Journal Article

Network-based fMRI-neurofeedback training of sustained attention

Heldner, Jennifer, Michels, Lars, Scharnowski, Frank, Pamplona, Gustavo S.P., Ionta, Silvio, Salmon, Carlos E.G., Koush, Yury, Langner, Robert

2020

Overview

•Neurofeedback allows brain-based attention training.•Participants learned simultaneous control over large-scale functional networks.•Learned network self-regulation is preserved even without feedback.•Neurofeedback training improves sustained attention temporarily. The brain regions supporting sustained attention (sustained attention network; SAN) and mind-wandering (default-mode network; DMN) have been extensively studied. Nevertheless, this knowledge has not yet been translated into advanced brain-based attention training protocols. Here, we used network-based real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to provide healthy individuals with information about current activity levels in SAN and DMN. Specifically, 15 participants trained to control the difference between SAN and DMN hemodynamic activity and completed behavioral attention tests before and after neurofeedback training. Through training, participants improved controlling the differential SAN-DMN feedback signal, which was accomplished mainly through deactivating DMN. After training, participants were able to apply learned self-regulation of the differential feedback signal even when feedback was no longer available (i.e., during transfer runs). The neurofeedback group improved in sustained attention after training, although this improvement was temporally limited and rarely exceeded mere practice effects that were controlled by a test-retest behavioral control group. The learned self-regulation and the behavioral outcomes suggest that neurofeedback training of differential SAN and DMN activity has the potential to become a non-invasive and non-pharmacological tool to enhance attention and mitigate specific attention deficits.

• Publisher: Elsevier Inc,Elsevier Limited,Elsevier
• Subject: Adult / Anticorrelated networks / Attention / Attention - physiology / Behavioral changes / Biofeedback / Brain / Brain mapping / Cerebral Cortex - diagnostic imaging / Cerebral Cortex - physiology / Connectome / Default mode network / Default Mode Network - diagnostic imaging / Default Mode Network - physiology / Electroencephalography / Experiments / Feedback / Female / Functional magnetic resonance imaging / Heart rate / Humans / Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Male / Nerve Net - diagnostic imaging / Nerve Net - physiology / Neurofeedback / Neurofeedback - physiology / Neuroimaging / Practice, Psychological / Real-time fMRI / Scanners / Self-Control / Sustained attention / Young Adult