Influence of electroencephalography neurofeedback training on episodic memory: A randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind study

Abstract

The relationships between memory processes and oscillatory electroencephalography (EEG) are well established. Neurofeedback training (NFT) may cause participants to better regulate their brain EEG oscillations. The present study is a double-blind sham-controlled design investigating the effect of NFT on memory. NFT included up-training upper alpha (UA) band, up-training sensory-motor rhythm (SMR) band and sham protocol. Thirty healthy adult volunteers were randomly divided into three treatment groups. NFT sessions (30 min each) took place twice weekly for a total of 10 sessions while memory testing took place pre- and post-training. The results indicate dissociation between SMR and UA NFT and different memory processes. While the SMR protocol resulted in improving automatic, item-specific and familiarity-based processes in memory, the UA protocol resulted in improved strategic and controlled recollection. The implications of the results are discussed.

Cognitive Performance Enhancement: Do Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Work?

“…So, future research is warranted to further elaborate in a systematic manner on the potential impact of potential confounding factors (e.g., small sample sizes such as in Rasey et al 1995, see below for more details on confounding factors). Besides that, as suggested earlier by Gruzelier (2014b, c), placebo is still rarely used as we encountered it in only six studies (i.e., Bazanova et al 2013;Escolano et al 2014;Guez et al 2015;Hsueh et al 2016;Kober et al 2015;Wang and Hsieh 2013) to demonstrate the statistical superiority of the effect on the NFB training. However, according to the guidelines for the evaluation of clinical efficacy of psychophysiological interventions, the inclusion of control and placebo or sham feedback groups would enhance the validity within the current research field on NFB training (La Vaque et al 2002).…”

“…Beta augment NFB training can be used to enhance attentional processing . And more recent research has shown that SMR augment training can enhance attentional (Doppelmayer and Weber 2011;Gruzelier 2001, 2004;Fritson et al 2008) and declarative memory performance (Hoedlmoser et al 2008), facilitate semantic processing in a working memory task and familiarity-based processes in working memory (Guez et al 2015), improve surgical technique while considerably reducing time on task , and reduce sensorimotor interference . Finally, augment gamma NFB training was positively correlated with a decrease of selectively retrieving binding costs and an increase in intelligence score (Keizer et al 2010a, b).…”

“…frequency band corresponded with the 12-15 Hz range except in the study of Guez et al (2015) in which SMR ranged from 13-15 Hz, the beta1 frequency band in Gruzelier studies (2001, 2004) and also in the study of Rozengurt et al (2016) ranged from 15-18 Hz. The high beta frequency bands varied from 22-30 Hz Gruzelier 2001, 2004;Ros et al 2009), 18-22 Hz ), 21-35 Hz to 22-36 Hz ).…”

“…After the training, the SMR group participants improved their auditory focused attention performance (Go/No-Go task) with regards to the pre-measurement. Also, by double-blind sham-controlled design, Guez et al (2015) investigated the effect of different NFB training protocol on memory. Participants were divided into three groups: an upper alpha augment training group, a SMR augment training group, and a sham protocol.…”

Transient Adverse Side Effects During Neurofeedback Training: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Double Blind Study

“…Specifically, increasing UA showed improvement in cognitive abilities and performance (Zoefel et al 2010), and improvement in certain forms of memory (Escolano et al 2011;Guez et al 2014;Hanslmayr et al 2005;Vernon et al 2009;Zoefel et al 2011). Applying SMR showed significantly enhancement in attention Gruzelier 2001, 2004;Vernon et al 2003).…”