A new methodical approach in neuroscience: assessing inter-personal brain coupling using functional near-infrared imaging (fNIRI) hyperscanning

F, Scholkmann; L, Holper; U, Wolf; M, Wolf

Abstract:

Since the first demonstration of how to simultaneously measure brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on two subjects about 10 years ago, a new paradigm in neuroscience is emerging: measuring brain activity from two or more people simultaneously, termed “hyperscanning”. The hyperscanning approach has the potential to reveal inter-personal brain mechanisms underlying interaction-mediated brain-to-brain coupling. These mechanisms are engaged during real social interactions, and cannot be captured using single-subject recordings. In particular, functional near-infrared imaging (fNIRI) hyperscanning is a promising new method, offering a cost-effective, easy to apply and reliable technology to measure inter-personal interactions in a natural context. In this short review we report on fNIRI hyperscanning studies published so far and summarize opportunities and challenges for future studies.

Patologie/Applicazioni:

• NIRS

Anno:

2013

Tipo di pubblicazione:

Articolo

Parola chiave:

ossigenazione cerebrale; brain computer interface

Testata scientifica:

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

DOI:

10.3389/fnhum.2013.00813