Neurofeedback for Children with ADHD: A Comparison of SCP and Theta/Beta Protocols
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Study at a glance
- Area
- ADHD & Attention
- Study type
- Controlled study
- Authors
- Leins U, Goth G, Hinterberger T, Klinger C, Rumpf N, Strehl U
- Journal
- Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
- Year
- 2007
- Participants
- 38 children with ADHD (19 per group, ages 8-13)
- Population
- Children
- Protocol
- slow cortical potential versus theta/beta neurofeedback
- Sessions
- 30 sessions (three phases of 10)
Key findings
- Both groups showed intentional control of cortical activity
- Attention and IQ improved in both groups
- Parents and teachers reported significant behavioral and cognitive gains
- Effects remained stable at six-month follow-up, with no difference between protocols
A comparison of two neurofeedback approaches for children with ADHD: training slow cortical potentials (SCPs) and training to reduce theta (4-8 Hz) while increasing beta (12-20 Hz). Nineteen children aged 8 to 13 were in each group, blind to their assignment, and each completed three 10-session phases. Both groups learned to regulate their brain activity and improved in attention, IQ, and parent- and teacher-rated behavior, with gains holding six months later. The two approaches did not differ in outcome.