scholarly journals Psychological, Neurophysiological, and Mental Factors Associated With Gamma-Enhancing Neurofeedback Success

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 701-714
Author(s):  
Zeynab Khodakarami ◽  
◽  
Mohammad Firoozabadi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Gain Control ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Gamma Activity ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Gamma Power

Introduction: Regarding the neurofeedback training process, previous studies indicate that 10%-50% of subjects cannot gain control over their brain activity even after repeated training sessions. This study is conducted to overcome this problem by investigating inter-individual differences in neurofeedback learning to propose some predictors for the trainability of subjects. Methods: Eight healthy female students took part in 8 (electroencephalography) EEG neurofeedback training sessions for enhancing EEG gamma power at the Oz channel. We studied participants’ preexisting fluid intelligence and EEG frequency sub-bands’ power during 2-min eyes-closed rest and a cognitive task as psychological and neurophysiological factors, concerning neurofeedback learning performance. We also assessed the self-reports of participants about mental strategies used by them during neurofeedback to identify the most effective successful strategies. Results: The results revealed that a significant percentage of individuals (25% in this study) cannot learn how to control their brain gamma activity using neurofeedback. Our findings suggest that fluid intelligence, gamma power during a cognitive task, and alpha power at rest can predict gamma-enhancing neurofeedback performance of individuals. Based on our study, neurofeedback learning is a form of implicit learning. We also found that learning without a user’s mental efforts to find out successful mental strategies, in other words, unconscious learning, lead to more success in gamma-enhancing neurofeedback. Conclusion: Our results may improve gamma neurofeedback efficacy for further clinical usage and studies by giving insight about both non-trainable individuals and effective mental strategies.

scholarly journals Caffeine boosts preparatory attention for reward-related stimulus information

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berry van den Berg ◽  
Marlon de Jong ◽  
Marty G. Woldorff ◽  
Monicque M. Lorist
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Caffeine Intake ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Placebo Condition ◽  
Electrical Brain Activity ◽  
Preparatory Attention ◽  
Stroop Stimulus

AbstractBoth the intake of caffeine-containing substances and the prospect of reward for performing a cognitive task have been associated with improved behavioral performance. To investigate the possible common and interactive influences of caffeine and reward-prospect on preparatory attention, we tested 24 participants during a 2-session experiment in which they performed a cued-reward color-word Stroop task. On each trial, participants were presented with a cue to inform them whether they had to prepare for presentation of a Stroop stimulus and whether they could receive a reward if they performed well on that trial. Prior to each session, participants received either coffee with caffeine (3 mg/kg bodyweight) or with placebo (3 mg/kg bodyweight lactose). In addition to behavioral measures, electroencephalography (EEG) measures of electrical brain activity were recorded. Results showed that both the intake of caffeine and the prospect of reward improved speed and accuracy, with the effects of caffeine and reward-prospect being additive on performance. Neurally, reward-prospect resulted in an enlarged contingent negative variation (CNV) and reduced posterior alpha power (indicating increased cortical activity), both hallmark neural markers for preparatory attention. Moreover, the CNV enhancement for reward-prospect trials was considerably more pronounced in the caffeine condition as compared to the placebo condition. These results thus suggest that caffeine intake boosts preparatory attention for task-relevant information, especially when performance on that task can lead to reward.

Cortical oscillations to measure anti-epileptic drug activity in clinical trials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Biondi ◽  
Lorenzo Rocchi ◽  
Viviana Santoro ◽  
Gregory Beatch ◽  
Pierre Rossini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Brain Oscillations ◽  
Cortical Oscillations ◽  
Anti Epileptic Drug ◽  
Beta Power ◽  
Gamma Power

