Real-Time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) is an increasingly popular noninvasive technique used to study brain function in ‘real time’. In contrast to traditional fMRI, rt-fMRI allows researchers to access and manipulate neu- roimaging data as they are acquired. This advance allows experimenters to use fMRI data in novel ways, including: quality assessment, biofeedback, dynamically controlled experimental tasks and assistive technologies (e.g. control over pros- theses). Cutting-edge research in this field has demonstrated compelling findings in healthy human participants and patient populations alike, including: volitional regulation of multiple brain regions, improved symptoms in several clinical populations and successful nonverbal communi- cation. As rt-fMRI is still in the early phases of development, we anticipate that this technology will continue to be used in novel and exciting ways by current and future generations of scientists.