scholarly journals Mindfulness Improves Brain Computer Interface Performance by Increasing Control over Neural Activity in the Alpha Band

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
James R. Stieger ◽  
Stephen Engel ◽  
Haiteng Jiang ◽  
Christopher C. Cline ◽  
Mary Jo Kreitzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Activity ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Body Awareness ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Alpha Band ◽  
Attention Task ◽  
Band Activity

AbstractBrain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are promising tools for assisting patients with paralysis, but suffer from long training times and variable user proficiency. Mind-body awareness training (MBAT) can improve BCI learning, but how it does so remains unknown. Here we show that MBAT allows participants to learn to volitionally increase alpha band neural activity during BCI tasks that incorporate intentional rest. We trained individuals in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR; a standardized MBAT intervention) and compared performance and brain activity before and after training between randomly assigned trained and untrained control groups. The MBAT group showed reliably faster learning of BCI than the control group throughout training. Alpha-band activity in EEG signals, recorded in the volitional resting state during task performance, showed a parallel increase over sessions, and predicted final BCI performance. The level of alpha-band activity during the intentional resting state correlated reliably with individuals’ mindfulness practice as well as performance on a sustained attention task. Collectively, these results show that MBAT modifies a specific neural signal used by BCI. MBAT, by increasing patients’ control over their brain activity during rest, may increase the effectiveness of BCI in the large population who could benefit from alternatives to direct motor control.

scholarly journals Mindfulness Improves Brain–Computer Interface Performance by Increasing Control Over Neural Activity in the Alpha Band

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 426-438
Author(s):  
James R Stieger ◽  
Stephen Engel ◽  
Haiteng Jiang ◽  
Christopher C Cline ◽  
Mary Jo Kreitzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Neural Activity ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Body Awareness ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Alpha Band ◽  
Band Activity

Abstract Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) are promising tools for assisting patients with paralysis, but suffer from long training times and variable user proficiency. Mind–body awareness training (MBAT) can improve BCI learning, but how it does so remains unknown. Here, we show that MBAT allows participants to learn to volitionally increase alpha band neural activity during BCI tasks that incorporate intentional rest. We trained individuals in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR; a standardized MBAT intervention) and compared performance and brain activity before and after training between randomly assigned trained and untrained control groups. The MBAT group showed reliably faster learning of BCI than the control group throughout training. Alpha-band activity in electroencephalogram signals, recorded in the volitional resting state during task performance, showed a parallel increase over sessions, and predicted final BCI performance. The level of alpha-band activity during the intentional resting state correlated reliably with individuals’ mindfulness practice as well as performance on a breath counting task. Collectively, these results show that MBAT modifies a specific neural signal used by BCI. MBAT, by increasing patients' control over their brain activity during rest, may increase the effectiveness of BCI in the large population who could benefit from alternatives to direct motor control.

scholarly journals Mindfulness Practice with a Brain-Sensing Device Improved Cognitive Functioning of Elementary School Children: An Exploratory Pilot Study

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
Boglarka Vekety ◽  
Alexander Logemann ◽  
Zsofia K. Takacs
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Passive Control ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Linear Change ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Post Test

This is the first pilot study with children that has assessed the effects of a brain–computer interface-assisted mindfulness program on neural mechanisms and associated cognitive performance. The participants were 31 children aged 9–10 years who were randomly assigned to either an eight-session mindfulness training with EEG-feedback or a passive control group. Mindfulness-related brain activity was measured during the training, while cognitive tests and resting-state brain activity were measured pre- and post-test. The within-group measurement of calm/focused brain states and mind-wandering revealed a significant linear change. Significant positive changes were detected in children’s inhibition, information processing, and resting-state brain activity (alpha, theta) compared to the control group. Elevated baseline alpha activity was associated with less reactivity in reaction time on a cognitive test. Our exploratory findings show some preliminary support for a potential executive function-enhancing effect of mindfulness supplemented with EEG-feedback, which may have some important implications for children’s self-regulated learning and academic achievement.

