Distribution of Cerebral Blood Flow during Biofeedback Training

Yasuyuki Matsuura^1,2, Shinichi Taniguchi³, Takayuki Hirata³ and Hiroki Takada³*

¹Center of Career Development and Support, University of Fukui, 3-9-1 Bunkyo, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
²Center for Advanced Research on Political Institutions, Meiji University, 1-1 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8301, Japan
³Department of Human and Artificial Intelligent Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui, 3-9-1 Bunkyo, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
*E-mail address: takada@u-fukui.ac.jp

(Received December 27, 2013; Accepted January 10, 2014)

Abstract. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is less restrictive for examinees than other brain function imaging methods such as positron emission tomography or functional magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, fixation of the head and recumbence on a special device during measurement are unnecessary with NIRS. Biofeedback training (BFT) elucidates the importance of mental training, and monitors and encourages the learning of psycho-physiological control necessary for peak performance. Electromyography of examinees’ rectus femoris muscles and nearinfrared spectroscopy were simultaneously conducted to investigate the relationship between BFT and local cerebral blood flow. The influence of a kicking motion on brain functioning was confirmed. These findings suggest that BFT is effective in activating working memory.

Keywords: Biofeedback Training (BFT), Kicking Motion, Cerebral Blood Flow, Near-infrared Spectroscopy(NIRS)