Modest Effects of NeurofeedbackAssisted Meditation Using a Wearable Device on Stress Reduction: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Controlled Study
- Author:
Eunyoung LEE
1
;
Jung Kyung HONG
;
Hayun CHOI
;
In-Young YOON
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science 2024;39(9):e94-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of a neurofeedback wearable device for stress reduction.
Methods:A randomized, double-blind, controlled study was designed. Participants had psychological stress with depression or sleep disturbances. They practiced either neurofeedback-assisted meditation (n = 20; female, 15 [75.0%]; age, 49.40 ± 11.76 years) or neurofeedback non-assisted meditation (n = 18; female, 11 [61.1%]; age, 48.67 ± 12.90 years) for 12 minutes twice a day for two weeks. Outcome variables were self-reported questionnaires, including the Korean version of the Perceived Stress Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and State Trait Anxiety Index, quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), and blood tests. Satisfaction with device use was measured at the final visit.
Results:The experimental group had a significant change in PSS score after two weeks of intervention compared with the control group (6.45 ± 0.95 vs. 3.00 ± 5.54, P = 0.037). State anxiety tended to have a greater effect in the experimental group than in the control group (P = 0.078). Depressive mood and sleep also improved in each group, with no significant difference between the two groups. There were no significant differences in stress-related physiological parameters, such as stress hormones or qEEG, between the two groups.Subjective device satisfaction was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P = 0.008).
Conclusion:Neurofeedback-assisted meditation using a wearable device can help improve subjective stress reduction compared with non-assisted meditation. These results support neurofeedback as an effective adjunct to meditation for relieving stress.
