ, Chung US, Lee JJ. Cognitive training based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy neurofeedback for the elderly with mild cognitive impairment: a preliminary study. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1168815. [PMID: 37564400 PMCID: PMC10410268 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1168815] [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: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often described as an intermediate stage of the normal cognitive decline associated with aging and dementia. There is a growing interest in various non-pharmacological interventions for MCI to delay the onset and inhibit the progressive deterioration of daily life functions. Previous studies suggest that cognitive training (CT) contributes to the restoration of working memory and that the brain-computer-interface technique can be applied to elicit a more effective treatment response. However, these techniques have certain limitations. Thus, in this preliminary study, we applied the neurofeedback paradigm during CT to increase the working memory function of patients with MCI. Methods Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to provide neurofeedback by measuring the changes in oxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex. Thirteen elderly MCI patients who received CT-neurofeedback sessions four times on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) once a week were recruited as participants. Results Compared with pre-intervention, the activity of the targeted brain region increased when the participants first engaged in the training; after 4 weeks of training, oxygen saturation was significantly decreased in the left dlPFC. The participants demonstrated significantly improved working memory compared with pre-intervention and decreased activity significantly correlated with improved cognitive performance. Conclusion Our results suggest that the applications for evaluating brain-computer interfaces can aid in elucidation of the subjective mental workload that may create additional or decreased task workloads due to CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilju Lee
- Department of Psychology, College of Health Science, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehwan Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jung Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Un Sun Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Jae Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
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Betts K, Reddy P, Galoyan T, Delaney B, McEachron DL, Izzetoglu K, Shewokis PA. An Examination of the Effects of Virtual Reality Training on Spatial Visualization and Transfer of Learning. Brain Sci 2023; 13:890. [PMID: 37371368 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatial visualization ability (SVA) has been identified as a potential key factor for academic achievement and student retention in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in higher education, especially for engineering and related disciplines. Prior studies have shown that training using virtual reality (VR) has the potential to enhance learning through the use of more realistic and/or immersive experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of VR-based training using spatial visualization tasks on participant performance and mental workload using behavioral (i.e., time spent) and functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) brain-imaging-technology-derived measures. Data were collected from 10 first-year biomedical engineering students, who engaged with a custom-designed spatial visualization gaming application over a six-week training protocol consisting of tasks and procedures that varied in task load and spatial characteristics. Findings revealed significant small (Cohen's d: 0.10) to large (Cohen's d: 2.40) effects of task load and changes in the spatial characteristics of the task, such as orientation or position changes, on time spent and oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) measures from all the prefrontal cortex (PFC) areas. Transfer had a large (d = 1.37) significant effect on time spent and HbO measures from right anterior medial PFC (AMPFC); while training had a moderate (d = 0.48) significant effect on time spent and HbR measures from left AMPFC. The findings from this study have important implications for VR training, research, and instructional design focusing on enhancing the learning, retention, and transfer of spatial skills within and across various VR-based training scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Betts
- School of Education, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Pratusha Reddy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tamara Galoyan
- School of Education, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Brian Delaney
- School of Communication and Journalism, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Donald L McEachron
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kurtulus Izzetoglu
- School of Education, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Patricia A Shewokis
- School of Education, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- College of Nursing & Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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25
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Balters S, Miller JG, Li R, Hawthorne G, Reiss AL. Virtual (Zoom) Interactions Alter Conversational Behavior and Interbrain Coherence. J Neurosci 2023; 43:2568-2578. [PMID: 36868852 PMCID: PMC10082458 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1401-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of social interactions are taking place virtually on videoconferencing platforms. Here, we explore potential effects of virtual interactions on observed behavior, subjective experience, and neural "single-brain" and "interbrain" activity via functional near-infrared spectroscopy neuroimaging. We scanned a total of 36 human dyads (72 participants, 36 males, 36 females) who engaged in three naturalistic tasks (i.e., problem-solving, creative-innovation, socio-emotional task) in either an in-person or virtual (Zoom) condition. We also coded cooperative behavior from audio recordings. We observed reduced conversational turn-taking behavior during the virtual condition. Given that conversational turn-taking was associated with other metrics of positive social interaction (e.g., subjective cooperation and task performance), this measure may be an indicator of prosocial interaction. In addition, we observed altered patterns of averaged and dynamic interbrain coherence in virtual interactions. Interbrain coherence patterns that were characteristic of the virtual condition were associated with reduced conversational turn-taking. These insights can inform the design and engineering of the next generation of videoconferencing technology.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Videoconferencing has become an integral part of our lives. Whether this technology impacts behavior and neurobiology is not well understood. We explored potential effects of virtual interaction on social behavior, brain activity, and interbrain coupling. We found that virtual interactions were characterized by patterns of interbrain coupling that were negatively implicated in cooperation. Our findings are consistent with the perspective that videoconferencing technology adversely affects individuals and dyads during social interaction. As virtual interactions become even more necessary, improving the design of videoconferencing technology will be crucial for supporting effective communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Balters
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Jonas G Miller
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Rihui Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Grace Hawthorne
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Allan L Reiss
