Résumé
Background/Purpose: Neurofeedback interventions effectively support stroke survivors in regaining motor function. However, these interventions often focus on the motor cortex rather than secondary motor areas, like the supplementary motor area (SMA), which can be leveraged to support motor rehabilitation. This proof-of-concept study explored the feasibility of using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-based NF to upregulate brain activity in the SMA.
Methods: Fifty-three healthy adults (77.4% female, mean age 26.2 years) participated in a 5-session neurofeedback training schedule, including pre- and post-intervention assessments and MRIs. Participants were randomly assigned to receive real neurofeedback or sham neurofeedback. Participants completed a bimanual finger tapping task while changes in concentration of oxygenated blood were measured. Psychosocial factors (commitment, motivation, perceived difficulty) were assessed at each session. Using linear mixed effects models, we evaluated changes in blood oxygenation between groups and across sessions. MRI analysis employed NiPrep preprocessing and analysis using FSL.
Results: Results demonstrated significantly decreased perceived task difficulty over time across both groups, suggesting participants found the task easier with practice. While between-group differences in SMA activation were not statistically significant, one group showed an overall decline in SMA activation from pre- to post-intervention, while the other group maintained more consistent activation patterns. MRI results demonstrated no significant difference between groups.
Discussion: These findings suggest that additional research is needed to determine optimal fNIRS-NF intervention parameters for SMA activation before testing with stroke survivors. Future studies should investigate different feedback protocols and training intensities to maximize neuroplastic changes in the SMA.