Abstract The frequency analysis of electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, either spontaneous or evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS-EEG), is a powerful tool to investigate changes in brain activity and excitability following the administration of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, a systematic evaluation of the effect of AEDs on spontaneous and TMS-induced brain oscillations has not yet been provided. We studied the effects of lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and of a novel potassium channel opener (XEN1101) on TMS-induced and spontaneous brain oscillations in a group of healthy volunteers. Levetiracetam suppressed TMS-induced theta, alpha and beta power, whereas lamotrigine increased TMS-induced alpha power. XEN1101 decreased TMS-induced delta, theta and beta power. Resting-state EEG showed a decrease of theta band power after lamotrigine intake. Levetiracetam increased theta, beta and gamma power, while XEN1101 produced an increase of delta, theta, beta and gamma power. Different AEDs induce specific patterns of power changes in spontaneous and TMS-induced brain oscillations. Spontaneous and TMS-induced cortical oscillations represent a powerful tool to characterize the effect of AEDs on in vivo brain activity. Spectral fingerprints of specific AEDs should be further investigated to provide robust and objective biomarkers of biological effect in human clinical trials.

scholarly journals Distinct Montages of Slow Oscillatory Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (so-tDCS) Constitute Different Mechanisms during Quiet Wakefulness

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 324
Author(s):  
Ping Koo-Poeggel ◽  
Verena Böttger ◽  
Lisa Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Slow Wave Sleep ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Electrode Placement ◽  
Brain State ◽  
Electrode Pair ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Applied Current ◽  
Large Power ◽  
Quiet Wakefulness ◽  
Eyes Closed

Slow oscillatory- (so-) tDCS has been applied in many sleep studies aimed to modulate brain rhythms of slow wave sleep and memory consolidation. Yet, so-tDCS may also modify coupled oscillatory networks. Efficacy of weak electric brain stimulation is however variable and dependent upon the brain state at the time of stimulation (subject and/or task-related) as well as on stimulation parameters (e.g., electrode placement and applied current. Anodal so-tDCS was applied during wakefulness with eyes-closed to examine efficacy when deviating from the dominant brain rhythm. Additionally, montages of different electrodes size and applied current strength were used. During a period of quiet wakefulness bilateral frontolateral stimulation (F3, F4; return electrodes at ipsilateral mastoids) was applied to two groups: ‘Group small’ (n = 16, f:8; small electrodes: 0.50 cm2; maximal current per electrode pair: 0.26 mA) and ‘Group Large’ (n = 16, f:8; 35 cm2; 0.35 mA). Anodal so-tDCS (0.75 Hz) was applied in five blocks of 5 min epochs with 1 min stimulation-free epochs between the blocks. A finger sequence tapping task (FSTT) was used to induce comparable cortical activity across sessions and subject groups. So-tDCS resulted in a suppression of alpha power over the parietal cortex. Interestingly, in Group Small alpha suppression occurred over the standard band (8–12 Hz), whereas for Group Large power of individual alpha frequency was suppressed. Group Small also revealed a decrease in FSTT performance at retest after stimulation. It is essential to include concordant measures of behavioral and brain activity to help understand variability and poor reproducibility in oscillatory-tDCS studies.

scholarly journals Effects of familiarity with musical style on music-evoked emotions: An EEG study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gladys Jiamin Heng ◽  
Quek Hiok Chai ◽  
SH Annabel Chen
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Musical Style ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
Behavioral Ratings ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Beta Power ◽  
Musical Excerpts

Learning mechanisms have been postulated to be one of the primary reasons why different individuals have similar or different emotional responses to music. While existing studies have largely examined mechanisms related to learning in terms of cultural familiarity or recognition, few studies have conceptualized it in terms of an individual’s level of familiarity with musical style, which could be a better reflection of an individual’s composite musical experiences. Therefore, the current study aimed to bridge this research gap by investigating the electrophysiological correlates of the effects of familiarity with musical style on music-evoked emotions. 49 non-musicians listened to 12 musical excerpts of a familiar musical style (Japanese animation soundtracks) and eight musical excerpts of an unfamiliar musical style (Greek Laïkó music) with their eyes closed as electroencephalography is being recorded. Participants rated their felt emotions after each musical excerpt is played. Behavioral ratings showed that music of the familiar musical style was felt as significantly more pleasant as compared to the unfamiliar musical style while no significant differences in arousal were observed. In terms of brain activity, music of the unfamiliar musical style elicited higher (1) theta power in all brain regions (including frontal midline), (2) alpha power in frontal region, and (3) beta power in fronto-temporo-occipital regions as compared to the familiar musical style. This is interpreted to reflect the need for greater attentional resources when listening to music of an unfamiliar style, where listeners are less familiar with the syntax and structure of the music as compared to music of a familiar style. In addition, classification analysis showed that unfamiliar and familiar musical styles can be distinguished with 67.86% accuracy, Thus, clinicians should consider the musical profile of the client when choosing an appropriate selection of music in the treatment plan, so as to achieve better efficacy.

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.

scholarly journals Understanding the neurological mechanism involved in enhanced memory recall task following binaural beat: a pilot study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Danish Mujib ◽  
Muhammad Abul Hasan ◽  
Saad Ahmed Qazi ◽  
Aleksandra Vuckovic
Keyword(s):  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Neural Mechanism ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Gamma Power ◽  
Group A ◽  
Oscillatory Brain Activity

AbstractBinaural beat (BB) is a promising technique for memory improvement in elderly or people with neurological conditions. However, the related modulation of cortical networks followed by behavioral changes has not been investigated. The objective of this study is to establish a relationship between BB oscillatory brain activity evoked by stimulation and a behavioral response in a short term memory task. Three Groups A, B, and C of 20 participants each received alpha (10 Hz), beta (14 Hz), and gamma (30 Hz) BB, respectively, for 15 min. Their EEG was recorded in pre, during, and post BB states. Participants performed a digit span test before and after a BB session. A significant increase in the cognitive score was found only for Group A while a significant decrease in reaction time was noted for Groups A and C. Group A had a significant decrease of theta and increase of alpha power, and a significant increase of theta and decrease of gamma imaginary coherence (ICH) post BB. Group C had a significant increase in theta and gamma power accompanied by the increase of theta and gamma ICH post BB. The effectiveness of BB depends on the frequency of stimulation. A putative neural mechanism involves an increase in theta ICH in parieto-frontal and interhemispheric frontal networks.

A Preliminary Study of the Association Among Metacognition and Resting State EEG in Schizophrenia

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenifer L. Vohs ◽  
Bethany L. Leonhardt ◽  
Michael M. Francis ◽  
Daniel Westfall ◽  
Josselyn Howell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resting State ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Gamma Activity ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Behavioral Correlates ◽  
Form Complex ◽  
Gamma Frequency ◽  
Gamma Range ◽  
The World ◽  
Gamma Power

Abstract. Metacognition refers to a spectrum of activities that range from the consideration of discrete mental experiences, such as a specific thought or emotion, to the synthesis of discrete perceptions into integrated representations of the self and others as unique agents in the world. Metacognitive deficits have been observed in schizophrenia and linked with a number of behavioral correlates and outcomes. Less is known however about the neural systems associated with such processes. Establishing the link between brain activity and metacognition therefore is an essential next step. Resting state electroencephalography (EEG) provides one possible avenue for investigating this link. EEG studies in schizophrenia suggest that the gamma frequency range may have functional significance and be related to the disturbed information processing often observed in the disorder. In the present investigation, we assessed metacognition among 20 individuals with prolonged schizophrenia using the Metacognition Assessment Scale Abbreviated, who also participated in resting state EEG recording. We hypothesized that gamma activity would be associated with those domains of metacognition that require the most integration to perform, Decentration and Mastery. We then examined the association among gamma power and each metacognitive domain. Additional exploratory analyses were conducted across a spectrum of EEG activity. We found that increased gamma activity at rest was linked with decreased decentration. This suggests that hyperactivity in the gamma range may index disrupted processing and integration, and ultimately the metacognitive processes needed to form complex ideas about oneself and others and to see the world from multiple perspectives. This link provides additional evidence of how the biological roots of schizophrenia may culminate in a disrupted life.

scholarly journals Evidence of a Task-Independent Neural Signature in the Spectral Shape of the Electroencephalogram

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (01) ◽  
pp. 1750035 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos DelPozo-Banos ◽  
Carlos M. Travieso ◽  
Jesus B. Alonso ◽  
Ann John
Keyword(s):  
Brain Research ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Spectral Shape ◽  
Identity Verification ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Neurophysiological Studies ◽  
Neural Signature

