Effects of neurofeedback training combined with transcranial direct current stimulation on motor imagery: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

IntroductionNeurofeedback (NFB) training and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have been shown to individually improve motor imagery (MI) abilities. However, the effect of combining both of them with MI has not been verified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of applying tDCS directly before MI with NFB.MethodsParticipants were divided into an NFB group (n = 10) that performed MI with NFB and an NFB + tDCS group (n = 10) that received tDCS for 10 min before MI with NFB. Both groups performed 60 MI trials with NFB. The MI task was performed 20 times without NFB before and after training, and μ-event-related desynchronization (ERD) and vividness MI were evaluated.Resultsμ-ERD increased significantly in the NFB + tDCS group compared to the NFB group. MI vividness significantly increased before and after training.DiscussionTranscranial direct current stimulation and NFB modulate different processes with respect to MI ability improvement; hence, their combination might further improve MI performance. The results of this study indicate that the combination of NFB and tDCS for MI is more effective in improving MI abilities than applying them individually.

Motor Imagery-based Neurofeedback in Physiotherapy Practice

“…The participants performed a motor imagery task without NFB before and after MI-NFB, and the EEG results obtained during the task were compared between the groups. The results showed that the ERD of the μ-rhythm in the Experimental setup [59]. The participant sat in a chair and mentally imagined a dorsiflexion movement of the left wrist joint.…”

“…In a study examining the effects of tDCS on MI-NFB [59], participants were divided into NFB and NFB + tDCS groups, and MI-NFB for left wrist dorsiflexion was performed. For the NFB + tDCS group, tDCS was performed before imaging.…”

“…Friesen et al [64] used a handshake task to examine the effects of MI-NFB in combination with action observation. In their study, participants were tDCS setup [59]. A tDCS electrode was placed targeting C4, which corresponds to the sensorimotor area of the left hand.…”

“…Figure 3.Experimental setup[59]. The participant sat in a chair and mentally imagined a dorsiflexion movement of the left wrist joint.…”

“…Figure 4.tDCS setup[59]. A tDCS electrode was placed targeting C4, which corresponds to the sensorimotor area of the left hand.…”