RecruitingNCT06748976

Modulation of Cortical Brain Activity During Attentional Control

EEG Alpha Rhythm Modulation Using Sham Neurofeedback During Attentional Control in a Virtual Reality Environment

Sponsor

National Council of Scientific and Technical Research, Argentina

Enrollment

35 participants

Start Date

Jul 1, 2025

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Chronic Pain Fibromyalgia Rumination

Summary

The goal of this study is to determine whether an open-loop sham neurofeedback system can effectively modulate EEG alpha rhythms, which are associated with attentional control. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does positive sham neurofeedback lead to a decrease in relative EEG alpha power compared to a control condition without feedback? Researchers will compare the effects of positive and negative sham-neurofeedback conditions to a control condition without feedback to assess the system's impact on alpha rhythm modulation. Participants will: Experience three conditions (positive sham-neurofeedback, negative sham-neurofeedback, and no feedback) within a virtual reality environment. Undergo EEG recordings to measure changes in alpha power as a marker of attentional resource allocation. Provide written informed consent and complete the study following ethical guidelines. This study seeks to explore the potential of open-loop feedback systems to enhance attentional control by modulating alpha rhythm.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 60 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

Adults aged between 18 and 60 years.
Normal or corrected vision.
Ability to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria7

Diagnosed with photosensitive epilepsy.
Significant hearing loss or diagnosed hearing impairment.
Current psychiatric illness or disorder.
History of migraines or chronic headaches.
History of substance or alcohol abuse.
Currently pregnant.
Discomfort with using a virtual reality headset, assessed during a pilot session.

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Interventions

OTHERPositive sham neurofeedback

Participants receive simulated positive reinforcement feedback designed to mimic successful modulation of EEG alpha rhythms, despite the feedback not being directly based on their actual neural activity. This condition aims to create the perception of improved attentional control.

OTHERNegative sham neurofeedback

Participants receive simulated negative reinforcement feedback that mimics unsuccessful modulation of EEG alpha rhythms, regardless of their actual neural activity. This condition is intended to simulate reduced attentional control.

OTHERControl

Participants perform the same attentional task but without receiving any feedback. This condition serves as a baseline to evaluate the effects of the sham neurofeedback interventions on EEG alpha rhythm modulation.