Table 1.

An overview of strengths and limitations associated with fMRI and fNIRS.

	fMRI	fNIRS
Strengths	Non-invasive Repeatable Widely available Superior spatial resolution Whole brain measurement (lateral surface and depth)	Non-invasive Repeatable Comparable temporal resolution to fMRI Inexpensive Portable Less restriction on motion
Limitations	Expensive Strict restrictions of motion Need for supine position Noisy scanner Physiological noise Restrictions based on metal in the body Restrictions based on claustrophobia	Limited to frontal regions and surface analysis Physiological noise (including superficial scalp signals) Lacks anatomical information Interpretation challenges related to multiple sources of vascular signal