Literature review uncovers methodological inconsistencies and interpretive challenges in infant near-infrared spectroscopy, highlighting strategies to improve data reliability.
Key Points
Synthesize empirical findings from near-infrared spectroscopy studies in infants up to 12 months old to evaluate methodological limitations and identify paths toward greater data reliability.
Reviewed empirical neuroimaging studies utilizing noninvasive diffuse optical imaging in human infants from birth to 12 months of age.
Evaluated methodological rigor, study reproducibility, and interpretive paradigms relative to established techniques such as EEG, MEG, and fMRI.
Identified substantial interpretive ambiguities and cross-study inconsistencies in reported infant cortical hemodynamic responses.
Outlined specific methodological and analytical recommendations to reduce signal variability and enhance the reproducibility of infant optical imaging data.
Highlighted emerging optical neuroimaging technologies capable of improving signal sensitivity and measurement depth in pediatric populations.