Effect of neurofeedback training on cognitive function in the elderly: a systematic review / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo systematically review the effect of neurofeedback training on cognitive function in the elderly within the framework of the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11), and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). MethodsA PICO framework was constructed. Randomized controlled trials on neurofeedback training for cognitive function in the elderly from PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and CNKI up to July, 2023 were systematically reviewed. Methodological quality assessment of the included literature was performed using Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. ResultsA total of 15 researches were included, from ten countries, involving 520 participants, who were healthy elderly individuals or those with mild cognitive impairment. Various neurofeedback waveforms were utilized, such as alpha, beta, theta, beta/alpha, and sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) waves. Intervention duration ranged from 20 to 90 minutes, with intervention frequencies spanning from a long-term intervention of 30 sessions over 12 weeks to a high-frequency short-term intervention of eight sessions over one week. The primary health outcomes focused on cognitive function, including memory, attention, inhibitory control and executive function. ConclusionNeurofeedback training can improve the cognitive function of the eldery, and alleviate cognitive aging.