Using Neurofeedback to Restore Inter-Hemispheric Imbalance: A Study Protocol for Adults With Dyslexia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Developmental dyslexia (DD) is linked to underactivation in left temporo-parietal (TP) regions and altered inter-hemispheric balance.
• Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) shows promise but has limitations for widespread application.
• Neurofeedback (NF) offers a potential alternative for modulating brain activity in DD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a study protocol for testing the efficacy of a novel NF training intervention in adults with DD.
• To design an NF protocol specifically targeting the neurofunctional model of DD, aiming to induce functional hemispheric imbalance in TP regions.
• To compare the effects of targeted NF training against sham NF training.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial design comparing two conditions.
• Condition (a): Enhancing left beta/theta power ratio NF training combined with reducing right beta/theta power ratio NF training.
• Condition (b): Sham NF training.

Main Results:

• This section will report findings from the randomized clinical trial comparing targeted NF with sham NF.
• Results will focus on changes in reading performance and neurophysiological measures related to TP region activity.
• Analysis will determine the efficacy of the proposed NF protocol in improving reading in adults with DD.

Conclusions:

• The proposed NF protocol offers a novel, targeted approach to address neurofunctional deficits in developmental dyslexia.
• This study aims to provide evidence for NF as a viable, non-invasive intervention for improving reading abilities in adults with DD.
• Findings could inform the development of more effective, accessible interventions for reading disorders.