title: Distinct EEG effects related to neurofeedback training in children with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: In a randomized controlled trial, neurofeedback (NF) training was found to be superior to a computerised attention skills training concerning the reduction of ADHD symptomatology (Gevensleben et al., 2009). The aims of this investigation were to assess the impact of different NF protocols (theta/beta training and training of slow cortical potentials, SCPs) on the resting EEG and the association between distinct EEG measures and behavioral improvements. In 72 (of initially 102) children with ADHD, aged 8-12, EEG changes after either a NF training (n=46) or the control training (n=26) could be studied. The combined NF training consisted of one block of theta/beta training and one block of SCP training, each block comprising 18 units of 50 minutes (balanced order). Spontaneous EEG was recorded in a two-minute resting condition before the start of the training, between the two training blocks and after the end of the training. Activity in the different EEG frequency bands was analyzed. In contrast to the control condition, the combined NF training was accompanied by a reduction of theta activity. Protocol-specific EEG changes (theta/beta training: decrease of posterior-midline theta activity; SCP training: increase of central-midline alpha activity) were associated with improvements in the German ADHD rating scale. Related EEG-based predictors were obtained. Thus, differential EEG patterns for theta/beta and SCP training provide further evidence that distinct neuronal mechanisms may contribute to similar behavioral improvements in children with ADHD.
authors.affiliation: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göttingen, v.Siebold-Str. 5, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Holger
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gevensleben
authors.forename: Birgit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Holl
authors.forename: Björn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Albrecht
authors.forename: Dieter
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schlamp
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kratz
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Studer
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wangler
authors.forename: Aribert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rothenberger
authors.forename: Gunther H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Moll
authors.forename: Hartmut
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Heinrich
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D003265:Contingent Negative Variation / Q000502:physiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D012044:Regression Analysis