Neurofeedback Training Improves Long-Term Memory Performance

Abstract

Understanding and improving memory is vital to enhance human life. Theta rhythm is associated with memory consolidation and coding, but the trainability and effects on long-term memory of theta rhythm are unknown. This study investigates the ability to improve long-term memory using a neurofeedback (NFB) technique reflecting the theta/low-beta power ratio on an electroencephalogram (EEG). Our study consisted of three stages: First, the long-term memory of participants was measured. In the second stage, the participants in the NFB group received three days of theta/low-beta NFB training. In the third stage, the long-term memory was measured again. The NFB group had better long-term memory than the control group and significant differences in brain activity between episodic and semantic memory during the recall tests were revealed. These findings suggest that it is possible to improve the long-term memory abilities through theta/low-beta NFB training, which also improves episodic and semantic memory.

Understanding action concepts from videos and brain activity through subjects’ consensus

“…In order to create the input EEG images, data are pre-processed. At first, FFT is performed on the time series for each trial to estimate the power spectrum of the signal and the three frequency bands of theta (4-7 Hz), alpha (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13), and beta (13-30 Hz) are selected. The sum of the squared absolute values within each of the three frequency bands is computed and used as separate measurement for each electrode.…”

“…1 for a survey), so that motor neural impulses can be mapped and controlled with the ultimate goal of assisting, augmenting, or repairing human cognitive or sensory-motor functions. Industry is also making efforts in the design of "mind reading" devices in order to let users monitor their well-being 2 , for example, to support meditation or facilitate the execution of daily activities [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] .…”