Brain–Computer Interface Training Enhances Attention Function via Modulating Frontoparietal Connectivity: Evidence From Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract

Objective: Attention is a critical cognitive function impaired in various neurological disorders, and brain–computer interface (BCI) training shows potential for cognitive improvement. However, the neural mechanisms of BCI training on attention networks remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of BCI training on attention and the underlying neural mechanisms in healthy young adults. Methods: Thirty healthy young adults participated in this study. Attention function was assessed using the attention network test (ANT), while brain activation and connectivity were measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Participants underwent the ANT and fNIRS assessments before and after BCI training. Results: BCI training significantly improved the efficiency of the executive control network (p = 0.016). Nodal efficiency in the right posterior parietal cortex (PPC) was decreased (p = 0.044). In the resting state, effective connectivity (EC) analysis showed decreased connectivity from the right PPC to the left PPC in the resting state (p = 0.047). In the task state, the EC from the right prefrontal cortex (PFC) to the right PPC was significantly increased (p = 0.016), and the connectivity from the left PFC to the right PFC was significantly decreased (p = 0.023). Conclusion: BCI training optimized connectivity within frontoparietal networks (FPNs), leading to enhanced executive control function. These findings suggest that BCI training could be an effective cognitive intervention for improving the function of FPNs. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of BCI training and its potential application in clinical populations, such as patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and stroke.