A recent study highlights the potential of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) devices, traditionally used for brain imaging, to enhance cognitive functions through a process known as photobiomodulation (PBM). This groundbreaking research, led by Professor. Matteo Martini from University of East London and Professor Natalia Arias from University of Nebrija, marks a significant shift in the application of fNIRS technology from a diagnostic tool to a cognitive enhancer. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal, Behavior Research Methods.
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) operates by measuring changes in brain hemodynamics, using near-infrared light to detect variations in tissue oxygenation. Historically, fNIRS has been lauded for its portability, safety, and tolerance to movement, making it a preferred choice for studying brain activity in diverse populations. However, recent discoveries suggest that near-infrared light can also modulate neural activity, a phenomenon referred to as photobiomodulation (PBM). “Our study indicates that the standard use of fNIRS devices generates PBM, impacting cognition,” said Professor Martini.
In their study, the researchers conducted a series of cognitive tests on participants, with one group wearing active fNIRS devices while another group wore inactive ones. The tests focused on prefrontal cortex functions, assessing reaction times and accuracy in tasks related to memory, attention, and executive function. Remarkably, the group with active devices exhibited faster reaction times and improved accuracy compared to the control group. This indicates that fNIRS, through PBM, has a tangible effect on enhancing cognitive performance.
A significant aspect of this study was its methodological rigor. Every participant underwent cognitive assessments before and after wearing the fNIRS devices. Tasks included a delayed matched-to-sample task (DMS), a backward counting task (BCT), and an eStroop test. The experimental group, which wore active devices, demonstrated notable improvements in all tasks compared to the control group. For instance, in the DMS task, the experimental group showed significantly faster reaction times and higher accuracy post-stimulation. These results were consistent across different cognitive domains, reinforcing the potential of fNIRS in cognitive enhancement.
The Professor Arias research team elaborated on the mechanism underlying PBM, noting that near-infrared light interacts with cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) in the mitochondria, restoring electron transport chain activity and improving energy metabolism. This neuromodulatory effect is suggested to have long-lasting impacts, potentially offering a non-invasive means to boost cognitive functions in healthy individuals as well as those with cognitive impairments.
Professor Martini and Professor Arias emphasized the novelty of their findings: “Our study is the first to demonstrate that a conventional fNIRS device, when used for its primary purpose, also acts as a cognitive enhancer through PBM. This dual functionality opens new avenues for both research and practical applications in cognitive enhancement therapies.”
The implications of this research are profound. fNIRS devices, already valued for their diagnostic capabilities, could become powerful tools in enhancing cognitive functions, potentially aiding in the treatment of cognitive decline associated with aging, brain injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, the study’s findings suggest that fNIRS could be used to enhance cognitive performance in healthy individuals, offering benefits in educational and occupational settings and opening the door to non-invasive therapies in ageing.
By revealing the new role that fNIRS devices could play in modulating cognitive activity, the authors of this study also want to speak to the scientific community and warn researchers about possible interactive effects that could be generated during the ‘conventional’ use of such tool. Professor Martini and Professor Arias suggest a simple way to overcome the protocol flaw and gain an expertimental control over these effects, in order to disclose the real efficacy of the intervention under investigation (Martini and Arias, 2024).
In conclusion, the research conducted by Professor Martini and Professor Arias´ research groups presents a compelling case for the cognitive enhancing capabilities of fNIRS technology. Their study not only broadens the understanding of fNIRS but also paves the way for its application in improving cognitive health. As the field of neuroscience continues to evolve, the integration of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies like fNIRS holds promise for significant advancements in cognitive science and mental health.
Journal Reference
Waight, J.L., Arias, N., Jiménez-García, A.M. et al. From functional neuroimaging to neurostimulation: fNIRS devices as cognitive enhancers. Behav Res 56, 2227–2242 (2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/s13428-023-02144-y
Martini, M and Arias, N. Disentangling the effects of near-infrared light stimulation and exercise on cognitive function in fNIRS studies. Neuroimage 2024 Apr 15:292:120615. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120615
About the Authors
Dr. Matteo Martini, is currently a Professor of Psychobiology and Cognitive Neuroscience and a Principal Investigator in the Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab at the University of Foggia. He received his Msc in Experimental Psychology and subsequently his Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience from Sapienza University, Italy. After post-doctoral work at the Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Spain, he got roles as a Lecturer and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of East London, UK. Martini’s research embraces different aspects of cognitive functioning, spanning from the study of pain and nociception, to the more recent investigation of cognitive potentiation through different interventions, such as physical activity and brain stimulation.
Dr. Natalia Arias graduated in Biology and Psychology, Master in Neurosciences, Doctor in Psychology and PI of the BRABE research group at the Faculty of Life and Nature Sciences. Her teaching experience spans various university systems, specializing in monitoring and maximizing student outcomes in university environments. At the research level, she is interested in the study of non-invasive treatments in early stages of neurodegeneration, as well as in the search for biomarkers in these diseases. Her concern ranges from preclinical trials to human translation, which is reflected in the numerous collaborations with national and foreign universities and companies.
