Real-time fMRI paradigm control, physiology, and behavior combined with near real-time statistical analysis

This study presents an integrated approach to on-line fMRI data processing that combines real-time paradigm control and real-time MR image statistical analysis with nearly real-time integration of fMRI behavioral and physiolo gical data. The real-time paradigms involve accurate timing control of mult iple independent processing streams for stimulus presentation, physiologica l monitoring, behavioral response recording, and scanner synchronization. T he real-time image analysis provides high resolution MR image reconstructio n, head motion detection, translational motion correction, and t test stati stical activation maps for either block design or single-trial based paradi gms. The near real-time analysis allows physiological and behavioral data c ollected during a paradigm to be combined with the MR time series and provi des extended data filtering and statistical processing within a few minutes after the end of the scan. This integrated approach improves fMRI reliabil ity for both clinical and research studies. (C) 1999 Academic Press.