Effectiveness of Neurofeedback Training in Cognitive Performance

Subject Areas : Thoughts and Behavior in Clinical Psychology

Fariba Nabavi Al Agha ¹ , Farah Naderi ² , ali reza Heidari ³ , Hasan Ahadi ⁴ , Mohammad Ali Nazari ⁵

1 - دپارتمان روان شناسی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، واحد علوم و تحقیقات خوزستان
2 - دپارتمان روان شناسی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد علوم و تحقیقات خوزستان، ایران
3 - دپارتمان روان شناسی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد اهواز، اهواز، ایران
4 - دپارتمان روان شناسی، دانشگاه علامه طباطبایی. تهران. ایران
5 - دپارتمان روان شناسی، دانشگاه تبریز. تبریز. ایران

Received: 2014-08-06 Accepted : 2014-08-06 Published : 2012-12-21

Keywords: neurofeedback, Reaction time, Attention Span,

Abstract :

Cognitive processes, such as attention span and reaction time play a key role in a variety of practical realms. An effective method which can be applied to increase the concentration, attention and also the alteration of reaction time is neurofeedback training. The research purpose is to assess the effectiveness of neurofeedback training in the attention and reaction time of novice tennis players. Therefore,a sample of 36 volunteers was randomly selected and assigned to experimental group (real neurofeedback) and placebo group (simulated neurofeedback),through employing a semi-experimental method with pre-test, post-test and control group design.Both groups were assessed in terms of attention span and reaction time prior and subsequent to the training. The result of difference variance analysis indicated that neurofeedback training is effective in decreasing the reaction time. However, no support was found in terms of attention span. Overall, it can be concluded that neurofeedback training is effective in the enhancement of cognitive performance, particularly, the decrease of reaction time.