Advances in fMRI Real-Time Neurofeedback

Trends Cogn Sci. 2017 Dec;21(12):997-1010. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2017.09.010. Epub 2017 Oct 12.

Abstract

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback in which real-time online fMRI signals are used to self-regulate brain function. Since its advent in 2003 significant progress has been made in fMRI neurofeedback techniques. Specifically, the use of implicit protocols, external rewards, multivariate analysis, and connectivity analysis has allowed neuroscientists to explore a possible causal involvement of modified brain activity in modified behavior. These techniques have also been integrated into groundbreaking new neurofeedback technologies, specifically decoded neurofeedback (DecNef) and functional connectivity-based neurofeedback (FCNef). By modulating neural activity and behavior, DecNef and FCNef have substantially advanced both basic and clinical research.

Keywords: decoded neurofeedback (DecNef); external reward; fMRI neurofeedback; functional connectivity-based neurofeedback (FCNef); implicit neurofeedback; multivariate analysis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping / methods
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Neurofeedback / methods*