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Diotaiuti P, Corrado S, Tosti B, Spica G, Di Libero T, D’Oliveira A, Zanon A, Rodio A, Andrade A, Mancone S. Evaluating the effectiveness of neurofeedback in chronic pain management: a narrative review. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1369487. [PMID: 38770259 PMCID: PMC11104502 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1369487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and impact of chronic pain in individuals worldwide necessitate effective management strategies. This narrative review specifically aims to assess the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an emerging non-pharmacological intervention, on the management of chronic pain. The methodology adopted for this review involves a meticulous search across various scientific databases. The search was designed to capture a broad range of studies related to neurofeedback and chronic pain management. To ensure the quality and relevance of the included studies, strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. These criteria focused on the study design, population, intervention type, and reported outcomes. The review synthesizes the findings from a diverse array of studies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case reports. Key aspects evaluated include the types of neurofeedback used (such as EEG biofeedback), the various chronic pain conditions addressed (like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and migraines), and the methodologies employed in these studies. The review highlights the underlying mechanisms by which neurofeedback may influence pain perception and management, exploring theories related to neural plasticity, pain modulation, and psychological factors. The results of the review reveal a positive correlation between neurofeedback interventions and improved pain management. Several studies report significant reductions on pain intensity, improved quality of life, and decreased reliance on medication following neurofeedback therapy. The review also notes variations in the effectiveness of different neurofeedback protocols and individual responses to treatment. Despite the promising results, the conclusion of the review emphasizes the need for further research. It calls for larger, well-designed clinical trials to validate the findings, to understand the long-term implications of neurofeedback therapy, and to optimize treatment protocols for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Diotaiuti
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Stefano Corrado
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Beatrice Tosti
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spica
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Tommaso Di Libero
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Anderson D’Oliveira
- Department of Physical Education, CEFID, Santa Catarina State University, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Zanon
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Angelo Rodio
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Alexandro Andrade
- Department of Physical Education, CEFID, Santa Catarina State University, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Stefania Mancone
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
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2
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Emish M, Young SD. Remote Wearable Neuroimaging Devices for Health Monitoring and Neurophenotyping: A Scoping Review. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:237. [PMID: 38667247 PMCID: PMC11048695 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9040237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Digital health tracking is a source of valuable insights for public health research and consumer health technology. The brain is the most complex organ, containing information about psychophysical and physiological biomarkers that correlate with health. Specifically, recent developments in electroencephalogram (EEG), functional near-infra-red spectroscopy (fNIRS), and photoplethysmography (PPG) technologies have allowed the development of devices that can remotely monitor changes in brain activity. The inclusion criteria for the papers in this review encompassed studies on self-applied, remote, non-invasive neuroimaging techniques (EEG, fNIRS, or PPG) within healthcare applications. A total of 23 papers were reviewed, comprising 17 on using EEGs for remote monitoring and 6 on neurofeedback interventions, while no papers were found related to fNIRS and PPG. This review reveals that previous studies have leveraged mobile EEG devices for remote monitoring across the mental health, neurological, and sleep domains, as well as for delivering neurofeedback interventions. With headsets and ear-EEG devices being the most common, studies found mobile devices feasible for implementation in study protocols while providing reliable signal quality. Moderate to substantial agreement overall between remote and clinical-grade EEGs was found using statistical tests. The results highlight the promise of portable brain-imaging devices with regard to continuously evaluating patients in natural settings, though further validation and usability enhancements are needed as this technology develops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Emish
- Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3100, USA;
| | - Sean D. Young
- Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3100, USA;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3100, USA
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3
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Moser N, Gargoum S, Popovic MR, Kalsi-Ryan S. Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Therapy on Physical Symptoms in Patients With Persistent Concussion Symptoms: A Systematic Review. J Neurotrauma 2024. [PMID: 38149605 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview on the effectiveness of rehabilitation on physical symptoms in patients of all ages with persistent concussion symptoms. PubMed, MEDLINE®, Cochrane library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Embase were searched from January 1, 2012 to September 1, 2023 using terms related to physical post-concussion symptoms. Eligible articles were critically appraised using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and the Quality Assessment Tool. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was applied to rate the quality of evidence. Thirty-two articles were included. Preliminary evidence suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation improves symptoms in adults, specifically headaches. Young adults reported a significant decrease in physical symptoms following sub-symptom aerobic training as well as cervical spine manual therapy. Tentatively, adults demonstrated improvements in headache symptoms following neurofeedback sessions, and progressive muscle relaxation resulted in a decrease in monthly headaches. Multimodal therapy in adults produced significant change in physical symptoms when compared with usual care. However, no further reduction in physical symptoms was observed when adult patients received a program of care that afforded cervicovestibular rehabilitation with symptom-limited exercise compared with a symptom-limited exercise program alone. Cognitive behavioral therapy demonstrated inconsistent findings for its effects on physical symptoms, specifically headaches. Veterans had a significant change in post-concussive symptoms, specifically headaches, following 3-month use of an interactive smartphone application as compared with standard care. Finally, in a pediatric population, the use of melatonin did not produce any changes in physical persistent concussion symptoms as compared with placebo. Preliminary evidence suggests that various forms of rehabilitative therapies can improve persistent physical concussive symptoms. However, given the methodological limitations in the majority of trials, the results need to be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Moser
- KITE Research Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shawn Gargoum
- Private clinical practice, Apex Physiotherapy and Chiropractic, Pickering, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milos R Popovic
- KITE Research Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sukhvinder Kalsi-Ryan
- KITE Research Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Burback L, Brémault-Phillips S, Nijdam MJ, McFarlane A, Vermetten E. Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A State-of-the-art Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:557-635. [PMID: 37132142 PMCID: PMC10845104 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230428091433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This narrative state-of-the-art review paper describes the progress in the understanding and treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Over the last four decades, the scientific landscape has matured, with many interdisciplinary contributions to understanding its diagnosis, etiology, and epidemiology. Advances in genetics, neurobiology, stress pathophysiology, and brain imaging have made it apparent that chronic PTSD is a systemic disorder with high allostatic load. The current state of PTSD treatment includes a wide variety of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches, of which many are evidence-based. However, the myriad challenges inherent in the disorder, such as individual and systemic barriers to good treatment outcome, comorbidity, emotional dysregulation, suicidality, dissociation, substance use, and trauma-related guilt and shame, often render treatment response suboptimal. These challenges are discussed as drivers for emerging novel treatment approaches, including early interventions in the Golden Hours, pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions, medication augmentation interventions, the use of psychedelics, as well as interventions targeting the brain and nervous system. All of this aims to improve symptom relief and clinical outcomes. Finally, a phase orientation to treatment is recognized as a tool to strategize treatment of the disorder, and position interventions in step with the progression of the pathophysiology. Revisions to guidelines and systems of care will be needed to incorporate innovative treatments as evidence emerges and they become mainstream. This generation is well-positioned to address the devastating and often chronic disabling impact of traumatic stress events through holistic, cutting-edge clinical efforts and interdisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Burback
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Mirjam J. Nijdam
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, Diemen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
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Horváth D, Négyesi J, Rácz M, Győri T, Matics Z, Puskin A, Csipor J, Rácz L. Feasibility of a novel neurofeedback system: a parallel randomized single-blinded pilot study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17353. [PMID: 37833489 PMCID: PMC10576027 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44545-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurocognitive assessment tools have been proposed to optimize, maintain, and improve perceptual-cognitive performance. Here, we investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a novel neurofeedback system, neuroMoon (nM), on cognitive abilities compared with one of the most popular perceptual-cognitive training (PCT) tools both in sports and rehabilitation called NeuroTracker (NT). Thirty-one young athletes performed a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests from the Vienna Test System before and after a 12-session computer-based cognitive training program using nM (n = 11, age 22.6 ± 3.8 years), nM sham (CON, n = 10, age 20.3 ± 1.2 years) or NT (n = 10, age 20.5 ± 1.7 years) device. A series of repeated-measures ANOVA was performed to detect changes in cognitive abilities in response to the training. Participants had faster median reaction time in both the color-naming and word-reading conditions of the Stroop test (all p < 0.005), regardless of group. Regarding the task switching test, statistical analysis indicated faster working time and mean reaction time of the incongruent stimuli, repetition task, and shifting task (all p < 0.005), nevertheless, these changes were also regardless of group. In addition, we found fewer omitted (pre: 17.5 ± 8.3, post: 6.4 ± 1.5, d = 1.311) and more correct (pre: 261.6 ± 36.1, post: 278.6 ± 38.7, d = - 1.020) post-intervention answers in the determination test, regardless of group. Finally, participants in each group performed the digit span backward test with larger post (6.42 ± 1.54) vs. pre (5.55 ± 1.43) scores following the PCT (d = - 0.801). Overall, PCT with nM as compared with NT induced similar results in cognitive abilities suggesting its potential to be used to achieve and maintain better mental performance. However, considering that the sham stimulation also induced similar improvements in cognitive abilities, future studies should clearly determine the cognitive measures that could benefit from NF training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dávid Horváth
- Department of Kinesiology, Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary.
- Fit4Race Kft., Budapest, Hungary.
| | - János Négyesi
- Department of Kinesiology, Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary
- Fit4Race Kft., Budapest, Hungary
- Neurocognitive Research Center, National Institute of Mental Health, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Melinda Rácz
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
- MindRove Kft., Győr, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Selye János Doctoral College for Advanced Studies, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Győri
- Fit4Race Kft., Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Psychology and Sport Psychology, Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Artyom Puskin
- MindRove Kft., Győr, Hungary
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Levente Rácz
- Department of Kinesiology, Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary
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Kim S, Mortera MH, Wen PS, Thompson KL, Lundgren K, Reed WR, Sasson N, Towner Wright S, Vora A, Krishnan S, Joseph J, Heyn P, Chin BS. The Impact of Complementary and Integrative Medicine Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Scoping Review. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2023; 38:E33-E43. [PMID: 35452024 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the evidence levels, study characteristics, and outcomes of nonpharmacologic complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) interventions in rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). DATA SOURCES MEDLINE (OvidSP), PubMed (NLM), EMBASE ( Embase.com ), CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycINFO (OvidSP), Cochrane Library (Wiley), and National Guidelines Clearinghouse databases were evaluated using PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was registered in INPLASY (protocol registration: INPLASY202160071). DATA EXTRACTION Quantitative studies published between 1992 and 2020 investigating the efficacy of CIM for individuals with TBI of any severity, age, and outcome were included. Special diets, herbal and dietary supplements, and counseling/psychological interventions were excluded, as were studies with mixed samples if TBI data could not be extracted. A 2-level review comprised title/abstract screening, followed by full-text assessment by 2 independent reviewers. DATA SYNTHESIS In total, 90 studies were included, with 57 001 patients in total. This total includes 2 retrospective studies with 17 475 and 37 045 patients. Of the 90 studies, 18 (20%) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The remainder included 20 quasi-experimental studies (2-group or 1-group pre/posttreatment comparison), 9 retrospective studies, 1 single-subject study design, 2 mixed-methods designs, and 40 case study/case reports. Guided by the American Academy of Neurology evidence levels, class II criteria were met by 61% of the RCTs. Included studies examined biofeedback/neurofeedback (40%), acupuncture (22%), yoga/tai chi (11%), meditation/mindfulness/relaxation (11%), and chiropractic/osteopathic manipulation (11%). The clinical outcomes evaluated across studies included physical impairments (62%), mental health (49%), cognitive impairments (39%), pain (31%), and activities of daily living/quality of life (28%). Additional descriptive statistics were summarized using narrative synthesis. Of the studies included for analyses, 97% reported overall positive benefits of CIM. CONCLUSION Rigorous and well experimentally designed studies (including RCTs) are needed to confirm the initial evidence supporting the use of CIM found in the existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Kim
- Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine (Drs Kim and Sasson) and Neurology (Dr Kim), New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York; Department of Occupational Therapy, New York University, NYU Steinhardt, New York (Dr Mortera); Department of Occupational Therapy, Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing & Health Professions, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Wen); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Dr Thompson), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Ms Wright); Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of North Carolina Greensboro (Dr Lundgren); School of Health Professions, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Dr Reed); Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Health Care System, New York (Dr Sasson); Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Drs Vora and Chin); Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Krishnan); Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (Mr Joseph); Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado at Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus (Dr Heyn); and College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids (Dr Chin)
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7
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Strand N, J M, Tieppo Francio V, M M, Turkiewicz M, El Helou A, M M, S C, N S, J P, C W. Advances in Pain Medicine: a Review of New Technologies. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2022; 26:605-616. [PMID: 35904729 PMCID: PMC9334973 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-022-01062-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This narrative review highlights the interventional musculoskeletal techniques that have evolved in recent years. Recent Findings The recent progress in pain medicine technologies presented here represents the ideal treatment of the pain patient which is to provide personalized care. Advances in pain physiology research and pain management technologies support each other concurrently. Summary As new technologies give rise to new perspectives and understanding of pain, new research inspires the development of new technologies
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Strand
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA. .,NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA. .,University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Maloney J
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Vinicius Tieppo Francio
