Individualized Neurofeedback Training May Help Achieve Long-Term Improvement of Working Memory in Children With ADHD

Abstract

Background. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may suffer from working memory deficits, which can adversely affect their academic performance. Neurofeedback training may enhance working memory and provide a solution to this problem. Aim. To investigate the effect of frequency-neurofeedback on working memory in children with ADHD and to check if the effect is long-lasting. Method. Forty-eight children with ADHD (aged 6-12 years) were randomly assigned either to a neurofeedback with training parameters chosen to take into account each child’s peak alpha frequency (PAF) or to a waiting list control group. Each trained child underwent 19-channel electroencephalography (EEG). All children had average intelligence and none were receiving treatment, such as medications, for ADHD. Prior to the training, MOXO and n-back tests were performed. Next, neurofeedback training sessions with frequency bands for theta and beta ranges determined using each child’s PAF were carried out for 10 weeks. Training parameters were set to increase amplitudes in the low beta range and to decrease amplitudes in the theta and high beta frequency ranges. The n-back test was performed again right after the training and then a year later. Results. During the first n-back test, children from both groups responded correctly to more than 43% of the stimuli. During the second test, children from the waiting list responded correctly to an average of 49% of the stimuli, while children who underwent the neurofeedback training were correct, on average, 69% of the time (significant difference, P < .001). During the third n-back test a year later, children from the waiting list responded correctly to 53% of the stimuli, while those who underwent the neurofeedback training responded correctly to nearly 71%. Conclusion. This study found a statistically significant improvement in a measure of working memory in children who did 10 to 12 sessions of neurofeedback training with training frequency ranges for theta and beta defined according to each child’s PAF. The beneficial effects were still present a year after training.