Behavioral and Brain Activity Modulation Through Neurofeedback Training Using Electroencephalography

2018 ◽  
pp. 79-86
Author(s):  
Takuya Kimura ◽  
Jiro Okuda
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Neurofeedback Training

scholarly journals Directly Exploring the Neural Correlates of Feedback-Related Reward Saliency and Valence During Real-Time fMRI-Based Neurofeedback

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Direito ◽  
Manuel Ramos ◽  
João Pereira ◽  
Alexandre Sayal ◽  
Teresa Sousa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Visual Motion ◽  
Task Complexity ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Feedback Processing ◽  
Positive Valence ◽  
Feedback Valence

Introduction: The potential therapeutic efficacy of real-time fMRI Neurofeedback has received increasing attention in a variety of psychological and neurological disorders and as a tool to probe cognition. Despite its growing popularity, the success rate varies significantly, and the underlying neural mechanisms are still a matter of debate. The question whether an individually tailored framework positively influences neurofeedback success remains largely unexplored.Methods: To address this question, participants were trained to modulate the activity of a target brain region, the visual motion area hMT+/V5, based on the performance of three imagery tasks with increasing complexity: imagery of a static dot, imagery of a moving dot with two and with four opposite directions. Participants received auditory feedback in the form of vocalizations with either negative, neutral or positive valence. The modulation thresholds were defined for each participant according to the maximum BOLD signal change of their target region during the localizer run.Results: We found that 4 out of 10 participants were able to modulate brain activity in this region-of-interest during neurofeedback training. This rate of success (40%) is consistent with the neurofeedback literature. Whole-brain analysis revealed the recruitment of specific cortical regions involved in cognitive control, reward monitoring, and feedback processing during neurofeedback training. Individually tailored feedback thresholds did not correlate with the success level. We found region-dependent neuromodulation profiles associated with task complexity and feedback valence.Discussion: Findings support the strategic role of task complexity and feedback valence on the modulation of the network nodes involved in monitoring and feedback control, key variables in neurofeedback frameworks optimization. Considering the elaborate design, the small sample size here tested (N = 10) impairs external validity in comparison to our previous studies. Future work will address this limitation. Ultimately, our results contribute to the discussion of individually tailored solutions, and justify further investigation concerning volitional control over brain activity.

scholarly journals Resting-state brain activity can predict target-independent aptitude in fMRI-neurofeedback training

NeuroImage ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 118733
Author(s):  
Takashi Nakano ◽  
Masahiro Takamura ◽  
Haruki Nishimura ◽  
Maro Machizawa ◽  
Naho Ichikawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resting State ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Neurofeedback Training

scholarly journals Validation of eyes-closed resting alpha amplitude predicting neurofeedback learning of upregulation alpha activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken-Hsien Su ◽  
Jen-Jui Hsueh ◽  
Tainsong Chen ◽  
Fu-Zen Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Resting State ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Alpha Activity ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Alpha Frequency ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractNeurofeedback training (NFT) enables users to learn self-control of EEG activity of interest and then to create many benefits on cognitive function. A considerable number of nonresponders who fail to achieve successful NFT have often been reported in the within-session prediction. This study aimed to investigate successful EEG NFT of upregulation alpha activity in terms of trainability, independence, and between-session predictability validation. Forty-six participants completed 12 training sessions. Spectrotemporal analysis revealed the upregulation success on brain activity of 8–12 Hz exclusively to demonstrate trainability and independence of alpha NFT. Three learning indices of between-session changes exhibited significant correlations with eyes-closed resting state (ECRS) alpha amplitude before the training exclusively. Through a stepwise linear discriminant analysis, the prediction model of ECRS’s alpha frequency band amplitude exhibited the best accuracy (89.1%) validation regarding the learning index of increased alpha amplitude on average. This study performed a systematic analysis on NFT success, the performance of the 3 between-session learning indices, and the validation of ECRS alpha activity for responder prediction. The findings would assist researchers in obtaining insight into the training efficacy of individuals and then attempting to adapt an efficient strategy in NFT success.

Designing a Successful Neurofeedback Training for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-185
Author(s):  
Elisabeth V. C. Friedrich
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Complex Disorder ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Training Protocol

Abstract. The goal of this article was to highlight important issues that have to be considered when designing an electroencephalography (EEG)-based neurofeedback training for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and to provide practical advice for a successful implementation. Autism is a heterogeneous and complex disorder, which leads to a broad and varied profile of symptoms as well as to huge individual differences between the affected children. This is why the neurofeedback training protocol has to be individually designed based on the specific symptoms as well as in consideration of the existing theories about aberrant brain activity, and why it then needs to be evaluated empirically. Furthermore, neurofeedback training has to be optimized individually regarding the specific control signal, feedback and practical implementations in order to lead to the desired improvements.

Beta Neurofeedback Training Improves Attentional Control in the Elderly

2020 ◽  
pp. 003329411990034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacek Bielas ◽  
Łukasz Michalczyk
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Attentional Control ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Age Related

One of the well-documented behavioral changes that occur with advancing age is a decline in executive functioning, for example, attentional control. Age-related executive deficits are said to be associated with a deterioration of the frontal lobes. Neurofeedback is a training method which aims at acquiring self-control over certain brain activity patterns. It is considered as an effective approach to help improve attentional and self-management capabilities. However, studies evaluating the efficacy of neurofeedback training to boost executive functioning in an elderly population are still relatively rare and controversial. The aim of our study was to contribute to the assessment of the efficacy of neurofeedback as a method for enhancing executive functioning in the elderly. We provided a group of seniors with beta up-training (12–22 Hz), consisting of 20 sessions (30 minutes each), on the Cz site and tested its possible beneficiary influence on attentional control assessed by means of the Stroop and Simon tasks. The analysis of the subjects’ mean reaction times during consecutive tasks in the test and the retest, after implementation of neurofeedback training, showed a significant improvement. In contrast, the difference in reaction times between the test and the retest in the control group who had not been submitted to neurofeedback training was not significant.

