Key Takeaway
Multilevel meta-analysis found that cognitive training combined with neurofeedback (primarily NIRS-based) significantly improved episodic memory, long-term memory, and working memory in healthy adults across 3 studies with 166 participants.
Summary
This systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis examined whether combining cognitive training with neurofeedback (CTNF) improves cognitive function in healthy adults beyond cognitive training alone. The researchers searched PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE for intervention studies using this combined approach.
From an initial screening of 234 records, four studies met inclusion criteria — three using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and one using electroencephalography (EEG). The multilevel meta-analysis was conducted on the three NIRS studies, which included 166 participants with mean ages ranging from 21 to 66 years. The analysis revealed that CTNF had beneficial effects on episodic memory, long-term memory, and working memory domains.
Although the evidence base was limited to only three studies in the quantitative analysis, the results suggest that combining cognitive training with NIRS-based neurofeedback may enhance memory functioning in healthy adults, supporting the idea that real-time brain signal feedback can augment traditional cognitive training approaches.
Methods
Systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis of intervention studies combining cognitive training with neurofeedback in healthy adults. Four databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, MEDLINE). After screening 234 records, 4 studies met inclusion criteria. Multilevel meta-analysis was performed on 3 NIRS-based studies (166 participants, mean ages 21-66 years). Outcomes were assessed across cognitive domains including episodic memory, long-term memory, and working memory.
Key Results
The multilevel meta-analysis of three NIRS-based CTNF studies (166 participants) found significant beneficial effects on episodic memory, long-term memory, and working memory domains. The combined approach of cognitive training with neurofeedback showed improvements beyond what would be expected from cognitive training alone.
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Limitations
The meta-analysis included only 3 studies for quantitative synthesis, severely limiting statistical power and generalizability. The included studies used only NIRS-based neurofeedback, so findings may not extend to EEG-based approaches. Participant age ranges varied widely across studies. The small number of studies precluded meaningful moderator analyses or assessment of publication bias.