Impact of real-time fMRI working memory feedback training on the interactions between three core brain networks

Abstract

Working memory (WM) refers to the temporary holding and manipulation of information during the performance of a range of cognitive tasks, and WM training is a promising method for improving an individual’s cognitive functions. Our previous work demonstrated that WM performance can be improved through self-regulation of dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation using real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI), which enables individuals to control local brain activities volitionally according to the neurofeedback. Furthermore, research concerning large-scale brain networks has demonstrated that WM training requires the engagement of several networks, including the central executive network (CEN), the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN), and functional connectivity within the CEN and DMN can be changed by WM training. Although a switching role of the SN between the CEN and DMN has been demonstrated, it remains unclear whether WM training can affect the interactions between the three networks and whether a similar mechanism also exists during the training process. In this study, we investigated the dynamic functional connectivity between the three networks during the rtfMRI feedback training using independent component analysis (ICA) and correlation analysis. The results indicated that functional connectivity within and between the three networks were significantly enhanced by feedback training, and most of the changes were associated with the insula and correlated with behavioral improvements. These findings suggest that the insula plays a critical role in the reorganization of functional connectivity among the three networks induced by rtfMRI training and in WM performance, thus providing new insights into the mechanisms of high-level functions and the clinical treatment of related functional impairments.

Inefficient Preparatory fMRI-BOLD Network Activations Predict Working Memory Dysfunctions in Patients with Schizophrenia

“…Future studies should address the question of these impairments being rather state or trait markers. This work provides new insights regarding WM processing in schizophrenia and might motivate possible treatment strategies such as neurofeedback ( 85 , 86 ) targeting preparatory brain states as for example the dAN, which showed a lack of anticipatory activation patterns in patients as an important factor for cognitive functioning in this disorder. Still, the specificity of these findings to WM performance needs to be proven.…”

Intrinsic connectivity network dynamics in PTSD during amygdala downregulation using real‐time fMRI neurofeedback: A preliminary analysis

“…Finally, we a priori hypothesized that regulating the amygdala via neurofeedback would lead to increased activation and recruitment of the CEN and dlPFC over training runs. Hence, we evaluated a dlPFC region‐of‐interest analysis within SPM12 to observe changes in activation during neurofeedback within a central hub of the CEN (Zhang, Zhang, Yao, & Zhao, ). We defined 10 mm radius spheres around the bilateral dlPFC (MNI coordinates: x , y , z : right = 45, 23, 38; left = −42, 26, 38) (Zhang, Zhang, et al, ).…”

A network engineering perspective on probing and perturbing cognition with neurofeedback

“…While neurofeedback can perturb dynamics at different stages and spatial scales of functional processing, equally important is understanding how perturbations can have far‐reaching impact on functional dynamics in non‐targeted brain areas. Several studies identify changes in functional connectivity between the neurofeedback target and other brain regions . Other studies demonstrate changes in functional connectivity between pairs of regions completely outside of the area targeted by neurofeedback .…”

“…Several studies identify changes in functional connectivity between the neurofeedback target and other brain regions. 26,47,60,61,[85][86][87][88][89][90] Other studies demonstrate changes in functional connectivity between pairs of regions completely outside of the area targeted by neurofeedback. 26,85,[87][88][89]91 Moreover, the observed changes in functional connectivity can be complex: upregulating or downregulating target brain regions may increase functional interactions between some brain regions and may decrease functional interactions between other brain regions.…”