Mobile System for Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

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The research focus of the applying department is the investigation of the fundamental mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of pathological eating behavior and body image disorder. Imaging methods provide insights into the neural correlates of such mechanisms and thus contribute significantly to a fundamental understanding. In order to realize the research ambitions of the department, neuroimaging and training studies in outpatient settings will continue to be carried out in particular. In recent years, this core competence has been strengthened in the growing working group. For the department's research projects, a mobile system for functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is needed, which can flexibly and in different scenarios investigate cortical activations. Due to rapid hardware developments in fNIRS research, mobile devices are now available that allow for studies on patients in outpatient settings and in economically valid scenarios, e.g. during exposure or eating-related tasks. In particular, the correction for extracerebral signals, which are only made possible by newer devices with short-distance channels, is noteworthy. This keeps research competitive in the long-term and results are not confounded by motor artifacts. The requested device is compatible with other relevant methods of the research group, particularly tDCS, EEG, eye-tracking, and VR. A minimum number of 32 high-quality optode pairs (32 sources, 32 detectors) is required to cover the cortical areas that are relevant to current and future research projects. A compatible multichannel stimulator is additionally requested that will be used in combination with fNIRS, but which is distinct from other neurostimulation projects. The overall system must be suitable and approved for research on adult and pediatric patients. In Tübingen, there is already a lot of experience with fNIRS in various departments, and a network for methodological and content exchange. In 2021, researchers of the department, together with colleagues from cognitive neuropsychology, the clinic for psychiatry and psychotherapy, as well as the institute for diabetes research and metabolic diseases, organized an international, intramural-funded fNIRS summer school. Close networking between the departments and joint research projects strengthen the methodological expertise and social contribution of the location and its networking with international partners. Therefore, the acquisition of this mobile fNIRS system will significantly contribute to the department's research capabilities and allow for more flexible and efficient research and collaboration.