Effects Of Neurofeedback Training Research Articles

Effectiveness of Neurofeedback Training in Poststroke Cognitive Impairment

Effectiveness of Neurofeedback Training in Poststroke Cognitive Impairment

Effects of neurofeedback training on the alpha activity in quantitative electroencephalography, cognitive function, and speech perception in elderly with presbycusis: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the effects of neurofeedback training (NFT) on alpha activity in quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG), cognitive function, and speech perception in elderly with presbycusis.MethodsThis study was conducted from June 15 to November 30, 2020. The experimental group (n = 28) underwent NFT, while the control group (n = 31) was instructed to continue with their routine daily life. The NFT conducted for 40 min, two times a week, for a total of 16 sessions and was performed using Neuroharmony S and BrainHealth 2.7. The alpha activity was measured as alpha waves using QEEG. The cognitive function was measured using the Korean version of Mini-Mental Status Examination, digit span forward and backward (DSF and DSB). The speech perception was measured using the word and sentence recognition score (WRS and SRS) using an audiometer with the Korean Standard Monosyllabic Word Lists for Adults.ResultsThe experimental group demonstrated improvement in the alpha wave of the left frontal lobe measured as alpha activity (t=-2.521, p = .018); MMSE-K (t=-3.467, p < .01), and DSF (t=-2.646, p < .05) measured as cognitive function; and WRS (t=-3.255, p = .003), and SRS (t=-2.851, p = .008) measured as speech perception compared to the control group.ConclusionsThis study suggests that NFT could be considered an effective cognitive and auditory rehabilitation method based on brain and cognitive science for improving alpha activity, cognitive function, and speech perception.

Mu-Suppression Neurofeedback Training Targeting the Mirror Neuron System: A Pilot Study

Neurofeedback training (NFT) is a promising adjuvant intervention method. The desynchronization of mu rhythm (8–13 Hz) in the electroencephalogram (EEG) over centro-parietal areas is known as a valid indicator of mirror neuron system (MNS) activation, which has been associated with social skills. Still, the effect of neurofeedback training on the MNS requires to be well investigated. The present study examined the possible impact of NFT with a mu suppression training protocol encompassing 15 NFT sessions (45 min each) on 16 healthy neurotypical participants. In separate pre- and post-training sessions, 64-channel EEG was recorded while participants (1) observed videos with various types of movements (including complex goal-directed hand movements and social interaction scenes) and (2) performed the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test" (RMET). EEG source reconstruction analysis revealed statistically significant mu suppression during hand movement observation across MNS-attributed fronto-parietal areas after NFT. The frequency analysis showed no significant mu suppression after NFT, despite the fact that numerical mu suppression appeared to be visible in a majority of participants during goal-directed hand movement observation. At the behavioral level, RMET accuracy scores did not suggest an effect of NFT on the ability to interpret subtle emotional expressions, although RMET response times were reduced after NFT. In conclusion, the present study exhibited preliminary and partial evidence that mu suppression NFT can induce mu suppression in MNS-attributed areas. More powerful experimental designs and longer training may be necessary to induce substantial and consistent mu suppression, particularly while observing social scenarios.

Effect of neurofeedback training on psychological features and plantar pressure distribution symmetry in patients with patellofemoral pain: A ransdomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThe evidence shows changes in plantar pressure asymmetry are associated with patellofemoral joint overloading and may be effective in patellofemoral pain (PFP) etiology. Psychological factors such as catastrophizing and kinesiophobia causes a change in movement behavior which can lead to a plantar pressure distribution asymmetry. This study evaluated the effect of neurofeedback training (NFBT) on psychological variables and plantar pressure distribution symmetry in patients with PFP. MethodThirty males with PFP were recruited for clinical trials. They were randomly divided into experimental and control groups (each group had 15 patients). The patients in the experimental group received NFBT for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was psychological variables inclusive of pain, catastrophizing, and kinesiophobia. The secondary outcome was plantar pressure distribution symmetry which was assessed in standing conditions. The covariance statistical method was used for data analysis. ResultsAfter 12 weeks of NFBT, there was a significant difference in the pain (P = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.467), the kinesiophobia (P = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.459), and the catastrophizing (P = 0.011, ηp2 = 0.218). However, despite the slight normalization, no significant difference in plantar pressure distribution symmetry of inter-limbs foot (η2 = 0.113, P = 0.075), forward and backward of right foot (η2 = 0.120, P = 0.066), and forward and backward of left foot (η2 = 0.104, P = 0.088). ConclusionNFBT reduces pain intensity, kinesiophobia, and catastrophizing by modulating areas related to pain processing and cognitive. However, NFBT has a small effect on normalizing plantar pressure. Therefore, it is recommended that adding NFBT to physical rehabilitation can have a better effect on improving clinical symptoms.

