Frontal Alpha Oscillations and Attentional Control: A Virtual Reality Neurofeedback Study

Abstract

In press in Neuroscience: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.06.007The content of this manuscript does not match the content of the published work.Two competing views about alpha oscillations suggest that cortical alpha reflect either cortical inactivity or cortical processing efficiency. We investigate the role of alpha oscillations in attentional control, as measured with a Stroop task. We use neurofeedback to train 22 participants to increase their level of alpha amplitude. Based on the conflict/control loop theory, we selected to train prefrontal alpha and focus on the Gratton effect as an index of deployment of attentional control. We expected an increase or a decrease in the Gratton effect with increase in neural learning depending on whether frontal alpha oscillations reflect cortical idling or enhanced processing efficiency, respectively. In order to induce variability in neural learning beyond natural occurring individual differences, we provided half of the participants with feedback on alpha amplitude in a 3-dimensional (3D) virtual reality environment and the other half received feedback in a 2D environment. Our results show variable neural learning rates, with larger rates in the 3D compared to the 2D group, corroborating prior evidence of individual differences in EEG-based learning and the influence of a virtual environment. Regression analyses revealed a significant association between the learning rate and changes on deployment of attentional control, with larger learning rates being associated with larger decreases in the Gratton effect. This association was not modulated by feedback medium. The study supports the view of frontal alpha oscillations being associated with efficient neurocognitive processing and demonstrates the utility of neurofeedback training in addressing theoretical questions in the non-neurofeedback literature.

Differential Subjective Experiences in Learners and Non-learners in Frontal Alpha Neurofeedback: Piloting a Mixed-Method Approach

“…Although increased alpha has been linked to enhanced attentional focus and cognitive performance (e.g., Klimesch, 1999 ; Jensen et al, 2002 ; Cooper et al, 2003 ; Sauseng et al, 2005 ; Klimesch et al, 2007 ; Berger and Davelaar, 2018 ), here we found that learning to increase alpha is associated with an absence (or restriction) of an evaluative process that operates on the products of sensory and cognitive processes. Thus, a cortical area could be in a heightened state of attention to augment sensory or cognitive information, in the absence of emotive-evaluative processing.…”

“…In this study, we investigated the mental mindset of individuals who experienced a single 5-min NFT session to increase their alpha frequency over the frontal cortex, which has been shown to be related to improved cognitive control ( Ros et al, 2013 ; Berger and Davelaar, 2018 ). The short session allowed a large number of individuals to be classified as non-learners to which the smaller number of learners could be compared.…”

A Psychophysiological Model of Firearms Training in Police Officers: A Virtual Reality Experiment for Biocybernetic Adaptation

“…EEG has been employed in investigations of various cognitive variables in 3D virtual learning environments. Frontal alpha EEG was recorded in a study of its role in attentional control; the study also demonstrated the importance of the immersion and engagement afforded by a 3D virtual learning environment (Berger and Davelaar, 2018). In a study of the effect of competition, while shooters were immersed in a virtual environment representing a shooting range, changes in alpha oscillatory activity were found during aiming that were associated with better performance (Pereira et al, 2018).…”

Enhanced Attention Using Head-mounted Virtual Reality

“…Another comparative study of a 2D cinema screen (fixed viewpoint) and IVR reported better attentional control on Stroop tasks, which was associated with increased prefrontal alpha power. This improved performance was only observed in the consumer-friendly HMD (Oculus Rift)-based neurofeedback training group (Berger & Davelaar, 2018). However, the authors used different visual stimuli in the neurofeedback training tasks, such as a 3D vase in the IVR, but a 2D square on the cinema screen.…”