Biofeedback-based self-alert training reduces alpha activity and stabilizes accuracy in the Sustained Attention to Response Task

Abstract

Objective: Deficits in sustaining attention are common in various organic brain diseases. A recent study proposed self-alert training (SAT) as a technique to improve sustained attention. In the SAT, individuals learn to gain volitional control over their own state of arousal by means of electrodermal biofeedback. Method: In this study, we investigated the behavioral, electrodermal, and electroencephalogram correlates of the SAT with a blinded, randomized, and active-controlled pre–post study design. Sustained attention capacity was assessed with the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). Results: The SAT resulted in strong phasic increases in skin conductance response (SCR), but endogenous control of SCR without feedback was problematic. Electroencephalogram analysis revealed stronger alpha reduction during SART for the SAT than for the control group. Behaviorally, the SAT group performed more accurately and more slowly after intervention than the control group. Conclusion: The study provides further evidence that SAT helps to maintain SART accuracy over prolonged periods of time. Whether this accuracy is more related to sustained attention or response inhibition is discussed.

Keywords:

• Self-alert training
• Biofeedback
• Sustained Attention to Response Task
• Electrodermal activity
• Electroencephalogram

The research was conducted at the Neuropsychology lab, Department of Psychology School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Oldenburg, Germany.

We acknowledge the support of Maarten De Vos, Jeremy D. Thorne, and Janani Dhinakaran.

C.K. was supported by the German Research Foundation [grant number KR 3433/2-1].