Francisco J Cidral-Filho, Patrick Porter, Nathalia Nahas Donatello
{"title":"An Integrative Review of Brainwave Entrainment Benefits for Human Health.","authors":"Francisco J Cidral-Filho, Patrick Porter, Nathalia Nahas Donatello","doi":"10.1007/s10484-024-09682-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-024-09682-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Brainwave Entrainment (BWE) is a noninvasive method of neuromodulation based on the principle that auditory or visual stimulation at a specific frequency can lead the brain's electrocortical activity to oscillate at the frequency of the external signal or its multiples. This phenomenon could be used to alter physiological and psychological states. Therefore, we conducted an integrative review to answer the question: \"What are the observed benefits of BWE on human health and well-being?\" We searched for studies published in the last ten years in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), EMBASE, Virtual Health Library (BVS), PubMed, SciELO, and Cochrane Library databases in April 2024. Searches were conducted in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. A total of 84 studies were included in our review. Studies showed improvements in various conditions, such as pain, sleep disturbances, mood disorders, cognition, and neurodegenerative disorders. In conclusion, our findings align with previous reviews and underscore the need for further research on BWE, particularly with larger sample sizes, robust control groups, and randomized clinical trial designs. Nevertheless, BWE demonstrates promising therapeutic potential and may support the management of various health conditions, enhancing individuals' quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142856080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stefanie Enriquez-Geppert, Jaroslav Krc, Hanneke van Dijk, Roger J deBeus, L Eugene Arnold, Martijn Arns
{"title":"Theta/Beta Ratio Neurofeedback Effects on Resting and Task-Related Theta Activity in Children with ADHD.","authors":"Stefanie Enriquez-Geppert, Jaroslav Krc, Hanneke van Dijk, Roger J deBeus, L Eugene Arnold, Martijn Arns","doi":"10.1007/s10484-024-09675-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-024-09675-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The EEG theta band displays distinct roles in resting and task states. Low resting theta and transient increases in frontal-midline (fm) theta power during tasks are associated with better cognitive control, such as error monitoring. ADHD can disrupt this balance, resulting in high resting theta linked to drowsiness and low fm-theta activity associated with reduced cognitive abilities. Theta/beta ratio (TBR) neurofeedback aims to normalize resting state activity by downregulating theta, which could potentially unfavorably affect task-related fm-theta. This study examines the TBR neurofeedback's impact on both resting and fm-theta activity, hypothesizing that remission depends on these effects. We analyzed data from a multi-center, double-blind randomized controlled trial with 142 children with ADHD and high TBR (ICAN study). Participants were randomized into experimental or sham NF groups. EEG measurements were taken at rest and during an Oddball task before and after neurofeedback, assessing global electrodes for resting theta and fm electrodes during error dynamics. Post-intervention changes were calculated as differences, and ANOVAs were conducted on GROUP, REMISSION, and CONDITION variables. Final analysis included fewer participants for all analyses. Resting state analysis showed no significant effects on global or fm-theta after TBR neurofeedback. Error dynamics analysis was inconclusive for global and fm-theta in both remitters and non-remitters. Results suggest that the current TBR neurofeedback protocol did not reduce aberrant resting state theta, and emphasize the need for refined protocols targeting specific theta-band networks to reduce resting-state theta without affecting fm-theta related to cognitive control.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142830535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Esin Yılmaz, Abdurrahman Aktop, Aylin Abdioğlu, Tuba Melekoğlu, Mert Nalbant
{"title":"The Effect of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Recovery After Aerobic Exercise.","authors":"Esin Yılmaz, Abdurrahman Aktop, Aylin Abdioğlu, Tuba Melekoğlu, Mert Nalbant","doi":"10.1007/s10484-024-09672-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-024-09672-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recovery is a critical factor in athletic performance, and accelerating this process is essential to enable athletes to perform more effectively in both training load and competitive performance. After exercise, immediate recovery is potentially helpful for investigating autonomic activity levels, as they are definable with heart rate variability (HRV). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ten sessions of HRV-Biofeedback (HRV-BF) training on recovery process parameters after the aerobic performance. In this study, twenty-four soccer players aged 18-24 volunteered to participate. The athletes who met the research criteria were divided into an experimental group (n = 12) and a control group (n = 12). Each participant's height, weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and aerobic capacity were measured before and after the 10-session intervention. The experimental group participated in a 10-session HRV-BF training and soccer training program, while the control group only participated in a 10-session soccer training program. Aerobic capacity tests were then applied again to experimental and control group participants. The effect of biofeedback on the three HRV parameters during the 5-minute acute recovery period after the test was investigated. The results showed that regularly applied HRV-BF training can significantly shorten the HRV recovery parameter after exercise. Specifically, the athletes who performed HRV-BF training demonstrated faster cardiovascular recovery after aerobic exercise. This suggests that implementing HRV-BF training for athletes can significantly accelerate their recovery processes during and after competitions. Given recent technological advancements, it is promising to consider adding HRV-BF training to stress management interventions, particularly in relation to physiological stress indicators.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142773581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Victor Julian Padilla, Katherine Scheffrahn, Vanessa Muñiz, Tierney K Lorenz, Gary Elkins
{"title":"Heart Rate Variability, Hypnosis, and Psychotherapy.","authors":"Victor Julian Padilla, Katherine Scheffrahn, Vanessa Muñiz, Tierney K Lorenz, Gary Elkins","doi":"10.1007/s10484-024-09679-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-024-09679-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hypnotherapy is increasingly recognized as an effective treatment option for a wide range of psychological conditions and the psychological elements of physiologic health concerns. Despite its growing use, the mechanisms underlying hypnotherapy's therapeutic benefits remain unknown. Heart rate variability (HRV), a non-invasive biomarker of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and other processes relevant to the psychophysiological stress response, has been used to study the physiological effects of hypnosis. HRV is associated with adaptability to stress and overall mental and physical health. We review how HRV changes during hypnosis treatment and propose mechanisms by which hypnotherapy influences the stress response and psychological flexibility and improves wellbeing. Additionally, we highlight the use of HRV biofeedback as an adjunct to hypnotherapy and psychotherapy and illustrate its potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes. To showcase practical applications, we present a case study of hypnotherapy's impact on HRV in the treatment of hot flashes in post-menopausal women. We conclude by calling for further empirical research, particularly randomized controlled trials, to solidify the integration of HRV metrics in hypnotherapy practice. Understanding the interaction between hypnotherapy and HRV will support more targeted and effective interventions, benefiting both clinicians and patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142773539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Yoga for Psychophysiological Wellbeing during Menstrual Phases in Eumenorrheic Females.","authors":"Sudeep Mitra, Mousumi Mitra, Mantu Saha, Dilip Kumar Nandi","doi":"10.1007/s10484-024-09678-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-024-09678-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle (MC) cause autonomic imbalances and psycho-physiological distress in eumenorrheic females. This present study reveals that yoga proactively improves the overall psychophysiological health and wellness in eumenorrheic female college students during different phases of MC. Healthy eumenorrheic female college students (M<sub>age</sub>= 20.11 ± 5.39 years, n = 82) were randomized to a control and yoga group (n = 41). A well-conceptualized yoga module (CYM) for 5 days/week for 3 months (1 h daily in the morning) was practiced by the yoga group volunteers. Intra and intergroup comparisons were performed for the estimation of mindfulness awareness scale (MAAS), menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ), cardiometabolic risk factors, heart rate variability (HRV), and endurance fitness during the luteal (LP) and follicular (FP) phases. Psychophysiological discomforts before CYM practice were mostly observed during LP compared to FP due to significant changes in mindfulness, pain, concentration, autonomic reactivity, negative affect, double product (DoP), rate pressure product (RPP), and HRV values. CYM practice influenced HRV parameters for an increase in parasympathetic activity and a decrease in sympathetic balance for better cardiac-autonomic functioning, with significant improvement in maximal oxygen consumption (VO<sub>2max</sub>) and physical work capacity (PWC<sub>170</sub>). Accordingly, MAAS and MDQ scores also improved significantly after yogic practice. The intra-group and inter-group significant improvements in psychophysiological parameters through CYM practice are relevant in eumenorrheic females to perform effectively throughout their MC period, by improving MC distress and sympathovagal (LF/HF) balance.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142733271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhou Hongyu, Liao Nana, Han Mingwei, Zhu Feifei, Zhang Yan, Liu Tiantian, Chen Yeqing
