Neuro-feedback using real-time near infrared spectroscopy enhances brain plasticity during treadmill walking: A pilot study

Despite of the findings that motor imagery and motor execution are supposed to share common neural networks, previous studies using motor imagery based rehabilitation have revealed inconsistent results. In this study, we implemented a real-time neuro-feedback system based on near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and investigate the effect of neuro-feedback for gait rehabilitation. Four healthy volunteers performed individually given tasks. In the non-feedback task, subjects were performed treadmill walking without feedback. In the feedback task was used in subjects to evaluate whether real-time cortical oxygenated hemoglobin signal feedback during treadmill walking task. Results demonstrated that neuro-feedback induced significantly greater activation of the premotor area and supplementary motor area compare with non-feedback treadmill walking. This result suggested the feasibility of NIRS based real-time neuro-feedback system on gait rehabilitation.