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Chikhi S, Matton N, Sanna M, Blanchet S. Effects of one session of theta or high alpha neurofeedback on EEG activity and working memory. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024:10.3758/s13415-024-01218-4. [PMID: 39322825 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-024-01218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Neurofeedback techniques provide participants immediate feedback on neuronal signals, enabling them to modulate their brain activity. This technique holds promise to unveil brain-behavior relationship and offers opportunities for neuroenhancement. Establishing causal relationships between modulated brain activity and behavioral improvements requires rigorous experimental designs, including appropriate control groups and large samples. Our primary objective was to examine whether a single neurofeedback session, designed to enhance working memory through the modulation of theta or high-alpha frequencies, elicits specific changes in electrophysiological and cognitive outcomes. Additionally, we explored predictors of successful neuromodulation. A total of 101 healthy adults were assigned to groups trained to increase frontal theta, parietal high alpha, or random frequencies (active control group). We measured resting-state EEG, working memory performance, and self-reported psychological states before and after one neurofeedback session. Although our analyses revealed improvements in electrophysiological and behavioral outcomes, these gains were not specific to the experimental groups. An increase in the frequency targeted by the training has been observed for the theta and high alpha groups, but training designed to increase randomly selected frequencies appears to induce more generalized neuromodulation compared with targeting a specific frequency. Among all the predictors of neuromodulation examined, resting theta and high alpha amplitudes predicted specifically the increase of those frequencies during the training. These results highlight the challenge of integrating a control group based on enhancing randomly selected frequency bands and suggest potential avenues for optimizing interventions (e.g., by including a control group trained in both up- and down-regulation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Samy Chikhi
- Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition, Université Paris Cité, F-92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
- Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center, Université Paris Cité, F-75006, Paris, France.
| | - Nadine Matton
- CLLE - Cognition, Langues, Langage, Ergonomie, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Fédération ENAC ISAE-SUPAERO ONERA, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Marie Sanna
- Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition, Université Paris Cité, F-92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Sophie Blanchet
- Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition, Université Paris Cité, F-92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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Casagrande WD, Nakamura-Palacios EM, Frizera-Neto A. Electroencephalography Neurofeedback Training with Focus on the State of Attention: An Investigation Using Source Localization and Effective Connectivity. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:6056. [PMID: 39338801 PMCID: PMC11435502 DOI: 10.3390/s24186056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
Identifying brain activity and flow direction can help in monitoring the effectiveness of neurofeedback tasks that aim to treat cognitive deficits. The goal of this study was to compare the neuronal electrical activity of the cortex between individuals from two groups-low and high difficulty-based on a spatial analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) acquired through neurofeedback sessions. These sessions require the subjects to maintain their state of attention when executing a task. EEG data were collected during three neurofeedback sessions for each person, including theta and beta frequencies, followed by a comprehensive preprocessing. The inverse solution based on cortical current density was applied to identify brain regions related to the state of attention. Thereafter, effective connectivity between those regions was estimated using the Directed Transfer Function. The average cortical current density of the high-difficulty group demonstrated that the medial prefrontal, dorsolateral prefrontal, and temporal regions are related to the attentional state. In contrast, the low-difficulty group presented higher current density values in the central regions. Furthermore, for both theta and beta frequencies, for the high-difficulty group, flows left and entered several regions, unlike the low-difficulty group, which presented flows leaving a single region. In this study, we identified which brain regions are related to the state of attention in individuals who perform more demanding tasks (high-difficulty group).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wagner Dias Casagrande
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitoria 29075-910, Brazil;
| | | | - Anselmo Frizera-Neto
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitoria 29075-910, Brazil;
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Gaeta G, Gunasekara N, Pinti P, Levy A, Parkkinen E, Kontaris E, Tachtsidis I. Naturalistic approach to investigate the neural correlates of a laundry cycle with and without fragrance. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:5461-5478. [PMID: 39296381 PMCID: PMC11407240 DOI: 10.1364/boe.528275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in brain imaging technologies have facilitated the development of "real-world" experimental scenarios. In this study, participants engaged in a household chore - completing a laundry cycle - while their frontal lobe brain activity was monitored using fNIRS. Participants completed this twice using both fragranced and unfragranced detergent, to explore if fNIRS is able to identify any differences in brain activity in response to subtle changes in stimuli. Analysis was conducted using Automatic IDentification of functional Events (AIDE) software and fNIRS correlation-based signal improvement (CBSI). Results indicated that brain activity, particularly in the right frontopolar and occasionally the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, was more pronounced and frequent with the unfragranced detergent than the fragranced. This suggests that completing tasks in an environment where a pleasant and relaxing fragrance is present might be less effortful compared to an odourless environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano Gaeta
- Health and Well-being Centre of Excellence, Givaudan UK Limited, Ashford, UK
| | - Natalie Gunasekara
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paola Pinti
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
- Metabolight Ltd, Croydon, UK
| | | | - Emilia Parkkinen
- Health and Well-being Centre of Excellence, Givaudan UK Limited, Ashford, UK
| | - Emily Kontaris
- Health and Well-being Centre of Excellence, Givaudan UK Limited, Ashford, UK
| | - Ilias Tachtsidis
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
- Metabolight Ltd, Croydon, UK
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Pfeiffer M, Kübler A, Hilger K. Modulation of human frontal midline theta by neurofeedback: A systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105696. [PMID: 38723734 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Human brain activity consists of different frequency bands associated with varying functions. Oscillatory activity of frontal brain regions in the theta range (4-8 Hz) is linked to cognitive processing and can be modulated by neurofeedback - a technique where participants receive real-time feedback about their brain activity and learn to modulate it. However, criticism of this technique evolved, and high heterogeneity of study designs complicates a valid evaluation of its effectiveness. This meta-analysis provides the first systematic overview over studies attempting to modulate frontal midline theta with neurofeedback in healthy human participants. Out of 1261 articles screened, 14 studies were eligible for systematic review and 11 for quantitative meta-analyses. Studies were evaluated following the DIAD model and the PRISMA guidelines. A significant across-study effect of medium size (Hedges' g = .66; 95%-CI [-0.62, 1.73]) with substantial between-study heterogeneity (Q(16) = 167.43, p < .001) was observed and subanalysis revealed effective frontal midline theta upregulation. We discuss moderators of effect sizes and provide guidelines for future research in this dynamic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pfeiffer
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology I, Würzburg University, Marcusstr. 9-11, Würzburg D-97070, Germany
| | - Andrea Kübler
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology I, Würzburg University, Marcusstr. 9-11, Würzburg D-97070, Germany
| | - Kirsten Hilger
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Psychology I, Würzburg University, Marcusstr. 9-11, Würzburg D-97070, Germany.
