Silent Epidemic: The Effects of Neurofeedback on Quality-of-Life.
BACKGROUND
The complex interaction of human, vehicle and environmental factors along with a lack of sustainable preventive programs has contributed to the "silent epidemic" of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). TBI poses a grave threat to the quality-of-life (QOL).


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of neurofeedback in QOL in patients with TBI.


METHODS
Pre- and post-interventional study design was adopted. Sixty patients, 30 in the intervention group (IG) and 30 in waitlist group with the diagnosis of TBI in the age range of 18-49 years were assessed on QOL scale, after obtaining the informed consent. Patients in the IG were given 20 sessions of alpha-theta neurofeedback training (NFT), 5 sessions / week.


METHODS
Descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, Mann-Whitney and Chi-squared test was used.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients in the IG showed statistical improvements in QOL post post-neurofeedback. Results are encouraging for the incorporation of NFT into treatment programs for patients with TBI in improving QOL.
Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Rajakumari Pampa
RP
Reddy
Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Jamuna
J
Rajeswaran
Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Indira Devi
ID
Bhagavatula
Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Thennarasu
T
Kandavel
Neurofeedback training; quality-of-life; traumatic brain injury