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
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Gao J, Zhang L, Zhu J, Guo Z, Lin M, Bai L, Zheng P, Liu W, Huang J, Liu Z. Prefrontal Cortex Hemodynamics and Functional Connectivity Changes during Performance Working Memory Tasks in Older Adults with Sleep Disorders. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030497. [PMID: 36979307 PMCID: PMC10046575 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Older adults with sleep disorders (SDs) show impaired working memory abilities, and working memory processes are closely related to the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, the neural mechanism of working memory impairment in older adults with SD remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate changes in PFC function among older adults with SD when carrying out the N-back task by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Method: A total of 37 older adults with SDs were enrolled in this study and matched with 37 healthy older adults by gender, age, and years of education. Changes in PFC function were observed by fNIRS when carrying out the N-back task. Results: The accuracy on the 0-back and 2-back tasks in the SD group was significantly lower than that in the healthy controls (HC) group. The oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentration of channel 8 which located in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was significantly reduced in the SD group during the 2-back task, and the channel-to-channel connectivity between the PFC subregions was significantly decreased. Conclusions: These results suggest that patients with sleep disorders have a weak performance of working memory; indeed, the activation and functional connectivity in the prefrontal subregions were reduced in this study. This may provide new evidence for working memory impairment and brain function changes in elderly SDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Gao
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jingfang Zhu
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Zhenxing Guo
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Miaoran Lin
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Linxin Bai
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Peiyun Zheng
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Weilin Liu
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jia Huang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Zhizhen Liu
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Correspondence:
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Yeung MK, Han YMY. Changes in task performance and frontal cortex activation within and over sessions during the n-back task. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3363. [PMID: 36849731 PMCID: PMC9971214 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30552-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The n-back task is a popular paradigm for studying neurocognitive processing at varying working memory loads. Although much is known about the effects of load on behavior and neural activation during n-back performance, the temporal dynamics of such effects remain unclear. Here, we investigated the within- and between-session stability and consistency of task performance and frontal cortical activation during the n-back task using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Forty healthy young adults performed the 1-back and 3-back conditions three times per condition. They then undertook identical retest sessions 3 weeks later (M = 21.2 days, SD = 0.9). Over the course of the task, activation in the participants' frontopolar, dorsomedial, dorsolateral, ventrolateral, and posterolateral frontal cortices was measured with fNIRS. We found significantly improved working memory performance (difference between 1-back and 3-back accuracies) over time both within and between sessions. All accuracy and reaction time measures exhibited good to excellent consistency within and across sessions. Additionally, changes in frontal oxyhemoglobin (HbO) and deoxyhemoglobin (HbR) concentration were maintained over time across timescales, except that load-dependent (3-back > 1-back) HbO changes, particularly in the ventrolateral PFC, diminished over separate sessions. The consistency of fNIRS measures varied greatly, with changes in 3-back dorsolateral and ventrolateral HbO demonstrating fair-to-good consistency both within and between sessions. Overall, this study clarified the temporal dynamics of task performance and frontal activation during the n-back task. The findings revealed the neural mechanisms underlying the change in n-back task performance over time and have practical implications for future n-back research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. Yeung
- grid.419993.f0000 0004 1799 6254Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Tai Po China
| | - Yvonne M. Y. Han
- grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hung Hom China ,grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hung Hom China
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Mark CA, Poltavski DV. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy is a sensitive marker of neurophysiological deficits on executive function tasks in young adults with a history of child abuse. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2023:1-14. [PMID: 36803059 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2023.2179399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has shown the utility of imaging measures of neural activity in identifying deficits in cognitive functioning in individuals with a history of child abuse. The purpose of the present study was to measure differences that may exist between individuals who reported physical, emotional, or sexual abuse as children (n = 37) vs. those who did not (n = 47) using Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) during the completion of cognitive tasks of executive function. The results showed a significantly higher rate and number of errors of commission on the Conners CPT test in the child abuse group compared to the control group. The analyses also showed a statistically significant decrease in oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentration in the left rostral prefrontal cortex in the child abuse group compared to the no-abuse group during the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). A similar, albeit non-significant, trend toward decreased oxy-Hb concentration was observed in the child abuse group in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) on the OSPAN and Connors CPT. The results suggest that the latter group may show subtle neurological deficits that persist into adulthood that may not manifest on traditional measures of cognitive function. These findings have implications for the development of remediation and treatment strategies in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Mark
- Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Dmitri V Poltavski
- Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
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29
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Karmakar S, Kamilya S, Dey P, Guhathakurta PK, Dalui M, Bera TK, Halder S, Koley C, Pal T, Basu A. Real time detection of cognitive load using fNIRS: A deep learning approach. Biomed Signal Process Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2022.104227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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30
