Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
Neurofeedback as an intervention in the management of burnout: a systematic review
Johanna Beukes1,2, Daniella Patron1, Natasha Theron1,3
1Neuroscience Research Laboratory (NeuRL), Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Background:
Burnout is highly prevalent and impacts health and well-being. A lack of formal diagnosis and definition criteria has resulted in uncertainty regarding measurement and appropriate interventions. Neurofeedback (NF) training has shown potential in modulating patterns of stress and producing neural changes, however, its application to burnout is still in question.
Aims:
This systematic review aimed to explore the impact of NF training on the management of burnout.
Methods:
This systematic review was pre-registered on PROSPERO and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA).
Results:
The search yielded a total of N = 178 articles. After screening, a total sample of N = 6 studies was included in the final review that met the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results showed NF training improved negative characteristics associated with burnout, especially when combined with other intervention methods. However, a lack of specificity was found in most study designs and intervention protocols with inconsistent burnout measures and sampling bias.
Conclusions:
Specific recommendations for the field were identified including consistency in study designs and NF training protocols; definition of burnout and measures used; and increasing sample representations to include diverse populations and contexts.
