Functional near-infrared spectroscopy-based neurofeedback (fNIRS-NF) training shows potential for improving cognitive function. However, current paradigms often overlook individual differences—particularly gender-specific effects on neuroplastic responses. This study investigates gender’s role by analyzing brain functional characteristics during neurofeedback training across genders. A total of 38 subjects (20 males and 18 females) were included in this study. All subjects completed neuropsychological tests, followed by a single NIRS-NF training session targeting the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). No significant differences were observed in demographic data, neuropsychological test scores, or neurofeedback training scores between the male and female groups ( p > 0.05). During neurofeedback training, the target brain region was primarily activated in the left DLPFC, with no difference in activation patterns between the two groups ( p > 0.05, FDR corrected). Functional connectivity analysis revealed that males exhibited higher whole-brain connectivity strength than females ( p < 0.05, FDR corrected). Specifically, the connectivity strength between the prefrontal lobe and right parietal lobe ( r = 0.420， p = 0.008), as well as between the prefrontal lobe and posterior frontal area ( r = 0.383， p = 0.017), was positively correlated with neurofeedback training scores. This study confirms that individuals can successfully achieve regulation of the target brain region through a single session of neurofeedback, while highlighting the necessity of considering gender-specific brain network characteristics in the development of personalized neurofeedback paradigms.
Wu et al. (Fri,) studied this question.