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Updated: Apr 24, 2026
A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
Gameplay as a source of intrinsic motivation in a randomized controlled trial of auditory training for tinnitus
Derek J Hoare1, Nicolas Van Labeke2, Abby McCormack1
1National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Otology and Hearing group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Background:
Previous studies of frequency discrimination training (FDT) for tinnitus used repetitive task-based training programmes relying on extrinsic factors to motivate participation. Studies reported limited improvement in tinnitus symptoms.
Purpose:
To evaluate FDT exploiting intrinsic motivations by integrating training with computer-gameplay.
Methods:
Sixty participants were randomly assigned to train on either a conventional task-based training, or one of two interactive game-based training platforms over six weeks. Outcomes included assessment of motivation, tinnitus handicap, and performance on tests of attention.
Results:
Participants reported greater intrinsic motivation to train on the interactive game-based platforms, yet compliance of all three groups was similar (∼ 70%) and changes in self-reported tinnitus severity were not significant. There was no difference between groups in terms of change in tinnitus severity or performance on measures of attention.
Conclusion:
FDT can be integrated within an intrinsically motivating game. Whilst this may improve participant experience, in this instance it did not translate to additional compliance or therapeutic benefit.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02095262.
