The Effect of Infra Low Frequency Neurofeedback on Improving Shifting Attention in High-Functioning Autistic Children

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. candidate in Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the effect of Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) neurofeedback on shifting attention in children with high-functioning autism (HFA), assessed using the Shifting Attention Task (SAT).

Method: A true experimental pretest-posttest design was conducted with 8 boys aged 4–8, selected via convenience sampling from Tehran Autism Center. The SAT was administered across four stages: two pretests, a posttest, and follow-up, following a one-month acclimatization period. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni tests.

Results: ILF neurofeedback significantly improved SAT performance (p < 0.01), with effects remaining stable at follow-up (effect size = 0.95).

Conclusion: ILF neurofeedback may effectively improve attentional shifting in children with HFA. Larger sample studies are needed to confirm the findings and assess real-world applicability.

Keywords

Main Subjects


Ahghar Bazargan, G., & Sajjadian, I. (2023). The Effectiveness of Emotion Efficacy Therapy on Psychological Hardiness and Parental Burnout among Mothers with Autistic Children. Quarterly of Applied Psychology, 17 (4):81-104. (Link)
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Ed, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association. (Link)
Aslankhani, MA., Nejati, V., Asari Jami, S. (2013). Interference of two attentional tasks with balance performan. J Res Rehabil Sci, 9(2): 197-208. (Link)
Bazi Boroon, B., Agdai, M., & Farsi, A. (2023). The effect of neurofeedback and aerobic exercises on depression symptoms and cognitive functions in male students. Motor Behavior Journal. (Link)
Bazzana, F., Finzi, S., Di Fini, G & Veglia, F. (2022). Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review. Front. Hum. Neurosci, 16:920659. (Link)
Birbaumer, N., Ruiz, S., Sitaram, R. (2013). Learned Regulation of Brain Metabolism. Trends Cogn Sci, 17(6): pp. 295-302. (Link)
Canas, J., Quesada, J., Antolí, A., & Fajardo, I. (2003). Cognitive flexibility and adaptability to environmental changes in dynamic complex problem-solving tasks. Ergonomics. 46(5):482-501.(Link)
Carlson, J & Webster, G. (2021). Neurofeedback Impact on Chronic Headache, Sleep, and Attention Disorders Experienced by Veterans with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study. Biofeedback, Volume 49, Issue 1, pp. 2–9.(Link)
Chen, C. P., Gau, S. S. F., & Lee, C. C. (2019). Toward differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder using multimodal behavior descriptors and executive functions. Computer Speech & Language, 56(12), 17-35.(Link)
Coben, R., Linden, M., Myers, TE. (2010). Neurofeedback for autistic spectrum disorder: a review of the literature. Applied Psychophysiol Biofeedback, 35: 83-105.(Link)
Cognitive Neuroscience Research Center, 2019. (Link)
Corominas roso, I., Ibern, M., Capdevila, R., Ramon, C., Roncero, &. Ramos-Quiroga, J. A.  (2020).  Benefits of EEGNeurofeedback on the Modulation of Impulsivity in a Sample of Cocaine and Heroin Long-Term Abstinent Inmates: A Pilot StudyInternational Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminolog, 1–24.(Link)
Dana, a., Shams, a. (2020). The Effectiveness of Cognitive Brain Rehabilitation Interventions on Executive Functions in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit. Neuropsychology, 5(3), 131-140. (Link)
Eauregard, M., Lévesque, J. (2006). Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Investigation of the Effects of Neurofeedback Training on the Neural Bases of Selective Attention and Response Inhibition in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback, 31, 3–20.(Link)
Ghamari givi, H., Narimani, M., & Rabiee, J. (2009). Comparison of executive functions among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disability and normal children. Research articles. J ment health., 3: 22-33. (Link)
Grin-Yatsenko, V. A., Othmer, S., Ponomarev, V. A., Evdokimov, S. A., Konoplev, Y. Y., & Kropotov, J. D. (2018). Infra-low frequency neurofeedback in depression: Three case studies. NeuroRegulation, 5(1), 30–42.(Link)