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Dousset C, Wyckmans F, Monseigne T, Fourdin L, Boulanger R, Sistiaga S, Ingels A, Kajosch H, Noël X, Kornreich C, Campanella S. Sensori-motor neurofeedback improves inhibitory control and induces neural changes: a placebo-controlled, double-blind, event-related potentials study. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100501. [PMID: 39328986 PMCID: PMC11426047 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective Inhibition is crucial for controlling behavior and is impaired in various psychopathologies. Neurofeedback holds promise in addressing cognitive deficits, and experimental research is essential for identifying its functional benefits. This study aimed to investigate whether boosting sensorimotor activity (SMR) improves inhibitory control in a final sample of healthy individuals (N = 53), while exploring the underlying neurophysiological mechanism. Method Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving SMR neurofeedback training to enhance sensorimotor activity within the 12-15 Hz frequency range, and the other receiving sham feedback. Inhibition performance and neural correlates were evaluated with a Go-NoGo task before (T0) and after (T1) 10 neurofeedback sessions using event-related potentials. Data were analyzed via ANOVAs and regression analyses. Results Compared to placebo, the active group demonstrated higher absolute SMR power (p = 0.040) and improvements in inhibitory control, including faster response times and fewer inhibition errors (p < 0.001, d = 6.06), associated with a larger NoGoP3d amplitude (p < 0.001, d = 3.35). A positive correlation between the increase in SMR power and the rise in NoGoP3d amplitude (β=0.46, p = 0.015) explains 21 % of the observed variance. Conclusions Uptraining SMR power is linked to heightened utilization of neural resources for executing optimal inhibition responses. These results uphold its effectiveness in cognitive rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Dousset
- Laboratory of Medical Psychology and Addictology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 4 Place Vangehuchten 1020, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Florent Wyckmans
- Laboratory of Medical Psychology and Addictology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 4 Place Vangehuchten 1020, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Lauréline Fourdin
- Center for Research in Cognition and Neurosciences (CRCN), ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 50 avenue Franklin Roosevelt, CP191 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Romane Boulanger
- Center for Research in Cognition and Neurosciences (CRCN), ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 50 avenue Franklin Roosevelt, CP191 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sonia Sistiaga
- Laboratory of Medical Psychology and Addictology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 4 Place Vangehuchten 1020, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anaïs Ingels
- Laboratory of Medical Psychology and Addictology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 4 Place Vangehuchten 1020, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hendrik Kajosch
- Laboratory of Medical Psychology and Addictology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 4 Place Vangehuchten 1020, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xavier Noël
- Laboratory of Medical Psychology and Addictology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 4 Place Vangehuchten 1020, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charles Kornreich
- Laboratory of Medical Psychology and Addictology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 4 Place Vangehuchten 1020, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Salvatore Campanella
- Laboratory of Medical Psychology and Addictology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 4 Place Vangehuchten 1020, Brussels, Belgium
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Diotaiuti P, Valente G, Corrado S, Tosti B, Carissimo C, Di Libero T, Cerro G, Rodio A, Mancone S. Enhancing Working Memory and Reducing Anxiety in University Students: A Neurofeedback Approach. Brain Sci 2024; 14:578. [PMID: 38928578 PMCID: PMC11202122 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Neurofeedback training (NFT) has emerged as a promising approach for enhancing cognitive functions and reducing anxiety, yet its specific impact on university student populations requires further investigation. This study aims to examine the effects of NFT on working memory improvement and anxiety reduction within this demographic. (2) Methods: A total of forty healthy university student volunteers were randomized into two groups: an experimental group that received NFT and a control group. The NFT protocol was administered using a 14-channel Emotiv Epoc X headset (EMOTIV, Inc., San Francisco, CA 94102, USA) and BrainViz software version Brain Visualizer 1.1 (EMOTIV, Inc., San Francisco, CA 94102, USA), focusing on the alpha frequency band to target improvements in working memory and reductions in anxiety. Assessment tools, including the Corsi Block and Memory Span tests for working memory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-2 (STAI-2) for anxiety, were applied pre- and post-intervention. (3) Results: The findings indicated an increase in alpha wave amplitude in the experimental group from the second day of NFT, with statistically significant differences observed on days 2 (p < 0.05) and 8 (p < 0.01). Contrary to expectations based on the previous literature, the study did not observe a concurrent positive impact on working memory. Nonetheless, a significant reduction in state anxiety levels was recorded in the experimental group (p < 0.001), corroborating NFT's potential for anxiety management. (4) Conclusions: While these results suggest some potential of the technique in enhancing neural efficiency, the variability across different days highlights the need for further investigation to fully ascertain its effectiveness. The study confirms the beneficial impact of NFT on reducing state anxiety among university students, underscoring its value in psychological and cognitive performance enhancement. Despite the lack of observed improvements in working memory, these results highlight the need for continued exploration of NFT applications across different populations and settings, emphasizing its potential utility in educational and therapeutic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Diotaiuti
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy; (G.V.); (S.C.); (B.T.); (T.D.L.); (A.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Valente
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy; (G.V.); (S.C.); (B.T.); (T.D.L.); (A.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Stefano Corrado
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy; (G.V.); (S.C.); (B.T.); (T.D.L.); (A.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Beatrice Tosti
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy; (G.V.); (S.C.); (B.T.); (T.D.L.); (A.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Chiara Carissimo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (C.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Tommaso Di Libero
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy; (G.V.); (S.C.); (B.T.); (T.D.L.); (A.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Gianni Cerro
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (C.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Angelo Rodio
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy; (G.V.); (S.C.); (B.T.); (T.D.L.); (A.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Stefania Mancone
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy; (G.V.); (S.C.); (B.T.); (T.D.L.); (A.R.); (S.M.)
