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Neuromodulating Attention and Mind-Wandering Processes with a Single Session Real Time EEG
Óscar F Gonçalves1,2,3, Sandra Carvalho4,5, Augusto J Mendes4
1Psychological Neuroscience Lab - CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal. goncalves@psi.uminho.pt.
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
|May 26, 2018
Summary
Real-time EEG training targeting sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) or theta bands did not alter external attention or mind wandering. However, SMR increases correlated with deliberate mind wandering, and theta increases were linked to reduced orientation efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neurofeedback
Background:
- The human mind dynamically shifts between external attention (EA) and mind wandering (MW).
- A balance between EA and MW is crucial for cognitive functions like perception, executive control, memory, and creativity.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) studies suggest distinct neural correlates for EA (high-frequency bands, e.g., SMR) and MW (low-frequency bands, e.g., Theta).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of two real-time EEG (rtEEG) neurofeedback protocols on EA and MW processes.
- To examine the effects of SMR up-training/Theta down-training (SMR⇑Theta⇓) and Theta up-training/SMR down-training (Theta⇑SMR⇓) on cognitive functions.
Main Methods:
- Thirty healthy participants were randomly assigned to either the SMR⇑Theta⇓ or Theta⇑SMR⇓ rtEEG training group.
- Participants underwent a single rtEEG training session.
- Cognitive performance was assessed using the Attention Network Task (ANT) and various MW measures before and after training.
Main Results:
- Both rtEEG protocols successfully increased the amplitude of the targeted EEG bands (SMR for SMR⇑Theta⇓; Theta for Theta⇑SMR⇓).
- Neither protocol effectively decreased the amplitude of the down-trained EEG bands.
- No significant changes were observed in EA or MW measures following either training protocol.
- A positive correlation was found between increased post-training SMR amplitude and the utilization of deliberate MW strategies.
- For the Theta⇑SMR⇓ group, increased Theta amplitude post-training was associated with diminished orientation network efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Single-session rtEEG neurofeedback targeting SMR or Theta bands did not modulate overall EA or MW.
- The findings suggest a potential link between enhanced SMR activity and deliberate MW, and between increased Theta activity and impaired attentional orientation.
- Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and specific mechanisms of rtEEG neurofeedback on attention and mind wandering.
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