Monitoring brain activity outside the lab without physical constraints presents methodological challenges. A fiberless, wearable functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) system was used to measure brain activity during an ecological prospective memory task. It was demonstrated that this system could be used to monitor brain activity during non-lab based experiments.
Difficulty
advanced
Total time
~1–2 hours per participant (setup, probe placement, task execution, and data acquisition)
Steps
1
Assemble and configure fiberless fNIRS instrument
Prepare the wearable fNIRS system hardware and software for operation. Ensure all electronic components and wireless connectivity are functional.
▶ 01:12
2
Position fNIRS probe on participant head
Apply the fNIRS probe array to anatomically relevant brain regions using standardized landmarks. Secure the wearable system for comfortable, stable contact during movement.
▶ 01:55
3
Assess signal quality and initiate data recording
Verify fNIRS signal integrity and optimize probe-scalp coupling. Begin data acquisition to establish baseline hemodynamic measurements.
▶ 03:48
4
Execute prospective memory task with monitoring
Conduct an ecological cognitive task (prospective memory) in a real-world or naturalistic setting while fNIRS continuously records brain activity.
▶ 05:19
5
Analyze hemodynamic responses and validate results
Process fNIRS data to extract real-time hemodynamic changes during task performance. Confirm that wearable fiberless fNIRS reliably detects cognitive-related brain activity.
▶ 07:30
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