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Toba MN, Malkinson TS, Howells H, Mackie MA, Spagna A. Same, Same but Different? A Multi-Method Review of the Processes Underlying Executive Control. Neuropsychol Rev 2024; 34:418-454. [PMID: 36967445 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-023-09577-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Attention, working memory, and executive control are commonly considered distinct cognitive functions with important reciprocal interactions. Yet, longstanding evidence from lesion studies has demonstrated both overlap and dissociation in their behavioural expression and anatomical underpinnings, suggesting that a lower dimensional framework could be employed to further identify processes supporting goal-directed behaviour. Here, we describe the anatomical and functional correspondence between attention, working memory, and executive control by providing an overview of cognitive models, as well as recent data from lesion studies, invasive and non-invasive multimodal neuroimaging and brain stimulation. We emphasize the benefits of considering converging evidence from multiple methodologies centred on the identification of brain mechanisms supporting goal-driven behaviour. We propose that expanding on this approach should enable the construction of a comprehensive anatomo-functional framework with testable new hypotheses, and aid clinical neuroscience to intervene on impairments of executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica N Toba
- Laboratory of Functional Neurosciences (UR UPJV 4559), University Hospital of Amiens and University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France.
- CHU Amiens Picardie - Site Sud, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, Avenue René Laënnec, 80054, Amiens Cedex 1, France.
| | - Tal Seidel Malkinson
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, Hôpital de La Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, 75013, Paris, France
- Université de Lorraine, CRAN, F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Henrietta Howells
- Laboratory of Motor Control, Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Melissa-Ann Mackie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alfredo Spagna
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10025, USA.
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Xie X, Shi R, Yu H, Wan X, Liu T, Duan D, Li D, Wen D. Executive function rehabilitation and evaluation based on brain-computer interface and virtual reality: our opinion. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1377097. [PMID: 38808030 PMCID: PMC11130371 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1377097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xueguang Xie
- School of Intelligence Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Ruihang Shi
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Hao Yu
- School of Intelligence Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Xianglong Wan
- School of Intelligence Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Tiange Liu
- School of Intelligence Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Dingna Duan
- School of Intelligence Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Danyang Li
- School of Intelligence Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Wen
- School of Intelligence Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
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Mergl R, Karch S, Henl J, Meindl D, Schöpf F, Szabo SI, Hallweger P, Heiler P, Maywald M, Tschentscher N, Allgaier AK, Pogarell O. Effects of Four Different EEG-Neurofeedback Reinforcement Types in Healthy Individuals - A Pilot Study. Clin EEG Neurosci 2024; 55:305-316. [PMID: 36373604 DOI: 10.1177/15500594221138278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
EEG neurofeedback (EEG-NFB) is a promising tool for the treatment of depressive disorders. However, many methods for the presentation of neurobiological reactions are available and it is widely unknown which of these feedback options are preferrable. Moreover, the influence of motivation on NFB training success is insufficiently studied. This study analyzed the efficacy of a novel EEG protocol (FC3/Pz) based on findings for NFB in depression. The role of four feedback options (Rumination, Anxiety, Meditation Master, Moving Art) from the NFB software "Brain Assistant" and motivation in EEG-based NFB performance was studied. Regarding "Anxiety" and "Rumination" visual feedback was used to evoke emotions; reinforcement (both negative and positive operant conditioning) was continuous. Regarding "Meditation Master" visual feedback was combined with continuous positive reinforcement. Regarding "Moving Art" 20-min calm nature films with neutral character were used; both visual and auditive feedback were applied. The reinforcement was positive and continuous. 13 healthy participants completed 15 EEG sessions over four months combining simultaneous frontal (aims: reduction of theta-, alpha- and high beta-activity, increase of low and mid beta-activity) and parietal training (aims: reduction of theta-, alpha 1-, mid and high beta-activity, increase of alpha 2- and low beta-activity). We observed significantly more pronounced percentage change in the expected direction for Anxiety than Moving Art (mean difference = 3.32; p = 0.003). The association between motivation and performance was non-significant. Based on these results we conclude that feedback with both negative and positive operant conditioning and emotion evoking effects should be preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Mergl
- Institute of Psychology, Universität der Bundeswehr München, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Karch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jennifer Henl
- Institute of Psychology, Universität der Bundeswehr München, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Dorothea Meindl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Schöpf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Szilard I Szabo
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Paulina Hallweger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Heiler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Medical Practice for Neurofeedback Philipp Heiler, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Maywald
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nadja Tschentscher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Oliver Pogarell
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Zhang Y, Yang T, He Y, Meng F, Zhang K, Jin X, Cui X, Luo X. Abnormal theta and alpha oscillations in children and adolescents with first-episode psychosis and clinical high-risk psychosis. BJPsych Open 2024; 10:e71. [PMID: 38515342 PMCID: PMC10988601 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive control deficits are one of the main symptoms of psychosis. The basic neural oscillation patterns associated with cognitive control are already present in early adolescence. However, as previous studies have focused on adults with psychosis, it is unclear whether neurobiological impairments in cognitive control are present in children and adolescents with first-episode psychosis (FEP) or clinical high-risk (CHR) state for psychosis. AIMS To explore the deficits of electroencephalogram related to cognitive control tasks in children and adolescents with FEP and CHR. METHOD Electroencephalogram was recorded in untreated 48 patients with FEP, 24 patients with CHR and 42 healthy controls aged 10-17 years, while performing the visual oddball task. The N2 amplitude, theta and alpha oscillations were then analysed and compared between groups. RESULTS There was no significant group difference in N2 amplitude (P = 0.099). All groups showed increased theta and alpha oscillations relative to baseline before the stimulus in the frontal, central, left fronto-central and right fronto-central areas. These changes differed significantly between groups, with the FEP group showing significantly smaller theta (P < 0.001) and alpha (P < 0.01) oscillation than healthy controls. Theta and alpha oscillations in the CHR group did not differ significantly from the FEP group and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that neural damage has already occurred in the early stage of psychosis, and that abnormal rhythmic activity of neurons may constitute the pathophysiological mechanism of cognitive dysfunction related to early-onset psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, China
| | - Tingyu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, China
| | - Yuqiong He
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, China
| | - Fanchao Meng
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, China; and Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, China; and Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, China
