Effects of Trainer Continuity and Experience on Neurofeedback Treatment of ADHD in Children

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether trainer continuity and experience impacted the significantly improved inattention scores (pre-post d = 1.44–1.53) seen in both the control and active treatment groups of “Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial of Neurofeedback for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder” (2021). Methods: The primary trainer was the one who coached the most treatment sessions with a participant. A trainer was considered experienced after coaching 100 sessions. The percentage of sessions each participant had with their primary trainer and percentage with an experienced trainer were entered as independent variables into linear mixed models in SASv.9.4 with improvement in inattention ratings by parents and teachers (primary outcome) as dependent variable. Results: Effect of trainer continuity on primary outcome was not significant (B = −0.016, SE = 0.153, t(123) = −0.11, p = .916). However, percent of sessions with an experienced trainer correlated with increased improvement (B = 0.238, SE = 0.095, t(123) = 2.51, p = .013). Conclusion: Neurofeedback trainer continuity does not appear important, while trainer experience with at least 100 sessions correlates with better outcomes.