Study Profile
| Authors | Vollmann H., Hübner-Kosney A., Schroeter M.L., Fritz T.H., Classen J., Saur D. |
| Institution | University of Leipzig, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences |
| Journal | Klinische Neurophysiologie (Thieme) |
| Year | 2013 |
| DOI | 10.1055/s-0033-1337241 |
| Product | MindMaster EEG |
| Design | Pilot study |
| Participants | Patients with early idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) |
What was investigated?
Researchers at the University of Leipzig and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences investigated whether EEG neurofeedback can improve alpha activity in patients with early Parkinson’s disease. It is well established that Parkinson’s patients exhibit slowed and reduced alpha activity in the EEG. The researchers tested whether targeted training of the individual peak alpha frequency (PAF) could correct these deficits.
Methods
In this pilot study, patients with early idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) underwent EEG neurofeedback training. The training protocol focused on increasing the individual peak alpha frequency (PAF), a marker for cognitive processing speed:
- Training parameters: Individualized alpha frequency training (PAF)
- Target: Increase alpha amplitude and frequency
- EEG recording: Standard electrode positions following the 10-20 system
Mindfield product in this study
The researchers used the “MindMaster EEG, Fa. Mindfield, Berlin” (as cited in the paper) for EEG recording and neurofeedback training. The MindMaster is a professional EEG amplifier designed for clinical and scientific neurofeedback. This is the only published study using the MindMaster EEG in a clinical research context.
Results
Alpha activity: PAF training led to an increase in alpha amplitude and frequency of approximately 30%. Patients were able to measurably increase their individual peak alpha frequency through the training.
Cognitive effects: The changes in alpha activity were associated with individual training performance. Since alpha slowing in Parkinson’s correlates with cognitive deficits, the results suggest a therapeutic potential of neurofeedback for Parkinson’s-associated cognitive impairment.
Significance
This pilot study is noteworthy for several reasons:
- First MindMaster study: It is the only published study using the Mindfield MindMaster EEG in a scientific research context
- Prestigious institution: The study was conducted at the University of Leipzig in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute
- Neurofeedback for Parkinson’s: It demonstrates that EEG neurofeedback can measurably improve alpha deficits in early Parkinson’s disease
- Clinical relevance: With an aging population and increasing Parkinson’s prevalence, non-pharmacological interventions are gaining importance
Publication in the journal Klinische Neurophysiologie (Thieme Verlag) underscores the scientific quality of the work in the German-language neurophysiological field.
Original publication in Klinische Neurophysiologie: