Effect of electrical activity feedback on cognition

Abstract

The goal of physiological computing, i.e. brain-computer interface (BCI) is to transform bioelectrical signals from the human nervous system into computer in order to enhance and enrich the interactive experience. In this line, effect of electroencephalographic rhythm feedback (EEG biofeedback) has been investigated on different domains of cognitive functioning of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This approach is argued to be an effective method for treating children with ADHD. This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of this method. Participants were 26 children with ADHD aged between 7–12 years. Via electrical activity feedback, thirteen children were trained to enhance the power of the beta1 activity (15–18 Hz) and decrease the power of the theta activity (4–8 Hz), and 13 of which were treated with methylphenidate alone. Neuropsychological and experimental tests were administered before and after intervention. Both methods were associated with improvements on the variability and accuracy measures of computerized test. Intellectual ability increased also by both methods.