Tuning pathological brain oscillations with neurofeedback: a systems neuroscience framework

Abstract

Neurofeedback (NFB) is emerging as a promising technique that enables self-regulation of ongoing brain oscillations. However, despite a rise in empirical evidence attesting to its clinical benefits, a solid theoretical basis is still lacking on the manner in which NFB is able to achieve these outcomes. The present work attempts to bring together various concepts from neurobiology, engineering, and dynamical systems so as to propose a contemporary theoretical framework for the mechanistic effects of NFB. The objective is to provide a firmly neurophysiological account of NFB, which goes beyond traditional behaviorist interpretations that attempt to explain psychological processes solely from a descriptive standpoint whilst treating the brain as a “black box”. To this end, we interlink evidence from experimental findings that encompass a broad range of intrinsic brain phenomena: starting from “bottom-up” mechanisms of neural synchronization, followed by “top-down” regulation of internal brain states, moving to dynamical systems plus control-theoretic principles, and concluding with activity-dependent as well as homeostatic forms of brain plasticity. In support of our framework, we examine the effects of NFB in several brain disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In sum, it is argued that pathological oscillations emerge from an abnormal formation of brain-state attractor landscape(s). The central thesis put forward is that NFB tunes brain oscillations toward a homeostatic set-point which affords an optimal balance between network flexibility and stability (i.e., self-organised criticality (SOC)).

Closed-loop brain training: the science of neurofeedback

“…In these studies, Hebbian plasticity was counterbalanced by (non-Hebbian) homeostatic plasticity that seemed to prevent extremes in excitation or inhibition. Remarkably, there is emerging evidence for homeostatic reversal or 'rebound' of neural function after neurofeedback training 61 . For instance, after undergoing alpha desynchronization neurofeedback, individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder showed a rebound in EEG synchronization 62 , which may be explained by the fact that such individuals present with abnormally decreased alpha power at baseline.…”

“…The global workspace theory of neurofeedback learning 61 proposes that learning control of neural activity is enabled by the wide, global distribution of the feedback signal in the brain so that it becomes conscious. A testable prediction of this theory is that a non-conscious or subliminal feedback signal, for example, by backward masking, does not help in acquiring control of the brain activity being trained 61 .…”

“…A testable prediction of this theory is that a non-conscious or subliminal feedback signal, for example, by backward masking, does not help in acquiring control of the brain activity being trained 61 . However, the hypothesis should also be evaluated in light of the existing evidence for subliminal instrumental learning 204 , unconscious processing of reward stimuli 205 , and the distinctions between conscious and non-conscious representations on the one hand, and automatic and deliberate processing on the other 206 .…”

Resting state neural networks and energy metabolism

“…A similar interest is developing as to how the breakdown in maintenance and interaction of these RSNs may lead to neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia and schizophrenia [9]. RSNs also help to address issues related to cognitive load and driver fatigue [19]. In both the healthy and diseased brain, the manner in which cortical neurons and networks of neurons utilize the energy resources available to them is of critical importance.…”

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and current possibilities of its treatment by the method of neurofeedback training

“…Другие авторы [22] предлагают две модели: «обусловливания и ремонта», предполагаю-щую восстановление нейронных дисфункций в процессе оперантного обусловливания, и «приобретения навыка», подчеркивающую важность целенаправленного обучения подавлению симптомов СДВГ напрямую через использо-вание когнитивно-поведенческих стратегий. Еще одна группа авторов [23] считают, что НБУ осуществляет на-стройку колебаний электрической активности мозга на такой гомеостатический уровень, который обеспечивает оптимальный баланс между гибкостью и стабильностью нейронной сети.…”