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Closed-loop neurofeedback reshapes preparatory brain states to bias subsequent pain processing

Zhang, Y.; Qiu, S.; Zheng, Q.; Chen, S.; Li, J.; Li, X.; Jin, R.; Peng, W.

2026-06-05 neuroscience
10.64898/2026.06.02.729491 bioRxiv
Show abstract

Pain perception is strongly influenced by neural states preceding stimulus onset, yet whether such preparatory states can be causally reshaped remains unclear. Using a double-blind design, we tested whether closed-loop neurofeedback can reconfigure preparatory brain dynamics to influence subsequent pain processing. Real, but not sham, feedback enabled learning-dependent enhancement of pre-stimulus oscillations in primary somatosensory cortex and their trans-hemispheric propagation. Training also selectively reduced transitions between EEG microstates associated with salience and attentional control, indicating reorganization of preparatory brain states. These neural changes were accompanied by attenuated pain-evoked cortical responses and reduced pain perception. Sequential mediation analyses further revealed that somatosensory enhancement predicted microstate reorganization, which in turn suppressed pain-evoked responses. Together, these findings demonstrate that closed-loop neurofeedback can causally reshape preparatory brain states to bias subsequent sensory processing.

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