A Novel Approach to Alpha Activity Training using Water based Electrodes

Fifty healthy participants took part in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in which they were either given auditory alpha brain activity (8–12 Hz) training (N=18), random beta training (N=12), or no training at all (N=20). A novel wireless electrode system was used for training without instructions, involving waterbased electrodes mounted in an audio headset. Training was applied approximately at central positions C3 and C4. Post-training measurement using a conventional full-cap EEG system revealed an increase in alpha activity at posterior sites compared to pre-training levels. This significant increase was present only in the group that received alpha training, and remained evident at a 3 month follow-up session. In an exit interview, approximately twice as many participants in the alpha training group mentioned that the training was relaxing, compared to those in the control groups. Overall, results suggest that self-guided alpha activity training using this novel system is feasible and represents a step forward in the ease of instrumental conditioning of brain rhythms.