{"title":"The Effects of Neurofeedback Training on Sustained Attention, Inhibition of Return, and Performance Under Pressure in National-Team Shooters.","authors":"Maryam Kavyani, Maryam Talebi, Alireza Farsi, Fatemeh Keshvari","doi":"10.1007/s10484-026-09787-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-026-09787-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study tested whether a neurofeedback protocol targeting sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) enhancement, theta down-regulation, and alpha up-regulation improves sustained attention, spatial attentional dynamics (inhibition of return; IOR), and shooting performance under pressure in national-team shooters. This parallel-group randomized controlled pretest-posttest study enrolled 20 national-team shooters (NF, n = 10; control, n = 10) were randomly allocated to groups. The NF group completed 12 training sessions over 4 weeks, while both groups continued their regular training. Sustained attention was assessed with the Conners Continuous Performance Test (CPT), including commission errors, omission errors, and reaction time. Spatial attentional dynamics were indexed using an IOR cue-target task, with IOR calculated based on reaction time. Shooting performance under pressure was measured using SCATT optoelectronic scoring during a standardized high-pressure 60-shot task. Linear mixed-effects models tested Group × Time effects. Relative to controls, NF improved sustained attention: commission errors decreased (p =.018), omission errors decreased (p =.018), and CPT reaction time improved (p =.010). No significant between-group change was observed for IOR_time (p =.155). For pressured shooting performance, the Group × Time interaction for SCATT total score was not significant (p =.097), although trends favored NF. SMR/theta/alpha neurofeedback training may enhance components of sustained attention in national-team shooters, with limited short-term transfer to IOR dynamics or performance under pressure.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844258","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":"A Randomized Controlled Trial of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Explores Cardiac Autonomic Control as a Psychophysiological Mechanism Supporting Social Cognition.","authors":"Bo-Cheng Hsu, Yen-Hsuan Hsu, Chia-Ying Weng","doi":"10.1007/s10484-026-09788-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-026-09788-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cardiac autonomic regulation has been proposed as a critical psychophysiological linkage supporting cognitive and social cognition. While heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) has demonstrated robust effects on stress reduction, its potential role in supporting social cognition-particularly theory of mind (ToM)-and the underlying psychophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a six-session HRVB intervention with preset-paced breathing on social cognition and executive functions in young adults with high perceived stress, and explored whether HRVB-induced changes in cardiac autonomic activity may serve as a psychophysiological mechanism linking the intervention to improvements in social cognition beyond executive function changes. As a manipulation check, participants receiving HRVB (n = 32) showed significant reductions in heart rate, respiratory rate, and perceived stress, accompanied by increased cardiac parasympathetic activity and decreased cardiac sympathetic activity, compared with the control group (n = 32). Significant group × time interaction effects were observed for distinct ToM performances, as well as for executive functions. Importantly, exploratory parallel mediation analyses further revealed that HRVB-induced changes in cardiac autonomic activity mediated improvements in overall ToM performance, whereas changes in cardiac sympathetic activity uniquely mediated improvements in cognitive ToM, even after controlling for executive function changes. Together, these findings provide intervention-based evidence suggesting that HRVB-induced modulation of cardiac autonomic activity is associated with a psychophysiological mechanism preferentially supporting social-cognitive function-particularly ToM-beyond executive control. HRVB may therefore represent a promising psychophysiological intervention for enhancing social-cognitive function in stress-vulnerable and high-arousal populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822121","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}
Ming Yu Claudia Wong, Suvi Saarikallio, Andrew Danso, Friederike Koehler
{"title":"Investigating the Effect of the 6-Week Mindful Self-Compassion Program for Emerging Adults (EYL) on Stress Response, Brain Activity, and Self-Compassion Among Chinese University Students: An Electroencephalogram (EEG) Quasi-experimental Study Using Portable EEG Headband.","authors":"Ming Yu Claudia Wong, Suvi Saarikallio, Andrew Danso, Friederike Koehler","doi":"10.1007/s10484-026-09783-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-026-09783-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) programs have demonstrated benefits for psychological well-being, yet their neurophysiological mechanisms remain underexplored, particularly in naturalistic settings using portable electroencephalography (EEG). This study examined the effects of a six-week MSC program, Embracing Your Life (EYL), on stress response, brain activity, and self-compassion among Chinese university students. A quasi-experimental design was used with 62 participants (31 in the experimental group and 31 in the control group; mean age = 26.6 years). The experimental group participated in six weekly 1.5-h EYL sessions, while the control group received no intervention. EEG data were collected using a portable headband (channels AF7, AF8) during baseline and post-intervention, involving three meditation tasks: resting state, mindfulness breathing, and a self-compassion break. Power spectral density (PSD) was calculated, and self-reported measures included self-compassion (SCS-SF), perceived stress (PSS), resilience (CD-RISC), mindfulness attention (MAAS), and well-being (SWEMWBS). Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the data, controlling for baseline differences. The experimental group showed significant improvements in self-compassion (MD = + 0.28, p = 0.003), mental well-being (+ 1.75, p < 0.001), and perceived stress (- 3.48, p < 0.001), with a marginal increase in resilience (+ 2.88, p = 0.045). EEG analyses revealed condition-specific reductions in alpha and beta power during mindfulness and self-compassion tasks, with significant Group × Time interactions (e.g., alpha: Wald χ<sup>2</sup> = 14.55, p < 0.001; Wald χ<sup>2</sup> = 225.34, p < 0.001). Theta activity showed nuanced patterns, with suppression during mindfulness and partial recovery during self-compassion. While during the intervention, formal practice segments exhibited the lowest power values across all frequency bands, indicating deeper meditative engagement and enhanced neural efficiency. The EYL program improved psychological outcomes and induced distinct EEG changes. These findings support the feasibility of portable EEG devices for monitoring mindfulness-based interventions and suggest that self-compassion practices engage in unique neural mechanisms beyond traditional mindfulness meditation. Future research should employ larger samples and multi-channel EEG to validate these results.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785557","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":"Augmented Reality in Vocal Technique Training: Interactive Visualizations of Breath and Posture Control Using Magic Keys AR.","authors":"Shuang Wan","doi":"10.1007/s10484-026-09786-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-026-09786-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Magic Keys AR as a tool for accelerating vocal learning through synchronized monitoring of breathing, posture, and acoustics. The findings indicate that augmented reality facilitates faster vocal mastery, allowing students to visualize three parameters simultaneously-breathing, posture, and sound. The experiment involved 120 conservatory students aged 18-25 from three Chinese cities, divided into two groups of 60 participants each: the experimental group trained using the Magic Keys AR system, while the control group followed traditional mirror-based instruction. The training lasted 16 weeks. Respiration was measured via plethysmography, body movements were tracked across 37 anatomical points, and voice was recorded in high resolution (96 kHz/24 bit). Students using AR increased phonation duration by 34.1% (up to 16.5 s), while the control group showed a 10.4% increase (up to 13.8 s); the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001, large effect size: d = 1.07). Vocal instability (jitter) decreased by 28.1% in the AR group versus 9.9% in the control, and shimmer decreased by 31.3% versus 8.2%, respectively. Retention rates reached 91% in the AR group and 68% in the control, with 89% of AR-trained students maintaining skills three months post-training. Machine learning algorithms predicted student success with 84.2% accuracy, identifying proprioceptive awareness (β = 0.34) as the strongest predictor. Conservatories are projected to recover AR investment 2.7 times faster due to reduced vocal strain, accelerated technical mastery, and lower dropout rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147718356","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}
Chongen Gao, Mara Mather, Hui-Yuan Liao, Kuan-Lin Lee, Yi-Chun Yeh, Chiao-Li Khale Ke, Cheng-Fang Yen, I-Mei Lin
