Combining Virtual Reality and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): Problems and Solutions

Beck, Lydia; Wolter, Marc; Mungard, Nan F.; Kuhlen, Torsten; Sturm, Walter

doi:10.1007/978-3-540-76805-0_28

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 14 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…While reactive aggression is incompatible with the scanning environment and, therefore, difficult to measure, novel protocols should be developed to effectively study the neural basis of reactive aggression. For example, more realistic tasks could combine virtual reality (VR) and fMRI (157,158). Exploring the use of VR to elicit aggression will require specific safety protocols to minimize ethical and safety concerns (159).…”

Section: Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Brain responses in aggression-prone individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of anger- and aggression-eliciting tasks

Nikolic

Pezzoli

Jaworska

et al. 2022

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: While reactive aggression (in response to a perceived threat or provocation) is part of humans' adaptive behavioral repertoire, it can violate social and legal norms. Understanding brain function in individuals with high levels of reactive aggression as they process anger- and aggression-eliciting stimuli is critical for refining interventions. Three neurobiological models of reactive aggression - the limbic hyperactivity, prefrontal hypoactivity, and dysregulated limbic-prefrontal connectivity models - have been proposed. However, these models are based on neuroimaging studies involving mainly healthy individuals, leaving it unclear which model best describes brain function in aggression-prone individuals. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search (PubMed and Psycinfo) and Multilevel Kernel Density meta-analysis (MKDA) of nine functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of brain responses to tasks putatively eliciting anger and aggression in aggression-prone individuals alone, and relative to healthy controls. Results: Aggression-prone individuals exhibited greater activity during reactive aggression relative to baseline in the superior temporal gyrus and in regions comprising the cognitive control and default mode networks (right posterior cingulate cortex, precentral gyrus, precuneus, right inferior frontal gyrus). Compared to healthy controls, aggression-prone individuals exhibited increased activity in limbic regions (left hippocampus, left amygdala, left parahippocampal gyrus) and temporal regions (superior, middle, inferior temporal gyrus), and reduced activity in occipital regions (left occipital cortex, left calcarine cortex). Conclusions: These findings lend support to the limbic hyperactivity model and further indicate altered temporal and occipital activity in anger- and aggression-eliciting situations that involve face and speech processing.

show abstract

Section: Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Brain responses in aggression-prone individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of anger- and aggression-eliciting tasks

Nikolic

Pezzoli

Jaworska

et al. 2022

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“… 17 , 18 iVR-fMRI faces challenges from the high cost of the MRI console and MRI-compatible iVR devices, as well as the complicated implementation and synchronization requirements. 15 , 19 Furthermore, EEG and fMRI are vulnerable to motion artifacts, which may be common in many VR applications involving large ranges of head or limb movement. 20 Finally, fMRI scans restrict the user to a supine position within a noisy MRI room, potentially diminishing the level of immersion experienced by the user in the simulated virtual environment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Despite the progress, current iVR-EEG setups often necessitate compromises related to evoked potential signal complexity, reduced monitoring area, and susceptibility to electrical interferences 17 , 18 . iVR-fMRI faces challenges from the high cost of the MRI console and MRI-compatible iVR devices, as well as the complicated implementation and synchronization requirements 15 , 19 . Furthermore, EEG and fMRI are vulnerable to motion artifacts, which may be common in many VR applications involving large ranges of head or limb movement 20 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

iVR-fNIRS: studying brain functions in a fully immersive virtual environment

Peng,

Moussavi,

Karunakaran

et al. 2024

Neurophoton.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

. Immersive virtual reality (iVR) employs head-mounted displays or cave-like environments to create a sensory-rich virtual experience that simulates the physical presence of a user in a digital space. The technology holds immense promise in neuroscience research and therapy. In particular, virtual reality (VR) technologies facilitate the development of diverse tasks and scenarios closely mirroring real-life situations to stimulate the brain within a controlled and secure setting. It also offers a cost-effective solution in providing a similar sense of interaction to users when conventional stimulation methods are limited or unfeasible. Although combining iVR with traditional brain imaging techniques may be difficult due to signal interference or instrumental issues, recent work has proposed the use of functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in conjunction with iVR for versatile brain stimulation paradigms and flexible examination of brain responses. We present a comprehensive review of current research studies employing an iVR-fNIRS setup, covering device types, stimulation approaches, data analysis methods, and major scientific findings. The literature demonstrates a high potential for iVR-fNIRS to explore various types of cognitive, behavioral, and motor functions in a fully immersive VR (iVR) environment. Such studies should set a foundation for adaptive iVR programs for both training (e.g., in novel environments) and clinical therapeutics (e.g., pain, motor and sensory disorders and other psychiatric conditions).

show abstract