the effect of beta and alpha neurofeedback on memory: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, clinical trial

Background: neurofeedback training is a promising area of research in cognitive performance. although diverse patterns of frequency in improving memory performance have been studied, beta up-training and low alpha/high alpha ratio suppression have not yet been studied. objective: the present study aimed at examining the effect of 2 neurofeedback protocols “beta up-training” and “low alpha/ high alpha ratio suppression” on memory performance. methods: thirty healthy participants, aged 20 to 40 years took part in this double-blind study. participants performed ten 30- minute sessions of neurofeedback training. they were randomly assigned into 3 groups: (a) beta up-training and theta down training, (b) low alpha/high alpha ratio suppression training, and (c) sham training. the wechsler memory scale (wms-r) was performed before and after the training period to examine memory performance. data were analyzed using ancova to compare memory performance changes among the 3 study groups. results: no significant differences were obtained among the participants in age, gender, marital status, and psychological condition. treatment groups (including beta up-training and theta down-training and low alpha/high alpha ratio suppression training) showed superior improvement in memory performance compared with the sham group. conclusions: neurofeedback training can improve memory performance. future studies should address the specificity of the neurofeedback training effects, taking into account various populations of patients with cognitive impairment.