Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
07:05
A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
11.5K
Increased Alpha-Rhythm Dynamic Range Promotes Recovery from Visuospatial Neglect: A Neurofeedback Study
Tomas Ros1, Abele Michela1, Anne Bellman2
1Laboratory Behavioral Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, Department of Neuroscience, University Medical Center and Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland.
Neural Plasticity
|May 23, 2017
Summary
Electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback (NFB) successfully trained patients with visuospatial neglect to regulate alpha oscillations. This approach shows promise for improving attention deficits and understanding stroke recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Visuospatial neglect is a common attentional deficit following stroke, impacting recovery.
- The role of cortical oscillations, particularly alpha rhythms, in neglect pathophysiology is not fully understood.
- Electroencephalogram neurofeedback (EEG-NFB) is an emerging tool for neurological rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of EEG-NFB in targeting alpha oscillations in patients with visuospatial neglect.
- To explore the causal role of right posterior parietal cortex (rPPC) alpha oscillations in visuospatial neglect.
- To assess the relationship between alpha oscillation regulation and clinical improvements in neglect symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Five right-hemisphere stroke patients with visuospatial neglect underwent daily 20-minute EEG-NFB sessions over 6 days.
- Patients were trained to reduce alpha oscillations originating from the rPPC.
- Visuospatial search deficits were assessed using cancellation tests, and EEG data analyzed for alpha amplitude variability.
Main Results:
- Patients demonstrated successful learning and improved regulation of rPPC alpha oscillations during training.
- A significant negative correlation was found between visuospatial search deficits and the dynamic range of spontaneous alpha-rhythm amplitude.
- EEG-NFB was feasible in neglect patients, showing successful self-regulation of alpha oscillations.
Conclusions:
- EEG-NFB is a viable tool for investigating neuroplasticity and recovery after stroke.
- Targeting and reinstating intact parietal alpha oscillations may be a promising therapeutic strategy for visuospatial neglect.
- Alpha amplitude variability serves as a potential marker for clinical symptoms and successful self-regulation in neglect patients.