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Hancock AS, Warren CM, Barrett TS, Bolton DAE, Gillam RB. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy measures of neural activity in children with and without developmental language disorder during a working memory task. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e2895. [PMID: 36706040 PMCID: PMC9927862 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) exhibit cognitive deficits that interfere with their ability to learn language. Little is known about the functional neuroanatomical differences between children developing typically (TD) and children with DLD. METHODS Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, we recorded oxygenated hemoglobin (O2 hb) concentration values associated with neural activity in children with and without DLD during an auditory N-back task that included 0-back, 1-back, and 2-back conditions. Analyses focused on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and left inferior parietal lobule (IPL). Multilevel models were constructed with accuracy, response time, and O2 hb as outcome measures, with 0-back outcomes as fixed effects to control for sustained attention. RESULTS Children with DLD were significantly less accurate than their TD peers at both the 1-back and 2-back tasks, and they demonstrated slower response times during 2-back. In addition, children in the TD group demonstrated significantly greater sensitivity to increased task difficulty, showing increased O2 hb to the IPL during 1-back and to the DLPFC during the 2-back, whereas the DLD group did not. A secondary analysis revealed that higher O2 hb in the DLPFC predicted better task accuracy across groups. CONCLUSION When task difficulty increased, children with DLD failed to recruit the DLPFC for monitoring information and the IPL for processing information. Reduced memory capacity and reduced engagement likely contribute to the language learning difficulties of children with DLD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - David A. E. Bolton
- Department of Kinesiology and Health SciencesUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
| | - Ronald B. Gillam
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf EducationUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
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Haptic shared control improves neural efficiency during myoelectric prosthesis use. Sci Rep 2023; 13:484. [PMID: 36627340 PMCID: PMC9832035 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26673-2] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical myoelectric prostheses lack the sensory feedback and sufficient dexterity required to complete activities of daily living efficiently and accurately. Providing haptic feedback of relevant environmental cues to the user or imbuing the prosthesis with autonomous control authority have been separately shown to improve prosthesis utility. Few studies, however, have investigated the effect of combining these two approaches in a shared control paradigm, and none have evaluated such an approach from the perspective of neural efficiency (the relationship between task performance and mental effort measured directly from the brain). In this work, we analyzed the neural efficiency of 30 non-amputee participants in a grasp-and-lift task of a brittle object. Here, a myoelectric prosthesis featuring vibrotactile feedback of grip force and autonomous control of grasping was compared with a standard myoelectric prosthesis with and without vibrotactile feedback. As a measure of mental effort, we captured the prefrontal cortex activity changes using functional near infrared spectroscopy during the experiment. It was expected that the prosthesis with haptic shared control would improve both task performance and mental effort compared to the standard prosthesis. Results showed that only the haptic shared control system enabled users to achieve high neural efficiency, and that vibrotactile feedback was important for grasping with the appropriate grip force. These results indicate that the haptic shared control system synergistically combines the benefits of haptic feedback and autonomous controllers, and is well-poised to inform such hybrid advancements in myoelectric prosthesis technology.
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Miller JG, Hyat M, Perlman SB, Wong RJ, Shaw GM, Stevenson DK, Gotlib IH. Prefrontal activation in preschool children is associated with maternal adversity and child temperament: A preliminary fNIRS study of inhibitory control. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22351. [PMID: 36567657 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to adversity is a well-documented risk factor for cognitive, behavioral, and mental health problems. In fact, the consequences of adversity may be intergenerational. A growing body of research suggests that maternal exposures to adversity, including those prior to childbirth, are associated with offspring biobehavioral development. In a sample of 36 mothers and their preschool-age children (mean child age = 4.21 ± 0.92 years), we used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to replicate and extend this work to include brain activation during inhibitory control in young children. We found that measures of maternal exposure to adversity, including cumulative, childhood, and preconception exposures, were significantly and positively associated with activation in the right frontopolar prefrontal cortex (PFC) and in the left temporal and parietal clusters during inhibitory control. In addition, and consistent with previous findings, children's increased negative affect and decreased effortful control were associated with increased right PFC activation during inhibitory control. These findings provide preliminary evidence that maternal and dispositional risk factors are linked to alterations in PFC functioning during the preschool years. Children of mothers with a history of exposure to adversity, as well as children who are less temperamentally regulated, may require increased neural resources to meet the cognitive demands of inhibitory control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas G Miller
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Mahnoor Hyat
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Susan B Perlman
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ronald J Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ian H Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Shi L, Dong L, Zhao W, Tan D. Improving middle school students' geometry problem solving ability through hands-on experience: An fNIRS study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1126047. [PMID: 36959998 PMCID: PMC10028175 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1126047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hands-on learning is proposed as a prerequisite for mathematics learning in kindergarten and primary school. However, it remains unclear that whether hands-on experience aids understanding of geometry knowledge for middle school students. We also know little about the neural basis underlying the value of hands-on experience in math education. In this study, 40 right-handed Chinese students (20 boys and 20 girls) with different academic levels were selected from 126 seventh-grade students in the same school, who learnt "Axisymmetric of an Isosceles Triangle" in different learning style (hands-on operation vs. video observation). Half of them operated the concrete manipulatives while the other half watched the instructional videos. The learning-test paradigm and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technique were used to compare the differences in geometry reasoning involved in solving well-structured problems and ill-structured problems. Behavioral results showed that hands-on experience promoted students' performances of geometry problem-solving. Students with lower academic level were more dependent on hands-on experience than those with higher academic level. The fNIRS results showed that meaningful hands-on experience with concrete manipulatives related to learning contents increased reactivation of the somatosensory association cortex during subsequent reasoning, which helped to improve the problem-solving performance. Hands-on experience also reduced students' cognitive load during the well-structured problem-solving process. These findings contribute to better understand the value of hands-on experience in geometry learning and the implications for future mathematics classroom practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Licheng Shi