Genetic and neurophysiological studies of electroencephalogram (EEG) have shown that an individual’s brain activity during a given cognitive task is, to some extent, determined by their genes. In fact, the field of biometrics has successfully used this property to build systems capable of identifying users from their neural activity. These studies have always been carried out in isolated conditions, such as relaxing with eyes closed, identifying visual targets or solving mathematical operations. Here we show for the first time that the neural signature extracted from the spectral shape of the EEG is to a large extent independent of the recorded cognitive task and experimental condition. In addition, we propose to use this task-independent neural signature for more precise biometric identity verification. We present two systems: one based on real cepstrums and one based on linear predictive coefficients. We obtained verification accuracies above 89% on 4 of the 6 databases used. We anticipate this finding will create a new set of experimental possibilities within many brain research fields, such as the study of neuroplasticity, neurodegenerative diseases and brain machine interfaces, as well as the mentioned genetic, neurophysiological and biometric studies. Furthermore, the proposed biometric approach represents an important advance towards real world deployments of this new technology.

scholarly journals Cortical Oscillatory Dysrhythmias in Visual Snow Syndrome: A MEG Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny L Hepschke ◽  
Robert A Seymour ◽  
Wei A He ◽  
Andrew Etchell ◽  
Paul F Sowman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Cortex ◽  
Primary Visual Cortex ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Alpha Phase ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Gamma Peak ◽  
Gamma Power ◽  
Early Visual Cortex ◽  
Phase Amplitude

Visual Snow (VS) refers to the persistent visual experience of static in the whole visual field of both eyes. It is often reported by patients with migraine and co-occurs with conditions like tinnitus and tremor. The underlying pathophysiology of the condition is poorly understood. Previously we hypothesised, that VSS may be characterised by disruptions to rhythmical activity within the visual system. To test this, data from 18 patients diagnosed with visual snow syndrome (VSS), and 16 matched controls, were acquired using Magnetoencephalography (MEG). Participants were presented with visual grating stimuli, known to elicit decreases in alpha-band (8-13Hz) power and increases in gamma-band power (40-70Hz). Data were mapped to source-space using a beamformer. Across both groups, decreased alpha power and increased gamma power localised to early visual cortex. Data from primary visual cortex (V1) were compared between groups. No differences were found in either alpha or gamma peak frequency or the magnitude of alpha power, p>.05. However, compared with controls, our VSS cohort displayed significantly increased V1 gamma power, p=.035. This new electromagnetic finding concurs with previous fMRI and PET findings suggesting that in VSS, the visual cortex is hyper-excitable. The coupling of alpha-phase to gamma amplitude (i.e., phase-amplitude coupling, PAC) within V1 was also quantified. Compared with controls, the VSS group had significantly reduced alpha-gamma PAC, p<.05, indicating a potential excitation-inhibition imbalance in VSS, as well as a potential disruption to top-down 'noise-cancellation' mechanisms. Overall, these results suggest that rhythmical brain activity in primary visual cortex is both hyperexcitable and disorganised in VSS, consistent with visual snow being a condition of thalamocortical dysrhythmia.

scholarly journals EEG biomarkers of free recall

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Kahana ◽  
Brandon S. Katerman ◽  
Connor Keane ◽  
Yuxuan Li ◽  
Jessie K. Pazdera
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Memory Retrieval ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Gamma Activity ◽  
Episodic Retrieval ◽  
Neural Signals ◽  
Verbal Recall ◽  
Immediate Recall ◽  
Gamma Power ◽  
Successful Recall

Brain activity in the moments leading up to successful verbal recall provide a window into the cognitive processes underlying memory retrieval. But these same recordings also subsume neural signals unrelated to mnemonic retrieval, such as response-related motor activity. Here we examined spectral EEG biomarkers of successful recall under an extreme manipulation of mnemonic demands: subjects either recalled items after a few seconds or several days. This manipulation isolated EEG components specifically re- lated to episodic retrieval. Theta and gamma power (4-8 Hz and 40-128 Hz respectively) increased immediately prior to long-delay recall, whereas 8-20 Hz power decreased. A direct comparison of long-delay and immediate recall revealed a nearly identical pattern, indicating that these spectral biomarkers of successful retrieval reflect memory-specific processes. Ruling out a confound of motor related activity, these results identify theta and gamma activity as biomarkers of successful episodic memory retrieval.

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