title: Resting and Initial Beta Amplitudes Predict Learning Ability in Beta/Theta Ratio Neurofeedback Training in Healthy Young Adults.
abstract: Neurofeedback (NF) training has been proved beneficial in cognitive and behavioral performance improvement in healthy individuals. Unfortunately, the NF learning ability shows large individual difference and in a number of NF studies there are even some non-learners who cannot successfully self-regulate their brain activity by NF. This study aimed to find out the neurophysiological predictor of the learning ability in up-regulating beta-1 (15-18 Hz)/theta (4-7 Hz) ratio (BTR) training in healthy young adults. Eighteen volunteers finished five training sessions in successive 5 days. We found that low beta (12-15 Hz) amplitude in a 1-min eyes-open resting baseline measured before training and the beta-1 amplitude in the first training block with 4.5-min duration could predict the BTR learning ability across sessions. The results provide a low cost, convenient and easy way to predict the learning ability in up-regulating BTR training, and would be helpful in avoiding potential frustration and adjusting training protocol for the participants with poor learning ability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau Macau, China.
authors.forename: Wenya
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Nan
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau Macau, China.
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wan
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau Macau, China.
authors.forename: Mang I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Vai
authors.affiliation: Department of Bio Engineering, Instituto Superior Tecnico and Systems and Robotics Institute, University of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal.
authors.forename: Agostinho C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Da Rosa
keywords: beta/theta ratio; learning indices; neurofeedback training; prediction; self-regulation