Maintenance and generalization of 40-Hz EEG biofeedback effects.
Maintenance of conditioning of 40-Hz EEG activity was investigated in six adults 1 to 3 years after they had experienced biofeedback training to increase 40-Hz EEG. Subjects were first retrained to alternately increase and suppress 40-Hz EEG. All six subjects achieved a preset performance criterion in 16-20 minutes. Five of these subjects also subsequently demonstrated significant control of 40-Hz EEG without feedback. The sixth subject did not demonstrate control after 76 minutes and four sessions of attempted retraining with feedback. Transfer of 40-Hz EEG control to a problem-solving task was tested in all subjects in a final session. Cognitive test items were presented and subjects were instructed to alternately increase and suppress 40-Hz EEG while solving the problems. Rates of 40-Hz EEG in suppression periods during problem solving wer significantly greater than during suppression periods without problems. No significant differences in  problem-solving performance were found comparing 40-Hz increase and suppression periods. This study supports previous research suggesting an association between 40-Hz EEG and mental activity, and suggests methods for further study of transfer of EEG biofeedback effects.
D000328:Adult; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D003213:Conditioning, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005794:Generalization, Response / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology; D011340:Problem Solving; D013997:Time Factors