Developing an inclusive approach to fNIRS research in women of color.

Significance: Acknowledgement of a lack of inclusivity in human subjects-focused wearable neuroimaging research has emerged in recent years due to a number of common practices. Women of color are most negatively impacted by this systemic exclusion in wearable neuroimaging research, specifically with respect to functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) research. Aim: We aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of holistic and inclusive practices in the recruitment and retention of women of color in an fNIRS research study. Approach: The development of inclusive approaches involves consideration of study design elements, study participant recruitment and retention, pre-fNIRS session assessment considerations, and adjustments to data collection practices during fNIRS assessment. Approaches taken in each of these study stages are described. Results: All participants remained enrolled and participated in the study through the online survey (S0), first in-person session (S1), and second in-person (fNIRS) session (S2), leading to a study retention rate of 100%. Conclusions: The inclusion of four key recommendations in addition to prior recommendations can help reduce exclusionary practices in human subjects-focused fNIRS research, particularly in recruiting and retaining women of color. Improvement of this approach is expected through iterative modifications and the inclusion of additional holistic practices.