Optimizing Real Time fMRI Neurofeedback for Therapeutic Discovery and Development [preprint]

While reducing the burden of brain disorders remains a top priority of organizations like the World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health (BRAIN, 2013), the development of novel, safe and effective treatments for brain disorders has been slow. In this paper, we describe the state of the science for an emerging technology, real time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI) neurofeedback, in clinical neurotherapeutics. We review the scientific potential of rtfMRI and outline research strategies to optimize the development and application of rtfMRI neurofeedback as a next generation therapeutic tool. We propose that rtfMRI can be used to address a broad range of clinical problems by improving our understanding of brain-behavior relationships in order to develop more specific and effective interventions for individuals with brain disorders. We focus on the use of rtfMRI neurofeedback as a clinical neurotherapeutic tool to drive plasticity in brain function, cognition, and behavior. Our overall goal is for rtfMRI to advance personalized assessment and intervention approaches to enhance resilience and reduce morbidity by correcting maladaptive patterns of brain function in those with brain disorders

Enhancing creative cognition with a rapid right-parietal neurofeedback procedure

partially_open5noThis study was supported by the CREAM project, funded by the European Commission under Grant Agreement n° 262022. This publication reflects the views of the authors only, and the European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. AA is funded by grants from the Cogito foundation (R117/13; 14-139-R), Fondazione del Monte (339bis/2017), MIUR (RBFR12F0BD) and Ministero della Salute (GR-2010–2319335).The present article describes an innovative neurofeedback training (NFT) procedure aimed at increasing creative cognition through the enhancement of specific brain activities previously associated with divergent thinking. We designed and tested two NFT protocols based on training alpha and beta EEG oscillations selectively measured over the right parietal region. A total of 80 participants were involved, 40 in the alpha NFT protocol and 40 in the beta NFT protocol. The NFT loop was closed on a video stream that would advance only when oscillation power exceeded a normalized threshold. The total duration of the protocol was two hours in a single day, hence its classification as rapid. Changes in ideational fluency and originality, measured with a divergent thinking task, were compared between participants receiving real video feedback and participants receiving sham feedback. We controlled for individual differences in creative achievement level. Results showed that the protocols were effective at enhancing alpha and beta activities in the targeted area. Differences between the two protocols emerged in their effectiveness at promoting divergent thinking. While no significant changes in originality resulted from the rapid alpha NFT, increases in both originality and fluency emerged as a consequence of the rapid beta NFT. These results were particularly evident in participants starting with a low creative achievement level. Possible interpretations and future directions are proposed and discussed.openAgnoli, Sergio*; Zanon, Marco; Mastria, Serena; Avenanti, Alessio; Corazza, Giovanni EmanueleAgnoli, Sergio*; Zanon, Marco; Mastria, Serena; Avenanti, Alessio; Corazza, Giovanni Emanuel

Neural Correlates of Shooting Sports Performance: A Systematic Review on Neural Efficiency Hypothesis

Introdução: O tiro é uma modalidade esportiva milenar que requer requires aptidões mentais, emocionais e cognitivas de seu praticante. Objetivo: Nesta revisão sistemática abrangente procuramos examinar a hipótese de eficiência neural em esportes de tiro (rifle, pistola e tiro com arco) relacionados ao desempenho. Métodos: Realizamos a busca nas bases de dados PubMed e Google Scholar utilizando os termos “brain and shooting”. Após aplicados os critérios do estudo, 28 artigos participaram desta revisão. Resultados e Discussão: Existem diferenças consistentes entre atiradores experientes e iniciantes na atividade cortical relacionada ao desempenho do tiro, o que implica que a experiência do tiro leva a ajustes cerebrais para energia segura durante a tarefa e se correlaciona com o desempenho. A lateralidade hemisférica implica que os experts apresentam alto grau de foco atencional. Conclusão: A literatura mostra que existem diferenças específicas no mapeamento cerebral de atiradores experientes e novatos durante tarefas de tiro. Além disso, o aumento da frequência Alpha no período de mira e o momento de disparo em T3, juntamente com a estabilidade nos locais T4, relacionam-se ao desempenho. Outros achados foram discutidos