EEG-based Neurofeedback Training Research Articles

Efficacy of Neuro-Feedback Training for PTSD Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

If the negative emotions experienced in life become trauma, they affect daily life. Neuro-feedback technology has recently been introduced as a treatment, but many different neuro-feedback protocols and methods exits. This study conducted a meta-analysis of neuro-feedback training for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms to evaluate the effects of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG)-based neuro-feedback training. A search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Science Direct, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from January 2011 to December 2021. The studies’ quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and publication bias was assessed by Egger’s regression test. Seven studies that met the inclusion criteria were used for the systematic review and meta-analysis. EEG was more effective than fMRI for PTSD symptoms, and the effect on PTSD symptoms was higher than on anxiety and depression. There was no difference in the effectiveness of the training sessions. Our findings showed that EEG-based neuro-feedback training was more helpful for training PTSD symptoms. Additionally, the methods were also shown to be valid for evaluating clinical PTSD diagnoses. Further research is needed to establish a gold standard protocol for the EEG-based neuro-feedback training (EEG-NFT) method for PTSD symptoms.

MRI correlates of cognitive improvement after home-based EEG neurofeedback training in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

ObjectiveNeurofeedback training may improve cognitive function in patients with neurological disorders. However, the underlying cerebral mechanisms of such improvements are poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate MRI correlates of cognitive improvement after EEG-based neurofeedback training in patients with MS (pwMS).MethodsFourteen pwMS underwent ten neurofeedback training sessions within 3–4 weeks at home using a tele-rehabilitation system. Half of the pwMS (N = 7, responders) learned to self-regulate sensorimotor rhythm (SMR, 12–15 Hz) by visual feedback and improved cognitively after training, whereas the remainder (non-responders, n = 7) did not. Diffusion-tensor imaging and resting-state fMRI of the brain was performed before and after training. We analyzed fractional anisotropy (FA) and functional connectivity (FC) of the default-mode, sensorimotor (SMN) and salience network (SAL).ResultsAt baseline, responders and non-responders were comparable regarding sex, age, education, disease duration, physical and cognitive impairment, and MRI parameters. After training, compared to non-responders, responders showed increased FA and FC within the SAL and SMN. Cognitive improvement correlated with increased FC in SAL and a correlation trend with increased FA was observed.ConclusionsThis exploratory study suggests that successful neurofeedback training may not only lead to cognitive improvement, but also to increases in brain microstructure and functional connectivity.

Electroencephalogram-based neurofeedback training in persons with stroke: A scoping review in occupational therapy.

Neurofeedback training targets the relevant brain response under minimal stress. It could be a promising approach for the treatment of patients with brain injury. This review aimed to examine the existing literature to confirm the effectiveness of applied electroencephalogram (EEG)-based neurofeedback training in the area of occupational therapy for upper limb stroke rehabilitation. All relevant literature published until July 1, 2020 in five prominent databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE Complete, and Web of Science) was reviewed, based on the five-step review framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. After a thorough review, a total of 14 studies were included in this review. Almost studies reported significant improvements as a result of EEG-based neurofeedback training, but this had not always account for the differences in effectiveness between groups. However, the results of these studies suggested that neurofeedback training was effective as compared to the traditional treatment and more effective in combination with EEG than that with simple equipment application. This review demonstrated the effectiveness of the combination of occupational therapy and EEG-based neurofeedback training. Most of these treatments are intended for inpatients, but they may be more effective for outpatients, especially if customized to their requirements. Also, such explorations to assess the suitability of the treatment for patient rehabilitation will help reduce barriers to effective interventions. An analysis of the opinions of participants and experts through satisfaction surveys will be helpful.

Self-regulation of brain activity and its effect on cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis – First insights from an interventional study using neurofeedback

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of EEG-based neurofeedback training, in which one can learn to self-regulate one’s own brain activity, on cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). MethodsFourteen pwMS performed ten neurofeedback training sessions within 3–4 weeks at home using a tele-rehabilitation system. The aim of the neurofeedback training was to increase voluntarily the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR, 12–15 Hz) in the EEG over central brain areas by receiving visual real-time feedback thereof. Cognitive function was assessed before and after all neurofeedback training sessions using a comprehensive standardized neuropsychological test battery. ResultsHalf of the pwMS (N = 7) showed cognitive improvements in long-term memory and executive functions after neurofeedback training. These patients successfully learned to self-regulate their own brain activity by means of neurofeedback training. The other half of pwMS (N = 7) did neither show any cognitive changes when comparing the pre- and post-assessment nor were they able to modulate their own brain activity in the desired direction during neurofeedback training. ConclusionsData from this interventional study provide first preliminary evidence that successful self-regulation of one’s own brain activity may be associated with cognitive improvements in pwMS. SignificanceThese promising results should stimulate further studies. Neurofeedback might be a promising and alternative tool for future cognitive rehabilitation.

Neurofeedback Improves Memory and Peak Alpha Frequency in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a syndrome characterized by a decrease in cognitive abilities, while daily function is maintained. This condition, which is associated with an increased risk for the development of Alzheimer's disease, has no known definitive treatment at present. In this open-label pilot study we explored the possible benefits of neurofeedback for subjects with MCI. Eleven participants diagnosed with MCI were trained to increase the power of their individual upper alpha band of the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal over the central parietal region. This was achieved using an EEG-based neurofeedback training protocol. Training comprised ten 30-min sessions delivered over 5weeks. Cognitive and electroencephalographic assessments were conducted before and after training and at 30 days following the last training session. A dose-dependent increase in peak alpha frequency was observed throughout the period of training. Memory performance also improved significantly following training, and this improvement was maintained at 30-day follow-up, while peak alpha frequency returned to baseline at this evaluation. Our findings suggest that neurofeedback may improve memory performance in subjects with mild cognitive impairment, and this benefit may be maintained beyond the training period.

EEG-based neurofeedback training with shoulder exoskeleton robot assistance triggered by the contralesional primary motor cortex activity in poststroke patients with severe chronic hemiplegia

Recent clinical studies have shown that electroencephalogram- (EEG) based neurofeedback training promotes functional recovery of finger movements in poststroke patients (Pichiorri F et al., Ann Neurol. 2015). However, impairment of shoulder elevation in poststroke severe chronic hemiplegia is a debilitating condition with no evidence-based, accessible treatment. To verify motor recovery evidence of neurofeedback training with our shoulder exoskeleton robot, this study reports upper extremity section of Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-UE) associated with the evaluation of up-conditioning of contralesional corticospinal pathways. Eight poststroke patients with severe hemiplegia in the chronic stage were recruited (FMA-UE score = 16.8 ± 4.4). Patients engaged in 1 hour daily training for 7 consecutive days ( Fig. 1 ), and clinical and neurophysiological measurements were performed 1 day before and after the intervention. FMA-UE was used for the primary outcome measure. A 128-channel whole-head EEG was used to assess the hemispheric lateralization of event-related desynchronization (ERD). Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied to the contralesional primary motor cortex to assess the corticospinal excitability in 6 tested patients. All participants finished the intervention without adverse events. FMA-UE was significantly improved after the intervention (paired t -test, P < 0.01). All patients demonstrated improved FMA-UE (mean change = 6.6 ± 3.2) and 6 of 8 patients exceeded the minimal clinically important difference that is set to 5. From the group analysis of hemispheric lateralization of ERD, the contralesional ERD became stronger after interventions (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P < 0.01). Motor evoked potentials became more apparent after interventions in 3 of the 6 tested patients. The results from this study demonstrated targeted up-conditioning of contralesional corticospinal pathways and efficacy of neurofeedback training with our shoulder exoskeleton robot.