ABSTRACT
A brain-computer interface (BCI) transforms brain activity into digital data that can be processed by a personal computer, e.g., to provide neuro-feedback. Self-regulation of electrical brain activity can be achieved by neuro-feedback of certain components of the electroencephalogram, which can lead to behavioural effects. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures brain activity by the blood oxygen level-dependent effect, with high spatial resolution within the whole brain. Thus, fMRI can provide feedback of local brain activity. Feedback training requires a BCI that provides the subject with fast and accurate feedback in order to facilitate self-regulation. The feedback sessions contained three blocks of “up-regulation” and three blocks of “down-regulation” of the feedback signal, with interspersed baseline blocks. Regulation of the feedback signal was observed. In the last feedback session, all subjects achieved significant signal changes.
