It measures the variation of blood oxygenation over time, linked to neuronal activity that is generated in a specific experimental context.
To carry out the test, the subject is invited to lie on the back on a bed.
Through an electronic control, it is then made to slide inside the machinery.
It’s important that the person doesn’t move his head during the entire test, because the movements could disturb the image acquisition.
The person is asked to perform specific tasks.
For example, watch a video, listen to sounds, memorize some songs or press buttons.
The activities are always alternated with rest phases.
This is because the neural activity associated with a specific cognitive task is detected through the comparison between rest and active phases.
The exam usually lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.