The primary objective is to investigate the effect of training on a neurofeedback task targeting the DLPFC, on the frontostriatal network. As a secondary objective, we investigate whether such training changes mental effort.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
The research is fundamental in nature and only healthy subjects are studied. The knowledge that will be gained could eventually be used for medical interventions (e.g. new treatment methods for psychiatric disorders). Furthermore, the results are interesting for those who are developing brain-computer interfaces.
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The main study parameter is the change in BOLD activation patterns of the
frontostriatal system after training to self-regulate brain activity of the
DLPFC (comparing the post and pre-training count-back network activation task).
Secondary outcome
The secondary study parameters are the feedback performance and brain
activation patterns during the feedback task with distracters, relative to that
without distracters.
Background summary
The frontal lobes of the brain play an important role in human behavior.
Abnormal function of specific areas in the frontal lobe, but also of specific
subcortical areas, is thought to underlie a range of psychiatric conditions,
such as schizophrenia, addiction, ADHD, depression and obsessive compulsive
disorder (OCD). In recent years the focus of scientific endeavor in this field
has shifted towards dysfunctional circuits as opposed to specific regions. New
treatments are thus sought in methods to restore normal activity levels in
whole networks, and methods to achieve this are being explored, such as
cortical stimulation with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or even with
implants for Deep Brain Stimulation. Multiple parallel neural circuits have
been uncovered involving specific areas in the frontal lobe and subcortical
structures, each associated with a different motor or cognitive domain. In the
current study, we will focus on one of those circuits: the dorsolateral
prefrontal circuit. We will investigate the possibility of changing network
activity in this circuit by training healthy subjects to control activity
levels in one region.
Neurofeedback is based on the feedback of information about brain activity, for
example in the process of training to voluntarily regulate brain activity in a
certain area. Several studies have suggested that it is not only possible to
learn to self-control the activity in certain brain areas, but also that this
control may have therapeutic potential. In the current study, we want to train
people to voluntarily control activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
(DLPFC), one of the cortical areas of the frontostriatal circuitry, and
determine how this affects the entire network.
Study objective
The primary objective is to investigate the effect of training on a
neurofeedback task targeting the DLPFC, on the frontostriatal network. As a
secondary objective, we investigate whether such training changes mental
effort.
Study design
The study is an interventional 7T fMRI study with two groups (experimental and
control).
Intervention
Subjects will be included for a real time feedback study in an fMRI setup.
Subjects will train to gain control over the brain activity of the DLPFC. The
effects of training on the activation of the frontostriatal system will be
determined by comparing the activation pattern of a count-back network
activation task, which will be performed before and after training. In
addition, subjects will try to perform the feedback task while distracters are
being presented on the screen. Data from the feedback task with and without
distracters will give information about whether or not training reduces mental
effort and whether self-regulation of the target area persists in the presence
of distraction.
Study burden and risks
There are no known risks associated with fMRI acquisition. The technique does
not require administration of any contrast agent or ionizing radiation. The
Utrecht group has ample experience with fMRI scanning (300 sessions per year on
the 7T MRI scanner). The fMRI procedure is painless. Slight discomfort may
occur due to peripheral nerve stimulation during scanning, or due to lying
still with the head and part of the body confined in a tunnel-like device. If a
subject experiences claustrophobia during scanning, or is uncomfortable with
any aspect of the procedure and wants to quit, the session will be terminated.
The subject is provided with earplugs to protect him from scanner noise. Also
MR compatible clothing is provided for the time in the scanner. An intercom is
available in the scanner to remain in contact with the subject during the whole
session and an emergency button is placed with the subject, with which he can
indicate to stop the procedure immediately. The scanner is handled by trained
personnel and subjects are screened for metal before entering the scanner. No
immediate benefits are to be expected from participation in this study for the
subjects. The research is fundamental in nature, but the knowledge that will be
gained could eventually be used for medical interventions (e.g. new treatment
methods for psychiatric disorders) or in the development of brain-computer
interfaces.
Heidelberglaan 100
Utrecht 3584CX
NL
Heidelberglaan 100
Utrecht 3584CX
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
- Right-handed
- Age 18-45
Exclusion criteria
- History of psychiatric illness
- Pregnancy
- Metal objects in or around the body (braces, pacemaker, metal fragments)
- Claustrophobia
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL43312.041.13 |