Modulation of critical brain dynamics using closed-loop neurofeedback stimulation.

Alexander Zhigalov*, Andrey Kaplan, JM Palva

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective
EEG long-range temporal correlations (LRTCs) are a significant for both human cognition and brain disorders, but beyond suppression by sensory disruption, there are little means for influencing them non-invasively. We hypothesized that LRTCs could be controlled by engaging intrinsic neuroregulation through closed-loop neurofeedback stimulation.

Methods
We used a closed-loop-stimulation paradigm where supra-threshold α-waves trigger visual flash stimuli while the subject performs the standard eyes-closed resting-state task. As a “sham” control condition, we applied similar stimulus sequences without the neurofeedback.

Results
Over three sessions, a significant difference in the LRTCs of α-band oscillations (U = 89, p < 0.028, Wilcoxon rank sum test) and their scalp topography (T = −2.92, p < 0.010, T-test) emerged between the neurofeedback and sham conditions so that the LRTCs were stronger during neurofeedback than sham. No changes (F = 0.16, p > 0.69, ANOVA test) in the scalp topography of α-band power were observed in either condition.

Conclusions
This study provides proof-of-concept for that EEG LRTCs, and hence critical brain dynamics, can be modulated with closed-loop stimulation in an automatic, involuntary fashion. We suggest that this modulation is mediated by an excitation–inhibition balance change achieved by the closed-loop neuroregulation.

Significance
Automatic LRTC modulation opens novel avenues for both examining the functional roles of brain criticality in healthy subjects and for developing novel therapeutic approaches for brain disorders associated with abnormal LRTCs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2882-2889
Number of pages8
JournalClinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology
Volume127
Issue number8
Early online date17 May 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2016

Bibliographical note

© 2016 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Closed-loop stimulation
  • electroencephalography
  • Critical neuronal dynamics
  • ong-range temporal correlations
  • Excitation–inhibition balance

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