Detecting laterization of haemodynamic response during executive motor task and motor imagery with fNIRS

In this study, haemodynamic response strength during motor imagery and executive motor tasks are investigated through a general linear model using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data to discriminate neural correlation of right and left hand movement. A 16-channel fNIRS system is used over the prefrontal cortex during motor imagery and motor execution. Preliminary results shows that the activation of the prefrontal cortex during motor imagery task is related with high levels of cognitive processing, namely attentional engagement, rather than motor execution from the measurements using generalised linear model. Results show that fNIRS holds great promise as a tool for clinical studies, cognitive and behavioural neuroscience research.