Short and long-term effects of sham-controlled prefrontal EEG-neurofeedback training in healthy subjects. Issue 4 (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Engelbregt, H.J.; Keeser, D.; van Eijk, L.; Suiker, E.M.; Eichhorn, D.; Karch, S.; Deijen, J.B.; Pogarell, O.
• Is Part Of: Clinical neurophysiology. Volume 127:Issue 4(2016:Apr.)
• Page Start: 1931
• Page End: 1937
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Electroencephalography -- Neurofeedback -- Long-term effects -- Brain modulation; Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Electroencephalography -- Periodicals; Electromyography -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2016.01.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-2457

Abstract

Highlights: Controlled EEG neurofeedback study in adult healthy subjects using a novel sham design. Altered frontal beta activity in healthy subjects after 15 EEG neurofeedback training sessions. Demonstration of long-term effects using resting state EEG after three years. Abstract: Objective: In this study we evaluated long-term effects of frontal beta EEG-neurofeedback training (E-NFT) on healthy subjects. We hypothesized that E-NFT can change frontal beta activity in the long-term and that changes in frontal beta EEG activity are accompanied by altered cognitive performance. Methods: 25 healthy subjects were included and randomly assigned to active or sham E-NFT. On average the subjects underwent 15 E-NFT training sessions with a training duration of 45 min. Resting-state EEG was recorded prior to E-NFT training ( t 1) and in a 3-year follow-up ( t 3). Results: Compared to sham E-NFT, which was used for the control group, real E-NFT increased beta activity in a predictable way. This increase was maintained over a period of three years post training. However, E-NFT did not result in significantly improved cognitive performance. Conclusion: Based on our results, we conclude that EEG-NFT can selectively modify EEG beta activity both in short and long-term. Significance: This is a sham controlled EEG neurofeedback study demonstrating long-term effects in resting state EEG.