Real-time fMRI-based neurofeedback reinforces causality of attention networks

摘要

In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI)-based neurofeedback method for the modulation of the effective connectivity (EC) of causality between attention-related neuronal activities. In participants who received the feedback of attention-related neuronal activity, the EC estimated from Granger causality analysis was reinforced within the task-related network, such as between the bilateral cingulate gyri and frontal cortices, whereas the EC between the task-related network and task-unrelated resting-state network, including the inferior parietal lobule, was diminished. On the other hand, only marginal changes were observed in participants who received " sham" feedback. This " dynamic" characteristic measure of EC based on causality may be useful for evaluating the efficacy of methods designed to modulate brain networks, including rtfMRI-based neurofeedback.