- School of Education Science, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Linwei Dong
- Jiangsu Institute of Education Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Weikun Zhao
- Yulong Road Experimental School, Yancheng, China
| | - Dingliang Tan
- School of Education Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Dingliang Tan,
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Eng CM, Pocsai M, Fulton VE, Moron SP, Thiessen ED, Fisher AV. Longitudinal investigation of executive function development employing task-based, teacher reports, and fNIRS multimethodology in 4- to 5-year-old children. Dev Sci 2022; 25:e13328. [PMID: 36221252 PMCID: PMC10408588 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Increased focus on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) and the use and accessibility of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) have advanced knowledge on the interconnected nature of neural substrates underlying executive function (EF) development in adults and clinical populations. Less is known about the relationship between rsFC and developmental changes in EF during preschool years in typically developing children, a gap the present study addresses employing task-based assessment, teacher reports, and fNIRS multimethodology. This preregistered study contributes to our understanding of the neural basis of EF development longitudinally with 41 children ages 4-5. Changes in prefrontal cortex (PFC) rsFC utilizing fNIRS, EF measured with a common task-based assessment (Day-Night task), and teacher reports of behavior (BRIEF-P) were monitored over multiple timepoints: Initial Assessment, 72 h follow-up, 1 Month Follow-up, and 4 Month Follow-up. Measures of rsFC were strongly correlated 72 h apart, providing evidence of high rsFC measurement reliability using fNIRS with preschool-aged children. PFC rsFC was positively correlated with performance on task-based and report-based EF assessments. Children's PFC functional connectivity at rest uniquely predicted later EF, controlling for verbal IQ, age, and sex. Functional connectivity at rest using fNIRS may potentially show the rapid changes in EF development in young children, not only neurophysiologically, but also as a correlate of task-based EF performance and ecologically-relevant teacher reports of EF in a classroom context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassondra M Eng
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Melissa Pocsai
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychology, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Virginia E Fulton
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Suanna P Moron
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Erik D Thiessen
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anna V Fisher
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Load-Dependent Prefrontal Cortex Activation Assessed by Continuous-Wave Near-Infrared Spectroscopy during Two Executive Tasks with Three Cognitive Loads in Young Adults. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12111462. [PMID: 36358387 PMCID: PMC9688545 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the evolution of the behavioral performance, subjectively perceived difficulty, and hemodynamic activity of the prefrontal cortex as a function of cognitive load during two different cognitive tasks tapping executive functions. Additionally, it investigated the relationships between these behavioral, subjective, and neuroimaging data. Nineteen right-handed young adults (18–22 years) were scanned using continuous-wave functional near-infrared spectroscopy during the performance of n-back and random number generation tasks in three cognitive load conditions. Four emitter and four receptor optodes were fixed bilaterally over the ventrolateral and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices to record the hemodynamic changes. A self-reported scale measured the perceived difficulty. The findings of this study showed that an increasing cognitive load deteriorated the behavioral performance and increased the perceived difficulty. The hemodynamic activity increased parametrically for the three cognitive loads of the random number generation task and in a two-back and three-back compared to a one-back condition. In addition, the hemodynamic activity was specifically greater in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex than in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for both cognitive tasks (random number generation and n-back tasks). Finally, the results highlighted some links between cerebral oxygenation and the behavioral performance, but not the subjectively perceived difficulty. Our results suggest that cognitive load affects the executive performance and perceived difficulty and that fNIRS can be used to specify the prefrontal cortex’s implications for executive tasks involving inhibition and working memory updating.
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Jeun YJ, Nam Y, Lee SA, Park JH. Effects of Personalized Cognitive Training with the Machine Learning Algorithm on Neural Efficiency in Healthy Younger Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13044. [PMID: 36293619 PMCID: PMC9602107 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To date, neural efficiency, an ability to economically utilize mental resources, has not been investigated after cognitive training. The purpose of this study was to provide customized cognitive training and confirm its effect on neural efficiency by investigating prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Before training, a prediction algorithm based on the PFC activity with logistic regression was used to predict the customized difficulty level with 86% accuracy by collecting data when subjects performed four kinds of cognitive tasks. In the next step, the intervention study was designed using one pre-posttest group. Thirteen healthy adults participated in the virtual reality (VR)-based spatial cognitive training, which was conducted four times a week for 30 min for three weeks with customized difficulty levels for each session. To measure its effect, the trail-making test (TMT) and hemodynamic responses were measured for executive function and PFC activity. During the training, VR-based spatial cognitive performance was improved, and hemodynamic values were gradually increased as the training sessions progressed. In addition, after the training, the performance on the trail-making task (TMT) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement, and there was a statistically significant decrease in the PFC activity. The improved performance on the TMT coupled with the decreased PFC activity could be regarded as training-induced neural efficiency. These results suggested that personalized cognitive training could be effective in improving executive function and neural efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jin Jeun
- Department of ICT Convergence, Graduate School of Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
| | - Yunyoung Nam
- Department of Computer Science, Engineering Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
| | - Seong A Lee
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
| | - Jin-Hyuck Park
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
