Neurofeedback training of the upper alpha frequency band in EEG improves cognitive performance

In this study, the individually determined upper alpha frequency band in EEG (electroencephalogram) was investigated as a neurofeedback parameter. Fourteen subjects were trained on five sessions within 1week by means of feedback dependent on the current upper alpha amplitude. On the first and fifth...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:NeuroImage (Orlando, Fla.) Fla.), 2011-01, Vol.54 (2), p.1427-1431
Main Authors: Zoefel, Benedikt, Huster, René J., Herrmann, Christoph S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alpha Rhythm - physiology
Behavior
Brain - physiology
Cognition - physiology
Cognitive ability
Cognitive performance
Confidence intervals
EEG
Electrodes
Experiments
Feedback
Female
Humans
Male
Mental rotation
Mental task performance
Musical performances
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback - methods
Studies
Trainability
Upper alpha
Young Adult
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:In this study, the individually determined upper alpha frequency band in EEG (electroencephalogram) was investigated as a neurofeedback parameter. Fourteen subjects were trained on five sessions within 1week by means of feedback dependent on the current upper alpha amplitude. On the first and fifth session, cognitive ability was tested by a mental rotation test. As a result, eleven of the fourteen subjects showed significant training success. Individually determined upper alpha was increased independently of other frequency bands. The enhancement of cognitive performance was significantly larger for the neurofeedback group than for a control group who did not receive feedback. Thus, enhanced cognitive control went along with an increased upper alpha amplitude that was found in the neurofeedback group only. ►Human EEG oscillations in the upper alpha frequency band are enhanced by neurofeedback. ►EEG-enhancement was accompanied by an improvement of performance in a cognitive task. ►EEG-enhancement due to neurofeedback was restricted to the frequency range that was used for feedback.
ISSN:1053-8119
1095-9572
DOI:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.08.078