scholarly journals Visual signals suppress Alpha Power Increases & Frequency Decreases before and after a Mindfulness Meditation Intervention for Problem Gambling

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaili-Larissa Martin ◽  
Farah Jindani ◽  
Nigel Turner ◽  
Joseph FX DeSouza
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Reward Processing ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Alpha Oscillations ◽  
Temporal Lobes ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Alpha Peak

AbstractThe use of mindfulness meditation (MM) in the treatment of problem gambling (PG), has been used effectively for over five years. However, the neural mechanisms responsible for the improvements are unknown. The literature describes healthy individuals with an increase in alpha power and a decrease in alpha frequency after eight weeks of mindfulness meditation, but it is unknown if changes are similar amongst individuals with PG. Using resting-state electroencephalography (rsEEG), we measured the changes in alpha oscillations before and after an eight-week mindfulness meditation intervention (MMi) and a pre/ post-five-minute mindfulness meditation body scan (MMb). For people with PG, we observed an increase in alpha power and decreased alpha peak frequency after the MMi, while the inverse was true for the MMb. The most considerable alpha rhythm changes occurred in the frontal and temporal lobes, areas sensitive to reward and sensory processing in PG. Our observed changes may reflect theories that MMi for PG may improve attentional control as hypothesized by previous research in alpha oscillations and cue-reward processing.

scholarly journals Decomposing the role of alpha oscillations during brain maturation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marius Tröndle ◽  
Tzvetan Popov ◽  
Nicolas Langer
Keyword(s):  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Brain Maturation ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Eeg Signal ◽  
Alpha Oscillations ◽  
Signal Component ◽  
Neurophysiological Studies ◽  
Aperiodic Signal ◽  
Alpha Peak

AbstractDuring childhood and adolescence, the human brain undergoes various micro- and macroscopic changes. Understanding the neurophysiological changes within this reorganizational process is crucial, as many major psychiatric disorders emerge during this critical phase of life. In electroencephalography (EEG), a widely studied signal component are alpha oscillations (~8-13 Hz), which have been linked to developmental changes throughout the lifespan. Previous neurophysiological studies have demonstrated an increase of the alpha peak frequency and a decrease of alpha power to be related to brain maturation. The latter results have been questioned by recent developments in EEG signal processing techniques, as it could be demonstrated that aperiodic (non-oscillatory) components in the EEG signal conflate findings on periodic (oscillatory) changes, and thus need to be decomposed accordingly. We therefore analyzed a large, openly available pediatric dataset of 1485 children and adolescents in the age range of 5 to 21 years, in order to clarify the role of alpha oscillations and aperiodic signal components in this period of life. We first replicated previous findings of an increase of alpha peak frequency with age. Our results further suggest that alpha oscillatory power decreases with increasing age, however, when controlling for the aperiodic signal component, this effect inverted such as the aperiodic adjusted alpha power parameters significantly increase with advanced brain maturation, while the aperiodic signal component flattens and its offset decreases. Thus, interpretations of these oscillatory changes should be done with caution and incorporate changes in the aperiodic signal. These findings highlight the importance of taking aperiodic signal components into account when investigating age related changes of EEG spectral power parameters.

scholarly journals Relationship between individual alpha peak frequency and attentional performance in a multiple object tracking task among ice-hockey players

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0251443
Author(s):  
Yanhui Zhang ◽  
Yingzhi Lu ◽  
Dandan Wang ◽  
Chenglin Zhou ◽  
Chang Xu
Keyword(s):  
Object Tracking ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Multiple Object Tracking ◽  
Ice Hockey ◽  
Intermediate Level ◽  
Multiple Object ◽  
Attentional Performance ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Eyes Open ◽  
Alpha Peak

Individual alpha peak frequency (IAPF), the discrete frequency with the highest power value in the alpha oscillation range of the electroencephalogram, is a stable neurophysiological marker and is closely associated with various cognitive functions, including aspects of attention and working memory. However, the relationship between IAPF and attentional performance as well as the effects of engaging attention on IAPF are unknow. Here, we examined whether IAPF values were associated with attentional performance by evaluating accuracy during the performance of a multiple object tracking (MOT) task, a well-established paradigm for investigating goal-driven attention in dynamic environments, and whether engagement in the task affected IAPF values. In total, 18 elite players and 20 intermediate players completed the study. Resting electroencephalogram recordings were obtained for 120 s while players kept their eyes open and an additional 120 s while players’ eyes were closed, before and again after performing the MOT task. Tracking accuracy in the MOT task and IAPF values before and after the MOT task were analyzed. As expected, tracking accuracies were higher in elite players than in intermediate-level players. Baseline IAPF values were significantly and positively correlated with the accuracy of target tracking in the MOT task. IAPF values were higher in elite than intermediate players in both the eyes open and closed conditions and both before and after MOT task performance. Interindividual IAPF values did not differ before and after the MOT task. These findings indicate that IAPF is a stable marker, without intraindividual changes associated with engagement in the MOT task. Elite players had higher IAPF values and exhibited more accurate MOT performance than intermediate-level players; thus, baseline IAPF values may be useful to predict attentional performance in the MOT task among athletes.