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Gao Y, Chao H, Cavuoto L, Yan P, Kruger U, Norfleet JE, Makled BA, Schwaitzberg S, De S, Intes X. Deep learning-based motion artifact removal in functional near-infrared spectroscopy. NEUROPHOTONICS 2022; 9:041406. [PMID: 35475257 PMCID: PMC9034734 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.9.4.041406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a well-established neuroimaging technique, enables monitoring cortical activation while subjects are unconstrained. However, motion artifact is a common type of noise that can hamper the interpretation of fNIRS data. Current methods that have been proposed to mitigate motion artifacts in fNIRS data are still dependent on expert-based knowledge and the post hoc tuning of parameters. Aim: Here, we report a deep learning method that aims at motion artifact removal from fNIRS data while being assumption free. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation to report on the use of a denoising autoencoder (DAE) architecture for motion artifact removal. Approach: To facilitate the training of this deep learning architecture, we (i) designed a specific loss function and (ii) generated data to mimic the properties of recorded fNIRS sequences. Results: The DAE model outperformed conventional methods in lowering residual motion artifacts, decreasing mean squared error, and increasing computational efficiency. Conclusion: Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of deep learning models for accurate and fast motion artifact removal in fNIRS data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Center for Modeling, Simulation and Imaging in Medicine, Troy, New York, United States
| | - Hanqing Chao
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Troy, New York, United States
| | - Lora Cavuoto
- University at Buffalo, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Pingkun Yan
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Center for Modeling, Simulation and Imaging in Medicine, Troy, New York, United States
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Troy, New York, United States
| | - Uwe Kruger
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Center for Modeling, Simulation and Imaging in Medicine, Troy, New York, United States
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Troy, New York, United States
| | - Jack E. Norfleet
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command–Soldier Center, Orlando, Florida, United States
- SFC Paul Ray Smith Simulation and Training Technology Center, Orlando, Florida, United States
- Medical Simulation Research Branch, Orlando, Florida, United States
| | - Basiel A. Makled
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command–Soldier Center, Orlando, Florida, United States
- SFC Paul Ray Smith Simulation and Training Technology Center, Orlando, Florida, United States
- Medical Simulation Research Branch, Orlando, Florida, United States
| | - Steven Schwaitzberg
- University at Buffalo, Department of Surgery, Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Suvranu De
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Center for Modeling, Simulation and Imaging in Medicine, Troy, New York, United States
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Troy, New York, United States
| | - Xavier Intes
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Center for Modeling, Simulation and Imaging in Medicine, Troy, New York, United States
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Troy, New York, United States
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Du X, Sun P. Generating distant analogies facilitates relational integration: Intermediary role of relational mindset and cognitive load. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1012081. [PMID: 36176804 PMCID: PMC9514117 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1012081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Relational integration is essential for learning, working, and living, as we must encode enormous volumes of information and extract their relations to construct knowledge about the environment. Recent research hints that generating distant analogies can temporarily facilitate learners’ state-based relational integration. This study aimed to investigate the internal mechanism underlying the facilitation effect and preliminarily confirm its application in education. First, we adopted the classical n-term premise integration task (Experiment 1a) and the Latin Square Task (Experiment 1b) to explore the robustness of the facilitation effect. Then we employed an emerging multidimensional relational reasoning task to further explore the internal mechanism underlying this facilitation effect (Experiment 2). Finally, we verified the practical role of the facilitation effect in learning the interaction concept in statistics (Experiment 3). The results showed that generating distant analogies did facilitate students’ relational integration performance, both in classical cognitive tasks and in a practical learning task, and a relational mindset and cognitive load play an intermediary role in the facilitation, supporting the cognitive load theory. The results suggest that generating distant analogies can be a useful warm-up activity to assist educators in promoting students’ relational integration.
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da Silva Soares R, Ambriola Oku AY, Barreto CSF, Ricardo Sato J. Applying functional near-infrared spectroscopy and eye-tracking in a naturalistic educational environment to investigate physiological aspects that underlie the cognitive effort of children during mental rotation tests. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:889806. [PMID: 36072886 PMCID: PMC9442578 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.889806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial cognition is related to academic achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) domains. Neuroimaging studies suggest that brain regions' activation might be related to the general cognitive effort while solving mental rotation tasks (MRT). In this study, we evaluate the mental effort of children performing MRT tasks by measuring brain activation and pupil dilation. We use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) concurrently to collect brain hemodynamic responses from children's prefrontal cortex (PFC) and an Eye-tracking system to measure pupil dilation during MRT. Thirty-two healthy students aged 9-11 participated in this experiment. Behavioral measurements such as task performance on geometry problem-solving tests and MRT scores were also collected. The results were significant positive correlations between the children's MRT and geometry problem-solving test scores. There are also significant positive correlations between dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC) hemodynamic signals and visuospatial task performances (MRT and geometry problem-solving scores). Moreover, we found significant activation in the amplitude of deoxy-Hb variation on the dlPFC and that pupil diameter increased during the MRT, suggesting that both physiological responses are related to mental effort processes during the visuospatial task. Our findings indicate that children with more mental effort under the task performed better. The multimodal approach to monitoring students' mental effort can be of great interest in providing objective feedback on cognitive resource conditions and advancing our comprehension of the neural mechanisms that underlie cognitive effort. Hence, the ability to detect two distinct mental states of rest or activation of children during the MRT could eventually lead to an application for investigating the visuospatial skills of young students using naturalistic educational paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimundo da Silva Soares
- Center for Mathematics, Computation and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Yumi Ambriola Oku
- Center for Mathematics, Computation and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Cândida S. F. Barreto
- South African National Research Foundation Research Chair, Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - João Ricardo Sato
- Center for Mathematics, Computation and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
