Methods & Labs

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we examine the activity and connectivity of brain areas under resting conditions (resting state fMRI) as well as responses to experimental stimuli ranging from neutral images or sounds to pleasant touch and unpleasant pain stimuli.

In addition, quantitative magnetic resonance spectroscopy (q-MRS) allows us to determine the concentration of specific neurotransmitters that are particularly important for the activity and communication of brain areas. 

Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) also provides us with important insights into the structure of the brain, such as the size of individual brain regions.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) allows us to examine the fibre connections between brain regions.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive imaging method that measures changes in blood flow in the brain. It uses the special properties of near-infrared light to determine the concentration of oxygen in the blood and thus indirectly the activity of nerve cells. fNIRS is a modern method in neuroscience for measuring the activity of cortical, i.e. superficial, brain regions. Compared to fMRI, fNIRS is more mobile and can be used in a variety of natural situations and even to test several people at the same time in order to measure the synchronisation of brain activity between humans.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) are non-invasive neuromodulatory techniques in which electrical currents are applied to the scalp to modulate brain activity. tDCS uses a constant, low current, while tACS uses an oscillating current. tDCS and tACS are used in clinical applications and basic research to investigate the causal role of cortical brain regions. For example, the prefrontal cortex can be stimulated to test whether it plays a significant role in emotion regulation.

MRI measurements are performed on two research MRI scanners (Siemens Magnetom Prisma, 3 Tesla with 64-channel coil) at the Research Department of Neuroscience (RDN) at the RUB in Bochum and at the Leibniz Institute for Work Research at the TU Dortmund (IfADo).

In addition, ongoing studies conducted by Professors Elsenbruch and Icenhour provide access to 3 Tesla MR scanners at the University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum and the University Hospital Essen.

Two fNIRS devices (NIRSport 2 Wireless) and a 4-channel stimulator (Neurocare) are in use at the Department of Social Neuroscience (Prof. Dirk Scheele).

In our experimental studies, we collect various psychophysiological measurements that provide information about the activity of the autonomic (vegetative) nervous system and possible changes caused by emotional and cognitive processes.

Electrodermal activity (EDA), for example, can be used as an indicator of sympathetic nervous system activity to investigate emotional arousal patterns, such as those characteristic of fear conditioning.

Changes in heart rate/heart rate variability measured by electrocardiography (ECG), as well as blood pressure and respiration, provide insights into the complex interplay between mental processes and physiological reactions, which can be particularly pronounced in connection with psychological stress.

The electrical activity of the stomach is also autonomously regulated and can be measured non-invasively using electrogastrography (EGG), which is particularly interesting in the context of gastrointestinal symptoms and altered eating regulation.

In addition, eye tracking and pupillometry are used to map eye movements and changes in pupil size during the processing of emotional information and in the context of cognitive processes.

Finally, transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) enables us to specifically and non-invasively modulate one of the central communication pathways of the autonomic nervous system, which can influence both the functions of internal organs and our alertness and mood.

Overall, we use these various methods in our studies to decipher the physiological bodily reactions that are crucial for a better understanding of chronic stress-associated physical and mental illnesses.

These physiological measurement parameters are supplemented by the determination of stress hormones or inflammatory mediators from saliva or blood samples, which we analyse in collaboration with the Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Immunobiology at Essen University Hospital. These endocrine and immunological parameters are particularly important in the study of chronic pain in chronic inflammatory diseases.

Psychophysiological measurements using Biopac systems (Biopac Systems Inc.) are implemented in the research MRI and in the premises of all departments.

In addition, an MR-compatible eye-tracking system (Eye-Link 1000Plus, SR-Research), a transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulator (tVNS Technologies) and a SOMNOmedics system (SOMNOtouch NIBP) are part of the shared equipment of the Elsenbruch and Icenhour professorships.

We use various experimental models in our pain research. We have the equipment and expertise to use thermal stimuli (heat stimuli) for surface pain and pressure stimuli for deeper muscle pain and interoceptive visceral pain. These are used individually, in direct comparison with each other or with other unpleasant stimuli such as loud noises, and in some cases also in combination with emotional stimuli. 

In addition, we are particularly interested in the effects of pleasant social touch, which we apply using brushes, for example. To record the reactions to these experimental stimuli in healthy participants and various patient groups, including chronic pain patients, we combine measurement parameters from behavioural research (e.g. psychometrics), psychophysiology, brain imaging, psychoneuroendocrinology and psychoneuroimmunology.

The departments of Medical Psychology and Affective Neuroscience have various high-quality pain stimulation systems at their disposal, including MR-compatible thermodes (PATHWAY model, Medoc, Advanced Medical Systems) and barostat systems (ISOBAR 3 device, G & J Electronics). 

We also have equipment for quantitative sensory testing (QST). For studies on pain modulation through emotional acoustic stimuli, we have several MR-compatible audio stimulation systems at our disposal (Amplifier mkll+S/N 2016-2-2-03, MR confon GmbH).