Can near-infrared spectroscopy effectively measure brain activity and hemodynamic responses in clinical and nonclinical populations?
Near-infrared spectroscopy provides a portable, noninvasive method for monitoring brain function and hemodynamic responses in clinical populations, including older adults and aphasics.
Near infrared spectroscopy has recently been used to measure changes of optical parameters (i.e., light absorption or scattering) of brain tissue. The fact that the equipment is generally compact, portable, noninvasive, and reasonably prices makes it ideal for clinical and nonclinical evaluation and monitoring of brain function. Clinical and nonclinical studies evaluating changes related to light absorption are discussed, with an emphasis on cerebral blood oxygenation (CBO) changes and hemodynamic responses while performing cognitive tasks. With respect to the clinical studies, the focus is on variations in patterns of oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb), deoxygentated hemoglobin (Deoxy-Hb) and Total-Hb (sum of Oxy-Hb and Deoxy-Hb). The studies about clinical applications includes research we have conducted with older adults and aphasics. Implications regarding the use of NIRS for clincal purposes are considered.
Lichty et al. (Tue,) studied this question.