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The effects of Z-score Neurofeedback on procedural learning

Áine Maher1, 2, Kate Toland1, 2, Graham Healy3, Jamie Gallagher1, 2 and Michael Keane2*
  • 1 School of Nursing and Human Sciences, Dublin City University, Ireland
  • 2 Actualise Neurofeedback Training Clinic, Healthy Living Centre, Dublin City University, Ireland
  • 3 Insight Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City University, Ireland

Neurofeedback training (NFT) is becoming increasingly popular as a method of brain training. In the past, it has been shown that single electrode NFT can enhance procedural learning in a serial reaction time task (SRTT). This study uses LORETA Z-score NFT (LZNFT), a new form of NFT, to investigate whether this effect can be replicated . Twenty participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group who received LZNFT, or to a control group who received ‘sham feedback’ (SFB) based on a pre-recorded brain activity. All sessions consisted of six separate EEG recordings, 30 minutes of LZNFT or SFB, and the computer-based SRTT. Previous findings indicate a single session of NFT directly prior to completion of the SRTT results in a faster reduction of reaction times (RTs) across trial blocks when compared to task completion without NFT. This study replaced traditional NFT with LZNFT and introduced a separate SFB control group. It was found that there was no difference between groups on the SRTT post intervention which suggests that a single session of LZNFT does not have the same enhancing effects on procedural learning as traditional single electrode NFT.

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Keywords: Neurofeedback, LORETA, Z-score Neuorfeedback, procedural learning, implicit learning, Brodmann Area 4, Sham Feedback, electroencephalogram (EEG), SRTT

Conference: Neuroscience Ireland Young Neuroscientists Symposium 2014 , Dublin, Ireland, 20 Sep - 20 Sep, 2014.

Presentation Type: Poster Presentation

Topic: Early Career Neuroscience

Citation: Maher Á, Toland K, Healy G, Gallagher J and Keane M (2014). The effects of Z-score Neurofeedback on procedural learning. Front. Neurosci. Conference Abstract: Neuroscience Ireland Young Neuroscientists Symposium 2014 . doi: 10.3389/conf.fnins.2014.87.00040

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Received: 19 Sep 2014; Published Online: 19 Sep 2014.

* Correspondence: Dr. Michael Keane, Actualise Neurofeedback Training Clinic, Healthy Living Centre, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland, mikeakeane@gmail.com