Manipulating motor performance and memory through real-time fMRI neurofeedback

Abstract

HighlightsNeurofeedback training of motor cortex shortens reaction times.Self-regulation of parahippocampal cortex activity interferes with memory encoding.Differential neurofeedback reveals double dissociation between neurofeedback target areas.

Closed-loop brain training: the science of neurofeedback

“…Similar cortical changes have been observed with extensive practice and learning of complex cognitive tasks 50 , such as verbal learning, mirror reading, motor learning and artificial grammar learning. However, as cognitive strategies activate a network (see below), neural specificity can be experimentally addressed using control conditions such as opposing directions of regulation 37 , differential feedback 51 , inverted feedback 52 , sham feedback 53 , mental imagery without any feedback 53 or feedback from a different neural substrate 54 .…”

“…For instance, one study showed that simultaneous control of ongoing brain activity in the SMA and the parahippocampal cortex was not initially feasible when participants used their own mental strategies 51 . Indeed, self-regulation was possible only when the experimenters suggested the strategies that were related to the functional role of the ROIs.…”

Maintenance of Voluntary Self-regulation Learned through Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback

“…To date, several studies show that neurofeedback training causes behavioral effects that are specific to the functional role of the targeted cortical area (Weiskopf et al, 2004; Bray et al, 2007; Caria et al, 2007; Rota et al, 2009; Shibata et al, 2011; Scharnowski et al, 2012, 2015; Robineau et al, 2014; Koush et al, 2015; Scharnowski and Weiskopf, 2015). Even more importantly, real-time fMRI neurofeedback training has also been shown to have therapeutic effects in chronic pain patients (deCharms et al, 2005; Guan et al, 2015), Parkinson’s disease (Subramanian et al, 2011), tinnitus (Haller et al, 2010), depression (Linden et al, 2012; Young et al, 2014), obsessive-compulsive disorder (Scheinost et al, 2013, 2014), spider phobia (Zilverstand et al, 2015), and addiction (Li et al, 2013; Karch et al, 2015; Kirsch et al, 2015; Hartwell et al, 2016).…”

The self-regulating brain and neurofeedback: Experimental science and clinical promise

“…As it turns out, few studies examine sustainability in neurofeedback (Thibault et al, 2015). Whereas some experiments demonstrate that participants retain control over target brain regions Mathiak et al, 2015;Robineau et al, 2014;Scharnowski et al, 2015;Zotev, Phillips, Young, et al, 2013;Zotev, Phillips, Yuan, et al, 2013;Zotev et al, 2011), other studies report no such retention (Berman, Horovitz, & Hallett, 2013;Greer et al, 2014;Hamilton et al, 2011;Ruiz et al, 2013;. Thus, the conundrums of mental strategy and sustainability still beg resolution.…”