Effect of Neurofeedback Training Along With Swimming Exercise on the Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Severity of Dependence, and Craving in Methamphetamine-Dependent Patients

This study investigated whether neurofeedback (NFB) training and swimming exercise (Swim) would reduce the stress, anxiety, depression, severity of dependence, and cravings in patients addicted to methamphetamines. Participants were allocated randomly to four groups: control group, NFB, Swim, and NFB/Swim. All groups completed the study questionnaire before and after treatment. The NFB, Swim, and NFB/Swim groups reported significantly less stress, cravings, and severity of dependence than the control group. The Swim and NFB/Swim groups had significantly lower depression scores than the control group. Also, the NFB/Swim group experienced less anxiety than the control group. However, the NFB/Swim group had lower levels of stress than the Swim group, and lower levels of anxiety and severity of dependence than the NFB group. These findings suggest that NFB training along with swimming exercise was effective in managing methamphetamine-related behavioral disturbances, which may help patients to manage their cravings.

Real‐time Memory‐related Neurofeedback Training Improves Intrinsic Brain Oscillations in Older Adults

AbstractBackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI), manifesting as working memory deficits for example, is the most common and earliest symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). To combat the brain aging processes, early intervention is needed. Electroencephalogram (EEG)‐based neurofeedback (NF) has been found to be beneficial in treating a variety of brain disorders. Increased intrinsic delta power and decreased alpha is associated with brain aging and AD pathologies. We have developed an ERP‐based NF protocol to reward memory‐related potentials. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of NF training protocol.MethodThree older males (ages, 63, 78, and 79) participated in a newly developed NF training protocol including baseline and memory‐related NF training (twice a week). Each participant was recorded using 90‐second of eyes closed (EC) before multiple NF sessions during each visit. Their brain signals were collected with a 14‐channel wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) headset and processed in real‐time. The NF training contained 2 sham sessions followed by 2 intervention sessions. Compared to the intervention, visual feedback in the sham was provided in random order rather than triggered by participants’ ERP fluctuations. The EEG signal collected with EC before the experiment (Baseline, T0), 3 days after the sham (Sham, T1), and 3 days after the intervention (post‐intervention, T2) were preprocessed as 4s epoch windows and computed as the delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma band power. The average EEG band powers from T0, T1, and T2 and memory performances from the three participants were calculated.ResultThe working memory performance (accuracy and reaction times during retrievals of memory target and rejection of nontarget) did not show significant change among the three participants. In contrast, the EC intrinsic delta and alpha power changed towards brainwaves seen in younger brains after several sessions of NF training. Additionally, sham also improves in the alpha band (associated with attention and vigilance).ConclusionThe pilot results demonstrated the effectiveness of a newly developed NF training using working memory related potentials in two out of three older adults. The results indicate the promise of cognitive enhancement using event‐related potentials‐based NF training in real time.

The Effects of EEG Biofeedback Training on Visual Reaction Time in Judo Athletes.