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), 3901 Rainbow Blvd. MS1046, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Murphy M
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), 3901 Rainbow Blvd. MS1046, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | | | - Antonios El Helou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Maita M
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Covington S
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Singh N
- OrthoAlabama Spine and Sports, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Peck J
- Performing Arts Medicine Department, Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, USA
| | - Wie C
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Hamed R, Mizrachi L, Granovsky Y, Issachar G, Yuval-Greenberg S, Bar-Shalita T. Neurofeedback Therapy for Sensory Over-Responsiveness-A Feasibility Study. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22051845. [PMID: 35270991 PMCID: PMC8914621 DOI: 10.3390/s22051845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: Difficulty in modulating multisensory input, specifically the sensory over-responsive (SOR) type, is linked to pain hypersensitivity and anxiety, impacting daily function and quality of life in children and adults. Reduced cortical activity recorded under resting state has been reported, suggestive of neuromodulation as a potential therapeutic modality. This feasibility study aimed to explore neurofeedback intervention in SOR. Methods: Healthy women with SOR (n = 10) underwent an experimental feasibility study comprising four measurement time points (T1—baseline; T2—preintervention; T3—postintervention; T4—follow-up). Outcome measures included resting-state EEG recording, in addition to behavioral assessments of life satisfaction, attaining functional goals, pain sensitivity, and anxiety. Intervention targeted the upregulation of alpha oscillatory power over ten sessions. Results: No changes were detected in all measures between T1 and T2. Exploring the changes in brain activity between T2 and T4 revealed power enhancement in delta, theta, beta, and gamma oscillatory bands, detected in the frontal region (p = 0.03−<0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.637−1.126) but not in alpha oscillations. Furthermore, a large effect was found in enhancing life satisfaction and goal attainment (Cohen’s d = 1.18; 1.04, respectively), and reduced pain sensitivity and anxiety trait (Cohen’s d = 0.70). Conclusion: This is the first study demonstrating the feasibility of neurofeedback intervention in SOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruba Hamed
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Professions, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (R.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Limor Mizrachi
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Professions, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (R.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Yelena Granovsky
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion, Haifa 3109601, Israel;
| | - Gil Issachar
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Shlomit Yuval-Greenberg
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Tami Bar-Shalita
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Professions, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (R.H.); (L.M.)
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-525437631
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9
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Hesam-Shariati N, Chang WJ, Wewege MA, McAuley JH, Booth A, Trost Z, Lin CT, Newton-John T, Gustin SM. The analgesic effect of electroencephalographic neurofeedback for people with chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Neurol 2021; 29:921-936. [PMID: 34813662 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroencephalographic (EEG) neurofeedback has been utilized to regulate abnormal brain activity associated with chronic pain. METHODS In this systematic review, we synthesized the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of EEG neurofeedback on chronic pain using random effects meta-analyses. Additionally, we performed a narrative review to explore the results of non-randomized studies. The quality of included studies was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tools, and the GRADE system was used to rate the certainty of evidence. RESULTS Ten RCTs and 13 non-randomized studies were included. The primary meta-analysis on nine eligible RCTs indicated that although there is low confidence, EEG neurofeedback may have a clinically meaningful effect on pain intensity in short-term. Removing the studies with high risk of bias from the primary meta-analysis resulted in moderate confidence that there remained a clinically meaningful effect on pain intensity. We could not draw any conclusion from the findings of non-randomized studies, as they were mostly non-comparative trials or explorative case series. However, the extracted data indicated that the neurofeedback protocols in both RCTs and non-randomized studies mainly involved the conventional EEG neurofeedback approach, which targeted reinforcing either alpha or sensorimotor rhythms and suppressing theta and/or beta bands on one brain region at a time. A posthoc analysis of RCTs utilizing the conventional approach resulted in a clinically meaningful effect estimate for pain intensity. CONCLUSION Although there is promising evidence on the analgesic effect of EEG neurofeedback, further studies with larger sample sizes and higher quality of evidence are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Hesam-Shariati
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wei-Ju Chang
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael A Wewege
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James H McAuley
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Booth
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Zina Trost
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Chin-Teng Lin
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Toby Newton-John
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sylvia M Gustin
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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10
