Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Cognitive Neuroscience
Summary
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has emerged as a versatile, non-invasive optical imaging modality that measures cortical haemodynamic changes by detecting variations in near-infrared light absorption. Its tolerance of subject movement, portability and cost-effectiveness distinguish it from other neuroimaging techniques, enabling studies in naturalistic and clinical settings across the lifespan. In the cognitive neuroscience sphere, fNIRS has been applied to probe executive function, language processing, social cognition and neurodevelopmental trajectories. Research has elucidated the spatial and temporal patterns of oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin during task performance, providing insights into neural activation and compensatory mechanisms in ageing and disease. The technique’s compatibility with complex environments has facilitated investigations of real-world social interactions, exercise-induced cognitive enhancement and brain–computer interface paradigms. Advances in probe design, signal processing and statistical analysis have improved spatial resolution and reduced artefacts, while multimodal integrations with EEG and MRI have enriched the interpretative framework. Clinically, fNIRS holds promise for early detection of cognitive impairment, monitoring rehabilitation outcomes and developing adaptive neurofeedback systems. As methodological standardisation progresses, fNIRS stands poised to bridge laboratory discoveries and practical applications, offering a global platform for accessible, ecologically valid brain research.
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Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Cognitive Neuroscience publication trend
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Technical terms
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS): An optical imaging technique that non-invasively measures cortical blood oxygenation by emitting and detecting near-infrared light through the scalp.
Haemodynamic response: The change in cerebral blood flow and oxygenation following neural activation, reflected in variations of haemoglobin absorption.
Oxygenated haemoglobin (oxyHb): The form of haemoglobin bound to oxygen, whose concentration increases in activated brain regions and is detected by fNIRS.
Deoxygenated haemoglobin (deoxyHb): The form of haemoglobin that has released its oxygen, whose concentration typically decreases upon neuronal stimulation and influences the fNIRS signal.
Deep learning: A subset of machine learning employing multi-layer neural networks to model complex data patterns, here used to classify fNIRS-derived haemodynamic signatures.
References
- Cross-Subject Emotion Recognition Brain–Computer Interface Based on fNIRS and DBJNet. Cyborg and Bionic Systems (2023).
- A promising tool to explore functional impairment in neurodegeneration: A systematic review of near-infrared spectroscopy in dementia.. Ageing Research Reviews (2023).
- The present and future use of functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for cognitive neuroscience. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (2018).
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