Is virtual reality-based cognitive training in parallel with functional near-infrared spectroscopy-derived neurofeedback beneficial to improve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment?

Abstract

Purpose

Cognitive training in parallel with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-derived neurofeedback has been identified to be beneficial in enhancing cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, effects of virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive training ensuring ecological validity in parallel with fNIRS-derived neurofeedback on neural efficiency has received little attention. This study investigated effects of VR-based cognitive training in parallel with fNIRS-derived neurofeedback on cognitive function and neural efficiency in patients with MCI.

Method

Ninety participants were randomly assigned into the active group (AG) receiving VR-based cognitive training in parallel with fNIRS-derived neurofeedback, the sham group (SG), or wait-list group (CG). The AG and SG group performed each intervention for fifteen minutes a session, for eight sessions. The Trail Making Test Part B and Backward Digit Span Test were used for outcomes. In addition, activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during cognitive testing using fNIRS was measured.

Results

After the eight sessions, the AG achieved greater improvements in all outcomes than the other groups. In addition, the AG showed a lower DLPFC activity during cognitive testing than the other groups.

Conclusions

VR-based cognitive training in parallel with fNIRS-derived neurofeedback is superior to enhancing cognitive function and neural efficiency.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Virtual reality-based cognitive training in parallel with functional near-infrared spectroscopy-derived neurofeedback might improve cognitive function and neural efficiency in patients with mild cognitive impairment

• Functional near-infrared spectroscopy-derived neurofeedback would be considered as an effective tool for understanding neural efficiency underlying improved cognitive function.

• Rehabilitation professionals need to integrate virtual reality-based cognitive training and functional near-infrared spectroscopy-derived neurofeedback into their practice to enhance cognitive rehabilitation outcomes for patients with mild cognitive impairment.

Keywords:

• Neurofeedback
• virtual reality
• functional near-infrared spectroscopy
• cognitive function
• neural efficiency

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Soonchunhyang University Research Fund. This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by Ministry of Education (no. 2021R1I1A3041487). Following are results of a study on the “Leaders in INdustry-university Cooperation 3.0” Project, supported by the Ministry of Education and National Research Foundation of Korea.