scholarly journals Visual predictions, neural oscillations and naïve physics

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Blake W. Saurels ◽  
Wiremu Hohaia ◽  
Kielan Yarrow ◽  
Alan Johnston ◽  
Derek H. Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Dynamic Environment ◽  
Predictive Performance ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Internal Models ◽  
Oscillatory Activity ◽  
Alpha Band ◽  
Core Property ◽  
Ball Tracking ◽  
Band Activity

AbstractPrediction is a core function of the human visual system. Contemporary research suggests the brain builds predictive internal models of the world to facilitate interactions with our dynamic environment. Here, we wanted to examine the behavioural and neurological consequences of disrupting a core property of peoples’ internal models, using naturalistic stimuli. We had people view videos of basketball and asked them to track the moving ball and predict jump shot outcomes, all while we recorded eye movements and brain activity. To disrupt people’s predictive internal models, we inverted footage on half the trials, so dynamics were inconsistent with how movements should be shaped by gravity. When viewing upright videos people were better at predicting shot outcomes, at tracking the ball position, and they had enhanced alpha-band oscillatory activity in occipital brain regions. The advantage for predicting upright shot outcomes scaled with improvements in ball tracking and occipital alpha-band activity. Occipital alpha-band activity has been linked to selective attention and spatially-mapped inhibitions of visual brain activity. We propose that when people have a more accurate predictive model of the environment, they can more easily parse what is relevant, allowing them to better target irrelevant positions for suppression—resulting in both better predictive performance and in neural markers of inhibited information processing.

scholarly journals Multi-shanks SiNAPS Active Pixel Sensor CMOS probe: 1024 simultaneously recording channels for high-density intracortical brain mapping

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Boi ◽  
Nikolas Perentos ◽  
Aziliz Lecomte ◽  
Gerrit Schwesig ◽  
Stefano Zordan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Activity ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Brain Area ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Brain Structures ◽  
High Density ◽  
Single Neurons ◽  
Electrode Arrays ◽  
Unit Recording ◽  
Recording Channels

AbstractThe advent of implantable active dense CMOS neural probes opened a new era for electrophysiology in neuroscience. These single shank electrode arrays, and the emerging tailored analysis tools, provide for the first time to neuroscientists the neurotechnology means to spatiotemporally resolve the activity of hundreds of different single-neurons in multiple vertically aligned brain structures. However, while these unprecedented experimental capabilities to study columnar brain properties are a big leap forward in neuroscience, there is the need to spatially distribute electrodes also horizontally. Closely spacing and consistently placing in well-defined geometrical arrangement multiple isolated single-shank probes is methodologically and economically impractical. Here, we present the first high-density CMOS neural probe with multiple shanks integrating thousand’s of closely spaced and simultaneously recording microelectrodes to map neural activity across 2D lattice. Taking advantage from the high-modularity of our electrode-pixels-based SiNAPS technology, we realized a four shanks active dense probe with 256 electrode-pixels/shank and a pitch of 28 µm, for a total of 1024 simultaneously recording channels. The achieved performances allow for full-band, whole-array read-outs at 25 kHz/channel, show a measured input referred noise in the action potential band (300-7000 Hz) of 6.5 ± 2.1µVRMS, and a power consumption <6 µW/electrode-pixel. Preliminary recordings in awake behaving mice demonstrated the capability of multi-shanks SiNAPS probes to simultaneously record neural activity (both LFPs and spikes) from a brain area >6 mm2, spanning cortical, hippocampal and thalamic regions. High-density 2D array enables combining large population unit recording across distributed networks with precise intra- and interlaminar/nuclear mapping of the oscillatory dynamics. These results pave the way to a new generation of high-density and extremely compact multi-shanks CMOS-probes with tunable layouts for electrophysiological mapping of brain activity at the single-neurons resolution.

scholarly journals L-Theanine and Caffeine in Combination Affect Human Cognition as Evidenced by Oscillatory alpha-Band Activity and Attention Task Performance

