Individual Alpha Peak Frequency Neurofeedback Training Improves Cognitioin: A Sham-Controlled Study in Healthy Adults

Abstract

As reported in many studies, resting individual alpha peak frequency (iAPF) had been shown to positively correlate with cognitive performances. This study aimed to enhance cognition by up-regulating iAPFs in the eyes-closed condition using neurofeedback training (NFT). Before and after all training sessions, cognitive abilities were assessed by the mental rotation and n-back tests. Twenty-eight healthy adults were randomly assigned to a neurofeedback group, where real-time feedbacks of iAPFs were given, and a sham group, where irrelevant placebo feedbacks were provided. Results suggested that iAPFs and performance of the mental rotation test had been significantly increased in the neurofeedback group, while no significant changes were observed in the sham group. The finding suggested the effectiveness of the iAPF NFT on enhancement of cognitive performance.