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A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
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Psychological, Neurophysiological, and Mental Factors Associated With Gamma-Enhancing Neurofeedback Success
Zeynab Khodakarami1, Mohammad Firoozabadi2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
|March 1, 2021
Summary
Neurofeedback training challenges persist, as 25% of individuals struggle to control brain activity. Fluid intelligence and specific EEG patterns predict success, with unconscious learning proving most effective for gamma-enhancing neurofeedback.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Biofeedback
Background:
- A significant portion of individuals (10-50%) fail to achieve brain activity control in neurofeedback.
- This study investigates inter-individual differences to identify predictors of neurofeedback trainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of neurofeedback learning performance.
- To understand factors influencing successful gamma-enhancing neurofeedback.
Main Methods:
- Eight healthy females underwent 8 EEG neurofeedback sessions targeting gamma power.
- Pre-existing fluid intelligence and EEG power (gamma during tasks, alpha at rest) were assessed.
- Participant self-reports on mental strategies were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 25% of participants could not learn to control gamma activity via neurofeedback.
- Fluid intelligence, gamma power (task), and alpha power (rest) predicted neurofeedback performance.
- Implicit, unconscious learning without deliberate strategy-seeking was more successful.
Conclusions:
- Findings offer insights into non-trainable individuals in gamma neurofeedback.
- Identified effective mental strategies and predictors can enhance clinical neurofeedback efficacy.