{"title":"Baseline Depressive Symptoms and Heart Rate Variability Indices Predict HRV Biofeedback Outcomes in Young Adults with Depression.","authors":"Chongen Gao, Mara Mather, Hui-Yuan Liao, Kuan-Lin Lee, Yi-Chun Yeh, Chiao-Li Khale Ke, Cheng-Fang Yen, I-Mei Lin","doi":"10.1007/s10484-026-09785-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-026-09785-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) has been confirmed to enhance cardiovagal activation and alleviate depressive symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, it remains unknown which dimensions of depression predict better treatment outcomes following HRVB. This study utilized a randomized controlled trial design. A total of 59 patients with depressive disorder were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the HRVB group or the relaxation training (RT) group. Both groups receive 60-min training sessions twice weekly for 10 sessions over five weeks. Psychological variables (depression and anxiety) and lead II electrocardiogram (ECG) were collected at pre-test and post-test. ECG data were converted into HRV indices. Two-way mixed-design analyses of variances were conducted to examine the Group (HRVB vs. RT) × Time (pre-test vs. post-test transfer) interaction effects on psychological outcomes and HRV indices. In addition, participants in the HRVB group were classified as responders (n = 10) or non-responders (n = 14) based on change in the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD) following HRVB. Differences in demographic and psychological variables between these subgroups were further examined. (1) Both groups showed significant reductions in depression and anxiety over time; however, no significant differences between groups were observed. (2) At the transfer stage, the HRVB group demonstrated significant increases in HRV indices from pre-test rest stage to post-test transfer stage. (3) Within the HRVB group, responders exhibited significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms (including loss of pleasure, loss of interest, worthlessness, and loss of energy) and lower parasympathetic activity compared with non-responders. HRVB not only alleviated depression and anxiety symptoms but also enhanced autonomic nervous system activity. Moreover, patients who derived the greatest benefit from HRVB tended to exhibit more favorable psychological features at pre-test. These findings may inform the development of personalized and evidence-based psychological interventions for patients with depressive disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147718330","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 Impact of Modifying 3D Environments: The Role of Presence in VR Breathing Exercises.","authors":"Patrícia Szabó, Cecilia Sik-Lanyi, Renáta Cserjési","doi":"10.1007/s10484-026-09781-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-026-09781-x","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147640264","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":"Correction: Phonation-Based Spiritual Practices and Autonomic Regulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Testing the S-CN Model.","authors":"Baghdad Kebdani","doi":"10.1007/s10484-026-09784-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10484-026-09784-8","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147628964","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}
Meenakshi Shukla, Niti Upadhyay, Vishnukant Tripathi, Veena Kumari, Rakesh Pandey
{"title":"The Role of Regular Meditation Practice, Trait Mindfulness, and Psychological Characteristics in Affective Startle Modulation: A Psychophysiological Study.","authors":"Meenakshi Shukla, Niti Upadhyay, Vishnukant Tripathi, Veena Kumari, Rakesh Pandey","doi":"10.1007/s10484-026-09782-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-026-09782-w","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147610318","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}
Rosangela Lopes John, Thiago Lemos, Arthur de Sá Ferreira, Luis Aureliano Imbiriba, Fabio Vieira Dos Anjos
{"title":"The Relationship Between Psychological Factors and Postural Performance under Different Biofeedback Conditions.","authors":"Rosangela Lopes John, Thiago Lemos, Arthur de Sá Ferreira, Luis Aureliano Imbiriba, Fabio Vieira Dos Anjos","doi":"10.1007/s10484-026-09779-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-026-09779-5","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147515721","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":"Just a Minute: A Pupil-Based Machine Learning Approach to Depression Screening.","authors":"Jung Joo Lee, Young Il Cho","doi":"10.1007/s10484-026-09780-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-026-09780-y","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47506,"journal":{"name":"Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147504899","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}