Key result
Infraslow frequency neurofeedback training significantly altered autonomic nervous system function in adults with anxiety, including a significant decrease in skin conductance (p < 0.0001).
Why the study?
It was hypothesized that infraslow fluctuation neurofeedback training has a distinct physiological effect on autonomic nervous system function measurable by peripheral biofeedback metrics.
Does infraslow fluctuation neurofeedback training alter autonomic nervous system function in adults with anxiety?
RCT (n=30)
Open-label
Randomized
No
Does infraslow fluctuation neurofeedback training alter autonomic nervous system function in adults with anxiety?
p-value: p=<0.0001
Infraslow fluctuation neurofeedback training significantly alters autonomic nervous system metrics, including heart rate variability and blood pressure, compared to sensorimotor rhythm training in adults with anxiety.
Supports infraslow fluctuation neurofeedback for autonomic modulation in anxiety; extends neurofeedback RCTs to physiological ANS endpoints.
Peripheral body monitoring of autonomic nervous system (ANS) response has been routinely applied during infraslow fluctuation (ISF) neurofeedback training. This study hypothesized that ISF training has a distinct physiological effect on an individual that can be revealed by measuring autonomic function with peripheral biofeedback metrics that included heart rate variability (HRV), muscle tension, skin temperature, skin conductance, heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure. Methods. Thirty adults between the ages of 18 and 55, primarily with anxiety, were randomized into two groups: 20 in the experimental group and 9 in the control group. The experimental group completed 10 ISF neurofeedback training sessions while continuous monitoring of ANS changes was applied. The same process was completed for a control group that received one-channel sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) neurofeedback training. Results. Significant changes were seen in the skin conductance (p < .0001), electromyography (p = .01), very low frequency (p = .004), low frequency of HRV (p = .05) and blood pressure (systolic change p = .049) in the experimental group. No significant changes were seen in the control group. Conclusion. The study demonstrated that ISF neurofeedback training impacts the ANS as measured by peripheral biofeedback indicators.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Balt et al. (2020) conducted an RCT in Anxiety and related diseases (n=30). Infraslow frequency (ISF) neurofeedback training vs. Sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) neurofeedback training was evaluated on Change in autonomic nervous system function (skin conductance mean) from session 1 to session 10 (p=<0.0001). Infraslow frequency neurofeedback training significantly altered autonomic nervous system function in adults with anxiety, including a significant decrease in skin conductance (p < 0.0001).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: