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Improving Cognitive Workload in Radiation Therapists: A Pilot EEG Neurofeedback Study.
Alana M Campbell1, Matthew Mattoni2, Mae Nicopolis Yefimov1
1Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
Frontiers in Psychology
|December 21, 2020
Summary
Radiation therapy therapists (RTTs) can use alpha-theta neurofeedback (NF) to reduce cognitive workload and improve performance. This 3-week workplace intervention showed positive behavioral and brain changes, mitigating burnout risks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Health
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Radiation therapy therapists (RTTs) experience high burnout and performance deficits due to demanding daily tasks.
- Workplace interventions are needed to support RTTs' well-being and job performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test an accelerated alpha-theta neurofeedback (NF) protocol for RTTs in a medical workplace.
- To assess if RTTs could learn the NF protocol and achieve behavioral and brain performance benefits.
Main Methods:
- 12 RTTs underwent a 3-week accelerated alpha-theta neurofeedback protocol.
- Evaluated subjective cognitive workload, performance task response time, and electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha band desynchrony.
- Utilized novel microstate analysis to assess neurofeedback effects on global field power (GFP).
Main Results:
- Participants demonstrated reduced subjective cognitive workload and faster response times.
- Observed decreased EEG alpha band desynchrony, indicating improved brain function.
- Neurofeedback led to a significant decrease in global field power (GFP) as shown by microstate analysis.
Conclusions:
- RTTs successfully learned and benefited from the 3-week neurofeedback protocol.
- The study provides evidence of neurophysiological changes and behavioral improvements.
- Neurofeedback is a feasible workplace intervention for mitigating RTT burnout and enhancing performance.
