Neurofeedback training shows promise as a non-invasive method to enhance cognitive performance and manage PTSD symptoms in military personnel, though inter-individual variability remains a challenge.
Does neurofeedback training enhance cognitive performance and treat PTSD symptoms in military personnel?
Neurofeedback training presents a promising, non-invasive approach for enhancing cognitive performance and managing PTSD in military contexts, though further research is required to address operational transferability and individual responsiveness.
Operational environments are characterized by a range of psycho-physiological constraints that can degrade combatants' performance and impact on their long-term health. Neurofeedback training (NFT), a non-invasive, safe and effective means of regulating brain activity, has been shown to be effective for mental disorders, as well as for cognitive and motor capacities and aiding sports performance in healthy individuals. Its value in helping soldiers in operational condition or suffering from post-traumatic stress (PTSD) is undeniable, but relatively unexplored. The aim of this narrative review is to show the applicability of NFT to enhance cognitive performance and to treat (or manage) PTSD symptoms in the military context. It provides an overview of NFT use cases before, during or after military operations, and in the treatment of soldiers suffering from PTSD. The position of NFT within the broad spectrum of performance enhancement techniques, as well as several key factors influencing the effectiveness of NFT are discussed. Finally, suggestions for the use of NFT in the military context (pre-training environments, and during and post-deployments to combat zones or field operations), future research directions, recommendations and caveats (e.g., on transfer to operational situations, inter-individual variability in responsiveness) are offered. This review is thus expected to draw clear perspectives for both researchers and armed forces regarding NFT for cognitive performance enhancement and PTSD treatment related to the military context.
Jacques et al. (Fri,) conducted a review in Cognitive performance and brain disorders (PTSD, TBI) in military personnel. Neurofeedback training (NFT) was evaluated. Neurofeedback training shows promise as a non-invasive method to enhance cognitive performance and manage PTSD symptoms in military personnel, though inter-individual variability remains a challenge.
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