title: Differential EMG biofeedback for children with ADHD: a control method for neurofeedback training with a case illustration.
abstract: The objective of the present paper was to develop a differential electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) training for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) matching multiple neurofeedback training protocols in order to serve as a valid control training. This differential EMG-BF training method feeds back activity from arm muscles involved in fine motor skills such as writing and grip force control. Tonic EMG-BF training (activation and deactivation blocks, involving bimanual motor tasks) matches the training of EEG frequency bands, while phasic EMG-BF training (short activation and deactivation trials) was developed as an equivalent to the training of slow cortical potentials. A case description of a child who learned to improve motor regulation in most task conditions and showed a clinically relevant reduction of behavioral ADHD symptoms illustrates the training course and outcome. Differential EMG-BF training is feasible and provides well-matched control conditions for neurofeedback training in ADHD research. Future studies should investigate its value as a specific intervention for children diagnosed with ADHD and comorbid sensorimotor problems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Neumuensterallee 9, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maurizio
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Liechti
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brandeis
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jäncke
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Drechsler
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D058765:Neurofeedback / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome