Abstract:
(1) Background: Neurofeedback training (NFT) has emerged as a promising approach for enhancing cognitive functions and reducing anxiety, yet its specific impact on university student populations requires further investigation. This study aims to examine the effects of NFT on working memory improvement and anxiety reduction within this demographic. (2) Methods: A total of forty healthy university student volunteers were randomized into two groups: an experimental group that received NFT and a control group. The NFT protocol was administered using a 14-channel Emotiv Epoc X headset (EMOTIV, Inc., San Francisco, CA 94102, USA) and BrainViz software version Brain Visualizer 1.1 (EMOTIV, Inc., San Francisco, CA 94102, USA), focusing on the alpha frequency band to target improvements in working memory and reductions in anxiety. Assessment tools, including the Corsi Block and Memory Span tests for working memory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-2 (STAI-2) for anxiety, were applied pre- and post-intervention. (3) Results: The findings indicated an increase in alpha wave amplitude in the experimental group from the second day of NFT, with statistically significant differences observed on days 2 (p < 0.05) and 8 (p < 0.01). Contrary to expectations based on the previous literature, the study did not observe a concurrent positive impact on working memory. Nonetheless, a significant reduction in state anxiety levels was recorded in the experimental group (p < 0.001), corroborating NFT\'s potential for anxiety management. (4) Conclusions: While these results suggest some potential of the technique in enhancing neural efficiency, the variability across different days highlights the need for further investigation to fully ascertain its effectiveness. The study confirms the beneficial impact of NFT on reducing state anxiety among university students, underscoring its value in psychological and cognitive performance enhancement. Despite the lack of observed improvements in working memory, these results highlight the need for continued exploration of NFT applications across different populations and settings, emphasizing its potential utility in educational and therapeutic contexts.
摘要:
(1)背景:神经反馈训练(NFT)已成为增强认知功能和减少焦虑的一种有前途的方法,然而,它对大学生群体的具体影响需要进一步调查。这项研究旨在研究NFT对该人口统计学中工作记忆改善和焦虑减少的影响。(2)方法:将40名健康大学生志愿者随机分为实验组和对照组。使用14通道EmotivEpocX耳机(EMOTIV,Inc.,旧金山,CA94102,美国)和BrainViz软件版本BrainVisualizer1.1(EMOTIV,Inc.,旧金山,CA94102,USA),专注于alpha频段,以改善工作记忆和减少焦虑。评估工具,包括用于工作记忆的CorsiBlock和MemorySpan测试以及用于焦虑的状态-特质焦虑量表-2(STAI-2),在干预前后应用。(3)结果:结果表明,从NFT的第二天开始,实验组的α波振幅增加,在第2天(p<0.05)和第8天(p<0.01)观察到统计学上的显着差异。与基于先前文献的预期相反,该研究未观察到对工作记忆的同时积极影响.尽管如此,实验组的状态焦虑水平显着降低(p<0.001),证实NFT的焦虑管理潜力。(4)结论:虽然这些结果表明了该技术在提高神经效率方面的一些潜力,不同日期的差异凸显了进一步调查以充分确定其有效性的必要性。这项研究证实了NFT对减少大学生状态焦虑的有益影响,强调其在提高心理和认知能力方面的价值。尽管工作记忆缺乏观察到的改善,这些结果凸显了在不同人群和环境中继续探索NFT应用的必要性,强调其在教育和治疗环境中的潜在效用。