Open AccessA Review on the Use of Wearable Functional Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy in Naturalistic Environments
Author(s) -
Pinti Paola,
Aichelburg Clarisse,
Gilbert Sam,
Hamilton Antonia,
Hirsch Joy,
Burgess Paul,
Tachtsidis Ilias
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
japanese psychological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.392
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1468-5884
pISSN - 0021-5368
DOI - 10.1111/jpr.12206
Subject(s) - functional near infrared spectroscopy , wearable computer , modalities , functional brain imaging , neuroimaging , cognition , computer science , wearable technology , cognitive neuroscience , human–computer interaction , functional magnetic resonance imaging , neuroscience , functional neuroimaging , psychology , cognitive science , prefrontal cortex , embedded system , social science , sociology
The development of novel miniaturized wireless and wearable functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) devices has paved the way for new functional brain imaging that could revolutionize the cognitive research fields. Over the past few decades, several studies have been conducted with conventional fNIRS systems that have demonstrated the suitability of this technology for a wide variety of populations and applications, to investigate both the healthy brain and the diseased brain. However, what makes wearable fNIRS even more appealing is its capability to allow measurements in everyday‐life scenarios that are not possible with other gold‐standard neuroimaging modalities, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging. This could have a huge impact on the way we explore the neural bases and mechanisms underpinning human brain functioning. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of studies conducted with wearable fNIRS in naturalistic settings in the field of cognitive neuroscience. In addition, we present the challenges associated with the use of wearable fNIRS in unrestrained contexts, discussing solutions that will allow accurate inference of functional brain activity. Finally, we provide an overview of the future perspectives in cognitive neuroscience that we believe would benefit the most from the study of wearable fNIRS devices.