Real-time fMRI-based self-regulation of brain activation across different visual feedback presentations. Issue 1 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krause, Florian; Benjamins, Caroline; Lührs, Michael; Eck, Judith; Noirhomme, Quentin; Rosenke, Mona; Brunheim, Sascha; Sorger, Bettina; Goebel, Rainer
• Is Part Of: Brain-computer interfaces. Volume 4:Issue 1/2(2017)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 101
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Neurofeedback -- fMRI -- real-time fMRI -- self-regulation -- mental calculation; Brain-computer interfaces -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 616.800285
• DOI: 10.1080/2326263X.2017.1307096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2326-263X

Abstract

Abstract: The current study is a first exploration of real-time self-regulation of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation based on several different visual neurofeedback presentations. Six healthy participants were engaged in self-regulation of regional fMRI activation in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), by performing a mental calculation task. In different MR sessions, feedback was presented in the form of either a thermometer display (in vertical orientation), a circle display (increasing or decreasing in physical size), or a numbers display (Arabic digits). While self-regulation levels did differ between individuals, all six participants were able to significantly up-regulate their PPC activation with all three neurofeedback presentations. In addition to a successful general up-regulation, five out of six participants were furthermore capable of gradual self-regulation to multiple intensity levels. Taken together, the current study is a proof-of-concept demonstration of the feasibility of using multiple visual feedback presentations during gradual self-regulation of regional fMRI activation. Implications for future neurofeedback research and applications are discussed.