Article Neurofeedback Training Aimed to Improve Focused Attention and Alertness in Children With ADHD: A Study of Relative Power of EEG Rhythms Using Custom-Made Software Application

Neurofeedback is a nonpharmacological treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We propose that operant conditioning of electroencephalogram (EEG) in neurofeedback training aimed to mitigate inattention and low arousal in ADHD, will be accompanied by changes in EEG bands ’ relative power. Patients were 18 children diagnosed with ADHD. The neurofeedback protocol (‘‘Focus/Alertness’ ’ by Peak Achievement Trainer) has a focused attention and alertness training mode. The neurofeedback protocol provides one for Focus andone forAlertness. This does not allow for collecting information regarding changes in specific EEG bands (delta, theta, alpha, low and high beta, and gamma) powerwithin the 2 to 45Hz range.Quantitative EEG analysis was completed on each of twelve 25-minute-long sessions using a custom-made MatLab application to determine the relative power of each of the aforementioned EEG bands throughout each session, and from the first session to the last session. Additional statistical analysis deter-mined significant changes in relative power within sessions (fromminute 1 tominute 25) and between sessions (from session 1 to ses-sion 12).Analysiswas of relativepowerof theta, alpha, lowandhigh beta, theta/alpha, theta/beta, and theta/lowbeta and theta/high beta ratios. Additional secondary measures of patients ’ post-neurofeedback outcomes were assessed, using an audiovisual selective atten-tion test (IVAþ Plus) and behavioral evaluation scores from theAberrant BehaviorChecklist. Analysis of data computed in theMatLab application, determined that theta/lowbeta and theta/alpha ratios decreased significantly fromsession 1 to session 12, and fromminute 1 to minute 25within sessions. The findings regarding EEG changes resulting from brain wave self-regulation training, along with beha