Home // AIVR 2025, The Second International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Immersive Virtual Reality // View article

Employing Optical Brain Imaging for Real-Time Assessment of Brain Functions During Immersive Virtual Reality: Harnessing Potential for Neurorehabilitation

Authors:
Asma Seraj Pour Shooshtari
Mirella Veras
Ali Kassab
Daniel Alejandro Galindo Lazo
Frédéric Lesage
Dang Khoa Nguyen
Zahra Moussavi
Ke Peng

Keywords: Immersive Virtual Reality (iVR); Functional NearInfrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS); Neurorehabilitation; Hemodynamic Response.

Abstract:
This ongoing study introduces a cutting-edge integration of immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) and functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to facilitate real-time monitoring of brain activity during iVR-based tasks. By combining a High Tech Computer Corporation (HTC) Vive Pro VR headset with a multichannel fNIRS system, the platform provides a portable, non-invasive solution for investigating motor and cognitive control functions under immersive conditions. The study focuses on tasks that mimic real-world rehabilitation exercises, such as hand-grasping movements, designed to engage both motor and executive brain regions. Preliminary results from two healthy participants demonstrate robust hemodynamic responses in the Bilateral Motor Cortices (M1) and Dorso-Lateral Pre-Frontal Cortices (DLPFC) during iVR tasks, revealing increased neural activation compared to similar tasks performed in real-world and screen-based environments. Enhanced functional connectivity between the M1 and DLPFC was also observed, suggesting improved coordination of motor and cognitive processes. These findings highlight the potential of the iVR-fNIRS platform to capture unique patterns of brain engagement and functional activation during immersive virtual tasks. This novel approach addresses a critical gap in neurorehabilitation research by enabling continuous, real-time assessment of brain activity during therapy. The platform’s portability and resilience to motion make it well-suited for clinical applications, including personalized rehabilitation programs for patients with neurological conditions. Future work will extend the study to larger populations and incorporate additional cognitive tasks to validate the platform’s versatility and reliability. This research paves the way for innovative neuroscience tools and therapeutic interventions driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), enhancing our ability to monitor and optimize brain function in immersive virtual environments.

Pages: 11 to 14

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2025

Publication date: April 6, 2025

Published in: conference

ISBN: 978-1-68558-266-1

Location: Valencia, Spain

Dates: from April 6, 2025 to April 10, 2025