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Agbangla NF, Pater Maire M, Maillot P, Vitiello D. Is there a relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive performance as function of mental workload in young adults? Front Psychol 2022; 13:932345. [PMID: 35936329 PMCID: PMC9353114 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.932345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we have decided to investigate the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functions in young adults as a function of mental workload. To achieve our objectives, we have solicited 29 young adults (18–25 years; 12 women) who have first realized the Random Number Generation (RNG) task with two levels of complexity. After each level of complexity, the participants were asked to report on their perceived difficulty. Secondly, participants performed the RABIT® test, during which oxygen consumption was measured through the Metamax 3B-R2. The results showed that executive performance and perceived difficulty deteriorate with increasing task complexity. Additionally, oxygen consumption increased significantly to reach a peak during the hardest phase of the RABIT® test. Finally, as in previous studies, we could not observe a correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functions. Our findings support the lack of a direct relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functions. Future studies should explore the relationship between the composite measure of executive function, hemodynamic activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy youth and their peers with cardiovascular disease. This will examine an indirect effect of Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on Executive functions (EFs) through brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nounagnon Frutueux Agbangla
- Laboratory URePSSS – SHERPAS (ULR 7369), Université d’Artois, Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale, Université de Lille, UFR STAPS, Liévin, France
- *Correspondence: Nounagnon Frutueux Agbangla,
| | - Marion Pater Maire
- Institut des Sciences du Sport-Santé de Paris (I3SP - URP 3625), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Maillot
- Institut des Sciences du Sport-Santé de Paris (I3SP - URP 3625), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Damien Vitiello
- Institut des Sciences du Sport-Santé de Paris (I3SP - URP 3625), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Ogihara T, Tanioka K, Hiroyasu T, Hiwa S. Predicting the Degree of Distracted Driving Based on fNIRS Functional Connectivity: A Pilot Study. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2022; 3:864938. [PMID: 38235448 PMCID: PMC10790849 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2022.864938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Distracted driving is one of the main causes of traffic accidents. By predicting the attentional state of drivers, it is possible to prevent distractions and promote safe driving. In this study, we developed a model that could predict the degree of distracted driving based on brain activity. Changes in oxyhemoglobin concentrations were measured in drivers while driving a real car using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). A regression model was constructed for each participant using functional connectivity as an explanatory variable and brake reaction time to random beeps while driving as an objective variable. As a result, we were able to construct a prediction model with the mean absolute error of 5.58 × 102 ms for the BRT of the 12 participants. Furthermore, the regression model with the highest prediction accuracy for each participant was analyzed to gain a better understanding of the neural basis of distracted driving. The 11 of 12 models that showed significant accuracy were classified into five clusters by hierarchical clustering based on their functional connectivity edges used in each cluster. The results showed that the combinations of the dorsal attention network (DAN)-sensory-motor network (SMN) and DAN-ventral attention network (VAN) connections were common in all clusters and that these networks were essential to predict the degree of distraction in complex multitask driving. They also confirmed the existence of multiple types of prediction models with different within- and between-network connectivity patterns. These results indicate that it is possible to predict the degree of distracted driving based on the driver's brain activity during actual driving. These results are expected to contribute to the development of safe driving systems and elucidate the neural basis of distracted driving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Ogihara
- Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kensuke Tanioka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Informatics, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hiroyasu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Informatics, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Hiwa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Informatics, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
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Rusnak SN, Rocha-Hidalgo J, Blanchfield OA, Odier M, Sawaf T, Barr R. The development of the object sequencing imitation task to measure working memory in preschoolers. J Exp Child Psychol 2022; 218:105372. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2022.105372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Zhuang C, Meidenbauer KL, Kardan O, Stier AJ, Choe KW, Cardenas-Iniguez C, Huppert TJ, Berman MG. Scale invariance in fNIRS as a measurement of cognitive load. Cortex 2022; 154:62-76. [PMID: 35753183 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Scale invariant neural dynamics are a relatively new but effective means of measuring changes in brain states as a result of varied cognitive load and task difficulty. This study tests whether scale invariance (as measured by the Hurst exponent, H) can be used with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to quantify cognitive load, paving the way for scale-invariance to be measured in a variety of real-world settings. We analyzed H extracted from the fNIRS time series while participants completed an N-back working memory task. Consistent with what has been demonstrated in fMRI, the current results showed that scale-invariance analysis significantly differentiated between task and rest periods as calculated from both oxy- (HbO) and deoxy-hemoglobin (HbR) concentration changes. Results from both channel-averaged H and a multivariate partial least squares approach (Task PLS) demonstrated higher H during the 1-back task than the 2-back task. These results were stronger for H derived from HbR than from HbO. This suggests that scale-free brain states are a robust signature of cognitive load and not limited by the specific neuroimaging modality employed. Further, as fNIRS is relatively portable and robust to motion-related artifacts, these preliminary results shed light on the promising future of measuring cognitive load in real life settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu Zhuang
- Environmental Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of Chicago, USA
| | - Kimberly L Meidenbauer
- Environmental Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of Chicago, USA.
| | - Omid Kardan
- Environmental Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of Chicago, USA
| | - Andrew J Stier
- Environmental Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of Chicago, USA
| | - Kyoung Whan Choe
- Environmental Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of Chicago, USA; Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation, The University of Chicago, USA
| | | | - Theodore J Huppert
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Marc G Berman
- Environmental Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of Chicago, USA; Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, USA.