Gruzelier, J. H. (2014). EEG-neurofeedback for optimising performance. I: A review of cognitive and affective outcome in healthy participants. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 44, 124-141. (Link)
Hsiao, YJ. (2016). Pathways to mental health-related quality of life for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: roles of parental stress, children’s performance, medical support, and neighbor support. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 23:122– 30.(Link)
Hammond, DC. (2007). What is neurofeedback? J neurofeedback: 10(4):25-36. (Link)
International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems: (2013). Tenth Revision. World Health Organization. (Link)
Isaei, M., Barzegar, M., Nami, M., & Bordideh, M. R. (2024). The effectiveness of neurofeedback-based treatment on brain networks of elementary school children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. New Approach to Educating Children, 6(4). (Link)
Kirk, H. (2015). Restoring the Brain: Neurofeedback as an Integrative Approach to Health. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group.(Link)
Kouijzer, MEJ., de Moor, JMH., Gerrits, BJL., Buitelaar, JK., & van Schie, HT. (2009). Long-term effects of neurofeedback treatment in autism. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders;3(2):496-501. (Link)
Kouijzer, M. M. E. J., de Moor, J. J. M. H., Gerrits, B. B. J. L., Congedo, M., & van Schie, H. H. T. (2009). Neurofeedback improves executive functioning in children with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 3(1), 145-162. (Link)
Kropotov, J. D., Grin-Yatsenko, V. A., Ponomarev, V. A., Chutko, L. S., Yakovenko, E. A., & Nikishena, I. S. (2007). Changes in EEG spectrograms, event-related potentials and event-related desynchronization induced by relative beta training in ADHD children. Journal of Neurotherapy, 11, 3–11.(Link)
Legarda, S. B., McMahon, D., Othmer, S., & Othmer, S. (2011). Clinical neurofeedback: case studies, proposed mechanism, and implications for pediatric neurology practice. J. Child Neurol. 26, 1045. (Link)
Marshall, L., Mölle, M., Fehm, HL., & Born J. (2000). Changes in direct current (DC) potentials and infra-slow EEG oscillations at the onset of the luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse. Eur J Neurosci 12: 3935–3943. (Link)
Miyake, A., Friedman, N. P., Emerson, M. J., Witzki, A. H., & Howerter, A. (2000). The unity and diversity of executive functions and their contributions to complex "frontal lobe" tasks: A latent variable approach. Cognitive Psychology, 41(1), 49-100. (Link)
Moin, N., Asadi Gandomani, R., Amin, M. (2018). The Effect of Neurofeedback on Improving Executive Functions in Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of rehabilition.(Link)
Monastra, V. J; Monastra, D. M & George, S. (2002). The effects of stimulant therapy, EEG biofeedback, and parenting style on the primary symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback, 27(4), 231-49. (Link)
Nejati, V. (2021). Evaluation of the Validity of a Set of Executive Functions’ Tests in a Sample of Iranian Children. Quarterly of Applied Psychology, 15(4):233-257. (Link)
Nejati, V., Ezadi S. (2011). Comparison of executive functions of high-functioning autistic children and normal counterparts. Research in Rehabilitation Sciences. 8(1), 29-39. (Link)
Norouzian, M., Nejati, V., Bagheri F. (2022). Investigation of the evolution of attention-related abilities in preschool and primary school children with normal development. Advances in Cognitive Sciences. 24 (3) :30-40. (Link)
Nozari, M., Nejati, V., & Mirzaeyan, B. (2020). Effectiveness of Transcranial direct current stimulation on executive functions and amelioration of symptoms of individuals with Major Depression Disorder. Quarterly of Applied Psychology, 13(4): 577-599. (Link)
Othmer, S. and I. (2013). Eeg Info, Protocol guide for neurofeedback clinicians: clinicians: optimizing assessment and training with infra-low frequenzy HD and alpha-theta neurofeedback. (Link)
Othmer, S., Othmer, F., David, A, & Putman, J. (2013). Endogenous Neuromodulation at Infralow Frequencies. (Link)