| | - Xingyue Jin
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, China
| | - Xilong Cui
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, China
| | - Xuerong Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, China
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11
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Tosti B, Corrado S, Mancone S, Di Libero T, Rodio A, Andrade A, Diotaiuti P. Integrated use of biofeedback and neurofeedback techniques in treating pathological conditions and improving performance: a narrative review. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1358481. [PMID: 38567285 PMCID: PMC10985214 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1358481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the scientific community has begun tо explore the efficacy оf an integrated neurofeedback + biofeedback approach іn various conditions, both pathological and non-pathological. Although several studies have contributed valuable insights into its potential benefits, this review aims tо further investigate its effectiveness by synthesizing current findings and identifying areas for future research. Our goal іs tо provide a comprehensive overview that may highlight gaps іn the existing literature and propose directions for subsequent studies. The search for articles was conducted on the digital databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies to have used the integrated neurofeedback + biofeedback approach published between 2014 and 2023 and reviews to have analyzed the efficacy of neurofeedback and biofeedback, separately, related to the same time interval and topics were selected. The search identified five studies compatible with the objectives of the review, related to several conditions: nicotine addiction, sports performance, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The integrated neurofeedback + biofeedback approach has been shown to be effective in improving several aspects of these conditions, such as a reduction in the presence of psychiatric symptoms, anxiety, depression, and withdrawal symptoms and an increase in self-esteem in smokers; improvements in communication, imitation, social/cognitive awareness, and social behavior in ASD subjects; improvements in attention, alertness, and reaction time in sports champions; and improvements in attention and inhibitory control in ADHD subjects. Further research, characterized by greater methodological rigor, is therefore needed to determine the effectiveness of this method and the superiority, if any, of this type of training over the single administration of either. This review іs intended tо serve as a catalyst for future research, signaling promising directions for the advancement оf biofeedback and neurofeedback methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Tosti
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Stefano Corrado
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Stefania Mancone
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Tommaso Di Libero
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Angelo Rodio
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Alexandro Andrade
- Department of Physical Education, CEFID, Santa Catarina State University, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Pierluigi Diotaiuti
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
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12
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Nan W, Yang W, Gong A, Kadosh RC, Ros T, Fu Y, Wan F. Successful learning of alpha up-regulation through neurofeedback training modulates sustained attention. Neuropsychologia 2024; 195:108804. [PMID: 38242318 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
As a fundamental attention function, sustained attention plays a critical role in general cognitive abilities and is closely linked to EEG alpha oscillations. Neurofeedback training (NFT) of alpha activity on different aspects of attention has been studied previously. However, it remains unclear how NFT with up- or down-regulation directions modulates sustained attention. Here we employed a counterbalanced single-blind sham-controlled crossover design, in which healthy young adults underwent one NFT session of alpha up-regulation, one NFT session of alpha down-regulation, and one sham-control NFT session over the posterior area. The session order was counterbalanced with a 7-day interval between each session. After each NFT session, the participants completed a visual continuous temporal expectancy task (vCTET) to assess their sustained attention performance. The results showed that compared to sham-control NFT, successful learning of alpha up-regulation resulted in increased reaction time at the beginning of the attention task but a slower increase over vCTET blocks. On the other hand, successful learning of alpha down-regulation had no impact on attention performance compared to sham-control NFT. These findings suggest that successful learning of alpha up-regulation through NFT could impair initial attention performance but slow down visual attention deterioration over time, i.e., alpha enhancement by NFT stabilizing visual attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenya Nan
- School of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wenjie Yang
- School of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Anmin Gong
- School of Information Engineering, Engineering University of People's Armed Police, Xi'an, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Tomas Ros
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yunfa Fu
- School of Automation and Information Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China.
| | - Feng Wan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau, China
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13
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Rolbiecki AJ, Froeliger B, Smith J, Ying J, Canfield S, Posley K, Polniak M, Dotson D. Virtual reality and neurofeedback as a supportive approach to managing cancer symptoms for patients receiving treatment: A brief report of a feasibility trial. Palliat Support Care 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38454804 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951524000385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Managing cancer symptoms while patients receive systemic treatment remains a challenge in oncology. The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches like virtual reality (VR) and neurofeedback (NF) in tandem with systemic treatment might reduce symptom burden for patients. The combination of VR + NF as a CAM intervention approach is novel and understudied, particularly as it relates to supportive cancer care. The purpose of this study is to summarize our VR + NF study protocol and share preliminary results regarding study retention (across 2 treatment sessions) and preliminary impact of VR or VR + NF on patient-reported outcomes such as anxiety and pain. METHODS We utilized a parallel arm trial design to compare preliminary impact of VR only and VR + NF on cancer symptoms among patients who are actively receiving cancer treatment. RESULTS Sixty-seven percent (n = 20) of participants returned to participate in a second VR session, and the rates of return were the same between the VR groups. Patients in the VR + NF group showed improvements in anxiety after both sessions, while patients in the VR only group showed significant improvements in pain and depression after both sessions. Patients in the VR + NF group showed improved pain after session 1. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS This study demonstrates that patients can be retained over multiple treatment sessions and that VR and NF remain promising treatment approaches with regard to impact on patient-reported outcomes like anxiety and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail J Rolbiecki
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Brett Froeliger
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jamie Smith
- School of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jun Ying
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Shannon Canfield
- School of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | - Megan Polniak
- School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dana Dotson
