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Description
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a method that is used to record brain activity in real-time. Neurofeedback can rely on EEG signal to provide auditory or visual feedback, and can improve self-regulation of the brain activity. However, it is often limited to specialized treatment centers which may not be widely available or financially accessible. The present study features a low-cost portable EEG device that can address these drawbacks while maintaining the strengths of the traditional neurofeedback. The applied portable neurofeedback system focuses on alpha activity, specifically on alpha peak power (APP), because it is associated with a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, and can be modulated with neurofeedback training. The present project introduces new methodological solutions and improvements to EEG neurofeedback, and it demonstrates its applicability by monitoring longitudinal changes in APP across time. A new platform called Kunnee GUI has been developed for the purpose of analyzing the data in real time and providing auditory neurofeedback. It calculates the subject’s APP using the Fast Fourier transform (FFT) across time. This platform applies Exponential Moving Average (EMA) to the subject’s APP values, and processes the data by setting up the real-time threshold. This method introduces a novel application solution to optimize neurofeedback effectiveness, as it links the dynamically obtained APP values to the tempo of user-preferred music which serves as the auditory feedback. Within a longitudinal study design, the neurofeedback effects on the APP changes across twenty training sessions are presented for a single participant to provide a proof-of-concept for this method. The present study demonstrates that this method can be used in real-life situations as the results have shown significant APP increase over time. While it should be tested with larger samples and in clinically-relevant situations, the present study aims to contribute to non-pharmacologic, natural, and easily accessible methods to leverage neuroplasticity to promote healthier brain functioning.