Othmer, S., Othmer, S., & Legarda, S. B. (2011). Clinical neurofeedback: Training brain behavior. Treatment Strategies. Pediatric Neurology and Psychiatry, 2(1), 67–73.(Link)
Othmer S., & Othmer, S. F. (2020). Toward a theory of infra-low frequency neurofeedback. In H. W. Kirk (Ed.), Restoring the brain: Neurofeedback as an integrative approach to health (2nd ed., pp. 56–86).( Link)
Othmer, S., Othmer, S.F., Kaiser D. & Putman, J. (2013). Endogenous Neuromodulation at Infra-Low Frequencies. Seminars in Paediatric Neurology, 20(4), 246-257.(Link)
Park HR, Lee JM, Moon HE, Lee DS, Kim B-N, Kim J, et al. A short review on the current understanding of autism spectrum disorders. Experimental neurobiology. 2016; 25(1): 1-13. (Link)
Perreau-Linck, E., Lessard, N., Lévesque, J & Beauregard, M. (2010). Effects of Neurofeedback Training on Inhibitory Capacities in ADHD Children: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study, Journal of Neurotherapy: Investigations in Neuromodulation, Neurofeedback and Applied Neuroscience, 14:3, 229-242.(Link)
Pineda, J. A., Carrasco, K., Datko, M., Pillen, S., & Schalles, M. (2014). Neurofeedback training produces normalization in behavioural and electrophysiological measures of high-functioning autism. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 369(1644), 20130183. (Link)
Pouretemad H, Shiri E. Improvement of executive function in children with autism through Home Playtime Program. koomesh. 2021;23(1): e153243. (Link)
Pouretemad, H., Shiri, E. (2020). Improvement of executive function in children with autism through Home Playtime Program.(Link)
Rauter, A., Schneider, H & Prinz, W. (2022). Effectivity of ILF Neurofeedback on Autism Spectrum Disorder—A Case Study. Front. Hum. Neurosci, 16:89-96. (Link)
Rezaei, Sh., Mojtabaei, M., & Shomali Oskoei, A. (2023). Comparison of the Effectiveness of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy and Schema Therapy on Depression, Anxiety in Mothers with Autistic Children. Appl. Psychol, 17 (4):143-168. (Link)
Sadeghi, S., Pouretemad, H. R. (2022) Cognitive predictors of behavioral inflexibility in young children with autism spectrum disorder symptoms. Advances in Cognitive Sciences, 23 (4) :117-129. (Link)
Sadeghi, S., Pouretemad, H. R., Khosrowabadi, R., Fathabadi, J., & Nikbakht, S. (2019). Parent–child interaction effects on autism symptoms and EEG relative power in young children with excessive screen-time. Early Child Development and Care, 1-10. (Link)
Sadeghi, S., Naeinipour, N., Nazari, MA., Alizade Zarei, M., Kamali, M. (2013). The effect of neurofeedback training on balance performance and attention shifting in children with reading disorder. J Res Rehabil Sci, 9(2): 185-96.(Link)
Schneider, H., Riederle, J., Seuss, S. (2021). Brain-Computer Interface, Therapeutic Effect of Infra-Low-Frequency Neurofeedback Training on Children and Adolescents with ADHD.(Link)
Scott, William. A. (1962). "Cognitive complexity and cognitive flexibility". Sociometry, 25 (4): 405–414.(Link).
Seed Ahmadi, S. (2013). The efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in improving response inhibition and working memory in children with ADHD.(Link)
Selsapour, M., Hamounpeyma, E., Pirkhaefi, A. (2013). The effect of Neurofeedback therapy sessions on female elementary students with attention deficit and hyperactivity in elememtary students of varamin city. Navid No, 60, 33-24. (Link)
Sokhadze, E. M., El-Baz, A. S., Tasman, A., Sears, L. L., Wang, Y., Lamina, E. V., & Casanova, M. F. (2014). Neuromodulation integrating rTMS and neurofeedback for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder: An exploratory study. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 39(3-4), 237-257. (Link)
Wing, L., Gould, J., & Gillberg, C. (2011). "Autism spectrum disorders in the DSM-V: better or worse than the DSM-IV?". Research in Developmental Disabilities. 32 (2). (Link)
Yerkes, R. M., & Dodson, J. D. (1908). The relation of strength of stimulus to rapidity of habit-formation. Journal of Comparative Neurology and Psychology, 18, 459-482. (Link)
Zwaigenbaum, L., Bryson, S., Lord, C., Rogers, S., Carter, A., Carver, L., et al. (2009). "Clinical assessment and management of toddlers with suspected autism spectrum disorder: insights from studies of high-risk infants"Pediatrics. 123 (5): 1383–91. (Link)