The aim of the study was to expand the current knowledge on the effects of EEG biofeedback training on the reaction time of judo athletes, as well as to develop an optimal EEG training protocol in terms of the number of sessions and their duration that would significantly improve the reaction time of athletes. The study included 24 male athletes from the national team of the Polish Judo Association. The selected group was randomly divided into two subgroups: experimental and control. The study was conducted in four cycles varying in terms of frequency and duration of neurofeedback (NFB) sessions, both in the control and experimental groups. In the experimental group, each training cycle consisted of 15 sessions, followed by a four-week break. The effects of NFB training on the visual reaction time of judo athletes were evaluated using computerized simple and complex reaction time tests along with selected trials of the Vienna Test System (VTS). Following NFB training according to the theta/beta1 protocol, while maintaining appropriate duration and frequency of individual training sessions, statistically significant improvements in reaction times to visual stimuli of athletes, both in simple and complex tasks, were observed in the experimental group. No such changes were found in the control group. The greatest improvement in reaction times was observed in complex tasks, indicating the high effectiveness of EEG biofeedback training in enhancing this ability.

“Listen to your heart”: A novel interoceptive strategy for real-time fMRI neurofeedback training of anterior insula activity

Real-time fMRI (rt-fMRI) neurofeedback (NF) training is a novel non-invasive technique for volitional brain modulation. Given the important role of the anterior insula (AI) in human cognitive and affective processes, it has become one of the most investigated regions in rt-fMRI studies. Most rt-fMRI insula studies employed emotional recall/imagery as the regulation strategy, which may be less effective for psychiatric disorders characterized by altered emotional processing. The present study thus aimed to examine the feasibility of a novel interoceptive strategy based on heartbeat detection in rt-fMRI guided AI regulation and its associated behavioral changes using a randomized double-blind, sham feedback-controlled between-subject design. 66 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either NF from the left AI (LAI) or sham feedback from a control region while using the interoceptive strategy. N = 57 participants were included in the final data analyses. Empathic and interoceptive pre-post training changes were collected as behavioral measures of NF training effects. Results showed that participants in the NF group exhibited stronger LAI activity than the control group with LAI activity being positively correlated with interoceptive accuracy following NF training, although there were no significant increases of LAI activity over training sessions. Importantly, ability of LAI regulation could be maintained in a transfer session without feedback. Successful LAI regulation was associated with strengthened functional connectivity of the LAI with cognitive control, memory and learning, and salience/interoceptive networks. The present study demonstrated for the first time the efficacy of a novel regulation strategy based on interoceptive processing in up-regulating LAI activity. Our findings also provide proof of concept for the translational potential of this strategy in rt-fMRI AI regulation of psychiatric disorders characterized by altered emotional processing.

Successful alpha neurofeedback training enhances working memory updating and event-related potential activity

Neurofeedback (NF) is a promising method to self-regulate human brain activity for cognition enhancement. Due to the unclear results of alpha NF training on working memory updating as well as the impact of feedback modality on NF learning, this study aimed to understand further the underlying neural mechanism of alpha NF training effects on working memory updating, where the NF learning was also compared between visual and auditory feedback modalities. A total of 30 participants were assigned to Visual NF, Auditory NF, and Control groups. Working memory updating was evaluated by n-back (n =2,3) tasks before and after five alpha upregulation NF sessions. The result showed no significant difference in NF learning performance between the Visual and Auditory groups, indicating that the difference in feedback modality did not affect NF learning. In addition, compared to the control group, the participants who achieved successful NF learning showed a significant increase in n-back behavioral performance and P3a amplitude in 2-back and a significant decrease in P3a latency in 3-back. Our results in n-back further suggested that successful alpha NF training might improve updating performance in terms of the behavioral and related event-related potential (ERP) measures. These findings contribute to the understanding of the effect of alpha training on memory updating and the design of NF experimental protocol in terms of feedback modality selection.

Effect of Neurofeedback Training Along with Swimming Exercise on the Electroencephalographic Changes and Visual Image-Induced Craving in Methamphetamine-Dependent Patients

Introduction: In this study, we investigated whether neurofeedback (NFB) training and swimming exercise would decrease the electroencephalographic (EEG) changes and visual image-induced craving in methamphetamine (METH)-dependent patients. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial design. 32 METH-dependent patients were allocated randomly to four groups; control, NFB, Swim, and NFB/Swim. The EEG and visual image-induced craving were recorded before and after the intervention in all four groups. Results: We found that the NFB, Swim, and NFB/Swim groups showed significantly lower absolute power for 4 frequency bands. Also, the swim and NFB/Swim groups had less and greater relative power in the alpha and delta bands, respectively. In addition, NFB/Swim group exhibited an increase in delta/alpha power ratio than the control and the NFB groups. Also, the NFB/Swim group showed a significant reduction in visual image-induced craving score than the control, swim, and NFB groups. Conclusion: This study provides novel evidence that the NFB training along with swimming exercise during METH-abstinence was effective in the normalization of METH-induced EEG changes, which may help patients to manage their cravings.