2008 ◽  
Vol 138 (8) ◽  
pp. 1572S-1577S ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon P. Kelly ◽  
Manuel Gomez-Ramirez ◽  
Jennifer L. Montesi ◽  
John J. Foxe
Keyword(s):  
Task Performance ◽  
Human Cognition ◽  
Alpha Band ◽  
Attention Task ◽  
Band Activity

Abstract WMP117: Regional Homogeneity Changes In Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack: A Resting-state Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Guo ◽  
Ning Chen ◽  
Muke Zhou ◽  
Pian Wang ◽  
Li He
Keyword(s):  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Neural Activity ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Imaging Study ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Regional Homogeneity ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Ischemic Attack

Background: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) can increase the risk of some neurologic dysfunctions, of which the mechanism remains unclear. Resting-state functional MRI (rfMRI) is suggested to be a valuable tool to study the relation between spontaneous brain activity and behavioral performance. However, little is known about whether the local synchronization of spontaneous neural activity is altered in TIA patients. The purpose of this study is to detect differences in regional spontaneous activities throughout the whole brain between TIAs and normal controls. Methods: Twenty one TIA patients suffered an ischemic event in the right hemisphere and 21 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. All subjects were investigated using cognitive tests and rfMRI. The regional homogeneity (ReHo) was calculate and compared between two groups. Then a correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between ReHo values of brain regions showing abnormal resting-state properties and clinical variables in TIA group. Results: Compared with controls, TIA patients exhibited decreased ReHo in right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), right inferior prefrontal gyrus, right ventral anterior cingulate cortex and right dorsal posterior cingular cortex. Moreover, the mean ReHo in right DLPFC and right inferior prefrontal gyrus were significantly correlated with MoCA in TIA patients. Conclusions: Neural activity in the resting state is changed in patients with TIA. The positive correlation between regional homogeneity of rfMRI and cognition suggests that ReHo may be a promising tool to better our understanding of the neurobiological consequences of TIA.

scholarly journals RESTING STATE NETWORK AND MINDFULNESS IN MOTION PLUS DASH DIET IN AFRICAN AMERICANS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S112-S113
Author(s):  
Kathy D Wright ◽  
Klatt Maryanna ◽  
Ingrid Adams ◽  
Cady Block ◽  
Todd Monroe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Breathing Exercises ◽  
Resting State Network

Abstract The resting state network (RSN) is a target of interest in neurodegenerative research, with evidence linking functional connectivity of its constituent nodes with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Given the emerging linkage between Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia disorders (ADRD) and hypertension (HTN), non-pharmacological interventions that promote RSN connectivity and blood pressure are needed. The purpose of this pilot study protocol is to deliver a novel intervention, combining mindfulness and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), to improve RSN connectivity and blood pressure in African American (AA) older adults with MCI and HTN. Thirty-six AAs aged 65 and older will be randomized to mindfulness plus DASH, attention control (non-health related education), or a control group. The Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) plus DASH intervention is delivered in 8-weekly group sessions of 6-10 participants. MIM includes mindful movements from chair/standing, breathing exercises and guided meditation. The DASH intervention uses a critical thinking approach that involves problem solving, goal setting, reflection, and developing self-efficacy. Both components are culturally tailored for older African Americans. Cognitive examination, diet and mindfulness practice surveys, blood pressure, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (RSN) data are collected at baseline and 3 months. Forty-eight AAs were screened and 17 were enrolled (women= 13; men= 4) to date. Of the 17 enrolled, 7 were eligible for neuroimaging. Findings from this pilot study may provide the preliminary evidence that MIM plus DASH may improve RSN connectivity and blood pressure in this population at risk for ADRD.

scholarly journals Peripheral Interleukin-18 Is Negatively Correlated With Abnormal Brain Activity In Patients With Depression: A Resting-State fMRI Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangdong Du ◽  
Siyun Zou ◽  
Yan Yue ◽  
Xiaojia Fang ◽  
Yuxuan Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resting State ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Resting State Fmri ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pathophysiological Mechanism ◽  
Interleukin 18 ◽  
Fmri Study ◽  
Rest State Fmri ◽  
Healthy Control

