Neurofeedback training on sensorimotor rhythmin marmoset monkeys

Neurofeedback research in a model closely related to humans is recommended to rule out placebo effects and unspecific factors bridging the gap between nonvalidated empirical and standardized controlled research. In this article, telemetric sensorimotor rhythm (SMR; 11–14 Hz) feedback training in the marmoset monkey is applied to examine the monkey's capability to voluntary control their brain activity. Four monkeys, provided with two epidural bioelectric electrodes above the sensorimotor cortex, were trained with positive reinforcement on SMR measured by online analyses of 1.28 s electroencephalogram epochs in 30-min sessions. These monkeys learned within five sessions to increase their &agr; activity. The first evidence of nonhuman primates having an operant control over the SMR is provided, an initial step for a much-needed scientific basis to neurofeedback.

[1]  B. Mensour,et al.  Effect of neurofeedback training on the neural substrates of selective attention in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study , 2006, Neuroscience Letters.

[2]  R. Cluydts,et al.  Neurophysiological aspects of primary insomnia: implications for its treatment. , 2006, Sleep medicine reviews.

[3]  M. Sterman,et al.  Comparison of EEG correlates of reinforcement, internal inhibition and sleep. , 1967, Electroencephalography and clinical neurophysiology.

[4]  I. Philippens,et al.  Behavioral test systems in marmoset monkeys , 2000, Behavior research methods, instruments, & computers : a journal of the Psychonomic Society, Inc.

[5]  D. Trudeau.  EEG Biofeedback for Addictive Disorders—The State of the Art in 2004 , 2005 .

[6]  R. Traub,et al.  Neuronal networks for induced ‘40 Hz’ rhythms , 1996, Trends in Neurosciences.

[7]  N. Miller.  Biofeedback: Evaluation of a New Technic , 1974 .

[8]  Tobias Egner,et al.  EEG Signature and Phenomenology of Alpha/theta Neurofeedback Training Versus Mock Feedback , 2002, Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback.

[9]  Tobias Egner,et al.  Neurofeedback treatment of epilepsy: from basic rationale to practical application , 2006, Expert review of neurotherapeutics.

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

[11]  Daniel J Fox,et al.  Neurofeedback: An Alternative and Efficacious Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , 2005, Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback.

[12]  L. Goldstein.  Effectiveness of psychological interventions for people with poorly controlled epilepsy , 1997, Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry.

[13]  Hartmut Heinrich,et al.  Annotation: neurofeedback - train your brain to train behaviour. , 2007, Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines.

[14]  N. Miller.  Editorial: Biofeedback: evaluation of a new technic. , 1974, The New England journal of medicine.

[15]  R. Reiner,et al.  Integrating a Portable Biofeedback Device into Clinical Practice for Patients with Anxiety Disorders: Results of a Pilot Study , 2008, Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback.

[16]  M. Congedo,et al.  Low-resolution electromagnetic tomography neurofeedback , 2004, IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering.

[17]  D. Hammond,et al.  Neurofeedback with anxiety and affective disorders. , 2005, Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America.

[18]  N. Moore,et al.  A Review of EEG Biofeedback Treatment of Anxiety Disorders , 2000, Clinical EEG.