Periodic Reporting for period 2 - INTERPLASTIC (Brains that fire together wire together: Interbrain plasticity underlies interaction-based learning)
Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2024-09-30
Despite the recognition that a vast expanse of human learning, from social norms to complex skills like language and motor abilities, transpires through interactions with others, the neural underpinnings of such interaction-based learning remain underexplored. The aim of the study is to conceptualize and validate the concept of inter-brain plasticity — a term we introduce to describe the dynamic, experience-dependent alterations in neural networks spanning between individuals engaged in mutual activities. We hypothesize that this inter-brain coupling is foundational to interaction-based learning, facilitating a unique neural connection that constitutes an 'inter-brain network' comprising interconnected brain regions across participants, which is dynamically reshaped during and after interaction-based learning experiences.
This research stands at the forefront of a new domain in neuroscience, with the potential to contribute to our understanding of learning, social interactions, and the neural coordination that underlies these processes. By exploring inter-brain plasticity in diverse contexts — from education to psychotherapy and beyond — we aim not only to contribute to our understanding of how interactions contribute to learning but also to open new avenues for clinical interventions and educational strategies that harness the power of shared neural dynamics for enhanced learning.
Knowledge about interbrain plasticity can contribute to educational approaches by identifying optimal conditions for learning. It can inform the development of more effective teaching methods that leverage the coupling of neural activities between teachers and students, thereby enhancing the learning experience and outcomes.
Finally, the project involves the development of a dyadic neurofeedback setup that will allow improving social interaction competencies through the facilitation of inter-brain coupling. Following the successful development and validation of this neurofeedback system, the subsequent phase involves its application in training individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), with the aim of addressing and ameliorating the social interaction challenges characteristic of the condition. Therapies that promote interbrain coupling between patients and therapists or among peer groups might improve social skills and reduce symptoms in ASD.
This research stands at the forefront of a new domain in neuroscience, with the potential to contribute to our understanding of learning, social interactions, and the neural coordination that underlies these processes. By exploring inter-brain plasticity in diverse contexts — from education to psychotherapy and beyond — we aim not only to contribute to our understanding of how interactions contribute to learning but also to open new avenues for clinical interventions and educational strategies that harness the power of shared neural dynamics for enhanced learning.
Knowledge about interbrain plasticity can contribute to educational approaches by identifying optimal conditions for learning. It can inform the development of more effective teaching methods that leverage the coupling of neural activities between teachers and students, thereby enhancing the learning experience and outcomes.
Finally, the project involves the development of a dyadic neurofeedback setup that will allow improving social interaction competencies through the facilitation of inter-brain coupling. Following the successful development and validation of this neurofeedback system, the subsequent phase involves its application in training individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), with the aim of addressing and ameliorating the social interaction challenges characteristic of the condition. Therapies that promote interbrain coupling between patients and therapists or among peer groups might improve social skills and reduce symptoms in ASD.
To date, our study has made significant advances in understanding inter-brain plasticity through a series of experiments, each contributing to our overarching objectives:
Development of Inter-Brain Plasticity Theory: Our work involved conceptualizing and formulating the theory of inter-brain plasticity. This was achieved through studies exploring how intra- and inter-brain networks adapt during skill acquisition, such as motor and language learning.
An initial behavioral study contrasted interaction-based learning with observational learning, highlighting the critical role of bidirectional communication and feedback in motor skill consolidation.
Collaborative efforts with post-doctoral students led to the publication of two narrative reviews. One review introduced a computational and neural model explaining mutual predictions in interactions, emphasizing the convergence of predictive models for mutual understanding, a process likely supported by inter-brain plasticity.
The second review applied inter-brain plasticity to the psychotherapeutic context, offering a new biological perspective regarding the therapist-client relationship.
Empirical Testing of Inter-Brain Plasticity in Psychotherapy: Using dual-functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), we analyzed therapist-client dyads across six psychotherapy sessions. The observed progressive increase in inter-brain coupling across sessions correlated with therapy outcomes, supporting the theory of inter-brain plasticity as a marker for therapeutic efficacy.
Exploration of Inter-Brain Plasticity Mechanisms: We investigated post-interaction inter-brain coupling, revealing enhanced coupling within key neural networks following synchronized movement tasks. This suggested that such coupling might signify the consolidation of social cues.
We further advanced our experimental efforts with research that focused on interbrain plasticity within the context of language learning. In this study we showed the impact of inter-brain coupling on early learning outcomes, further validating the role of inter-brain plasticity in diverse learning contexts.
