"Can we use a biomarker detection algorithm to measure the effectiveness of 14-channel neurofeedback in dyslexia?"

Abstract

Dyslexia, one of children's most common neurological diversities, primarily manifests as a reduced reading ability. Genetic factors contribute to dyslexia, with contemporary theories attributing it to a delay in left hemispheric lateralization that reduces effective reading and writing skills. To assist dyslexic children, smartphone application, Auto Train Brain, has been developed to enhance reading comprehension and speed. Previously, the efficacy of the mobile application's training program was assessed using psychometric tests; however, our study employed a biomarker detection software to evaluate the neurofeedback's impact. Machine learning (ML) techniques have recently gained traction in differentiating between dyslexia and typically developing children (TDC). The dataset of this study consists of 100 sessions of 2-minute resting-state eyes-open 14-channel Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) data from 100 children with dyslexia and 100 TDC. Therefore, the dyslexia biomarker detection software assessed the efficacy of the 14-channel neurofeedback administered via Auto Train Brain. Results showed significant improvement in electrophysiological normalization, increasing from 30% in the first 20 sessions to 61% by the end of the training. A two-proportion Z-test confirmed this improvement was statistically significant (Z = -3.96, p = 0.00007), particularly between the 1-20 and 1-60 session intervals (Z = -2.66, p = 0.0079).