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Efficacy of Real-Time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Neurofeedback Training (fMRI-NFT) in the Treatment of Tinnitus

Sherwood, Matthew S.
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0557-7346
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1503673205687703

Abstract Details

2017, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Wright State University, Engineering PhD.
There is a growing interest in the application of real-time (fMRI) with neurofeedback training (NFT) to the treatment of disorders associated with abnormal brain function. Chronic tinnitus is one such disorder that is often characterized by hyperactivity of the primary auditory cortex (A1) and decreased activity of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). In this work, we investigated the use of fMRI-NFT to teach self-regulation of A1 using directed attention strategies. The overall objective of the proposed study is to determine the efficacy of fMRI-NFT for potential treatment of tinnitus. Healthy participants were separated into two groups: the experimental group received real feedback regarding activity in the A1 while control group was supplied sham feedback yoked from a random participant in the experimental group and matched for fMRI-NFT experience. Twenty-seven healthy volunteers with normal hearing (defined as no more than 1 frequency < -40 dB on a standard audiogram) underwent five fMRI-NFT sessions, each consisting of 1 auditory fMRI to functionally localize the A1, and 2 closed-loop neuromodulation runs using feedback from A1. FMRI data were acquired at 3T using 2D, single-shot echo planar imaging (EPI) during all three runs. The auditory fMRI was comprised of alternating blocks without and with auditory stimulation (continuous white noise delivered at 90 dB via in-ear headphones). During each closed-loop neuromodulation run, subjects completed alternating blocks identified as a “relax” period (i.e., watch the bar) or a “lower” period (i.e., lower the bar). Auditory stimulation (same as for the auditory fMRI) was supplied during both sets of blocks. A1 activity was continuously presented using a simple bar plot during the closed-loop neuromodulation runs and updated with each EPI volume. A set of four simple directed attention strategies were suggested before each scan session to provide examples of brain control techniques to lower the bar, but the subjects were explicitly instructed to use any mental strategy they preferred. Average A1 deactivation was extracted from each closed-loop neuromodulation run and used to quantify the control over A1 (A1 control). Additionally, behavioral testing was completed outside of the MRI on sessions 1 and 5, and at a 2-week follow-up. This consisted of a subjective questionnaire to assess attentional control (attentional control scale; ACS) and two quantitative tests: the attention to emotion task (AE) and a vigilance variant of the continuous performance task (CPT-X). The ACS total was computed according to the associated literature. The AE task was assessed for the impact of emotion on attention by computing the percentage change between the average latency for emotional and neutral trials. A sensitivity index (d’) was computed from the CPT-X using signal detection theory. A 2x5x2 (group by session and run) repeated measures ANOVA was performed on A1 control followed by post hoc pairwise comparisons to evaluate the session by group interaction. It was determined that A1 control improved with training, and that A1 control during sessions 5 and 2 was significantly higher than session 1 only for the experimental group. Behavior was assessed by conducting 2x2 and 2x3 (group by session) repeated measures ANOVAs on each test score to evaluate the effects of fMRI-NFT. Separate ANOVAs were conducted due to three participants that did not complete the follow-up behavioral assessment. The control group showed a markedly reduced average impact of emotion on attention. However, no other effects were observed. Additionally, the change in A1 deactivation and the impact of emotion on attention were negatively correlated. A neural assessment consisting of measures of brain activity in response to auditory stimulation, resting-state networks, and steady-state perfusion was also conducted during sessions 1 and 5 while participants were inside the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Average activation was extracted from the A1 during the auditory fMRI. Auditory, default mode, and executive control networks were assessed from resting-state fMRI. Average CBF was extracted from the auditory cortex (A1 and superior temporal gyrus) and attentional regions (anterior cingulate cortex and medial frontal gyrus). Averaging across groups, A1 activity in response to continuous noise stimulation decreased across training. In addition, functional reorganization in the auditory and default mode networks were observed in brain regions implicated in auditory processing, sustained attention, and executive functions. This work suggests that fMRI-NFT can be used to teach control over A1 and that this enhanced control can reduce the impact of emotion on attention. Improvements were observed across training when averaged across the groups, implying attempted A1 control may be effective at producing behavioral and neural effects. This may be useful in formulating effective therapies outside of the MRI and into home-based solutions. Furthermore, the effects of emotion and attention may be useful in developing therapies for other neurologic disorders with abnormal attentional and emotional states such as chronic pain.
Subhashini Ganapathy, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Frank Ciarallo, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Jaime Ramirez-Vick, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Curtis Tatsuoka, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Jason Parker, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
135 p.
Audiology; Behavioral Psychology; Behavioral Sciences; Bioinformatics; Biomedical Engineering; Biomedical Research; Biophysics; Biostatistics; Cognitive Psychology; Engineering; Experiments; Medical Imaging; Molecular Physics; Neurosciences
fMRI; neurofeedback; tinnitus; attention; primary auditory cortex

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Sherwood, M. S. (2017). Efficacy of Real-Time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Neurofeedback Training (fMRI-NFT) in the Treatment of Tinnitus [Doctoral dissertation, Wright State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1503673205687703

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Sherwood, Matthew. Efficacy of Real-Time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Neurofeedback Training (fMRI-NFT) in the Treatment of Tinnitus. 2017. Wright State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1503673205687703.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Sherwood, Matthew. "Efficacy of Real-Time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Neurofeedback Training (fMRI-NFT) in the Treatment of Tinnitus." Doctoral dissertation, Wright State University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1503673205687703

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

wright1503673205687703
574
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This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.