brainwave
Research Papers
A Single Session of SMR-Neurofeedback Training Improves Selective Attention Emerging from a Dynamic Structuring of Brain–Heart Interplay
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.
View Full Paper →Neurofeedback in Hereditary Angioedema: A Single Case Study of Symptom Reduction
Neurofeedback training was performed consisting of rewarding and encouraging 12–15 Hz brainwaves (SMR), while simultaneously discouraging 4–7 Hz brainwaves (theta) and 22–30 Hz brainwaves (high beta) in the right dorsal posterior quadrant of the brain (T4, P4) for 20 half-hour NFB sessions to determine the impact on cortisol levels, DHEA-S levels, scores on the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), the quality of life inventory, and acute attack medication usage for a Hereditary Angioedema patient.
View Full Paper →Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome Using Low-Intensity Neurofeedback with the Flexyx Neurotherapy System: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Background. Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) remains a clinical challenge. Pain, somatic and cognitive symptoms may be due to neurosensitization involving CNS-activated autonomic and musculoskeletal reactions, associated with EEG abnormalities that may respond to brainwave-based stimulation biofeedback. This study's objective was to examine the efficacy and safety of a novel EEG neurobiofeedback treatment, the Flexyx Neurotherapy System® (FNS), and electrophysiological responses in persons with fibromyalgia. Methods. Arandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in two private practices: a free-standing neurobiofeedback center and a rheumatologist's office at an academic medical center. Sixty-four participants with FMS (American College of Rheumatology criteria; Wolfe et al., 1990) for at least three years and symptoms for at least 48 months with no recent remission were randomized to treatment. A total of 22 treatment sessions were administered over at least 11 weeks of active (n = 33) or sham (n = 31) FNS therapy. Primary efficacy measures were the Clinical Global Impressions improvement scores, Clinician (CGI-I) and Participant (PGI-I) versions. Secondary outcomes included dolorimetry and tender point count, questionnaires (fibromyalgia symptom scales, CNS Dysfunction Questionnaire, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Symptom Checklist-90-R), and EEG activity (delta, alpha, total amplitude). Results. More participants treated with active FNS than with sham improved partially or fully on the CGI-I at session 22 (p = .01) and follow-up (p = .04). The active FNS group had a higher CGI-I full response rate at session 22 (p < .05) but not at one-week post-treatment (p = .07). Significant active versus sham PGI-I responses were not detected (p>.10). There was no significant treatment effect on any secondary outcome measure and no specific symptom improved preferentially with active compared with sham FNS. The most commonly reported side effect was fatigue/tiredness. Pre-treatment delta/alpha EEG amplitude ratio > 1 was associated with PGI-I (but not CGI-I) response independent of treatment group assignment. Conclusion. FNS monotherapy is insufficient for treating chronic, nonremitting FMS.
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