Effect of Neurofeedback Training and Swimming Exercise on the Electroencephalographic Changes and Craving in...

In this study, we investigated whether neurofeedback (NFB) training and swimming exercise would decrease the electroencephalographic (EEG) changes and visual image-induced craving in methamphetamine (METH)-dependent patients.

This research was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 32 METH-dependent patients were allocated randomly to four groups: Control, NFB, swim, and NFB/swim. The EEG and visual image-induced craving were recorded before and after the intervention in all four groups.

The NFB, swim, and NFB/swim groups showed significantly lower absolute power for 4 frequency bands. Also, the swim and NFB/swim groups had less and greater relative power in the alpha and delta bands, respectively. In addition, the NFB/swim group exhibited an increase in delta/alpha power ratio compared to the control and the NFB groups. Also, the NFB/swim group showed a significant reduction in visual image-induced craving score compared to the control, swim, and NFB groups.

This study provides novel evidence that combined NFB training and swimming exercise during METH abstinence was effective in normalizing METH-induced EEG changes, which may help patients manage their cravings.