Functional near-infrared spectroscopy in the neuropsychological assessment of spatial memory: A systematic review

Tania Llana; Cristina Fernandez-Baizan; Magdalena Mendez-Lopez; Camino Fidalgo; Marta Mendez

Acta Psychologica (Apr 2022)

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy in the neuropsychological assessment of spatial memory: A systematic review

Tania Llana,
Cristina Fernandez-Baizan,
Magdalena Mendez-Lopez,
Camino Fidalgo,
Marta Mendez

Affiliations

Tania Llana: Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
Cristina Fernandez-Baizan: Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Corresponding author at: Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
Magdalena Mendez-Lopez: Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain; IIS Aragón, San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
Camino Fidalgo: Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain; IIS Aragón, San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
Marta Mendez: Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 224
p. 103525

Abstract

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Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive optical imaging technique that employs near-infrared light to measure cortical brain oxygenation. The use of fNIRS has increased exponentially in recent years. Spatial memory is defined as the ability to learn and use spatial information. This neuropsychological process is constantly used in our daily lives and can be measured by fNIRS but no research has reviewed whether this technique can be useful in the neuropsychological assessment of spatial memory. This study aimed to review empirical work on the use of fNIRS in the neuropsychological assessment of human spatial memory. We used four databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science, and a total of 18 articles were found to be eligible. Most of the articles assessed spatial or visuospatial working memory with a predominance in computer-based tasks, used fNIRS equipment of 16 channels and mainly measured the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The studies analysed found linear or quadratic relationships between working memory load and PFC activity, greater activation of PFC activity and worse behavioural results in healthy older people in comparison with healthy adults, and hyperactivation of PFC as a form of compensation in clinical samples. We conclude that fNIRS is compatible with the standard neuropsychological assessment of spatial memory, making it possible to complement behavioural results with data of cortical functional activity.

Published in Acta Psychologica

ISSN: 0001-6918 (Print); 1873-6297 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Philosophy. Psychology. Religion: Psychology
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/acta-psychologica

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