Assessing the Wearability of Low-Density fNIRS for Integration with Head-Worn Equipment

Advancements in training technologies increasingly emphasize the need for real-time cognitive and physiological state assessment to optimize performance. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) presents a promising solution for continuous neurophysiological monitoring, enabling adaptive training that responds to an individual’s state. To be viable for training applications, fNIRS systems must be non-intrusive and compatible with existing gear. This study evaluated fNIRS devices for wearability when integrated with a virtual reality headset and a flight helmet. Participants completed a standardized wearability protocol, assessing comfort and usability over extended use. Comparisons between equipment conditions served to identify potential integration challenges. Results indicated that MAVERIC, a low-density fNIRS system, provided superior comfort over time compared to a commercial alternative and was well tolerated across both equipment configurations. This work contributes to ongoing efforts to incorporate neurophysiological monitoring into adaptive training systems and provides practical guidance for future development, integration, and use of such systems.