Neurofeedback
EEG biofeedback (Neurofeedback) is a noninvasive brain training technique that allows the brain to receive feedback on its activity in real-time. This helps the nervous system learn how to better self-regulate, which can help achieve or restore optimal function and, through that, impact a variety of symptoms associated with brain dysregulations.
How does it work?
Neurofeedback is a therapeutic technique that leverages brain plasticity to enhance cognitive and emotional functioning. The underlying principle is neuroplasticity, the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and reorganize itself in response to new experiences, learning, and injury. This dynamic process involves the strengthening of existing neural connections and the formation of new ones, allowing the brain to adjust its functions and capabilities throughout a person’s life. Neuroplasticity is fundamental for cognitive development, skill acquisition, memory formation, and recovery from brain damage, highlighting the brain’s inherent flexibility and capacity for growth and change.
Who can benefit?
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, occurs throughout a person’s life, from infancy to old age. While it is most pronounced during childhood, when the brain is rapidly developing and highly adaptable, it remains a powerful mechanism in adulthood and even into older age. This lifelong plasticity allows us to use Neurofeedback at any age to help the brain learn how to self-regulate, leading to improved and optimized functioning as adults to learn new skills, adapt to new experiences, and recover from injuries such as strokes. The enduring nature of neuroplasticity underscores the brain’s remarkable capacity for growth and adaptation at any age.
Neurofeedback can be used at any age to help the brain learn how to self-regulate, making it easier to learn new skills, adapt to new experiences, and recover from injuries.
What can improve with Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback can positively impact a range of symptoms related to dysregulated brain and nervous system function by training the brain to achieve more optimal patterns of activity.
Anxiety and Depression
Neurofeedback helps regulate brain activity associated with mood, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning difficulties
It enhances attention and reduces impulsivity by training specific brainwave patterns associated with focus and calm.
Sleep Disorders
Neurofeedback can improve sleep quality by normalizing brainwave activity related to sleep regulation.
Chronic Pain
By modulating brain activity, Neurofeedback can reduce the perception of pain and improve coping mechanisms.
Migraines and Headaches
It can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines by training the brain to maintain more stable and regulated activity.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Neurofeedback assists in reducing hyperarousal and improving emotional regulation, aiding in the recovery from trauma.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
It can help improve social behaviors, communication, and focus by training more balanced brainwave patterns.
Substance Abuse
Neurofeedback supports addiction recovery by enhancing self-regulation and reducing cravings.
Relevant Neurofeedback Research
Mechanisms & Neurophsyiology
Dobrushina, O. et al. (2020). Modulation of Intrinsic Brain Connectivity by Implicit Electroencephalographic Neurofeedback. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14: 192. 7 Link: Modulation of Intrinsic Brain Connectivity by Implicit Electroencephalographic Neurofeedback - PubMed (nih.gov)
-> randomized Sham Control Group
Grin-Yatsenko, V., Kara, O., Evdokimov, S., Gregory, M., Othmer, S. & Kropotov, J. (2020). Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback Modulates Infra-Slow Oscillations of Brain Potentials: A Controlled Study. Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Research, 4, 1-11. Link: Infra-Low Frequency Neuro Feedback Modulates Infra-Slow Oscillations of Brain Potentials: A Controlled Study (jscholaronline.org)
-> randomized HRV Biofeedback Control Group
Grin-Yatsenko, V. A., Ponomarev, V. A., Kara, O., Wandernoth, B., Gregory, M., Ilyukhina, V. A., & Kropotov, J. D. (2018). Effect of Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback on Infra-Slow EEG Fluctuations. In Biofeedback. IntechOpen Link: Effect of Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback on Infra-Slow EEG Fluctuations | IntechOpen
-> no control group
