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Selected Neurofeedback Studies

A selection of scientific studies on neurofeedback – from ADHD and epilepsy to tinnitus, depression, and sleep disorders. Classic foundational studies and current research. For studies using Mindfield products, visit our Studies Hub.

Note: The full text of these studies is available through PubMed and other academic databases. Access is usually free at university libraries.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Network Meta-Analysis

Comparative Efficacy of Neurofeedback Interventions for ADHD in Children: A Network Meta-Analysis

Wu G, He Q, Li D, Zhang Z, Miao J, Shu Y · Brain and Behavior · 2024 · DOI: 10.1002/brb3.70194

Network meta-analysis of 13 RCTs with 1,370 children: Multiple neurofeedback protocols (SCP, TBR, SMR, HEG) significantly reduced ADHD symptoms compared to inactive control conditions.

Efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in ADHD: the effects on inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity – a meta-analysis

Arns M, de Ridder S, Strehl U, Breteler M, Coenen A · Clin EEG Neurosci. 2009;40(3):180–189

Landmark meta-analysis on the efficacy of neurofeedback for ADHD: significant effects on inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Is neurofeedback an efficacious treatment for ADHD? A randomised controlled clinical trial

Gevensleben H, Holl B, Albrecht B et al. · J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2009;50(7):780–789

Randomized controlled trial: Neurofeedback as an efficacious treatment for children with ADHD.

Distinct EEG effects related to neurofeedback training in children with ADHD

Gevensleben H et al. · Int J Psychophysiol. 2009;74(2):149–157

RCT demonstrating specific EEG changes through neurofeedback training in children with ADHD.

Neurofeedback for children with ADHD: a comparison of SCP and Theta/Beta protocols

Leins U, Goth G, Hinterberger T, Klinger C, Rumpf N, Strehl U · Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2007

Comparison of two neurofeedback protocols (SCP vs. Theta/Beta) in children with ADHD.

Electroencephalographic biofeedback in the treatment of ADHD

Monastra VJ, Lynn S, Linden M, Lubar JF, Gruzelier J, LaVaque TJ · Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2005;30(2):95–114

Comprehensive review of EEG biofeedback for ADHD.

Neurofeedback: an alternative and efficacious treatment for ADHD

Fox DJ, Tharp DF, Fox LC · Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2005;30(4):365–373

Review: Neurofeedback as an alternative and efficacious ADHD treatment.

Neurofeedback treatment of children with ADHD

Pop-Jordanova N, Markovska-Simoska S, Zorcec T · Prilozi. 2005;26(1):71–80

Neurofeedback treatment for children with ADHD.

Neurofeedback Treatment for ADHD in Children: A Comparison with Methylphenidate

Fuchs T · Dissertation, 1999

Dissertation: Comparison of neurofeedback and methylphenidate in children with ADHD.

Epilepsy

Double-Blind RCT

Neurofeedback impacts cognition and quality of life in pediatric focal epilepsy

Morales-Quezada L, Martinez D, El-Hagrassy MM et al. · Epilepsy & Behavior · 2019 · DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106570

First double-blind, sham-controlled RCT of neurofeedback for pediatric focal epilepsy (n=44): SMR training reduced seizure frequency by 34.7% and significantly improved cognitive reaction times.

Meta-analysis of EEG biofeedback in treating epilepsy

Tan G, Thornby J, Hammond DC, Strehl U et al. · Clin EEG Neurosci. 2009;40(3):173–179

Meta-analysis: EEG biofeedback in the treatment of epilepsy.

Foundation and practice of neurofeedback for the treatment of epilepsy

Sterman MB, Egner T · Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2006;31(1):21–35

Foundation and practice of neurofeedback for the treatment of epilepsy.

Neurofeedback treatment of epilepsy: from basic rationale to practical application

Egner T, Sterman MB · Expert Rev Neurother. 2006;6(2):247–257

From theory to practice: Neurofeedback treatment of epilepsy.

Neurofeedback treatment of epilepsy

Walker JE, Kozlowski GP · Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2005;14(1):163–176

Review: Neurofeedback treatment of epilepsy.

