Cognitive Training with Neurofeedback Using fNIRS Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Acevedo, Bianca P.; Dattatri, Novia; Le, Jennifer; Lappinga, Claire; Collins, Nancy L.

doi:10.3390/ijerph19095531

Open AccessArticle

Cognitive Training with Neurofeedback Using fNIRS Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults

by

Bianca P. Acevedo

^*,

Novia Dattatri

,

Jennifer Le

,

Claire Lappinga

and

Nancy L. Collins

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA

^*

Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5531; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095531

Submission received: 12 April 2022 / Revised: 25 April 2022 / Accepted: 27 April 2022 / Published: 2 May 2022

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Healthy Aging)

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Abstract

This study examined the effects of a 4-week cognitive training program with neurofeedback (CT-NF) among 86 healthy adults (M = 66.34 years, range 54–84) randomized to either a treatment (app-based ABC games) or control (Tetris) group. Participants completed seven cognitive assessments, pre- and post-intervention, and measured their cortical brain activity using a XB-01 functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) brain sensor, while engaging in CT-NF. The treatment (ABC) group showed significant (pre/post-intervention) improvements in memory (MEM), verbal memory (VBM), and composite cognitive function, while the control group did not. However, both groups showed significant improvements in processing speed (PS) and executive function (EF). In line with other studies, we found that strength of cortical brain activity (measured during CT-NF) was associated with both cognitive (pre and post) and game performance. In sum, our findings suggest that CT-NF and specifically ABC exercises, confer improved cognition in the domains of MEM, VBM, PS, and EF.

Keywords: cognitive training; fNIRS; cognitive function; prefrontal cortex

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MDPI and ACS Style

Acevedo, B.P.; Dattatri, N.; Le, J.; Lappinga, C.; Collins, N.L. Cognitive Training with Neurofeedback Using fNIRS Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 5531. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095531

AMA Style

Acevedo BP, Dattatri N, Le J, Lappinga C, Collins NL. Cognitive Training with Neurofeedback Using fNIRS Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(9):5531. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095531

Chicago/Turabian Style

Acevedo, Bianca P., Novia Dattatri, Jennifer Le, Claire Lappinga, and Nancy L. Collins. 2022. "Cognitive Training with Neurofeedback Using fNIRS Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 9: 5531. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095531

APA Style

Acevedo, B. P., Dattatri, N., Le, J., Lappinga, C., & Collins, N. L. (2022). Cognitive Training with Neurofeedback Using fNIRS Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(9), 5531. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095531

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Cognitive Training with Neurofeedback Using fNIRS Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults

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