Improving Attention through Individualized fNIRS Neurofeedback Training: A Pilot Study

Attention is a particularly important indicator in life, as inattention can lead to many negative consequences. As a non-invasive intervention, real-time neurofeedback training can effectively enhance individuals’ attention adjustment abilities. However, previous studies have neglected to consider differences among individuals. In this study, an individualized neurofeedback training (INT) method based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was proposed for attention improvement and compared with non-individualized neurofeedback training (NINT). The neurofeedback channels and thresholds were determined individually for each subject. Then, participants conducted four runs of neurofeedback training. Two attention tests (i.e., AX version of continuous performance task (AX-CPT) and attention network test (ANT)) were used to assess the performance of the neurofeedback training. The length of time that the two groups of participants continuously kept their oxygenated hemoglobin concentration above a threshold showed an increasing trend, and the improvement rate of the INT group was higher than that of the NINT group. The reaction times for both groups showed a downward trend, but the INT group declined more significantly. In the fNIRS data, it was observed that the activation degree of the INT group in the middle and dorsolateral prefrontal areas was higher than that of the NINT group. It is preliminarily proved that the proposed INT method can effectively improve the attention level, and its overall performance is better than that of the NINT method.