Research

My PhD research (completed January 2026) at CIBIT (University of Coimbra) focused on real-time fMRI neurofeedback, music-evoked emotion, and developing music as an interface for brain self-regulation.

Google Scholar ORCID CiênciaVitae

Current Focus

At CIBIT I work on functional MRI methods and neurofeedback applications, with a particular interest in using music as feedback modality. Key goals include:

  • Optimizing functional sequences for real-time fMRI neurofeedback
  • Solving the challenge of scanner noise during auditory neurofeedback
  • Designing music-based feedback experiments that feel natural and effective
  • Decoding musical valence and arousal from brain activity

Selected Publications

2026 Frontiers in Psychiatry
A novel music-based real-time fMRI neurofeedback interface modulates interhemispheric connectivity and enhances mood
Sayal A, Pereira J, Direito B, Sousa T, Castelo-Branco M
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2026 preprint
A Neurofeedback therapy of facial expression recognition in Autism shifts connectivity to higher levels within the third visual pathway in relation to clinical improvements
Sayal A et al.
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2025 Frontiers in Neuroscience
Music in the loop: a systematic review of current neurofeedback methodologies using music
Sayal A, Direito B, Sousa T, Singer N, Castelo-Branco M
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2025 International Journal of Eating Disorders
Therapeutic Benefits of a 16-Week Compassion Focused Therapy for Overeating Are Associated With Positive Autonomic Changes and Putamen Responses
Sayal A et al.
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2025 bioRxiv
Neural correlates of emotional responses to self-selected music: evidence from multivariate pattern analysis
Sayal A et al.
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2024 NeuroImage
A human cortical adaptive mutual inhibition circuit underlying competition for perceptual decision and repetition suppression reversal
Sousa T, Sayal A, Duarte JV, Costa GN, Castelo-Branco M
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2024 bioRxiv
Decoding Musical Valence and Arousal: Exploring the Neural Correlates of Music-Evoked Emotions and the Role of Expressivity Features
Sayal A, Guedes AG, et al.
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2023 Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
Neurofeedback-dependent influence of the ventral striatum using a working memory paradigm targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
Pereira D, Sayal A, Pereira J, et al.
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2023 Frontiers in Neuroscience
Assessing MR-compatibility of somatosensory stimulation devices: A systematic review on testing methodologies
Travassos C, Sayal A, et al.
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2021 Autism
Training the social brain: Clinical and neural effects of an 8-week real-time fMRI neurofeedback Phase IIa Clinical Trial in Autism
Direito B, Mouga S, Sayal A, et al.
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2021 Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
Directly Exploring the Neural Correlates of Feedback-Related Reward Saliency and Valence During Real-Time fMRI-Based Neurofeedback
Direito B, Ramos M, Pereira J, Sayal A, et al.
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Full list available on ORCID or Google Scholar. Earlier work (2019–2023) covers perceptual hysteresis, neurofeedback in autism, connectivity analysis, and somatosensory devices.