Development of Innovative Neurofeedback Technology: We designed a dyadic fNIRS platform to train participants in enhancing their inter-brain coupling, with preliminary results indicating improved social connectedness among trained participants.
Application to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): The project extends to training individuals with ASD using the developed neurofeedback platform, tailoring the system to meet their unique needs and consulting with professionals and the ASD community to refine the training approach for optimal effectiveness.
Development of Inter-Brain Plasticity Theory: Our work involved conceptualizing and formulating the theory of inter-brain plasticity. This was achieved through studies exploring how intra- and inter-brain networks adapt during skill acquisition, such as motor and language learning.
An initial behavioral study contrasted interaction-based learning with observational learning, highlighting the critical role of bidirectional communication and feedback in motor skill consolidation.
Collaborative efforts with post-doctoral students led to the publication of two narrative reviews. One review introduced a computational and neural model explaining mutual predictions in interactions, emphasizing the convergence of predictive models for mutual understanding, a process likely supported by inter-brain plasticity.
The second review applied inter-brain plasticity to the psychotherapeutic context, offering a new biological perspective regarding the therapist-client relationship.
Empirical Testing of Inter-Brain Plasticity in Psychotherapy: Using dual-functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), we analyzed therapist-client dyads across six psychotherapy sessions. The observed progressive increase in inter-brain coupling across sessions correlated with therapy outcomes, supporting the theory of inter-brain plasticity as a marker for therapeutic efficacy.
Exploration of Inter-Brain Plasticity Mechanisms: We investigated post-interaction inter-brain coupling, revealing enhanced coupling within key neural networks following synchronized movement tasks. This suggested that such coupling might signify the consolidation of social cues.
We further advanced our experimental efforts with research that focused on interbrain plasticity within the context of language learning. In this study we showed the impact of inter-brain coupling on early learning outcomes, further validating the role of inter-brain plasticity in diverse learning contexts.
Development of Innovative Neurofeedback Technology: We designed a dyadic fNIRS platform to train participants in enhancing their inter-brain coupling, with preliminary results indicating improved social connectedness among trained participants.
Application to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): The project extends to training individuals with ASD using the developed neurofeedback platform, tailoring the system to meet their unique needs and consulting with professionals and the ASD community to refine the training approach for optimal effectiveness.
The project has made significant strides beyond the current state of the art in the field of neuroscience, particularly in understanding inter-brain plasticity and its implications for learning. By the end of the project, I anticipate several key advancements and results:
Theoretical and Empirical Advancements: The development and refinement of the inter-brain plasticity theory will represent a major leap forward. The theory will integrate insights from behavioral experiments, neuroimaging studies and computational modeling, to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how brains becomes coupled during social interactions and learning processes. The project has already demonstrated the feasibility of measuring and influencing inter-brain coupling through studies on interbrain coupling and neurofeedback interventions. By the end of the project, we expect to have a robust body of empirical evidence supporting the role of inter-brain plasticity in various domains, including psychotherapy, motor skill acquisition, and language learning.
Technological Innovations: The development of a dyadic neurofeedback fNIRS platform for training inter-brain coupling is a groundbreaking technological achievement. This platform is expected to facilitate research into the neural underpinnings of social learning.
Clinical Applications: A significant focus of the project is the application of inter-brain plasticity principles to improve outcomes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The customization and validation of the neurofeedback system for this population are expected to yield new therapeutic tools and strategies that enhance social skills and reduce the challenges associated with ASD.
Theoretical and Empirical Advancements: The development and refinement of the inter-brain plasticity theory will represent a major leap forward. The theory will integrate insights from behavioral experiments, neuroimaging studies and computational modeling, to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how brains becomes coupled during social interactions and learning processes. The project has already demonstrated the feasibility of measuring and influencing inter-brain coupling through studies on interbrain coupling and neurofeedback interventions. By the end of the project, we expect to have a robust body of empirical evidence supporting the role of inter-brain plasticity in various domains, including psychotherapy, motor skill acquisition, and language learning.
Technological Innovations: The development of a dyadic neurofeedback fNIRS platform for training inter-brain coupling is a groundbreaking technological achievement. This platform is expected to facilitate research into the neural underpinnings of social learning.
Clinical Applications: A significant focus of the project is the application of inter-brain plasticity principles to improve outcomes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The customization and validation of the neurofeedback system for this population are expected to yield new therapeutic tools and strategies that enhance social skills and reduce the challenges associated with ASD.