Preliminary findings on long-term effects of fMRI neurofeedback training on functional networks involved in sustained attention.

Neurofeedback based on functional magnetic resonance imaging allows for learning voluntary control over one's own brain activity, aiming to enhance cognition and clinical symptoms. We previously reported improved sustained attention temporarily by training healthy participants to up-regulate the differential activity of the sustained attention network minus the default mode network (DMN). However, the long-term brain and behavioral effects of this training have not yet been studied. In general, despite their relevance, long-term learning effects of neurofeedback training remain under-explored. Here, we complement our previously reported results by evaluating the neurofeedback training effects on functional networks involved in sustained attention and by assessing behavioral and brain measures before, after, and 2 months after training. The behavioral measures include task as well as questionnaire scores, and the brain measures include activity and connectivity during self-regulation runs without feedback (i.e., transfer runs) and during resting-state runs from 15 healthy individuals. Neurally, we found that participants maintained their ability to control the differential activity during follow-up sessions. Further, exploratory analyses showed that the training increased the functional connectivity between the DMN and the occipital gyrus, which was maintained during follow-up transfer runs but not during follow-up resting-state runs. Behaviorally, we found that enhanced sustained attention right after training returned to baseline level during follow-up. The discrepancy between lasting regulation-related brain changes but transient behavioral and resting-state effects raises the question of how neural changes induced by neurofeedback training translate to potential behavioral improvements. Since neurofeedback directly targets brain measures to indirectly improve behavior in the long term, a better understanding of the brain-behavior associations during and after neurofeedback training is needed to develop its full potential as a promising scientific and clinical tool.

Neurofeedback training and motor learning: the enhanced sensorimotor rhythm protocol is better or the suppressed alpha or the suppressed mu?

A large number of previous studies have examined how different neurofeedback-based techniques may influence motor learning. However, only a few studies attempted to compare the effects of these different techniques on motor learning. Therefore, the present study attempts to examine the effects of neurofeedback training on motor learning in novice golfers, using three protocols, namely enhanced sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) at Cz, suppressed alpha waves at Fz, and suppressed mu waves at Cz. The participants were 64 adults (32 females; mean age = 22.31 ± 2.25 years). The study consisted of a pretest stage (day 1), intervention (6 sessions, over two weeks, 3 sessions per week), short-term retention (one day after intervention), and long-term retention (two weeks after intervention); in the pretest and short-term and long-term retention, motor performance for golf putting (12 trials) as well as amplitudes of SMR wave at Cz, alpha at Fz, and Mu at Cz were recorded. During each intervention session, the participants in three neurofeedback groups and a sham group first performed neurofeedback training (enhanced SMR at Cz, suppressed alpha at Fz, and suppressed Mu at Cz) for 20 min. Then, the participants in all groups performed three blocks of 12 trials consisting of golf putting training. The results indicated no difference between the sham and the experimental groups in the acquisition stage, as individuals in all groups experienced similar improvement in putting accuracy. However, in the short-term retention, all the three neurofeedback groups outperformed the sham group, although in the long-term retention, only the SMR group and the Alpha group showed a better performance than the sham group while the Mu group did not exhibit a notably better performance than the sham group. Our results also showed significant variations in the amplitudes of the SMR, alpha, and mu waves depending on the neurofeedback intervention provided, while no significant variation was observed in the sham group. Based on these results, it is recommended that coaches should make further use of enhanced SMR at Cz or suppressed alpha at Fz as their neurofeedback interventions to facilitate longer-term motor learning in golfers.