- Master of Biomedical Science Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Mitsea E, Drigas A, Skianis C. Digitally Assisted Mindfulness in Training Self-Regulation Skills for Sustainable Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:1008. [PMID: 38131865 PMCID: PMC10740653 DOI: 10.3390/bs13121008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased demand for mental health interventions, with a special focus on digitally assisted ones. Self-regulation describes a set of meta-skills that enable one to take control over his/her mental health and it is recognized as a vital indicator of well-being. Mindfulness training is a promising training strategy for promoting self-regulation, behavioral change, and mental well-being. A growing body of research outlines that smart technologies are ready to revolutionize the way mental health training programs take place. Artificial intelligence (AI); extended reality (XR) including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR); as well as the advancements in brain computer interfaces (BCIs) are ready to transform these mental health training programs. Mindfulness-based interventions assisted by smart technologies for mental, emotional, and behavioral regulation seem to be a crucial yet under-investigated issue. The current systematic review paper aims to explore whether and how smart technologies can assist mindfulness training for the development of self-regulation skills among people at risk of mental health issues as well as populations with various clinical characteristics. The PRISMA 2020 methodology was utilized to respond to the objectives and research questions using a total of sixty-six experimental studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that digitally assisted mindfulness interventions supported by smart technologies, including AI-based applications, chatbots, virtual coaches, immersive technologies, and brain-sensing headbands, can effectively assist trainees in developing a wide range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral self-regulation skills, leading to a greater satisfaction of their psychological needs, and thus mental wellness. These results may provide positive feedback for developing smarter and more inclusive training environments, with a special focus on people with special training needs or disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Mitsea
- Net Media Lab & Mind & Brain R&D, Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications, National Centre of Scientific Research ‘Demokritos’ Athens, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece;
- Department of Information and Communication Systems Engineering, University of Aegean, 82300 Mytilene, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Drigas
- Net Media Lab & Mind & Brain R&D, Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications, National Centre of Scientific Research ‘Demokritos’ Athens, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece;
| | - Charalabos Skianis
- Department of Information and Communication Systems Engineering, University of Aegean, 82300 Mytilene, Greece;
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Zeng L, Wang C, Sun K, Pu Y, Gao Y, Wang H, Liu X, Wen Z. Upregulation of a Small-World Brain Network Improves Inhibitory Control: An fNIRS Neurofeedback Training Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1516. [PMID: 38002477 PMCID: PMC10670110 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the inner link between the small-world brain network and inhibitory control. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to construct a neurofeedback (NF) training system and regulate the frontal small-world brain network. The small-world network downregulation group (DOWN, n = 17) and the small-world network upregulation group (UP, n = 17) received five days of fNIRS-NF training and performed the color-word Stroop task before and after training. The behavioral and functional brain network topology results of both groups were analyzed by a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), which showed that the upregulation training helped to improve inhibitory control. The upregulated small-world brain network exhibits an increase in the brain network regularization, links widely dispersed brain resources, and reduces the lateralization of brain functional networks between hemispheres. This suggests an inherent correlation between small-world functional brain networks and inhibitory control; moreover, dynamic optimization under cost efficiency trade-offs provides a neural basis for inhibitory control. Inhibitory control is not a simple function of a single brain region or connectivity but rather an emergent property of a broader network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingwei Zeng
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (L.Z.); (K.S.); (Y.P.); (Y.G.); (H.W.)
| | - Chunchen Wang
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China;
| | - Kewei Sun
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (L.Z.); (K.S.); (Y.P.); (Y.G.); (H.W.)
| | - Yue Pu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (L.Z.); (K.S.); (Y.P.); (Y.G.); (H.W.)
| | - Yuntao Gao
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (L.Z.); (K.S.); (Y.P.); (Y.G.); (H.W.)
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (L.Z.); (K.S.); (Y.P.); (Y.G.); (H.W.)
| | - Xufeng Liu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (L.Z.); (K.S.); (Y.P.); (Y.G.); (H.W.)
| | - Zhihong Wen
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China;
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16
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Rolbiecki AJ, Govindarajan A, Froeliger B. Immersive virtual reality and neurofeedback for the management of cancer symptoms during treatment. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:493. [PMID: 37493785 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07957-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Millions of people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the USA and are living on systemic therapies designed to prolong their life. While these therapies are intended to treat the disease, most exacerbate cancer symptoms such as pain and anxiety. Oncologists and other healthcare providers are now challenged to deliver adjunctive therapies designed to improve quality of life of patients while they undergo cancer treatment, including minimizing already disruptive symptoms such as cancer pain and anxiety. Complementary and alternative medicines such as immersive virtual reality (VR) and neurofeedback (NF) are novel approaches to the management of cancer symptoms. While the evidence for combining VR and NF, specifically for management of cancer pain, while patients undergo systemic therapies, is still emerging; our preliminary findings suggest this treatment modality might offer relief of cancer symptoms. This paper briefly highlights the clinical need for supportive therapies such as VR and NF in the oncological setting and summarizes innovative research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail J Rolbiecki
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, One Hospital Drive, MA306 Medical Science Building, DC032.00, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
| | - Ameish Govindarajan
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Brett Froeliger
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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17
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Smit D, Dapor C, Koerts J, Tucha OM, Huster RJ, Enriquez-Geppert S. Long-term improvements in executive functions after frontal-midline theta neurofeedback in a (sub)clinical group. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1163380. [PMID: 37362947 PMCID: PMC10290172 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1163380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairments in executive functions (EFs) are common across disorders and can greatly affect daily functioning. Frontal-midline (FM) theta neurofeedback (NF) has been shown effective in enhancing EFs in healthy adults, prompting interest in exploring its potential as an alternative treatment for EFs in (sub)clinical samples. This study aims to determine the effects of FM theta NF on EFs in a sample of 58 adults (aged 20-60 years) with pronounced subjective EF complaints in daily life. Using a pre/post/follow-up design with a sham NF group, the present study assessed upregulation of FM theta in an eight-session individualized FM theta NF training and its immediate and long-term transfer effects on objective and subjective measures of EFs. These included behavioral performance on EF tasks assessing working memory updating (N-back task), set-shifting (Switching task), conflict monitoring (Stroop task), and response inhibition (Stop-signal task), as well as FM theta power during these tasks, and subjective EFs in daily life (BRIEF-A). The results indicate that there are only differences in FM theta self-upregulation between the NF group and sham group when non-responders are excluded from the analysis. Regarding behavioral transfer effects, NF-specific improvements are found in working memory updating reaction time (RT) and conflict monitoring RT variability at 6-month follow-up, but not immediately after the NF training. The effects on FM theta power during the EF tasks and subjective changes in EFs in daily life were not specific to the NF training. As a next step, research should identify the best predictors to stratify NF training, as well as explore ways to improve NF responsiveness, for instance by increasing neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diede Smit
