Multimodal Neuroimaging (fMRI and fNIRS) at WPI PracticePoint

Shea, Amanda; Davis, Christopher

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Multimodal Neuroimaging (fMRI and fNIRS) at WPI PracticePoint

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Resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) is a measure of temporal correlation in the absence of an event or stimuli. The most common technique to analyze these networks is through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). While this method provides reliable, insightful data, it has inherent limitations. In recent studies, however, data suggests that an alternative modality known as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) may offer a unique opportunity to investigate brain functionality and whole brain connectivity by proxy. This study analyzes cortical neural hemodynamics during resting-state using fNIRS for future collation with fMRI data and applications in whole brain RSFC research. For analysis, a sample set of seven participating healthy individuals over age 18 underwent multimodal neuroimaging utilizing both fMRI and fNIRS imaging techniques simultaneously. This data was processed in nirsLAB software using a generalized linear model (GLM) to analyze the cortical brain regions that experienced statistically significant increases in oxyhemoglobin, indicating neural activation. The results of this study found spontaneous increases in oxyhemoglobin levels in the four valid samples analyzed, consistent with the anticipated characteristics of resting-state neuroactivity.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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