Modulation of attention in healthy children using a course of EEG-feedback sessions

Abstract

We studied changes in the power spectra of EEG in the course of sessions of feedback by EEG characteristics (neurofeedback sessions) and estimated the effects of neurofeedback on psychological and EEG correlates of voluntary attention. Indices of the latter were estimated using Bourdon's test (a correcture test) and Schulte's tables. Twenty-nine reasonably healthy 10-to 13-year-old children took part in the study; they were divided into two groups, an experimental group (n = 12) and a control group (n = 15). The results obtained support the statement on noticeable changes in the functional state of the brain both immediately in the course of a neurofeedback session and after a course of such trainings. Changes in the ratios of the spectral powers of the beta 1 vs theta rhythms and the low-frequency beta vs theta rhythms were found in EEG recorded from the sensorimotor zone of the right hemisphere (C4). The observed changes in the spectral characteristics of EEG induced by the course of neurofeedback sessions were accompanied by the improvement of a few indices of voluntary attention.

Training to improve selective attention in children using neurofeedback through play [Entrenamiento mediante neurofeedback a través del juego para la mejora de la atención selectiva en niños]

“…The present work bears a clear resemblance to the study developed by Lutsyuk et al (2006) regarding the variables that could be affecting the results from a design perspective (number and duration of sessions, etc.). The substantial difference of our work consists of the measure used to evaluate the intervention.…”

“…Lutsyuk et al used the Bourdon test (Boujon & Quaireau, 2004), while we used the d2 test because it has been tested in Spain. Lutsyuk et al (2006) obtained results showing statistically signifi cant differences among the groups of participants, which were attributed to the training received. In our study, we did not fi nd such differences between the experimental and control groups, and thus, our fi ndings do not support those of Lutsyuk et al The reason for this discrepancy is likely the use of different measuring instruments.…”

“…Recently, Lutsyuk, Éismont and Pavlenko (2006) studied the effi cacy of neurofeedback on modulating attention in healthy children 10 to 13 years old. This study evaluated the effectiveness of neurofeedback training of voluntary attention based on beta rhythms and changes in the EEG power spectrum.…”

Changes in EEG spectral characteristics in the course of neurofeedback training

“…However, similar changes and, in particular, a spatiotemporal reorganization of bioelectrical activity of the brain have been described in other studies [11,[51][52][53][54][55], indicating that the changes are hardly occa sional. It is possible that such changes underlie the therapeutic effect of BFB training in children with attention deficit syndrome [56,57]. As is known, the efficiency of the control is related to its temporal characteristics and the likelihood of errors in acting or decision making.…”

Study on non-linear bistable dynamics model based EEG signal discrimination analysis method

“…EEG used to be a first-line method of some diseases, such as brain diseases, 1-3 Alzheimer diseases, [4][5][6] and in healthy children attention modulation. 7,8 Non-linear bistable dynamical model has been focused in biological signal analysis, healthcare, etc.…”