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Aoki M, Suzuki M, Suzuki S, Takao H, Okayama H. Cognitive function evaluation in premenstrual syndrome during the follicular and luteal phases using near-infrared spectroscopy. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 10:100117. [PMID: 35755198 PMCID: PMC9216448 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many adult females experience periodic mental and physical symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Diagnosis of PMS is generally based on self-reported symptoms over several menstrual cycles, but there are concerns about its accuracy and duration. It is well known that decreased cognitive function is one of the symptoms of PMS. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is one of the methods for imaging brain activity, similar to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and positron emission tomography (PET). NIRS has been used to assess cognitive function decline demonstrated by decline in brain activity. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no report characterizing brain activity pattern in females with PMS during the luteal and follicular phases separately. Objective We aimed to characterize the cognitive function of females with PMS during the follicular and luteal phases using NIRS. Methods The level of brain activity in the prefrontal cortex was detected with NIRS while PMS women were performing cognitive tasks. NIRS detected brain activity by measuring the oxy-hemoglobin and deoxy-hemoglobin levels. Participants were females between the ages of 20 and 25 with PMS (n = 11) and without PMS (n = 11). During the participants’ follicular and luteal phases, the participants were asked to perform the cognitive task; an N-back task (0-, 1-, and 2-back tasks), which is widely used for assessing cognitive function. We also calculated the oxyhemoglobin integral value during the N-back task using the NIRS signal; this value represented the total amount of change in cerebral oxyhemoglobin and the brain activation level. Results The correct response rate on the 2-back task was significantly lower during both the follicular and luteal phases in females with PMS compared to that in females without PMS (P = 0.01; P = 0.02, during the follicular and luteal phases, respectively). During the luteal phase, brain activation was significantly lower in participants with PMS than in that in females without PMS (P = 0.04). In addition, during the luteal phase, the participants with PMS also had higher negative mood than those without PMS. Conclusion The cognitive decline during the luteal phase in participants with PMS was detected by NIRS with significant differences from participants without PMS. The difference was observed only during the luteal phase, not in the follicular phase and were related to the increase in negative mood. These results may provide an objective method for diagnosing PMS based on brain activity. We believe that the use of instruments (e.g., NIRS, MRI, EEG … etc.) to detect cognitive function decline will lead to rapid and reliable diagnosis of PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
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Audiffren M, André N, Baumeister RF. Training Willpower: Reducing Costs and Valuing Effort. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:699817. [PMID: 35573284 PMCID: PMC9095966 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.699817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The integrative model of effortful control presented in a previous article aimed to specify the neurophysiological bases of mental effort. This model assumes that effort reflects three different inter-related aspects of the same adaptive function. First, a mechanism anchored in the salience network that makes decisions about the effort that should be engaged in the current task in view of costs and benefits associated with the achievement of the task goal. Second, a top-down control signal generated by the mechanism of effort that modulates neuronal activity in brain regions involved in the current task to filter pertinent information. Third, a feeling that emerges in awareness during effortful tasks and reflects the costs associated with goal-directed behavior. The aim of the present article is to complete this model by proposing that the capacity to exert effortful control can be improved through training programs. Two main questions relative to this possible strengthening of willpower are addressed in this paper. The first question concerns the existence of empirical evidence that supports gains in effortful control capacity through training. We conducted a review of 63 meta-analyses that shows training programs are effective in improving performance in effortful tasks tapping executive functions and/or self-control with a small to large effect size. Moreover, physical and mindfulness exercises could be two promising training methods that would deserve to be included in training programs aiming to strengthen willpower. The second question concerns the neural mechanisms that could explain these gains in effortful control capacity. Two plausible brain mechanisms are proposed: (1) a decrease in effort costs combined with a greater efficiency of brain regions involved in the task and (2) an increase in the value of effort through operant conditioning in the context of high effort and high reward. The first mechanism supports the hypothesis of a strengthening of the capacity to exert effortful control whereas the second mechanism supports the hypothesis of an increase in the motivation to exert this control. In the last part of the article, we made several recommendations to improve the effectiveness of interventional studies aiming to train this adaptive function."Keep the faculty of effort alive in you by a little gratuitous exercise every day."James (1918, p. 127).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Audiffren
- Research Centre on Cognition and Learning, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Nathalie André
- Research Centre on Cognition and Learning, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Roy F. Baumeister
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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St-Amant G, Salzman T, Michaud L, Polskaia N, Fraser S, Lajoie Y. Hemodynamic responses of quiet standing simultaneously performed with different cognitive loads in older adults. Hum Mov Sci 2022; 82:102931. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2022.102931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Li X, Li Y, Wang X, Bai H, Deng W, Cai N, Hu W. Neural mechanisms underlying the influence of retrieval ability on creating and recalling creative ideas. Neuropsychologia 2022; 171:108239. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Li X, Yin J, Li H, Xu G, Huo C, Xie H, Li W, Liu J, Li Z. Effects of Ordered Grasping Movement on Brain Function in the Performance Virtual Reality Task: A Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:798416. [PMID: 35431845 PMCID: PMC9008886 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.798416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Virtual reality (VR) grasping exercise training helps patients participate actively in their recovery and is a critical approach to the rehabilitation of hand dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the effects of active participation and VR grasping on brain function combined with the kinematic information obtained during VR exercises. Methods The cerebral oxygenation signals of the prefrontal cortex (LPFC/RPFC), the motor cortex (LMC/RMC), and the occipital cortex (LOC/ROC) were measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in 18 young people during the resting state, grasping movements, and VR grasping movements. The EPPlus plug-in was used to collect the hand motion data during simulated interactive grasping. The wavelet amplitude (WA) of each cerebral cortex and the wavelet phase coherence (WPCO) of each pair of channels were calculated by wavelet analysis. The total difference in acceleration difference of the hand in the VR grasping movements was calculated to acquire kinematic characteristics (KCs). The cortical activation and brain functional connectivity (FC) of each brain region were compared and analyzed, and a significant correlation was found between VR grasping movements and brain region activation. Results Compared with the resting state, the WA values of LPFC, RPFC, LMC, RMC, and ROC increased during the grasping movements and the VR grasping movements, these changes were significant in LPFC (p = 0.0093) and LMC (p = 0.0007). The WA values of LMC (p = 0.0057) in the VR grasping movements were significantly higher than those in the grasping movements. The WPCO of the cerebral cortex increased during grasping exercise compared with the resting state. Nevertheless, the number of significant functional connections during VR grasping decreased significantly, and only the WPCO strength between the LPFC and LMC was enhanced. The increased WA of the LPFC, RPFC, LMC, and RMC during VR grasping movements compared with the resting state showed a significant negative correlation with KCs (p < 0.001). Conclusion The VR grasping movements can improve the activation and FC intensity of the ipsilateral brain region, inhibit the FC of the contralateral brain region, and reduce the quantity of brain resources allocated to the task. Thus, ordered grasping exercises can enhance active participation in rehabilitation and help to improve brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Li
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Medical and Technology Research, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahui Yin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, China
| | - Huiyuan Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Gongcheng Xu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Congcong Huo
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhao Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Jizhong Liu
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Medical and Technology Research, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Jizhong Liu,
| | - Zengyong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-Functional Information and Rehabilitation Engineering of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Beijing, China
- Zengyong Li,
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Toglia MP, Schmuller J, Surprenant BG, Hooper KC, DeMeo NN, Wallace BL. Novel Approaches and Cognitive Neuroscience Perspectives on False Memory and Deception. Front Psychol 2022; 13:721961. [PMID: 35386904 PMCID: PMC8979290 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.721961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The DRM (Deese-Roediger-McDermott) paradigm produces robust false memories of non-presented critical words. After studying a thematic word list (e.g., bed, rest, and pillow) participants falsely remember the critical item "sleep." We report two false memory experiments. Study One introduces a novel use of the lexical decision task (LDT) to prime critical words. Participants see two letter-strings and make timed responses indicating whether they are both words. The word pairs Night-Bed and Dream-Thweeb both prime "sleep" but only one pair contains two words. Our primary purpose is to introduce this new methodology via two pilot experiments. The results, considered preliminary, are promising as they indicate that participants were as likely to recognize critical words (false memories) and presented words (true memories) just as when studying thematic lists. Study Two actually employs the standard DRM lists so that semantic priming is in play there as well. The second study, however, uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure activity in the prefrontal cortex during a DRM task which includes a deception phase where participants intentionally lie about critical lures. False and true memories occurred at high levels and activated many of the same brain regions but, compared to true memories, cortical activity was higher for false memories and lies. Accuracy findings are accompanied by confidence and reaction time results. Both investigations suggest that it is difficult to distinguish accurate from inaccurate memories. We explain results in terms of activation-monitoring theory and Fuzzy Trace Theory. We provide real world implications and suggest extending the present research to varying age groups and special populations. A nagging question has not been satisfactorily answered: Could neural pathways exist that signal the presence of false memories and lies? Answering this question will require imaging experiments that focus on regions of distinction such as the anterior prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Toglia
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Joseph Schmuller
- Department of Psychology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | - Katherine C. Hooper
- Department of Psychology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Natasha N. DeMeo
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Brett L. Wallace
- School of Psychology, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, United States
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Chang WK, Park J, Lee JY, Cho S, Lee J, Kim WS, Paik NJ. Functional Network Changes After High-Frequency rTMS Over the Most Activated Speech-Related Area Combined With Speech Therapy in Chronic Stroke With Non-fluent Aphasia. Front Neurol 2022; 13:690048. [PMID: 35222235 PMCID: PMC8866644 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.690048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) to the lesional hemisphere requires prudence in selecting the appropriate stimulation spot. Functional near-IR spectroscopy (fNIRS) can be used in both selecting the stimulation spot and assessing the changes of the brain network. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of HF-rTMS on the most activated spot identified with fNIRS and assess the changes of brain functional network in the patients with poststroke aphasia. METHODS A total of five patients received HF-rTMS to the most activated area on the lesional hemisphere, followed by 30 min of speech therapy for 10 days. The Korean version of the Western aphasia battery (K-WAB) and fNIRS evaluation were done 1 day before the treatment, 1 day and 1 month after the last treatment session. Changes of K-WAB and paired cortical interaction and brain network analysis using graph theory were assessed. RESULTS Aphasia quotient in K-WAB significantly increased after the treatment (P = 0.043). The correlation analysis of cortical interactions showed increased connectivity between language production and processing areas. Clustering coefficients of the left hemisphere were increased over a sparsity range between 0.45 and 0.58 (0.015 < p < 0.031), whereas the clustering coefficients of the right hemisphere, decreased over a sparsity range 0.15-0.87 (0.063 < p < 0.095). The global efficiency became lower over a network sparsity range between 0.47 and 0.75 (0.015 < p < 0.063). CONCLUSION Improvement of language function and changes of corticocortical interaction between language-related cortical areas were observed after HF-rTMS on the most activated area identified by fNIRS with combined speech therapy in the patients with poststroke aphasia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nam-Jong Paik
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, South Korea
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