Better Than Sleep- Theta Neurofeedback Training…

Metadata

• Author: jhu.edu
• Full Title: Better Than Sleep- Theta Neurofeedback Training Accelerates Memory Consolidation
• Category: #articles
• Document Note: Using Theta NFT sessions, where users get to see feedback from their brains and do stuff to control it, allow for better memory consolidation in waking hours (and results are even better when you include night sleep).
• Document Tags: science of learning
• Summary:: Theta neurofeedback training improves memory consolidation better than sleep alone. Participants who received theta training showed significant performance boosts, especially after a night’s sleep. This suggests that enhancing theta oscillations in the brain helps strengthen memory retention and learning.
• URL: https://www-sciencedirect-com.proxy1.library.jhu.edu/science/article/pii/S0301051113002214?via%3Dihub

Highlights

• In this study we explore processes of consolidation of memory during awake hours. Since theta oscillations have been shown to play a central role in exchange of information, we hypothesized that elevated theta during awake hours will enhance memory consolidation. (View Highlight)
• We used a neurofeedback protocol, to enhance the relative power of theta or beta oscillations. Participants trained on a tapping task, were divided into three groups: neurofeedback theta; neurofeedback beta; control. We found a significant improvement in performance in the theta group, relative to the beta and control groups, immediately after neurofeedback. (View Highlight)
• We use a brain computer interface system to provide users with feedback on their neural oscillations. This is the basis for neurofeedback training (NFT), and is defined as the process whereby individuals learn how to control the amplitude, frequency, synchrony, or other derived measures of the electrical activity of their own brain (Gruzelier, 2009, Kropotov, 2008) (View Highlight)
• A conditioning process allowed subjects to develop strategies of reaching and maintaining a desired electrophysiological state of the brain (Egner and Gruzelier, 2003, Egner and Gruzelier, 2004). Participants were divided into three groups. Participants of each group went through a single NFT/control procedure: the first went through NFT session to increase theta waves (theta group); the second group was trained to increase beta (beta group) and a third (control) group watched movies for an equal period of time (Table 1 and Fig. 1). (View Highlight)
• We showed that memory consolidation can be enhanced, by using relatively short theta NFT sessions. (View Highlight)