A study on the impact of neurofeedback in EEG based attention-driven game

Multi-disciplinary study of human computer interaction has provided significant impact in the fields of neural engineering, cognitive neuroscience, rehabilitation and brain-computer interaction. This paper evaluates the impact of neurofeedback in the context of a simple computer game controlled by attention based brain signals. The designed game protocol requires the player to memorize a set of numbers displayed in a matrix format, and to correctly fill the matrix using his attention based brain patterns. Attention level of the player, quantified using sample entropy values of Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, is the core control parameter of the game. A comparative study using a single neurofeedback group and 2 control groups (each group consists of 8 subjects) has been carried out to examine the impact of neurofeedback on enhancing attention score and cognitive skill in the context of the attention-driven game. Experimental results explicitly demonstrate the significance and usefulness of neurofeedback in EEG based games.

[1]  T. Egner,et al.  The effect of training distinct neurofeedback protocols on aspects of cognitive performance. , 2003, International journal of psychophysiology : official journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology.

[2]  Damien Coyle,et al.  Games, Gameplay, and BCI: The State of the Art , 2013, IEEE Transactions on Computational Intelligence and AI in Games.

[3]  Cuntai Guan,et al.  Enhancement of attention and cognitive skills using EEG based neurofeedback game , 2013, 2013 6th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering (NER).

[4]  Jue Wang,et al.  Brain-Computer Interfaces Based on Attention and Complex Mental Tasks , 2007, e Minds Int. J. Hum. Comput. Interact..

[5]  D. Vernon.  Can Neurofeedback Training Enhance Performance? An Evaluation of the Evidence with Implications for Future Research , 2005, Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback.

[6]  Anton Nijholt,et al.  Turning Shortcomings into Challenges: Brain-Computer Interfaces for Games , 2009, INTETAIN.

[7]  Jacques Juhel,et al.  The Effects of Neurofeedback Training on Memory Performance in Elderly Subjects , 2011 .

[8]  Joel C. Perry,et al.  Effective Game use in Neurorehabilitation: User-Centered Perspectives , 2011 .

[9]  A. Raz,et al.  Training the brain: Fact and fad in cognitive and behavioral remediation , 2012, Brain and Cognition.

[10]  M. Arns,et al.  Efficacy of Neurofeedback Treatment in ADHD: The Effects on Inattention, Impulsivity and Hyperactivity: A Meta-Analysis , 2009, Clinical EEG and neuroscience.

[11]  S. Makeig,et al.  Clinical Utility of EEG in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Research Update , 2012, Neurotherapeutics.

[12]  J Wang,et al.  Feature exaction and classification of attention related electroencephalographic signals based on sample entropy , 2007 .

[13]  Mannes Poel,et al.  Evaluating User Experience in a Selection Based Brain-Computer Interface Game A Comparative Study , 2011, ICEC.

[14]  Benedikt Zoefel,et al.  Neurofeedback training of the upper alpha frequency band in EEG improves cognitive performance , 2011, NeuroImage.

[15]  Bo Jiang,et al.  Brain computer interface based 3D game for attention training and rehabilitation , 2011, 2011 6th IEEE Conference on Industrial Electronics and Applications.

[16]  Cuntai Guan,et al.  Design of an online EEG based neurofeedback game for enhancing attention and memory , 2013, 2013 35th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC).

[17]  T. Egner,et al.  Foundation and Practice of Neurofeedback for the Treatment of Epilepsy , 2006, Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback.

[18]  Xin Zhao,et al.  Visual attention recognition based on nonlinear dynamical parameters of EEG. , 2014, Bio-medical materials and engineering.