A novel approach to alpha activity training using water based electrodes

M. K.J. Dekker*, M. M. Sitskoorn, A. Denissen, M. Jager, D. Vernon, V. Mihajlovic, G. J.M. Van Boxtel

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Fifty healthy participants took part in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in which they were either given auditory alpha brain activity (8-12 Hz) training (N=18), random beta training (N=12), or no training at all (N=20). A novel wireless electrode system was used for training without instructions, involving water-based electrodes mounted in an audio headset. Training was applied approximately at central positions C3 and C4. Post-training measurement using a conventional full-cap EEG system revealed an increase in alpha activity at posterior sites compared to pre-training levels. This significant increase was present only in the group that received alpha training, and remained evident at a 3 month follow-up session. In an exit interview, approximately twice as many participants in the alpha training group mentioned that the training was relaxing, compared to those in the control groups. Overall, results suggest that self-guided alpha activity training using this novel system is feasible and represents a step forward in the ease of instrumental conditioning of brain rhythms.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the International Conference on Health Informatics
Subtitle of host publicationHEALTHINF 2012
EditorsE. Conchon, C. Correia, A. Fred, H. Gamboa
PublisherSciTePress
Pages481-486
ISBN (Print)9789898425881
Publication statusPublished - 2012
EventHEALTHINF 2012 - Proceedings of the International Conference on Health Informatics - Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal
Duration: 1 Feb 20124 Feb 2012

Publication series

NameHEALTHINF 2012 - Proceedings of the International Conference on Health Informatics

Conference

ConferenceHEALTHINF 2012 - Proceedings of the International Conference on Health Informatics
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityVilamoura, Algarve
Period1/02/124/02/12

Keywords

  • Alpha activity
  • Instrumental conditioning
  • Neurofeedback
  • Random beta training
  • Relaxation
  • Water-based electrodes

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