Dobrushina, O. R. et al. (2018) Exploring the brain contour of implicit infra-low frequency EEG neurofeedback: a resting state fMRI study. Int. J. Psychophysiol. 131. Link: Exploring the brain contour of implicit infra-low frequency EEG neurofeedback: a resting state fMRI study - ScienceDirect (no open Full text)
-> randomized Sham Control Group
Altan, S., Berberoglu, B., Canan, S. & Dane, S. (2016). Effects of neurofeedback therapy in healthy young subjects. Clin invest Med 39, 27–30. Link: Effects of neurofeedback therapy in healthy young subjects - PubMed (nih.gov)
-> no control group
Othmer S., Othmer S.F., Kaiser D. & Putman J. (2013). Endogenous Neuromodulation at Infra-Low Frequencies. Seminars in Paediatric Neurology, 20(4), 246-257. Link: Endogenous neuromodulation at infralow frequencies - PubMed (nih.gov)
-> no control group, this work is more like an essay with reference to clinical cases/case series
Othmer S., Othmer SF. & Legarda S. (2011). Clinical Neurofeedback: Training Brain Behavior. Pediatric Neurology and Psychiatry, 2, 67-73. Link: (1) (PDF) Clinical neurofeedback: Training brain behavior (researchgate.net)
-> no control group, this work is more like an essay with reference to clinical cases/case series
Clinical Application
Addiction
Corominas-Roso, M. et al. (2020). Benefits of EEG-Neurofeedback on the Modulation of Impulsivity in a Sample of Cocaine and Heroin Long-Term Abstinent Inmates: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 64(12), 1275-1298. Link: Benefits of EEG-Neurofeedback on the Modulation of Impulsivity in a Sample of Cocaine and Heroin Long-Term Abstinent Inmates: A Pilot Study - PubMed (nih.gov)
-> Neurofeedback Sham Control Group
Leong, S. L., Vanneste, S., Lim, J., Smith, M., Manning, P., & De Ridder, D. (2018). A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial of closed-loop infraslow brain training in food addiction. Scientific reports, 8(1), 1-9. Link: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial of closed-loop infraslow brain training in food addiction - PubMed (nih.gov)
-> Neurofeedback Sham Control Group, note: they do not use the term “ILF” but refer to ISF and also worked in the frequency range between 0-0.1 Hz
ADHD
Schneider, H., Alfred, A., Wandernoth, B. and Blunck, A. (2019): Therapeutic effect of Infra-Low-Frequency (ILF-) Neurofeedback training on Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit (Hyperkinetic) Disorder. Clinical Neurophysiology, 130, 8, e125-e126. Conference Abstract at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the German Society for Clinical Neurophysiology and Functional Imaging (DGKN). Link: FV 9 Therapeutic effect of Infra-Low-Frequency (ILF-) Neurofeedback training on Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit (Hyperkinetic) Disorder - ScienceDirect
-> no control group
Depression
Grin-Yatsenko, V. A. et al. (2018) Infra-low frequency neurofeedback in depression: Three case studies. NeuroRegulation 5, 30–42.
Link: (PDF) Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback in Depression: Three case studies (researchgate.net)
-> case series, so no control
Migraine
Dobrushina, O., Arina, G., Osina, E. & Aziatskaya, G. (2017). Clinical and psychological confirmation of stabilizing effect of neurofeedback in migraine. European Psychiatry, 41. Link: Clinical and psychological confirmation of stabilizing effect of neurofeedback in migraine - ScienceDirect
-> within subject design with sham neurofeedback sessions
Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis
Dobrushina, O. R., Varako, N. A., Kovyazina, M. S. & Zinchenko, Y. P. (2016). Combination of Neurofeedback and cognitive training in attention deficit due to multiple sclerosis. Int. J. Psychophysiol. 108, 118. Link: Combination of Neurofeedback and cognitive training in attention deficit due to multiple sclerosis - ScienceDirect
-> case study, so no control
PTSD
Gerge, A. (2020). A multifaceted case-vignette integrating neurofeedback and EMDR in the treatment of complex PTSD. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 4(3), 100157. Link: A multifaceted case-vignette integrating neurofeedback and EMDR in the treatment of complex PTSD - ScienceDirect
-> case study, so no control
Nilsson, R. M. & Nilsson, V. (2014). Neurofeedback Treatment for Traumatized Refugees-A Pilot Study. Lund University, Department of Psychology. Link: Neurofeedback Treatment for Traumatized Refugees - A Pilot Study (lu.se)
-> non-treatment control group
Othmer, S. & Othmer, S. F. (2009). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder—The Neurofeedback Remedy. Biofeedback 37, 24–31.