Effectiveness of Neurofeedback Training for Patients with Personality Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Objective: Personality disorders are serious psychiatric conditions, and some studies have examined neurofeedback training as a potential alternative treatment to improve cognitive and clinical symptoms in patients with such disorders. Here, we aimed to provide a first systematic review of such trials and present existing evidence regarding this treatment for individuals with personality disorders. Method : A systematic search of peer-reviewed English journal articles was conducted for this study to identify original studies on fMRI and EEG neurofeedback treatment protocols in patients with personality disorders up to January 2023. PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were queried through the keywords "neurofeedback," "biofeedback," and "personality disorder," as well as their related Mesh synonyms. Results: Totally, five studies were included in our systematic review. Two studies utilized EEG neurofeedback protocols, while three articles used real-time fMRI neurofeedback protocols. The types of studies were non-randomized, not-blinded case reports, case series, and single-arm trials with a high risk of bias. EEG neurofeedback protocols applied more training sessions and reported improvements in patients' neuropsychological and behavioral functions after treatment. Furthermore, fMRI-based neurofeedback studies reported neurophysiological changes, such as a shift in vmPFC-amygdala connectivity, towards healthy states following treatment. Moreover, behavioral symptoms of patients were reported to be improved after fMRI neurofeedback. Conclusion: Neurofeedback studies investigating this therapeutic technique for personality disorders are still very preliminary, and no strict conclusions can be drawn at this time. Therefore, further basic and clinical investigations are required to address several open methodological and technical questions and establish consensus and standardization, which will eventually lead to translational works.

Effect of neurofeedback training of theta and high alpha frequency on working memory: a single-blind controlled study

Effect of neurofeedback training of theta and high alpha frequency on working memory: a single-blind controlled study

The Effect of Neurofeedback Training on Executive Control Network of Attention and Dart-Throwing Performance in Individuals with Trait Anxiety.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of neurofeedback training on the executive control network of attention and dart-throwing skill performance in individuals with trait anxiety. Twenty girls (24.65 [Formula: see text] 2.83 years) participated in this study. They were divided into neurofeedback and control training groups. All participants practiced 14 sessions. The neurofeedback group performed neurofeedback training (increasing SMR wave, decreasing theta, and increasing alpha) and dart-throwing exercise, and the control group only completed the dart-throwing exercise. The post-test, including Attentional Networks Test (ANT) and dart-throwing, was conducted 48h after the last training session. The results revealed a significant difference in the performance of the executive control network and dart-throwing skill between the neurofeedback and the control training group. In general, these findings support the effect of neurofeedback training on the neural mechanisms of the executive control network of attention, and performance in dart-throwing skill improves by improving attentional performance processes.

Effects of neurofeedback training combined with transcranial direct current stimulation on motor imagery: A randomized controlled trial.

Neurofeedback (NFB) training and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have been shown to individually improve motor imagery (MI) abilities. However, the effect of combining both of them with MI has not been verified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of applying tDCS directly before MI with NFB. Participants were divided into an NFB group (n = 10) that performed MI with NFB and an NFB + tDCS group (n = 10) that received tDCS for 10 min before MI with NFB. Both groups performed 60 MI trials with NFB. The MI task was performed 20 times without NFB before and after training, and μ-event-related desynchronization (ERD) and vividness MI were evaluated. μ-ERD increased significantly in the NFB + tDCS group compared to the NFB group. MI vividness significantly increased before and after training. Transcranial direct current stimulation and NFB modulate different processes with respect to MI ability improvement; hence, their combination might further improve MI performance. The results of this study indicate that the combination of NFB and tDCS for MI is more effective in improving MI abilities than applying them individually.