scholarly journals Relationship between Regional White Matter Hyperintensities and Alpha Oscillations in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deniz Kumral ◽  
Elena Cesnaite ◽  
Frauke Beyer ◽  
Simon M. Hofmann ◽  
Tilman Hensch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
White Matter Hyperintensities ◽  
Occipital Cortex ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Cerebral White Matter ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Alpha Oscillations ◽  
Temporal Correlations ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact

AbstractWhite matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in the cerebral white matter and attenuation of alpha oscillations (AO; 7–13 Hz) occur with the advancing age. However, a crucial question remains, whether changes in AO relate to aging per se or they rather reflect the impact of age-related neuropathology like WMHs. In this study, using a large cohort (N=907) of elderly participants (60-80 years), we assessed relative alpha power (AP), individual alpha peak frequency (IAPF) and long-range temporal correlations (LRTC) from resting-state EEG. We further associated these parameters with voxel-wise WMHs from 3T MRI. We found that higher prevalence of WMHs in the superior and posterior corona radiata was related to elevated relative AP, with strongest correlations in the bilateral occipital cortex, even after controlling for potential confounding factors. In contrast, we observed no significant relation of probability of WMH occurrence with IAPF and LRTC. We argue that the WMH-associated increase of AP reflects generalized and likely compensatory changes of AO leading to a larger number of synchronously recruited neurons.

Only problem gamblers spend less money when loot boxes are removed from a game: A before and after study of Heroes of the Storm

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Real World ◽  
Complex Pattern ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Gambling Severity ◽  
Reliable Correlation ◽  
Before And After Study

Loot boxes are items in video games that may be paid for with real-world money, but which contain randomised contents. There is a reliable correlation between loot box spending and problem gambling severity: The more money gamers spend on loot boxes, the more severe their problem gambling tends to be. However, it is unclear whether this link represents a case in which loot box spending causes problem gambling; a case in which the gambling-like nature of loot boxes cause problem gamblers to spend more money; or whether it simply represents a case in which there is a general dysregulation in in-game spending amongst problem gamblers, nonspecific to loot boxes.The multiplayer video game Heroes of the Storm recently removed loot boxes. In order to better understand links between loot boxes and problem gambling, we conducted an analysis of players of Heroes of the Storm (n=112) both before and after the removal of loot boxes.There were a complex pattern of results. In general, when loot boxes were removed from Heroes of the Storm, problem gamblers appeared to spend significantly less money in-game in contrast to other groups. These results suggest that the presence of loot boxes in a game may lead to problem gamblers spending more money in-game. It therefore seems possible that links between loot box spending and problem gambling are not due to a general dysregulation in in-game spending amongst problem gamblers, but rather are to do with specific features of loot boxes themselves.

scholarly journals Individual Alpha Peak Frequency, an Important Biomarker for Live Z-Score Training Neurofeedback in Adolescents with Learning Disabilities

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
Rubén Pérez-Elvira ◽  
Javier Oltra-Cucarella ◽  
José Antonio Carrobles ◽  
Minodora Teodoru ◽  
Ciprian Bacila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Normative Values ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Absolute Power ◽  
The Individual ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Waves ◽  
Alpha Peak

Learning disabilities (LDs) have an estimated prevalence between 5% and 9% in the pediatric population and are associated with difficulties in reading, arithmetic, and writing. Previous electroencephalography (EEG) research has reported a lag in alpha-band development in specific LD phenotypes, which seems to offer a possible explanation for differences in EEG maturation. In this study, 40 adolescents aged 10–15 years with LDs underwent 10 sessions of Live Z-Score Training Neurofeedback (LZT-NF) Training to improve their cognition and behavior. Based on the individual alpha peak frequency (i-APF) values from the spectrogram, a group with normal i-APF (ni-APF) and a group with low i-APF (li-APF) were compared in a pre-and-post-LZT-NF intervention. There were no statistical differences in age, gender, or the distribution of LDs between the groups. The li-APF group showed a higher theta absolute power in P4 (p = 0.016) at baseline and higher Hi-Beta absolute power in F3 (p = 0.007) post-treatment compared with the ni-APF group. In both groups, extreme waves (absolute Z-score of ≥1.5) were more likely to move toward the normative values, with better results in the ni-APF group. Conversely, the waves within the normal range at baseline were more likely to move out of the range after treatment in the li-APF group. Our results provide evidence of a viable biomarker for identifying optimal responders for the LZT-NF technique based on the i-APF metric reflecting the patient’s neurophysiological individuality.

scholarly journals Gender based EEG before and after acute bout of aerobic exercise