Abstract Background: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) may participate in the development of major depressive disorder, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to explore whether IL-18 correlates with areas of the brain associated with depression.Methods: Using a case-control design, 68 subjects (34 patients and 34 healthy controls) underwent clinical assessment, blood sampling, and resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). The total Hamilton depression-17 (HAMD-17) score was used to assess depression severity. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect IL-18 levels. Rest-state fMRI was conducted to explore the spontaneous brain activity. Results: The level of IL-18 was higher in patients with depression in comparison with health controls. IL-18 and degree centrality (DC) were negatively correlated with the left posterior cingulate gyrus in the depression patient group, but no correlation was found in the healthy control group. Conclusion: This study suggests the involvement of IL-18 in the pathophysiological mechanism for depression and interference with brain activity.

scholarly journals The Cerebellum Posterior Lobe Associates with the Exophthalmos of Primary Hyperthyroidism: A Resting-State fMRI Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Feng Liu ◽  
Yong-Qiang Shu ◽  
Pei-Wen Zhu ◽  
Biao Li ◽  
Wen-Qing Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Roc Curve ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Functional Networks ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Posterior Lobe ◽  
Spontaneous Brain Activity ◽  
Brain Functional Networks ◽  
Primary Hyperthyroidism

Background. Exophthalmos occurs in patients with primary hyperthyroidism. There were few studies about the changes of brain functional networks of patients with exophthalmos of primary hyperthyroidism (EOPH). However, differences in spontaneous brain activity in patients with EOPH remain unclear. Objective. This study explored alterations in the brain functional networks of patients with EOPH using a voxel-wise degree centrality (DC) method. Methods. A total of 20 patients with EOPH (8 men and 12 women) were enrolled. In addition, 20 patients with primary hyperthyroidism without exophthalmos, matched in age, sex, and education status, were enrolled as a control group. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess the anxiety and depression status of participants. All participants were examined using resting-state functional MRI. Changes in spontaneous brain activity were investigated using the DC method. To distinguish between the DC values of the patients with EOPH and those of the control group, we analyzed the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The interrelationships between the DC values and clinical variables in the patients with EOPH were evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results. Patients with EOPH exhibited notably lower DC values in the cerebellum posterior lobe than the control group. In addition, there were negative correlations between the anxiety scores (AS) and the depression scores (DS) and DC values of the cerebellum posterior lobe. The ROC curve analysis of the cerebellum posterior lobe demonstrated that the area under the curve method had a high diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions. Our study was the first, to our knowledge, to explore changes in the brains of patients with EOPH using the DC method. The DC value was significantly different in the cerebellum posterior lobe in patients with EOPH, indicating that the cerebellum posterior lobe is associated with EOPH.

scholarly journals Post-weaning stroking stimuli induce affiliative behavior toward humans and influence brain activity in female rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shota Okabe ◽  
Yuki Takayanagi ◽  
Masahide Yoshida ◽  
Tatsushi Onaka
Keyword(s):  
Neural Activity ◽  
Positive Emotion ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Affiliative Behavior ◽  
Hypothalamic Neurons ◽  
Affiliative Behaviors

AbstractGentle touch contributes to affiliative interactions. We investigated the effects of gentle stroking in female rats on the development of affiliative behaviors toward humans and we exploratively examined brain regions in which activity was influenced by stroking. Rats that had received stroking stimuli repeatedly after weaning emitted 50-kHz calls, an index of positive emotion, and showed affiliative behaviors toward the experimenter. Hypothalamic paraventricular oxytocin neurons were activated in the rats after stroking. The septohypothalamic nucleus (SHy) in the post-weaningly stroked rats showed decreased activity in response to stroking stimuli compared with that in the non-stroked control group. There were negative correlations of neural activity in hypothalamic regions including the SHy with the number of 50-kHz calls. These findings revealed that post-weaning stroking induces an affiliative relationship between female rats and humans, possibly via activation of oxytocin neurons and suppression of the activity of hypothalamic neurons.

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