Non-invasive brain stimulation and neurofeedback: from basic research to decoding motor intentions

Operant conditioning based on neurofeedback is increasingly used in both basic research and neurorehabilitation. Electroencephalography (EEG) is likely the most popular non-invasive modality for neurofeedback in humans, but applications are challenged by a low signal-to-noise ratio and poor anatomical and functional specificity. Here I will present an alternative approach where we apply transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in a non-invasive neurofeedback context. I will show (i) that healthy participants can learn to volitionally up- or down-regulate the state of their motor system and elucidate which neurophysiological mechanisms mediate this effect; (ii) how this approach can be extended to decoding intended finger and hand movements; and (iii) that TMS neurofeedback training is feasible in stroke patients. 

Bio. Professor Nici Wenderoth is full professor for Neural Control of Movement in the Department for Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. Her main research focus is on human systems neuroscience. Additionally, she actively pursues translational research in animal models and clinical applications. She is currently Director of the Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Director of the interdisciplinary Future Health Technologies research programme at the Singapore-ETH Campus and President of the Betty and David Koetser Foundation for Brain Research.