Introduction

Deficits in executive functions represent a fundamental challenge in various neuropsychiatric conditions, impairing cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control. Conventional occupational therapy (OT) interventions often rely on standardized rehabilitation protocols, which may not sufficiently accommodate the heterogeneous neural profiles of individuals with executive dysfunction. This study introduces a novel, data-driven framework that integrates real-time neuroimaging with personalized occupational therapy interventions, aiming to optimize executive function rehabilitation through individualized neuroadaptive strategies.

Methods

This study employs a multimodal neuroimaging approach, combining portable electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to monitor cortical activation during occupational therapy sessions. Participants with executive function impairments will undergo baseline assessments, including standardized neuropsychological tests and neuroimaging measures. Occupational therapy tasks will be dynamically tailored based on individual neural activation patterns, with real-time modifications guided by neurophysiological feedback. Data analysis will evaluate longitudinal changes in functional connectivity, task performance, and executive function outcomes over a 12-week intervention period.

Results

Preliminary findings indicate that real-time neuroadaptive occupational therapy facilitates neuroplastic changes in cortical regions implicated in executive functions, particularly within the prefrontal cortex. Participants demonstrate statistically significant improvements in cognitive flexibility, working memory, and task-switching efficiency compared to conventional OT protocols. Neurophysiological markers, including enhanced functional connectivity and optimized cortical activation patterns, provide empirical support for the efficacy of this individualized intervention model.

Conclusions

This study presents a pioneering neuro-mapping paradigm within occupational therapy, leveraging real-time neuroimaging to inform personalized intervention strategies. Findings underscore the potential of neuroadaptive occupational therapy to enhance executive function rehabilitation beyond traditional methodologies. Future research should investigate the durability of these effects and explore broader clinical applications across diverse neurocognitive conditions.