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Dapor
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Janneke Koerts
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Oliver M. Tucha
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Irleand
| | - Rene J. Huster
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefanie Enriquez-Geppert
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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18
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Onagawa R, Muraoka Y, Hagura N, Takemi M. An investigation of the effectiveness of neurofeedback training on motor performance in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuroimage 2023; 270:120000. [PMID: 36870431 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofeedback training (NFT) refers to a training where the participants voluntarily aim to manipulate their own brain activity using the sensory feedback abstracted from their brain activity. NFT has attracted attention in the field of motor learning due to its potential as an alternative or additional training method for general physical training. In this study, a systematic review of NFT studies for motor performance improvements in healthy adults and a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of NFT were conducted. A computerized search was performed using the databases Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, JDreamIII, and Ichushi-Web to identify relevant studies published between January 1st, 1990, and August 3rd, 2021. Thirty-three studies were identified for the qualitative synthesis and 16 randomized controlled trials (374 subjects) for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis, including all trials found in the search, revealed significant effects of NFT for motor performance improvement examined at the timing after the last NFT session (standardized mean difference = 0.85, 95% CI [0.18-1.51]), but with the existence of publication biases and substantial heterogeneity among the trials. Subsequent meta-regression analysis demonstrated the dose-response gradient between NFTs and motor performance improvements; more than 125 min of cumulative training time may benefit for the subsequent motor performance. For each motor performance measure (e.g., speed, accuracy, and hand dexterity), the effectiveness of NFT remains inconclusive, mainly due to its small sample sizes. More empirical NFT studies for motor performance improvement may be needed to show beneficial effects on motor performance and to safely incorporate NFT into real-world scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoji Onagawa
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yoshihito Muraoka
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Hagura
- Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Osaka, Japan; Graduate School of Frontiers Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Takemi
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan.
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19
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Duan J, Ouyang H, Lu Y, Li L, Liu Y, Feng Z, Zhang W, Zheng L. Neural dynamics underlying the processing of implicit form-meaning connections: The dissociative roles of theta and alpha oscillations. Int J Psychophysiol 2023; 186:10-23. [PMID: 36702353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Implicit learning plays an important role in the language acquisition. In addition to helping people acquire the form-level rules (e.g., the word order regularities), implicit learning can also facilitate the acquisition of word meanings (i.e., the establishment of connections between the word form and its meanings). Although some behavioral studies have explored the processing of implicit form-meaning connections, the neural dynamics underlying this processing remains unclear. Through examining whether participants could implicitly acquire the literal and metaphorical meanings of novel words, and applying the time-frequency analysis on the electroencephalogram (EEG) data collected in the testing phase, the neural oscillations corresponding to the processing of implicit form-literal and form-metaphorical meaning connections were explored. The results showed that participants in the experimental group could implicitly acquire the form-literal and form-metaphorical meaning connections after training, while participants in the control group who were not trained did not have access to such form-meaning connections. Meanwhile, during the processing of form-literal meaning connections, the greater suppression of alpha oscillations was induced by the testing items that follow the same rules as the training items (i.e., the regular testing items) in the experimental group, whereas the stronger enhancement of theta oscillations was elicited by the regular testing items in the experimental group during the processing of form-metaphorical meaning connections. Our study provides insights for understanding the processing of implicit form-literal and form-metaphorical meaning connections and the neural dynamics underlying the processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jipeng Duan
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Ouyang
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China; The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Lu
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Fudan Institute on Ageing, Fudan university, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Li
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengning Feng
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Weidong Zhang
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Li Zheng
- Fudan Institute on Ageing, Fudan university, Shanghai, China
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20
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Abul Hasan M, Shahid H, Ahmed Qazi S, Ejaz O, Danish Mujib M, Vuckovic A. Underpinning the neurological source of executive function following cross hemispheric tDCS stimulation. Int J Psychophysiol 2023; 185:1-10. [PMID: 36634750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising technique for enhancement of executive functions in healthy as well as neurologically disturbed patients. However, the evidence regarding the neuropsychological and behavioral change with neurophysiological shifts as well as the mechanism of tDCS action as evidenced by activation of neuronal sources important for executive functions have remained unaddressed. The study thereby endeavors to (1) determine the neuropsychological, behavioral, and neurophysiological change induced with five sessions of bilateral tDCS stimulation and (2) identify putative neuronal sources related to the executive functions responsible for neuropsychological and behavioral change. For this single blinded study, a total of 40 healthy participants, randomly allocated to active (n = 19) or sham (n = 21) groups completed five sessions of 2 mA tDCS stimulation administered over Dorso-Lateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) (F3 as anode, F4 as cathode). Repeated measure analysis was performed on neuropsychological (Everyday Memory Questionnaire and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale), and behavioral assessment (n-Back and Stroop tests) to investigate within and between group differences. Pre and post neurophysiological (Electroencephalogram) results showed that bilateral tDCS stimulation activates cortical regions responsible for executive functions including updation (working memory) and inhibition (interference control or attention). Multiple sessions of bilateral tDCS stimulation results in a significant increase in theta, alpha, and beta-band activity in the DLPFC, cingulate and parietal cortex. This study provides evidence that tDCS can be used for performance enhancement of executive functions in able-bodied people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abul Hasan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan; Neurocomputation Laboratory, National Center of Artificial Intelligence, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hira Shahid
- Neurocomputation Laboratory, National Center of Artificial Intelligence, Karachi, Pakistan; Research Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom.
