Changes in Psycho-Physiological Indicators After Training With the Use of Neuro-Biofeedback in People Who Had Covid-19

Abstract

COVID-19 is an acute respiratory infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The most common complications of this disease are viral pneumonia, acute respiratory failure and thromboembolism, up to 20% of patients suffer from long–term symptoms. The purpose of this study was to study the possibility of using neuro-biofeedback method in neuro-correction of patients who had suffered from COVID-19 disease with emotional disorders. The study involved 40 people (27 women and 13 men) who had suffered from COVID-19, experiencing emotional disorders and in need of rehabilitation, of whom 24 individuals made up the main group and 16 individuals – the control group. The age of the participants ranged from 25 to 73 years, the mean age was 42.25±2.59 years. Prior to the beginning and at the end of the study, both groups underwent tests: the "Depression Questionnaire", the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, determination by the PSM-25 stress scale. The equipment "Neuro V" (Zelenograd, Russia) was used for neuro-biofeedback training. The neuro-feedback technology "Neuro V" makes it possible to use electroencephalography parameters for self-regulation. Stimulation of the alpha rhythm in the frequency range 8-14 Hz helped to change the psychoemotional state of the subjects. The changes were confirmed by valid diagnostic tests "Spielberger–Khanin Anxiety Scale", "Depression Questionnaire", indicators on PSM-25 stress scale, as well as a "subjective" decrease in the severity of the asthenic syndrome. The technique that we propose gave the opportunity to increase not only the indices of alpha rhythm power in the electroencephalography, but the subjective assessment of health as well.