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Updated: May 29, 2026
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A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
Neurofeedback training for tourette syndrome: an uncontrolled single case study
Simone Messerotti Benvenuti1, Giulia Buodo, Valentino Leone
1Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia, 8, 35131, Padova, Italy. simone.messerotti@unipd.it
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
|September 15, 2011
Summary
Neurofeedback training for Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (TS) showed symptom reduction. Targeting Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR) and Theta activity improved tics and cognitive function in a single case study.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (TS) involves motor/vocal tics and associated cognitive/affective issues.
- EEG studies show reduced Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR) and excess fronto-central Theta in TS patients.
- Neurofeedback (NFB) shows promise for tic reduction by enhancing SMR.
Observation:
- A single case study involved a 17-year-old male with TS undergoing NFB.
- The protocol included combined SMR uptraining/Theta downtraining, followed by SMR uptraining alone.
- EEG monitoring indicated SMR increase was more effective with SMR uptraining alone, while Theta decrease occurred with both protocols.
Findings:
- The patient experienced reduced tics and affective symptoms.
- Cognitive performance improved following both NFB protocols.
- SMR increase was optimized when trained alone, whereas Theta decrease was observed irrespective of the training focus.
Implications:
- Theta activity decrease may contribute to clinical improvements alongside SMR uptraining in TS.
- NFB protocols combining SMR and Theta training show potential for managing TS symptoms.
- Further research is needed to explore the broader feasibility of diverse NFB strategies for Tourette syndrome.
