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Published on: July 31, 2017
Effect of Infra Low Frequency (ILF) neurofeedback training on EEG in children with autism spectrum disorders
Shemaila Saleem1, Syed Hamid Habib2
1Shemaila Saleem, MBBS, MPH, MPhil. Department of Physiology, Federal Medical College, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad, Pakistan.
Insights
Infra-low frequency neurofeedback (ILF-NFB) training significantly improved electroencephalogram (EEG) activity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This non-invasive intervention reduced delta, theta, and alpha brain waves, suggesting enhanced attention and cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior.
- Abnormal brain electrical activity, particularly in EEG patterns, is often observed in individuals with ASD.
- Existing interventions for ASD aim to improve cognitive function and behavioral outcomes, but non-pharmacological approaches with measurable physiological effects are of significant interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Infra-low frequency Neurofeedback (ILF-NFB) training in modulating brain electrical activity in children diagnosed with ASD.
- To assess changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns before and after a course of ILF-NFB intervention in a pediatric ASD population.
Main Methods:
- A single-arm, pre- and post-intervention study was conducted with 35 children (7-17 years) diagnosed with ASD.
- Participants received 30 sessions of ILF-NFB training over 10 weeks, with EEG activity recorded before and after the intervention period.
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was used for severity assessment, and EEG data (delta, theta, alpha waves) were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed rank test and Mann Whitney U test.
Main Results:
- A significant decline in delta (p<0.001), theta (p<0.001), and alpha (p<0.001) brain wave activity was observed post-intervention.
- Approximately 62.9% of participants had mild-moderate autism, and 37.1% had severe autism.
- No significant gender differences in EEG patterns were found after neurofeedback, except for theta waves before intervention (p=0.03).
Conclusions:
- ILF-NFB training demonstrates effectiveness in improving EEG activity in children with ASD by reducing excessive delta, theta, and alpha waves.
- The findings suggest ILF-NFB is a valuable non-invasive, non-pharmacological intervention for normalizing brain activity patterns in ASD.
- Improvements in EEG patterns are associated with enhanced attention, focus, mental stability, and cognitive engagement in children with ASD.
Objective:
To investigate whether Infra-low frequency Neurofeedback (ILF-NFB) training can improve brain electrical activity in children with autism spectrum disorders ASD.
Method:
This single arm pre and post intervention study was carried out at IBMS (Institute of Basic Medical Sciences), Khyber Medical University, Peshawar and Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad from January 2021 to December 2022. A purposive sampling technique was used. Thirty-five ASD children (male=24; female=11; 7-17 years) were provided with 30 sessions of infra low frequency (ILF) neurofeedback training for 15-20 minutes, during 10 weeks. Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scoring was done and electroencephalogram (EEG) activity was compared before and after ILF-NF training sessions.
Results:
Around 62.9% participants had mild-moderate autism and 37.1% had severe autism. Wilcoxon Signed rank test revealed a significant decline in delta (Pre-test=47.31±19.22, Post-test=22.07±6.83; p=<0.001), theta (Pre-test=24.75±16.62, Post-test=12.37±3.59; p=<0.001) and alpha (Pre-test=12.01±9.81, Post-test=4.03±1.61; p=< 0.001) waves. Mann Whitney U test exhibited no significant gender differences in EEG pattern before and after neurofeedback except in theta waves (p=0.03) before the intervention.
Conclusion:
Decline in delta, theta, beta and alpha waves propose that ILF-NF training can be effective in improving the EEG activity. ILF-NFB can be perceived as a valuable non-invasive, non-pharmacological intervention for improving EEG pattern via reintegration of brain activity resulting in increased the attention and focus, enhanced mental stability and cognitive engagement.