scholarly journals Enhancing the Effects of Neurofeedback Training: The Motivational Value of the Reinforcers

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 457
Author(s):  
Rubén Pérez-Elvira ◽  
Javier Oltra-Cucarella ◽  
José Antonio Carrobles ◽  
Jorge Moltó ◽  
Mercedes Flórez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Operant Conditioning ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
The Other ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Adequate Response ◽  
Sensorimotor Rhythm ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Informational Value

The brain activity that is measured by electroencephalography (EEG) can be modified through operant conditioning, specifically using neurofeedback (NF). NF has been applied to several disorders claiming that a change in the erratic brain activity would be accompanied by a reduction of the symptoms. However, the expected results are not always achieved. Some authors have suggested that the lack of an adequate response may be due to an incorrect application of the operant conditioning principles. A key factor in operant conditioning is the use of reinforcers and their value in modifying behavior, something that is not always sufficiently taken into account. This work aims to clarify the relevance of the motivational value versus the purely informational value of the reinforcer. In this study, 113 subjects were randomly assigned two different reinforcer conditions: a selected reinforcer—the subjects subjectively selected the reinforcers—or an imposed reinforcer—the reinforcers were assigned by the experimenter—and both groups undertook NF sessions to enhance the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR). In addition, the selected reinforcer group was divided into two subgroups: one receiving real NF and the other one sham NF. There were no significant differences between the groups at baseline in terms of SMR amplitude. After the intervention, only those subjects belonging to the selected reinforcer group and receiving real NF increased their SMR. Our results provide evidence for the importance of the motivational value of the reinforcer in Neurofeedback success.

scholarly journals Quantitative Electroencephalogaphy (QEEG) and Neurofeedback Training (NFT) for Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3.22) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Nur Hartini Mardan ◽  
Norsiah Fauzan
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Absolute Power ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Experimental Group

Neurofeedback training (NFT) has been widely used to alter the brain activity to enhance the brain function. This study aimed to apply neurofeedback to enhance the cognitive performance in elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) by focusing on alpha wave in the neurofeedback training as it is positively associated with cognitive decline in elderly. 10 subjects who passed the criteria were assigned to experimental and control group. With 15 sessions of alpha neurofeedback, increase in alpha absolute power was rewarded while simultaneous suppression of theta and beta2 were done in experimental group. Results showed that after completion of neurofeedback, all subjects in experimental group learn to increase their alpha absolute power while mixed result was recorded for suppression of theta and high beta either at individual, inter and intra group level. Cognitive results in individual level revealed that pattern of increase and decrease of score was regular in experimental group and at grouped level, significant increment observed in Digit Span and Symbol Search in experimental group only. These results suggest that MCI elderly could learn to increase specific components of EEG activity that such enhanced activity may facilitate in working memory and processing speed enhancement.  

scholarly journals Neurotechnology for Special Needs Children

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 319
Author(s):  
Norsiah Fauzan
Keyword(s):  
Special Needs ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Beta Activity ◽  
Special Needs Children ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Alpha Beta ◽  
Quantitative Electroencephalogram ◽  
The Brain

This paper highlights the use of neurotechnology to improve the brain dysregulation of special needs children giving an example of a case study on autistic children. Neurofeedback Training (NFT) was preceded by objective assessment of brain activity using Quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) to identify the abnormalities of the childrens’ brain waves. Neurofeedback training were conducted based on relevant EEG findings in relation to the children’s medical history and symptoms. Analysis indicate excessive presence of delta wave at the Frontal lobes and posterior regions. NFT were conducted within three months for more than 25 sessions for each protocol starting with Beta training followed by Delta and Alpha protocols. The observations and assessment showed improvement in terms of social interaction and communication and increased Alpha-beta activity in some parts of the brain suggesting improvement in brain regulation.

scholarly journals The role of superstition of cognitive control during neurofeedback training

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doris Groessinger ◽  
Florian Ph.S Fischmeister ◽  
Mathias Witte ◽  
Karl Koschutnig ◽  
Manuel Ninaus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Basal Ganglia ◽  
Associative Learning ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Ventral Striatum ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
The Impact

Background: Real-time fMRI neurofeedback is growing in reputation as a means to alter brain activity patterns and alleviate psychiatric symptoms. Activity in ventral striatum structures is considered an index of training efficacy. fMRI response in these brain regions indicates neurofeedback-driven associative learning. Here we investigated the impact of mere superstition of control as observed during neurofeedback training on patterns of fMRI activation. Methods: We examined the brain activations of a large sample of young participants (n = 97, 50 female, age range 18-54yrs) in a simple fMRI task. Participants saw a display similar to that typically used for real-time fMRI. They were instructed to watch the bars' movements or to control them with their own brain activity. Bar movements were not connected with brain activity of participants in any way and perceptions of control were superstitious. After the pretended control condition, they rated how well they were able to control the bars' movements. Results: Strong activation in the basal ganglia and ventral striatum as well as in large portions of the anterior insula, supplementary motor area, and the middle frontal gyrus due to the superstition of brain control. Conclusions: The superstition of control over one's own brain activity in a pretended neurofeedback training session activates the same neural networks as neurofeedback-driven learning. Therefore, activity in the basal ganglia and ventral striatum cannot be taken as evidence for neurofeedback-driven associative learning unless its effects are proven to supersede those elicited by appropriate sham conditions.

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