{"title":"Effect of Biofeedback Combined with Psychotherapy on Functional Constipation Complicated with Anxiety and Depression.","authors":"Zhou Hongyu, Liao Nana, Han Mingwei, Zhu Feifei, Zhang Yan, Liu Tiantian, Chen Yeqing","doi":"10.1007/s10484-024-09670-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-024-09670-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biofeedback combined with psychotherapy has been recognized as a potential treatment for patients with functional constipation, anxiety and depression disorder. To validate the therapeutic effect of the biofeedback therapy, 120 patients with a clear diagnosis of functional constipation combined with anxiety and depression disorder were recruited, and then randomly divided into the control group (patients received gastrointestinal medication and anti-anxiety and depression medication) and the treatment group (patients received combined biofeedback and psychotherapy on the basis of the control group's treatment program). The treatment group was treated with biofeedback exercise twice a day for 7 days, supplemented with psychotherapy for a period of 2 months (half-month intervals for one time). Intestinal medications in the treatment group were stopped after one month of treatment. While for the control group, patients were maintained with gastrointestinal motivational drugs, probiotics, anti-anxiety and depression medications. Both groups reduced the dosage of anxiolytics and depressants after 3 months. The control and the treatment group were both effective and the latter had a more significant effect compared to the former. Moreover, the anxiety/depression symptom for patients in the treatment group was significantly milder than those in the control group. Notably, compared with pre-treatment symptoms, the treatment group showed a significant reduction in Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scores in the sixth month (F = 0.008, P = 0.008). In summary, biofeedback combined with psychotherapy may improve relieve constipation patients' clinical symptoms, anxiety/depression state and sleep quality. The treatment is durable, safe, and easy to implement, so it is suitable for widely used.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142683143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Silvia Erika Kober, Guilherme Wood, Lisa Maria Berger
{"title":"Controlling Virtual Reality With Brain Signals: State of the Art of Using VR-Based Feedback in Neurofeedback Applications.","authors":"Silvia Erika Kober, Guilherme Wood, Lisa Maria Berger","doi":"10.1007/s10484-024-09677-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10484-024-09677-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The rapid progress of commercial virtual reality (VR) technology, open access to VR development software as well as open-source instructions for creating brain-VR interfaces have increased the number of VR-based neurofeedback (NF) training studies. Controlling a VR environment with brain signals has potential advantages for NF applications. More entertaining, multimodal and adaptive virtual feedback modalities might positively affect subjective user experience and could consequently enhance NF training performance and outcome. Nevertheless, there are certain pitfalls and contraindications that make VR-based NF not suitable for everyone. In the present review, we summarize applications of VR-based NF and discuss positive effects of VR-based NF training as well as contraindications such as cybersickness in VR or age- and sex-related differences. The existing literature implies that VR-based feedback is a promising tool for the improvement of NF training performance. Users generally rate VR-based feedback more positively than traditional 2D feedback, albeit to draw meaningful conclusions and to rule out adverse effects of VR, more research on this topic is necessary. The pace in the development of brain-VR synchronization furthermore necessitates ethical considerations on these technologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142629220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heidi Jung, Hyun Joo Yoo, Paul Choi, Kaoru Nashiro, Jungwon Min, Christine Cho, Julian F Thayer, Paul Lehrer, Mara Mather
