Improvements in attention & brain structures following neurofeedback

Neurofeedback (NF) training is a non-pharmacological treatment that follows the principle of positive reinforcement, allowing for individuals to overtly monitor brain activity. Research has provided evidence for improved sustained attention when individuals monitor and increase their Beta 1 waves. Recent studies have also examined the effect of NF on white matter pathways and grey matter changes. Findings show strong foundations for the use of NF therapy on individual with ADHD, to improve attention deficits.

A current study assessed the sustained attention, white matter activity and grey matter volume of college students divided into NF therapy aiming to increase Beta1 waves, sham or control groups. Attention and brain activity and function were assessed one week prior and post therapy. Results of the study showed significantly increased attention in the NF group on both visual and auditory attention. The group also showed increased conduction in white matter tracts associated with attention that are found to be underactive in individuals with ADHD. Grey matter increases were also found in brain regions known to be active during attention demanding tasks. The enhanced neural transmission produced by NF tasks could provide promising treatment strategies for individuals with ADHD, improving sustained attention on a functional and behavioural level.

Whilst this study was conducted to examine pathways of improving cognitive skills in people with ADHD, it clearly also shows that attention skills and brain functioning can be improved in high functioning college level student, showing that neurofeedback can not only be useful in treating disorder, but can also be used for general cognitive enhancement in even very high functioning individuals.

 

Reference

Ghaziri, J., Tucholka, A., Larue, V., Blanchette-Sylvester, M., Reyburn, G., Gilbert, G., Levesque, J., & Beauregard, M. (2013). Neurofeedback training induces changes in white and gray matter. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 44,265-272. DOI: 10.1177/1550059413476031