Effects of neurofeedback on brain waves and cognitive functions of children with cerebral palsy: A randomized control trial

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated brain wave and cognitive function changes in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using neurofeedback (NFB). [Subjects] Twenty-eight children with CP were randomly allocated to the NFB (n = 14) and control (CON) (n = 14) groups. [Methods] Two expert therapists provided the NFB and CON groups with traditional rehabilitation therapy in 30-minute sessions, semi-weekly, for 6 weeks. NFB training was provided only to the NFB group. The CON group received traditional rehabilitation therapy only. Before and after 6 weeks of intervention, electroencephalography and Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) were performed, and the results were analyzed. [Results] Between before and after the intervention, both the NFB and CON groups showed significant differences in spectral edge frequency of 50%. Moreover, the NFB group showed a statistically significant difference in all LOTCA subtests, while the CON group showed a significant difference only in the LOTCA total score. [Conclusion] Detailed and diverse investigations should be performed considering the number and characteristics of subjects and the limitations influencing the NFB training period.