Authors:
M. K. J. Dekker
1
;
M. M. Sitskoorn
2
;
A. Denissen
3
;
M. Jager
3
;
D. Vernon
4
;
V. Mihajlovic
3
and
G. J. M. van Boxtel
5
Affiliations:
1
Tilburg University and Philips Research Eindhoven, Netherlands
;
2
Tilburg University, Netherlands
;
3
Philips Research Eindhoven, Netherlands
;
4
Canterbury Christ Church University, United Kingdom
;
5
Tilburg University and Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands
Keyword(s):
Alpha Activity, Instrumental Conditioning, Neurofeedback, Random Beta Training, Relaxation, Water-based Electrodes.
Abstract:
Fifty healthy participants took part in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in which they were either given auditory alpha brain activity (8–12 Hz) training (N=18), random beta training (N=12), or no training at all (N=20). A novel wireless electrode system was used for training without instructions, involving water-based electrodes mounted in an audio headset. Training was applied approximately at central positions C3 and C4. Post-training measurement using a conventional full-cap EEG system revealed an increase in alpha activity at posterior sites compared to pre-training levels. This significant increase was present only in the group that received alpha training, and remained evident at a 3 month follow-up session. In an exit interview, approximately twice as many participants in the alpha training group mentioned that the training was relaxing, compared to those in the control groups. Overall, results suggest that self-guided alpha activity training using this novel system is
feasible and represents a step forward in the ease of instrumental conditioning of brain rhythms.
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