Abstract
Despite having relatively poor spatial and temporal resolution, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has several methodological advantages compared with other non-invasive measurements of neural activation. For instance, the unique characteristics of NIRS give it potential as a tool for investigating the role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in emotion processing. However, there are several obstacles in the application of NIRS to emotion research. In this mini-review, we discuss the findings of studies that used NIRS to assess the effects of PFC activation on emotion. Specifically, we address the methodological challenges of NIRS measurement with respect to the field of emotion research, and consider potential strategies for mitigating these problems. In addition, we show that two fields of research, investigating (i) biological predisposition influencing PFC responses to emotional stimuli and (ii) neural mechanisms underlying the bi-directional interaction between emotion and action, have much to gain from the use of NIRS. With the present article, we aim to lay the foundation for the application of NIRS to the above-mentioned fields of emotion research.
Highlights
Since being introduced as a research tool, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has gained wide support and recognition among cognitive neuroscientists, despite having several disadvantages when compared with other non-invasive measurements of neural activation
In the second half of the article, we describe a potential avenue of emotion research where the unique characteristics of NIRS could be gainfully used
Despite technical limitations, NIRS is a reliable technique for quantifying several aspects of emotional functioning in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), such as sensitivity to rewarding stimuli (Rolls, 1996) and processing of visceral reactions (Damasio, 1996)
Summary
Since being introduced as a research tool, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has gained wide support and recognition among cognitive neuroscientists, despite having several disadvantages when compared with other non-invasive measurements of neural activation. NIRS has poor spatial resolution compared with other neuroimaging techniques that measure neurovascular response, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. The acceptance of NIRS as a novel technique for measuring neural activation might be partly attributable to several unique characteristics. NIRS measurement is thought to impose a considerably less severe physical and psychological burden than that of existing neuroimaging techniques. This technique is advantageous for measuring neural responses in the elderly and infantile populations (Ichikawa et al, 2010; Ozawa et al, 2011; Kida and Shinohara, 2013b). NIRS is considered to be a useful technique for measuring neural activation under less constrained and more ecologically valid settings (Tuscan et al, 2013)
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