{"title":"Changes in Negative Emotions Across Five Weeks of HRV Biofeedback Intervention were Mediated by Changes in Resting Heart Rate Variability.","authors":"Heidi Jung, Hyun Joo Yoo, Paul Choi, Kaoru Nashiro, Jungwon Min, Christine Cho, Julian F Thayer, Paul Lehrer, Mara Mather","doi":"10.1007/s10484-024-09674-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-024-09674-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Resting heart rate variability (HRV) is typically higher in those with better emotional well-being. In the current study, we examined whether changes in resting HRV mediated changes in negative emotions during a 7-week clinical trial of HRV biofeedback. Younger and older adults were randomly assigned to one of two daily biofeedback practices for 5 weeks: (1) engage in slow-paced breathing to increase the amplitude of oscillations in heart rate at their breathing frequency (Osc+); or (2) engage in self-selected strategies to decrease heart rate oscillations (Osc-). We assessed negative emotion using the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) and Profile of Mood States (POMS). Resting HRV at pre-intervention was significantly higher among those with lower negative emotion scores. Those participants showing greater increases in resting HRV showed greater decreases in negative emotion. In a mediation model with all participants, resting HRV changes significantly mediated the relationship between training performance (i.e., heart rate oscillation during practice sessions) and changes in negative emotion. However, additional analyses revealed this mediation effect was significantly moderated by condition and was only significant in the Osc+ condition. Thus, resting HRV changes mediated how biofeedback to increase amplitude of heart rate oscillations reduced negative emotion.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142628637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Psychophysiological Relaxation Effects of Essential Oil Combined with Still-Life Painting Activities on Older Adults in Taiwan During the COVID-19 Pandemic.","authors":"Ya-Hui Chung, Shiu-Jen Chen, Ching-Lung Lee, Yu-Sen Chang","doi":"10.1007/s10484-024-09676-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-024-09676-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected all types of people, older adults were disproportionately affected. Therefore, we developed an indoor program inspired by art and natural elements (plant essential oils [EOs]) intended to have a relaxing effect akin to a forest atmosphere to enhance psychophysiological health during this period. Thirty Taiwanese older adults (range, 59-79 years) participated in the study. We combined an art activity (still-life painting of vegetables) with the inhalation of Pseudotsuga menziesii and Lavandula angustifolia EOs during a 100-minute experiment. The study showed that physiological measures (heart rate, normalized low-frequency heart variability, the ratio of low- to high-frequency heart variability, high-beta waves, and gamma waves) decreased during the experiment; correspondingly, increased standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, normalized high-frequency heart variability, and high-alpha waves were observed, indicating relaxed physiological state. Subjective psychological assessments using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State showed lower posttest scores, further supporting the relaxation effects. The psychophysiological data from this study provide important scientific evidence for the physical and mental health benefits of indoor nature-based activity programs for older adults, thereby improving their quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142584633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Di Zhao, Wenyi Wang, Xiaoyu Xia, Ping Ju, Lu Shen, Wenya Nan
{"title":"Effects of Frontal-Midline Theta Neurofeedback with Different Training Directions on Goal-Directed Attentional Control.","authors":"Di Zhao, Wenyi Wang, Xiaoyu Xia, Ping Ju, Lu Shen, Wenya Nan","doi":"10.1007/s10484-024-09673-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-024-09673-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As a significant component of executive function, goal-directed attentional control is crucial for cognitive processing and is closely linked to frontal-midline theta (FMT) rhythms. However, how up-regulation and down-regulation of FMT through neurofeedback training (NFT) impact goal-directed attention control remains unclear, especially for both short-term and long-lasting effects. Therefore, this study employed a single-blind sham-controlled between-subject design to answer this question. Forty-seven healthy adults were randomly assigned to the up-regulation, down-regulation, or sham control groups. Each group underwent one NFT session per day at the Fz electrode site for four consecutive days. All participants completed a visual search task before, immediately after the first, after the final, and one week following the last NFT session. The down-regulation group significantly reduced FMT activity during NFT and in the resting state (p < = 0.038), while the up-regulation group only showed an upward trend during the training phase (r = 0.721, p = 0.002). The behavioral performance showed no significant improvement in any group (p > 0.05). Importantly, the FMT learning efficacy in the up-regulation group revealed a significantly negative correlation with the change in switch cost (r = -0.602, p = 0.046). These findings suggest a close link between the up-regulation efficacy of FMT rhythms and goal-directed attentional control. In educational or clinical settings, it would be desirable to improve goal-directed attention through enhancement of FMT up-regulation efficacy of NFT in future work.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142584625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}