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-34
Author(s):  
Nirmala Limbu ◽  
Ramanjan Sinha ◽  
Meenakshi Sinha ◽  
Bishnu Hari Paudel
Keyword(s):  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Healthy Adult ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Acute Bout ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Eeg Changes ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Exercise Induced ◽  
Almost All

Objective: We aimed to investigate how EEG frequency bands change in females in response to acute exercise compared to males.Methods: Consenting healthy adult females (n=15) & males (n=15) bicycled an ergometer at 50% HRmax for 20 min. EEG was recorded using 10-20 system from mid-frontal (F4 & F3), central (C4 & C3), parietal (P4 & P3), temporal (T4 & T3) & occipital (O2 & O1) regions. Exercise-induced EEG changes were compared between two sexes by Mann Whitney test. EEG power (μV2) is presented as median & interquartile range.Results: In females, as compared to males, resting right side delta, alpha, and beta activities were more in almost all recorded sites [delta: F4= 49.82 (44.23-63.56) vs. 35.5 (32.70-44.44), p < 0.001; etc], [alpha F4: 127.62 (112.89-149.03) vs. 49.36 (46.37-52.98), p < 0.001; etc], [beta F4= 18.96 (15.83-25.38)  vs. 14.77 (10.34-17.55), p < 0.05; C4= 21.16 (18.4-25.9) vs. 15.48 (9.66-19.40), p < 0.01; etc]. Similarly, females resting right theta activity was more in parietal [P4= 33.04 (25.1-42.41) vs. 22.3 (18.36-34.33), p < 0.05] & occipital [O2= 50.81 (30.64-66.8) vs. 26.85 (22.18-34.42), p < 0.001] regions than in males. They had similar picture on the left side also. The delta values of right alpha power was less in female in frontal [F4= -11.61 (-45.24 -3.64) vs. 9.48 (1.05-16.58), p < 0.01] and central [C4= -72 (-32.98-9.48) vs. 22.69 (13.03-33.05), p < 0.01] regions compared to males. Also, they had less delta values of left central alpha [C3= -8.32 (-32.65-6.1) vs. 16.5 (0.36-36.36), p < 0.01] and temporal beta [T3= -6.29 (-10.09- -1.49) vs. 1.24 (-0.84- 2.8), p < 0.001] power compared to males.Conclusion: At rest females may have high EEG powers in different bands. In response to acute exercise, they respond in reverse way as compared to males.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i2.11116Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(2) 2015 30-35

scholarly journals Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) Program with iMINDr Application Support for Older Adults with Depression Symptoms: A Feasibility Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 06 (04) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Lutvija Hrnjic ◽  
◽  
Nina Fry ◽  
Helané Wahbeh ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Significant Public Health Concern ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Potential Applications

The growing population of older adults with depression is a significant public health concern, and effective treatments are necessary. Mindfulness meditation intervention offers effective treatment for depression, but little research has been conducted on the older population. This study aimed to evaluate if the combination of the Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) plus iMINDr application improves well-being in older adults with depressive symptoms. Potential participants were recruited online. IMMI included a one-hour online session once a week, a daily 30-minute home practice of guided meditation using the iMINDr app, and a workbook. Measures were collected online before and after the six-week intervention period. Online session adherence was tracked. Thirty-eight participants completed all study requirements and are included in the analysis. Participants showed clinically and statistically significant improvements in depression symptoms, well-being, positive and negative affect, sleep quality, and pain intensity. Participants took 9.9 ± 3.5 weeks to complete the course. High attrition rates mainly were related to participants' motivation to complete the course and stress levels. There were no significant demographic differences between participants and depression symptoms. Potential applications and limitations are discussed. Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) was effective in treating depression symptoms in older adults.

scholarly journals Author Correction: Individual alpha peak frequency is slower in schizophrenia and related to deficits in visual perception and cognition

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian S. Ramsay ◽  
Peter A. Lynn ◽  
Brandon Schermitzler ◽  
Scott R. Sponheim
Keyword(s):  
Visual Perception ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Alpha Peak

scholarly journals The Influence of Mindfulness Meditation Versus CBT for Anxiety on Emotional Distress and Attitudes Towards Seeking Mental Health Treatment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Aisenberg-Shafran ◽  
Liav Shturm
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Before And After

Abstract Older adults often avoid seeking psychological treatment, challenging their ability to adaptively deal with anxiety, stress and depression. The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of a mindfulness intervention vs. cognitive-behavioral-therapy (CBT) on measures of emotional distress and attitudes towards seeking mental-health treatment among older adults. Twenty-four seniors were assigned to: 1) MBIS (Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Seniors); and 2) CBT for anxiety, or to a care-as-usual control group. Attitudes towards seeking psychological treatment, levels of depression, anxiety and worry were measured before and after the interventions. Following the intervention, participants more positively addressed the possibility of utilizing psychological treatment, while no changes were observed in the control group. Interestingly, levels of worry improved only in the MBIS group, and anxiety levels only improved in the CBT group. It seems that attending cognitive group interventions are effective to their focus and positively impact attitudes towards psychological treatment.

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