| | - Saad Ahmed Qazi
- Neurocomputation Laboratory, National Center of Artificial Intelligence, Karachi, Pakistan; Department of Electrical Engineering, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Osama Ejaz
- Neurocomputation Laboratory, National Center of Artificial Intelligence, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Danish Mujib
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aleksandra Vuckovic
- Biomedical Engineering Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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21
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Plucińska R, Jędrzejewski K, Malinowska U, Rogala J. Leveraging Multiple Distinct EEG Training Sessions for Improvement of Spectral-Based Biometric Verification Results. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:2057. [PMID: 36850654 PMCID: PMC9963573 DOI: 10.3390/s23042057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Most studies on EEG-based biometry recognition report results based on signal databases, with a limited number of recorded EEG sessions using the same single EEG recording for both training and testing a proposed model. However, the EEG signal is highly vulnerable to interferences, electrode placement, and temporary conditions, which can lead to overestimated assessments of the considered methods. Our study examined how different numbers of distinct recording sessions used as training sessions would affect EEG-based verification. We analyzed the original data from 29 participants with 20 distinct recorded sessions each, as well as 23 additional impostors with only one session each. We applied raw coefficients of power spectral density estimate, and the coefficients of power spectral density estimate converted to the decibel scale, as the input to a shallow neural network. Our study showed that the variance introduced by multiple recording sessions affects sensitivity. We also showed that increasing the number of sessions above eight did not improve the results under our conditions. For 15 training sessions, the achieved accuracy was 96.7 ± 4.2%, and for eight training sessions and 12 test sessions, it was 94.9 ± 4.6%. For 15 training sessions, the rate of successful impostor attacks over all attack attempts was 3.1 ± 2.2%, but this number was not significantly different from using six recording sessions for training. Our findings indicate the need to include data from multiple recording sessions in EEG-based recognition for training, and that increasing the number of test sessions did not significantly affect the obtained results. Although the presented results are for the resting-state, they may serve as a baseline for other paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Plucińska
- Institute of Electronic Systems, Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Konrad Jędrzejewski
- Institute of Electronic Systems, Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Malinowska
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Rogala
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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22
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Hao Z, He C, Ziqian Y, Haotian L, Xiaoli L. Neurofeedback training for children with ADHD using individual beta rhythm. Cogn Neurodyn 2022; 16:1323-1333. [PMID: 36408061 PMCID: PMC9666577 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-022-09798-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofeedback training (NFT) is a noninvasive neuromodulation method for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Brain rhythms, the unique pattern in electroencephalogram (EEG), are widely used as the training target. Most of current studies used a fixed frequency division of brain rhythms, which ignores the individual developmental difference of each child. In this study, we validated the feasibility of NFT using individual beta rhythm. A total of 55 children with ADHD were divided into two groups using the relative power of individual or fixed beta rhythms as the training index. ADHD rating scale (ADHD-RS) was completed before and after NFT, and the EEG and behavioral features were extracted during the training process. After intervention, the attention ability of both groups was significantly improved, showing a significant increase in beta power, a decrease in scores of ADHD-RS and an improvement in behavioral and other EEG features. The training effect was significantly better with individualized beta training, showing more improvement in ADHD-RS scores. Furthermore, the distribution of brain rhythms moved towards high frequency after intervention. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of NFT based on individual beta rhythm for the intervention of children with ADHD. When designing a NFT protocol and the corresponding data analysis process, an individualized brain rhythm division should be applied to reflect the actual brain state and to accurately evaluate the effect of NFT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Hao
- The State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Chen He
- The State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
- School of Systems Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Yuan Ziqian
- The State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Liao Haotian
- The State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Li Xiaoli
- The State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
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23
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Inguscio BMS, Cartocci G, Sciaraffa N, Nicastri M, Giallini I, Greco A, Babiloni F, Mancini P. Gamma-Band Modulation in Parietal Area as the Electroencephalographic Signature for Performance in Auditory-Verbal Working Memory: An Exploratory Pilot Study in Hearing and Unilateral Cochlear Implant Children. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1291. [PMID: 36291225 PMCID: PMC9599211 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12101291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This pilot study investigates the neurophysiological patterns of visual and auditory verbal working memory (VWM) in unilateral cochlear implant users (UCIs). We compared the task-related electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectral density of 7- to 13-year-old UCIs (n = 7) with a hearing control group (HC, n = 10) during the execution of a three-level n-back task with auditory and visual verbal (letters) stimuli. Performances improved as memory load decreased regardless of sensory modality (SM) and group factors. Theta EEG activation over the frontal area was proportionally influenced by task level; the left hemisphere (LH) showed greater activation in the gamma band, suggesting lateralization of VWM function regardless of SM. However, HCs showed stronger activation patterns in the LH than UCIs regardless of SM and in the parietal area (PA) during the most challenging audio condition. Linear regressions for gamma activation in the PA suggest the presence of a pattern-supporting auditory VWM only in HCs. Our findings seem to recognize gamma activation in the PA as the signature of effective auditory VWM. These results, although preliminary, highlight this EEG pattern as a possible cause of the variability found in VWM outcomes in deaf children, opening up new possibilities for interdisciplinary research and rehabilitation intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Maria Serena Inguscio
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 31, 00161 Rome, Italy
- BrainSigns Srl, Lungotevere Michelangelo, 9, 00192 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 30, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Cartocci
- BrainSigns Srl, Lungotevere Michelangelo, 9, 00192 Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Nicastri
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 31, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Giallini
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 31, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 31, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Babiloni
- BrainSigns Srl, Lungotevere Michelangelo, 9, 00192 Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Computer Science, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Patrizia Mancini
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 31, 00161 Rome, Italy
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24
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Plucińska R, Jędrzejewski K, Waligóra M, Malinowska U, Rogala J. Impact of EEG Frequency Bands and Data Separation on the Performance of Person Verification Employing Neural Networks. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:5529. [PMID: 35898033 PMCID: PMC9332713 DOI: 10.3390/s22155529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The paper is devoted to the study of EEG-based people verification. Analyzed solutions employed shallow artificial neural networks using spectral EEG features as input representation. We investigated the impact of the features derived from different frequency bands and their combination on verification results. Moreover, we studied the influence of a number of hidden neurons in a neural network. The datasets used in the analysis consisted of signals recorded during resting state from 29 healthy adult participants performed on different days, 20 EEG sessions for each of the participants. We presented two different scenarios of training and testing processes. In the first scenario, we used different parts of each recording session to create the training and testing datasets, and in the second one, training and testing datasets originated from different recording sessions. Among single frequency bands, the best outcomes were obtained for the beta frequency band (mean accuracy of 91 and 89% for the first and second scenarios, respectively). Adding the spectral features from more frequency bands to the beta band features improved results (95.7 and 93.1%). The findings showed that there is not enough evidence that the results are different between networks using different numbers of hidden neurons. Additionally, we included results for the attack of 23 external impostors whose recordings were not used earlier in training or testing the neural network in both scenarios. Another significant finding of our study shows worse sensitivity results in the second scenario. This outcome indicates that most of the studies presenting verification or identification results based on the first scenario (dominating in the current literature) are overestimated when it comes to practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Plucińska
- Institute of Electronic Systems, Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Konrad Jędrzejewski
- Institute of Electronic Systems, Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Marek Waligóra
- Laboratory of Neuroinformatics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (U.M.)