Link: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder—The Neurofeedback Remedy | Biofeedback | Allen Press
-> no control group, this work is more like an essay with reference to clinical cases/case series
Refractory Neurological Disorders (Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Autism)
Legarda, S. B., McMahon, D., Othmer, S. S. & Othmer, S. S. (2011). Clinical neurofeedback: Case studies, proposed mechanism, and implications for pediatric neurology practice. J. Child Neurol. 26, 1045–1051. Link: Clinical neurofeedback: case studies, proposed mechanism, and implications for pediatric neurology practice - PubMed (nih.gov)
-> no control group, this work is more like an essay with reference to clinical cases/case series
Various Topics
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. Project Endogenous Neuromodulation in the Infra-Low Neurofeedback Regime.Link: frontiersin.org/research-topics/24349/endogenous-neuromodulation-in-the-infra-low-frequency-regime#articles
Non-ILF
Tinnitus
Güntensperger, D., Thüring, C., Meyer, M., Neff, P. & Kleinjung, T. (2017). Neurofeedback for Tinnitus Treatment - Review and Current Concepts. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 9,386. (Attn: they have primarily used frequency band NFB training in their studies and are (just) referring to ILF-NFB) Link: Neurofeedback for Tinnitus Treatment - Review and Current Concepts - PubMed (nih.gov)
-> Review, controlled studies are included
Güntensperger, D., Thüring, C., Kleinjung, T., Neff, P. & Meyer, M. (2019). Investigating the Efficacy of an Individualized Alpha/Delta Neurofeedback Protocol in the Therapy of Chronic Tinnitus. Neural. Plast, 2019: 3540898. Link: Investigating the Efficacy of an Individualized Alpha/Delta Neurofeedback Protocol in the Treatment of Chronic Tinnitus - PubMed (nih.gov)
-> Control group with different approach in EEG parameters source estimation
ADHD
Van Doren, J. et al. (2019). Sustained effects of Neurofeedback in ADHD- a systematic review and meta analysis. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 28, 293-305. Link: Sustained effects of neurofeedback in ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed (nih.gov)
-> Review, controlled studies are included
Strehl, U. et al. (2017). Neurofeedback of Slow Cortical Potentials in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Multicenter randomized trial Controlling for Unspecific effects. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11, 135. Link: Neurofeedback of Slow Cortical Potentials in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Multicenter Randomized Trial Controlling for Unspecific Effects - PubMed (nih.gov)
-> EMG-Biofeedback control group
Gani, C., Birbaumer, N. & Strehl, U. (2008). Long term effects after feedback of slow cortical potentials and of theta-beta-amplitudes in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). International Journal of Bioelectromagnetism, 10(4), 209-232. Link: (2) (PDF) Long term effects after feedback of slow cortical potentials and of theta-beta-amplitudes in children with attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (researchgate.net)
-> SCP treatment in comparison to Theta/Beta protocol
PTSD
Van der Kolk et al. (2016). A Randomized Controlled Trial of Neurofeedback for Chronic PTSD. PLOS One. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166752
Link: A Randomized Controlled Study of Neurofeedback for Chronic PTSD - PubMed (nih.gov)
-> waitlist controlled design
Pain
Patel et al. (2020). Effect of Neurofeedback in the management of chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. European Journal of Pain, 24, 1440-1457. Link: Effects of neurofeedback in the management of chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials - PubMed (nih.gov)
-> Review, controlled studies are included
Guidelines for Neurofeedback Research
Ros et al. (2020). Consensus on the reporting and experimental design of clinical and cognitive-behavioural neurofeedback studies. Brain - A Journal of Neurology, 143, 1674-1685. Link: Consensus on the reporting and experimental design of clinical and cognitive-behavioural neurofeedback studies (CRED-nf checklist) - PubMed (nih.gov)
-> theoretical/methodological paper without experimental approach
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