Tinnitus

RCT

Functional MRI Neurofeedback Outperforms Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Reducing Tinnitus Distress

Gninenko N, Trznadel S, Daskalou D et al. · Radiology · 2024 · DOI: 10.1148/radiol.231143

In this RCT, real-time fMRI neurofeedback led to a THI improvement of −28 points versus −12 points under CBT at 6 months (p=0.005), with additional improvements in sleep, anxiety, and depression.

RCT

Does it matter what is trained? A randomized controlled trial evaluating alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback in tinnitus

Jensen M, Garcia Alanis JC, Huttenrauch E et al. · Brain Communications · 2023 · DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad185

Three-arm RCT (n=94): Alpha/delta neurofeedback significantly reduced tinnitus intensity compared to a minimal intervention condition.

Neurofeedback in therapy of tinnitus

Gosepath K, Nafe B, Ziegler E, Mann WJ · HNO. 2001;49(1):29–35

Application of neurofeedback in tinnitus therapy.

Neurofeedback-based EEG alpha and beta training: effectiveness in chronic tinnitus

Schenk S, Lamm K, Gundel H, Ladwig KH · HNO. 2005;53(1):29–37

Alpha and beta neurofeedback training for chronic tinnitus.

Stroke

RCT

EEG-fMRI neurofeedback versus motor imagery after stroke, a randomized controlled trial

Butet S, Fleury M, Duche Q et al. · J NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation · 2025 · DOI: 10.1186/s12984-025-01598-9

First RCT using simultaneous EEG-fMRI neurofeedback in chronic stroke patients (n=30): The neurofeedback group significantly improved the upper extremity Fugl-Meyer score (p=0.003).

Neurotherapy for stroke rehabilitation: a single case study

Rozelle GR, Budzynski TH · Biofeedback Self Regul. 1995;20(3):211–228

Case study: Neurotherapy for stroke rehabilitation.

Effect of neurofeedback on motor recovery of a patient with brain injury

Wing K · Top Stroke Rehabil. 2001;8(3):45–53

Effect of neurofeedback on motor recovery after brain injury.

Anxiety Disorders and Depression

Meta-Analysis

Uncovering the power of neurofeedback: a meta-analysis of its effectiveness in treating major depressive disorders

Xia Z, Yang PY, Chen SL, Zhou HY, Yan C · Cerebral Cortex · 2024 · DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae252

Meta-analysis of 22 studies on major depressive disorder: Moderate to large effects on depressive symptoms (Hedges’ g = −0.60), neurophysiological parameters (g = −0.73), and cognitive functions (g = −0.42).

Meta-Analysis

A meta-analysis of neurofeedback for treating anxiety-spectrum disorders

Russo GM, Balkin RS, Lenz AS · J Counseling & Development · 2022;100(3):236–251

Meta-analysis of 26 studies: Reduction of anxiety symptoms by nearly one standard deviation (Hedges’ g = −0.87) – neurofeedback as an effective treatment for anxiety disorders.

Neurofeedback with anxiety and affective disorders

Hammond DC · Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2005;14(1):105–123

Review of neurofeedback for anxiety and affective disorders.

Alpha-theta brainwave neurofeedback training: an effective treatment for alcoholics with depressive symptoms

Saxby E, Peniston EG · J Clin Psychol. 1995;51(5):685–693

Alpha-theta neurofeedback for alcoholism with depressive symptoms.

Sleep Disorders

Pilot RCT

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Neurofeedback and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Patients

Kwan Y, Yoon S, Suh S, Choi S · Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback · 2022;47:95–106 · DOI: 10.1007/s10484-022-09534-6

Pilot RCT: Neurofeedback (beta reduction, alpha/theta enhancement) reduced cortical hyperarousal in insomnia patients and improved ISI and PSQI scores comparably to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I).

RCT

Effects of Neurofeedback on Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Wu YL, Fang SC, Chen SC, Tai CJ, Tsai PS · Pain Management Nursing · 2021;22(6):755–763 · DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2021.01.004

RCT (n=80): An 8-week SMR/alpha neurofeedback training significantly improved sleep onset latency and sleep quality in fibromyalgia patients compared to the control group.

Further Resources

Studies Using Mindfield Products

14 publications in which our eSense sensors and MindMaster devices were used – from PTSD research to HRV studies.

Go to Studies Hub →