The Effects of Neurofeedback Training on Brain Function Quotient of Elderly with Long-term Care Insurance Service

Abstract

Purpose: Recently, Neurofeedback training system that based on biofeedback of brain wave was introduced. This study was performed to identify the effects of the improvement of brain function by Neurofeedback training on elders(the 2nd or 3rd grade of long-term care insurance services). Methods: A quasi-experimental design using a nonequivalent control group, pre-post test was used. Total 11 elderly were enrolled in this study (experimental group 5, control group 6). The intervention was conducted 3 times a week for 30 minutes from January to June, 2012 (total 60 times). Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to analyze the data. Results: After the Neurofeedback intervention, attention quotient (AQ), anti-stress quotient (ASQ), emotion quotient (EQ) and brain quotient (BQ) of the experimental group were significantly better than those of the control group. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the Neurofeedback training program was effective in reducing fatigue by AQ, increasing the physical and mental stress resistance by ASQ, emotional balance by EQ and improving of total brain function by BQ. Therefore Neurofeedback training be used as an effective training intervention for the health of elderly in geriatric facility.