Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in Neuroergonomics

Abstract

This chapter focuses on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and its applications in the field of neuroergonomics. Due to the small, portable, and flexible nature of fNIRS, it has been able to track the neurocognitive behavior of participants during complex and ambulatory activities. This chapter presents a comprehensive summary and review of fNIRS technology with respect to its design, implementation, and measurements. The three different types of fNIRS that exist—continuous wave, frequency domain, and time domain—are further explained through example studies of each tool in action. We also provide detailed technological information on numerous studies that focus on the four main topics that fNIRS has frequently been used for: driving, mental workload, motor function, and decision-making. It then concludes with the directions and potential applications that fNIRS can be used for in the future. The main purpose of this chapter is to show the necessity and value of fNIRS in research and how it is able to provide accurate information in situations that would have otherwise been inaccessible.