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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
The effects of neurofeedback training for children with cerebral palsy and co-occurring attention deficits: A pilot
Yuh-Chuan Chen1, Wen-Pin Chang2, Kai-Jie Liang3,4
1Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Insights
Electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback training shows promise for improving attention in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and attention deficits (AD). This study found reduced theta/beta ratios and improved perceptual skills in the neurofeedback group.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Limited research exists on EEG neurofeedback for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and co-occurring attention deficits (ADs).
- Increasing prevalence of CP and ADs necessitates investigation into effective interventions.
- This study addresses the gap by examining neurofeedback's impact on attention in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of EEG neurofeedback training for improving attention levels in children with CP and ADs.
- To investigate changes in quantitative EEG (QEEG) parameters and cognitive performance following neurofeedback intervention.
- To provide preliminary evidence for neurofeedback as a potential therapeutic approach for this specific pediatric group.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen children with CP and ADs were randomized into neurofeedback and control groups.
- The neurofeedback group received 20 daily sessions of approximately 1-hour training.
- Quantitative EEG (theta/beta ratios) and standardized tests (CPT, TVPS-3, CPRS) were administered pre- and post-training.
Main Results:
- The neurofeedback group exhibited significantly decreased theta/beta ratios compared to the control group (p=0.04).
- A significant within-group improvement in theta/beta ratios was observed during training (p=0.02).
- Trends towards reduced CPT omission errors (p=0.08) and improved visual sequential memory and closure (TVPS-3, p=0.02, p=0.01) were noted in the neurofeedback group.
Conclusions:
- EEG neurofeedback training may benefit attention levels in children with CP and co-occurring ADs.
- Observed changes in QEEG and cognitive measures suggest neurofeedback's potential efficacy.
- Further research is warranted to explore long-term effects and broader applications in this population.
Background:
Limited research exists regarding the effectiveness of electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback training for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and co-occurring attention deficits (ADs), despite the increasing prevalence of these dual conditions. This study aimed to fill this gap by examining the impact of neurofeedback training on the attention levels of children with CP and AD.
Methods:
Nineteen children with both CP and co-occurring ADs were randomly assigned to either a neurofeedback or control group. The neurofeedback group received 20 sessions of training, lasting approximately 1 h per day, twice a week. Theta/beta ratios of the quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) recordings were measured pre-training and post-training in the resting state. The Continuous Performance Test (CPT), the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills-3rd Version (TVPS-3) and the Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) were measured at pre- and post-training.
Results:
The neurofeedback group showed both decreased theta/beta ratios compared with control group (p = 0.04) at post-training and a within-group improvement during training (p = 0.02). Additionally, the neurofeedback group had a trend of decreased omission rates of the CPT (p = 0.08) and the visual sequential memory and the visual closure subscores in the TVPS-3, compared with the control group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively).
Conclusions:
The results suggested that children with CP and co-occurring AD may benefit from neurofeedback training in their attention level. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and expand its application in this population.
