The Effect of Beta and Alpha Neurofeedback on Memory: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled, Clinical Trial

Neurofeedback training is a promising area of research in cognitive performance. Although diverse patterns of frequency in improving memory performance have been studied, beta up-training and low alpha/high alpha ratio suppression have not yet been studied.
The present study aimed at examining the effect of 2 neurofeedback protocols “beta up-training” and “low alpha/ high alpha ratio suppression” on memory performance.
Thirty healthy participants, aged 20 to 40 years took part in this double-blind study. Participants performed ten 30-minute sessions of neurofeedback training. They were randomly assigned into 3 groups: (A) beta up-training and theta down-training, (B) low alpha/high alpha ratio suppression training, and (C) sham training. The Wechsler memory scale (WMS-R) was performed before and after the training period to examine memory performance. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA to compare memory performance changes among the 3 study groups.
No significant differences were obtained among the participants in age, gender, marital status, and psychological condition. Treatment groups (including beta up-training and theta down-training and low alpha/high alpha ratio suppression training) showed superior improvement in memory performance compared with the sham group.
Neurofeedback training can improve memory performance. Future studies should address the specificity of the neurofeedback training effects, taking into account various populations of patients with cognitive impairment.