Neuroimaging Integration (Research Track)
fMRI/fNIRS validation of intervention-induced neural changes
Neural Endpoint Validation
Optional subsample (n=40) receives pre/mid/post neuroimaging to confirm behavioral gains reflect genuine neural plasticity.
fMRI (pre) → Right DLPFC
Hypoactivation during working memory
Baseline deficit
fMRI (mid-training) → Right DLPFC
Increasing activation → compensation
Good response
fNIRS (real-time) → Prefrontal cortex
Hb+/Hb- ratio > 0.3 indicates engagement
On-task focus
DTI (post-training) → Fasciculus
White matter integrity ↑ 12%
Neural plasticity
Research Protocol
- • fMRI: 2-back task at baseline, week 8, week 16
- • fNIRS: Real-time monitoring during 2-3 training sessions
- • DTI: Pre/post white matter tractography
- • Comparison: untrained controls (n=20) matched on age/IQ
Expected Outcomes
40% increase in right DLPFC activation from pre→post (effect size d=1.2). White matter FA increase correlates with transfer efficiency (r=0.58). Published in high-impact journal.
