Attention-related power and functional connectivity modulation associated with long-term alpha neurofeedback training

Abstract

Electroencephalography (EEG) based Neurofeedback training (NFT) is a non-invasive, brain-modulation technique that can improve the subject’s attention. In this research, the effectiveness of long-term NFT on the subject’s attention is explored. Real-time frontal lobe alpha band (8–13 Hz) power was used as feedback. The subjects were divided into the NFT group (n = 25) which received training and the control group (n = 25) which did not. All the subjects participated in the attention network task (ANT) at three stages i.e., before, mid, and at the end of NFT sessions. The EEG and behavioral data (Response time (RT) of the ANT task) were recorded for all subjects. The EEG data were pre-processed using a manual artifact removal procedure to avoid event-related information loss. Alpha band modulation can affect other bands such as theta (4–8 Hz) and beta (13–30 Hz) hence event-related functional connectivity (FC) and band power (BP) were analyzed in these bands as well. In event-related analysis, a significant increase (ANOVA & T-Test: P < 0.05) in theta and alpha power and FC within the NFT group was observed after NFT sessions whereas the changes observed within the control group were not significant. The RT of the subjects in the NFT group decreased. The increase in event-related power and connectivity within the theta and alpha band and the decrease in RT in the NFT group indicate the effectiveness of NFT sessions in the enhancement of attention.