Brain Health Mini-Series: Part 3
Neurofeedback (NFB) is a specialized application of biofeedback employed to modify brainwave activity and event-related potentials. It uses operant conditioning with visual or auditory stimuli as reinforcing feedback to teach self-regulation of neural activity. The end goal is to correct neural dysregulation and optimize brain balance. NFB training encourages flexibility in brain performance and a conscious ability to choose preferred psychophysiological states by affecting noncognitive structures with translation to cognition over time. NFB has been shown to be an effective intervention for attention deficit and suboptimal levels of arousal associated with increased stress and anxiety. It is a promising tool that cognitive performance specialists can utilize to influence a broad utilization of neurocognitive improvements in Warfighters. Intervention benefits include an individualized targeted solution paired with tangible data that can be used to motivate and track change. Results suggest that NFB improves performance on various computer-based neurocognitive assessments. However, more work is needed to demonstrate the effects of NFB training on operational tasks such as close quarters battle.