Neurofeedback Games to Improve Cognitive Abilities

Abstract

Neurofeeback training can be used to enhance cognitive abilities related to multi-tasking such as working memory, attention, etc. We propose and implement a neurofeedback system which includes a number of neurofeedback training algorithms and a "Shooting" game. To make neurofeedback training more effective, an Individual Alpha Peak (IAP) frequency and individual alpha bandwidth are calculated and applied in the algorithms. We do preliminary study on the effectiveness of the proposed neurofeedback system with three subjects taking 6 sessions each. The neurofeedback protocols based on the power of individual upper alpha or beta-1/theta ratio training are used. Our hypothesis is that after the neurofeedback training by playing the "Shooting" game, the individual alpha peak frequency increases. The results show that all subjects had a higher individual alpha peak frequency after the training that indicated an enhancement of the subjects' cognitive abilities related to multi-tasking. Keywords-EEG; Neurofeedback training; Neurofeedback game; individual alpha peak frequency; individual alpha bandwidthI.

Neurofeedback training with a low-priced EEG device leads to faster alpha enhancement but shows no effect on cognitive performance: A single-blind, sham-feedback study

“…Although it is common practice to use colour maps for the feedback of the alpha amplitude (see e.g. [5,36,37,70,48]), we are aware of an ongoing debate about the colour maps used for feedback parameters [49,50]. Despite this discussion, to the authors’ knowledge, at the moment these methods do not constitute the standard representation of real-time neurofeedback.…”

“…In addition, studies investigating the question how arousal and prevalence of emotions can be measured and displayed with low-cost devices from the consumer goods sector (i.e. Emotiv ) are conducted [48]. Even in combination with robotic prosthetics and movement classification, devices from Emotiv exhibit satisfying accuracy [49].…”

EEG-based emotion recognition using machine learning techniques

“…As a common practice, EEG can be divided into several frequency bands, such as alpha band, beta band, delta band, gamma band, theta band etc. The correlates between EEG rhythms and brain states have been studied [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40]. However, it must be pointed out that there is no absolute consensus on the band range definition of these frequency bands-different studies could respect different band range definition.…”

“…They can also be observed during meditation. Some studies report a correlates between theta waves and cognitive mental task [33]. Lesions to the [34].…”

“…Though based on neuroscientific findings, the frequency band ranges of interest are somewhat defined on an ad-hoc basis and vary between studies. In our study, we follow such definition [23,33,41]…”