Self-regulation of human brain activity using simultaneous real-time fMRI and EEG neurofeedback

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the first successful implementation of simultaneous real-time fMRI and EEG neurofeedback, enabling individuals to self-regulate both brain hemodynamics and electrophysiological activity for potential therapeutic applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel system for real-time integration of rtfMRI and EEG data streams and shows its feasibility in training emotional self-regulation.

Findings

Participants could regulate amygdala activity and EEG asymmetry simultaneously.

The system proved feasible for combined neurofeedback training.

Potential for new research and therapeutic approaches in neuropsychiatry.

Abstract

Neurofeedback is a promising approach for non-invasive modulation of human brain activity with applications for treatment of mental disorders and enhancement of brain performance. Neurofeedback techniques are commonly based on either electroencephalography (EEG) or real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI). Advances in simultaneous EEG-fMRI have made it possible to combine the two approaches. Here we report the first implementation of simultaneous multimodal rtfMRI and EEG neurofeedback (rtfMRI-EEG-nf). It is based on a novel system for real-time integration of simultaneous rtfMRI and EEG data streams. We applied the rtfMRI-EEG-nf to training of emotional self-regulation in healthy subjects performing a positive emotion induction task based on retrieval of happy autobiographical memories. The participants were able to simultaneously regulate their BOLD fMRI activation in the left amygdala and frontal EEG power asymmetry in the high-beta band using the rtfMRI-EEG-nf. Our proof-of-concept results demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneous self-regulation of both hemodynamic (rtfMRI) and electrophysiological (EEG) activity of the human brain. They suggest potential applications of rtfMRI-EEG-nf in the development of novel cognitive neuroscience research paradigms and enhanced cognitive therapeutic approaches for major neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly depression.