The Effects of Theta/Beta-based Neurofeedback Training on Attention in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Clara S C Lee1, Ting-Ting Chen2, Qingwen Gao2
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. clara.sc.lee@polyu.edu.hk.
Insights
Theta/beta-based neurofeedback (T/B NF) shows benefits for attention in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While effective compared to controls, its efficacy against stimulant medication requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition in children.
- Theta/beta-based neurofeedback (T/B NF) is a non-pharmacological intervention targeting ADHD's electrophysiological characteristics.
- The efficacy of T/B NF for improving attention in children with ADHD warrants systematic evaluation.
Approach:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using data from PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science up to December 31, 2020.
- Nineteen studies met the selection criteria for systematic review, with 12 included in the meta-analysis.
- Risk of Bias tools were used to evaluate study quality, and both within-group and between-group effects were calculated.
Key Points:
- Within-group analyses indicated medium effects at post-treatment and large effects at follow-up for T/B NF.
- Between-group analyses demonstrated T/B NF's superiority over waitlist controls and physical activities.
- T/B NF was not found to be superior to stimulant medication in the between-group analyses.
Conclusions:
- Theta/beta-based neurofeedback (T/B NF) demonstrates significant benefits for attention in children diagnosed with ADHD.
- The findings suggest T/B NF is a viable treatment option, particularly when compared to inactive or less specific interventions.
- Further research is needed to directly compare T/B NF with established pharmacological treatments like stimulant medication for ADHD.
Abstract:
Neurofeedback training is a common treatment option for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Given theta/beta-based neurofeedback (T/B NF) training targets at the electrophysiological characteristics of children with ADHD, benefits for attention may be expected. PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched through December 31, 2020. Studies were evaluated with Risk of Bias tools. Within-group effects based on Pre- and Post-treatment comparisons of the Intervention Group, and Between-group effects based on the between-group differences from Pre-treatment to Post-treatment were calculated. Nineteen studies met selection criteria for systematic review, 12 of them were included in meta-analysis. Within-group effects were medium at Post-treatment and large at Follow-up. Between-group analyses revealed that T/B NF was superior to waitlist control and physical activities, but not stimulant medication. Results showed that T/B NF has benefits for attention in children with ADHD, however, cautions should be taken when interpreting the findings.
