Feasibility testing of a fNIRS-neurofeedback intervention for stroke motor rehabilitation

Abstract

Neurofeedback using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a potential intervention for post-stroke motor rehabilitation. Research has focused on primary motor and premotor cortices, with few studies exploring fNIRS-based neurofeedback (fNIRS-NF) targeting the supplementary motor area (SMA). This dissertation evaluates the feasibility of a fNIRS-NF intervention for SMA upregulation. The first study serves as a proof-of-concept to assess the effectiveness of the intervention via a double-blind experimental study with healthy adults (Chapter 3) and also assessed the neuro-reorganization outcomes via multi-modal neuroimaging (Chapter 4). Results showed no significant upregulation or neuroplastic changes, with discussions focused on the ‘responder’ challenge and the possible dual role of the SMA. The second study evaluated intervention’s perceived acceptability among stroke rehabilitation practitioners (Chapter 5). Results highlighted practitioners’ hopeful attitudes despite the identification of various clinical implementation challenges. Takeaways include information regarding intervention efficacy, considerations for clinical feasibility, and guidance for future neurorehabilitation research (Chapter 6).