인지기능 향상을 위한 뉴로피드백(Neurofeedback) 훈련이대학생의 고차원 인지와 뇌파에 미치는 영향

This study aims to explore the effect of neurofeedback training on higher-order cognitivefunction and the changes in related EEG of university students who have difficulties withattention. The study participants were nine university students aged 19 or older with difficultieswith attention, and ten neurofeedback training sessions were conducted over two months as anintervention. To confirm the intervention effect, repeated measures ANOVA was performed onthe high-order cognition measurement results during the pre-, post-, and follow-up tests andintervention sessions, and the EEG measurement results during the pre-, post-, and follow-uptests. As a result, the higher-order cognitive function of the study participants is enhanced, andthe A/T ratio related to cognitive function has been increased in the parietal, occipital, and righttemporal lobes. These results indicate that the cognitive function of the study participantsimproved due to the effect of neurofeedback training, resulting in enhanced higher-ordercognition and brain function. Moreover, the significance and limitations of the current researchand suggestions were discussed based on the result.

Effects of Neurofeedback Training on Frontal Midline Theta Power, Shooting Performance, and Attentional Focus With Experienced Biathletes

Frontal midline theta power (FMT) has been associated with superior rifle shooting performance. Our experiment examined whether electroencephalographic-based training could increase FMT, shooting performance, and attentional focus in highly trained/elite biathletes. Participants (n = 28; age, M = 21.7, SD = 2.3) were assigned to a control group or an intervention group (with 3 hr of neurofeedback training). FMT increased from baseline during the neurofeedback training sessions (p ≤ .05). However, there were no Group × Pre–post training (test) interactions for FMT or shooting performance (p &gt; .05). There was a small Group × Test effect for attentional focus (p = .07, ), indicating a potential benefit of neurofeedback training. Superior shooters were more proficient at increasing FMT during neurofeedback training, but this did not translate to greater improvements in shooting performance. Our findings suggest that the effects of neurofeedback training are transient and do not necessarily benefit performance.

Comparison and combination of gamified neurofeedback training and general behavioral training.

With the rapid development of the international community, foreign language learning has become increasingly important. Listening training is a particularly important component of foreign language learning. The most difficult aspect of listening training is the development of speech discrimination ability, which is crucial to speech perception. General behavioral training requires a substantial amount of time and attention. To address this, we previously developed a neurofeedback (NF) training system that enables unconscious learning of auditory discrimination. However, to our knowledge, no studies have compared NF training and general behavioral training. In the present study, we compared the learning effects of NF training, general behavioral training, and a combination of both strategies. Specifically, we developed a gamified and adapted NF training of auditory discrimination. We found that both NF training and general behavioral training enhanced behavioral performance, whereas only NF training elicited significant changes in brain activity. Furthermore, the participants that used both training methods exhibited the largest improvement in behavioral performance. This indicates that the combined use of NF and general behavioral training methods may be optimal for enhancing auditory discrimination ability when learning foreign languages.

Effectiveness of neurofeedback training, behaviour management including attention enhancement training and medication in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder - A comparative follow up study.

Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders of childhood. Treatment of ADHD includes medications and Behavioural interventions. Neurofeedback, a type of biofeedback, has been found to be useful in ADHD. It helps patients to control their brain waves consciously. However, it is not yet conclusive if it is efficacious in comparison to behavioural management training and medication. To compare the efficacy of neurofeedback training, behaviour management including attention enhancement training and medication in children with ADHD. Ninety children between 6 and 12 years with ADHD were taken and randomly divided into 3 treatment groups equally- neurofeedback, behaviour management and medication (methylphenidate). Conners 3-P Short Scale was applied for baseline assessment. The respective interventions were given and follow up was done at the end of 3 months by using Conners 3-P Short scale to assess the improvement in the symptoms. There were 6 dropouts, the final sample size was 84. The medication group showed the greatest reduction of symptoms in inattention, hyperactivity, executive functioning domain (core symptoms of ADHD). No statistically significant difference was observed between Neurofeedback and Behaviour Management in these domains. Learning problems improved in all three groups, neurofeedback being the most effective followed by medication. Both Neurofeedback and Medication groups showed similar effect which was higher than the Behavioural Management group in Peer Relation. Improvement in core ADHD symptoms have been observed with all 3 interventions with medication showing the greatest improvement Neurofeedback has been superior for learning problems. Thus, Neurofeedback can be an independent or combined intervention tool for children with ADHD in outpatient department of Psychiatry.