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Patel K, Henshaw J, Sutherland H, Taylor JR, Casson AJ, Lopez-Diaz K, Brown CA, Jones AKP, Sivan M, Trujillo-Barreto NJ. Using EEG Alpha States to Understand Learning During Alpha Neurofeedback Training for Chronic Pain. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:620666. [PMID: 33732101 PMCID: PMC7958977 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.620666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Alpha-neurofeedback (α-NFB) is a novel therapy which trains individuals to volitionally increase their alpha power to improve pain. Learning during NFB is commonly measured using static parameters such as mean alpha power. Considering the biphasic nature of alpha rhythm (high and low alpha), dynamic parameters describing the time spent by individuals in high alpha state and the pattern of transitioning between states might be more useful. Here, we quantify the changes during α-NFB for chronic pain in terms of dynamic changes in alpha states. Methods Four chronic pain and four healthy participants received five NFB sessions designed to increase frontal alpha power. Changes in pain resilience were measured using visual analogue scale (VAS) during repeated cold-pressor tests (CPT). Changes in alpha state static and dynamic parameters such as fractional occupancy (time in high alpha state), dwell time (length of high alpha state) and transition probability (probability of moving from low to high alpha state) were analyzed using Friedman’s Test and correlated with changes in pain scores using Pearson’s correlation. Results There was no significant change in mean frontal alpha power during NFB. There was a trend of an increase in fractional occupancy, mean dwell duration and transition probability of high alpha state over the five sessions in chronic pain patients only. Significant correlations were observed between change in pain scores and fractional occupancy (r = −0.45, p = 0.03), mean dwell time (r = -0.48, p = 0.04) and transition probability from a low to high state (r = -0.47, p = 0.03) in chronic pain patients but not in healthy participants. Conclusion There is a differential effect between patients and healthy participants in terms of correlation between change in pain scores and alpha state parameters. Parameters providing a more precise description of the alpha power dynamics than the mean may help understand the therapeutic effect of neurofeedback on chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Patel
- School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - James Henshaw
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Sutherland
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jason R Taylor
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J Casson
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Lopez-Diaz
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher A Brown
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony K P Jones
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Manoj Sivan
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Academic Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Nelson J Trujillo-Barreto
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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The Current Evidence Levels for Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Interventions in Treating Depression: A Narrative Review. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:8878857. [PMID: 33613671 PMCID: PMC7878101 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8878857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This article is aimed at showing the current level of evidence for the usage of biofeedback and neurofeedback to treat depression along with a detailed review of the studies in the field and a discussion of rationale for utilizing each protocol. La Vaque et al. criteria endorsed by the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback and International Society for Neuroregulation & Research were accepted as a means of study evaluation. Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback was found to be moderately supportable as a treatment of MDD while outcome measure was a subjective questionnaire like Beck Depression Inventory (level 3/5, “probably efficacious”). Electroencephalographic (EEG) neurofeedback protocols, namely, alpha-theta, alpha, and sensorimotor rhythm upregulation, all qualify for level 2/5, “possibly efficacious.” Frontal alpha asymmetry protocol also received limited evidence of effect in depression (level 2/5, “possibly efficacious”). Finally, the two most influential real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) neurofeedback protocols targeting the amygdala and the frontal cortices both demonstrate some effectiveness, though lack replications (level 2/5, “possibly efficacious”). Thus, neurofeedback specifically targeting depression is moderately supported by existing studies (all fit level 2/5, “possibly efficacious”). The greatest complication preventing certain protocols from reaching higher evidence levels is a relatively high number of uncontrolled studies and an absence of accurate replications arising from the heterogeneity in protocol details, course lengths, measures of improvement, control conditions, and sample characteristics.
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Abstract
Tinnitus is a common symptom. Standard therapies aim at improving the quality of life and reducing the psychological stress associated with tinnitus. Most interventions have little or no effect on the main symptom. Those affected subjects, however, want such a change and prefer a specific solution, such as pharmacologic therapy to other modalities. Scientific efforts have not yet led to significant improvement in the range of therapies. This article outlines existing efforts and develops ideas on how research for improved tinnitus therapy might look in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Kleinjung
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 24, Zurich CH 8091, Switzerland.
| | - Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Center, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, Regensburg D 93053, Germany
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