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A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
Control beliefs can predict the ability to up-regulate sensorimotor rhythm during neurofeedback training
Matthias Witte1, Silvia Erika Kober, Manuel Ninaus
11Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|August 23, 2013
Summary
Individuals with high technological control beliefs may struggle with neurofeedback (NF) tasks. Focusing on relaxation rather than forceful control may improve brain-computer interface (BCI) performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Computer Science
Background:
- Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and neurofeedback (NF) link brain signals to external devices.
- A cognitive model explaining BCI/NF performance is lacking.
- Psychological factors, like locus of control, may influence user performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of locus of control in neurofeedback performance.
- Examine the relationship between technological control beliefs and sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) power.
- Identify strategies to enhance brain signal control in NF paradigms.
Main Methods:
- 20 healthy participants performed an EEG-based feedback task.
- One group received real SMR feedback; the other received sham feedback.
- Locus of control scores were correlated with SMR power.
Main Results:
- High scores on technology-related control beliefs negatively correlated with SMR power.
- This suggests increased cognitive resource allocation in participants with high technological confidence.
- This heightened effort may disrupt relaxation-associated brain states.
Conclusions:
- Technological locus of control influences neurofeedback performance.
- Effortful control may hinder relaxation and SMR amplitude.
- NF training may benefit from emphasizing relaxation over forceful mastery.
