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

• Published in: Acta psychologica Vol. 224; p. 103525
• Main Authors: Llana, Tania, Fernandez-Baizan, Cristina, Mendez-Lopez, Magdalena, Fidalgo, Camino, Mendez, Marta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.04.2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Cortex; fNIRS; Humans; Memory, Short-Term - physiology; Neuropsychological Tests; Prefrontal Cortex - diagnostic imaging; Prefrontal Cortex - physiology; Short-term memory; Spatial Memory; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared - methods; Working memory; fNIRS; Working memory; Cortex; Short-term memory; Spatial memory
• ISSN: 0001-6918; 1873-6297
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103525

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. •Studies on spatial memory using fNIRS were reviewed.•Prefrontal cortex is the region most explored using fNIRS.•Working memory of positions in 2D was the most used task for fNIRS studies.•This review stresses the need for studies on long-term spatial memory using fNIRS.