| | - Urszula Malinowska
- Laboratory of Neuroinformatics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (U.M.)
| | - Jacek Rogala
- Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Bioimaging Research Center, World Hearing Center, Kajetany, 05-830 Nadarzyn, Poland;
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25
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Executive Function-Related Improvements on a Commercial CBT-Based Weight Management Intervention: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148763. [PMID: 35886615 PMCID: PMC9320503 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Executive functioning is a key component involved in many of the processes necessary for effective weight management behavior change (e.g., setting goals). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and third-wave CBT (e.g., mindfulness) are considered first-line treatments for obesity, but it is unknown to what extent they can improve or sustain executive functioning in a generalized weight management intervention. This pilot randomized controlled trial examined if a CBT-based generalized weight management intervention would affect executive functioning and executive function-related brain activity in individuals with obesity or overweight. Participants were randomized to an intervention condition (N = 24) that received the Noom Weight program or to a control group (N = 26) receiving weekly educational newsletters. EEG measurements were taken during Flanker, Stroop, and N-back tasks at baseline and months 1 through 4. After 4 months, the intervention condition evidenced greater accuracy over time on the Flanker and Stroop tasks and, to a lesser extent, neural markers of executive function compared to the control group. The intervention condition also lost more weight than controls (−7.1 pounds vs. +1.0 pounds). Given mixed evidence on whether weight management interventions, particularly CBT-based weight management interventions, are associated with changes in markers of executive function, this pilot study contributes preliminary evidence that a multicomponent CBT-based weight management intervention (i.e., that which provides both support for weight management and is based on CBT) can help individuals sustain executive function over 4 months compared to controls.
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26
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A Cross-Sectional Study of Attitudes toward Willingness to Use Enhancement Technologies: Implications for Technology Regulation and Ethics. BIOTECH 2022; 11:biotech11030021. [PMID: 35892926 PMCID: PMC9326753 DOI: 10.3390/biotech11030021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroenhancement is rapidly re-emerging as a research topic because of the development of minimally invasive brain intervention technologies, including neurofeedback. However, public attitude toward enhancement technologies remains relatively unexplored. To fill this gap in the literature, we conducted an online survey of 1258 people in Japan who were presented with four scenarios depicting minimally and highly invasive enhancement interventions. Approximately 20% of the respondents stated that they were willing to use enhancement technologies, whereas 80% were not. Most respondents were cautious about using enhancement technologies. We used a generalized linear mixed-effects model to study the association between the type of intervention and participants’ willingness to use such technologies. Factors related to willingness to use these technologies included interventions’ degree of invasiveness, as well as participants’ gender, educational attainment, and limit or suppression experiences. We also examined the influence of others’ choices and behaviors, and participants’ tolerance toward others’ use of enhancement technologies. We explored important aspects of policymaking vis à vis enhancement technologies. This study could provide valuable insights for a debate on the ethics and regulation of enhancement technologies.
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A Single Session of SMR-Neurofeedback Training Improves Selective Attention Emerging from a Dynamic Structuring of Brain-Heart Interplay. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060794. [PMID: 35741679 PMCID: PMC9221475 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on sensorimotor rhythms (SMR) based on neurofeedback (NFb) emphasizes improvements in selective attention associated with SMR amplification. However, the long-term training proposed in most studies posed the question of acceptability, which led to the evaluation of the potential of a single NFb session. Based on cognitive and autonomic controls interfering with attention processes, we hypothesized changes in selective attention after a single SMR-NFb session, along with changes in brain-heart interplay, which are reflected in the multifractality of heartbeat dynamics. Here, young healthy participants (n = 35, 20 females, 21 ± 3 years) were randomly assigned either to a control group (Ctrl) watching a movie or to a neurofeedback (NFb) group performing a single session of SMR-NFb. A headset with EEG electrodes (positioned on C3 and C4) connected to a smartphone app served to guide and to evaluate NFb training efficacy. A Stroop task was performed for 8 min by each group before and after the intervention (movie vs. SMR-NFb) while collecting heart rate variability and C4-EEG for 20 min. When compared to Ctrl, the NFb group exhibited better Stroop performance, especially when facing incongruent trials. The multifractality and NFb training efficacy were identified as strong predictors of the gain in global Stroop performance, while multifractality was the only predictor regarding incongruent trials. We conclude that a single session of SMR-NFb improves selective attention in healthy individuals through the specific reorganization of brain-heart interplay, which is reflected in multifractal heartbeat dynamics.
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28
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Cabaleiro P, Cueli M, Cañamero LM, González-Castro P. A Case Study in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: An Innovative Neurofeedback-Based Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:ijerph19010191. [PMID: 35010449 PMCID: PMC8751092 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In research about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) there is growing interest in evaluating cortical activation and using neurofeedback in interventions. This paper presents a case study using monopolar electroencephalogram recording (brain mapping known as MiniQ) for subsequent use in an intervention with neurofeedback for a 10-year-old girl presenting predominantly inattentive ADHD. A total of 75 training sessions were performed, and brain wave activity was assessed before and after the intervention. The results indicated post-treatment benefits in the beta wave (related to a higher level of concentration) and in the theta/beta ratio, but not in the theta wave (related to higher levels of drowsiness and distraction). These instruments may be beneficial in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD.
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