• T W P Janssen, K Geladé, M Bink, R van Mourik, TwiskJ W RJWRDepartment of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, VUmc, De Boelelaan 1089a, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands., A Maras, and J Oosterlaan.
• Clinical Neuropsychology Section, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorstraat 1, 1081 BT Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Electronic address: twp.janssen@vu.nl.
• Clin Neurophysiol. 2020 Jun 1; 131 (6): 1332-1341.

ObjectiveNeurofeedback has been proposed as an effective alternative for pharmacological treatment in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with potentially long-term and delayed benefits. However, the specificity of such long-term behavioral improvements remains inconclusive and therefore additional research into the neurophysiological effects of neurofeedback is needed. We compared long-term effects of theta/beta neurofeedback (NFB) to methylphenidate (MPH) and physical activity (PA, semi-active control intervention) on electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectra. Based on the vigilance stabilization model, we hypothesized further reductions in theta and alpha power in the NFB compared to the control groups.MethodEEG power spectra (theta, alpha and beta) during resting and task conditions were recorded at pre-, post-intervention and 6-months follow-up in 67 children, aged 7-13 (NFB: n = 24, MPH: n = 23, or PA: n = 20).ResultsAnalyses revealed no power spectra differences at follow-up between MPH and NFB (range p = .165-.905) and PA and NFB (range p = .172-.822).ConclusionsNo evidence was found for the specificity of theta/beta NFB at follow-up.SignificanceThis was the first study into long-term neurophysiological effects of theta/beta NFB. Future studies are encouraged to explore both specific and non-specific mechanisms of NFB.Clinical Trials RegistrationTrain Your Brain? Exercise and neurofeedback intervention for ADHD, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01363544, Ref. No. NCT01363544.Copyright © 2020 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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