J Korean Med Sci.  2024 Mar;39(9):e94. 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e94.

Modest Effects of NeurofeedbackAssisted Meditation Using a Wearable Device on Stress Reduction: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Controlled Study

• Lee E
• Hong JK
• Choi H
• Yoon IY

• KMID: 2553339
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e94

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.

Keyword

Meditation; Neurofeedback; Stress Reduction; Wearable Device

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 MAVE® device and Neurofeedback protocol using MAVE® device and mobile application. (A) MAVE® device consists of a headband with 2 channels of EEG sensor and one channel of PPG sensor. (B) A 2-min resting EEG measurement was performed prior to meditation to determine baseline EEG. The relative power of the target frequency bands (alpha, theta, and high beta bands) was determined. Based on the baseline value, it was set to reach the threshold when all formulas were simultaneously satisfied in the alpha, theta, and high beta bands.EEG = electroencephalography, PPG = photoplethysmography.

• 

  Fig. 2 Flow chart showing the selection of study participants.Experimental group: neurofeedback-assisted meditation group; Control group: neurofeedback non-assisted meditation group.

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