Neurofeedback intervention to improve cognitive control in emotional overeating

fNIRS-based Neurofeedback Intervention for Cognitive Control Improvement in Emotional Overeating

Not applicable Interventional Rennes University Hospital · NCT05200182

This study is testing whether a brain training program can help people who eat too much when they're emotional learn to control their eating better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorRennes University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rennes)
Trial IDNCT05200182 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to provide neurofeedback aimed at improving cognitive control in individuals who experience emotional overeating. Participants will receive real-time feedback on their brain activity, allowing them to learn how to modify this activity to better manage their eating behaviors. The study will include both active neurofeedback and sham neurofeedback sessions, along with assessments of oral microbiota and questionnaires. The goal is to explore the efficacy of fNIRS-based neurofeedback as a tool for addressing hyperphagia and related eating disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 50 with a normal body mass index who are right-handed and fluent in French.

Not a fit: Patients with certain medical implants or conditions that prevent participation in neuroimaging techniques may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could help patients better manage emotional eating and reduce the risk of developing eating disorders and related health issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using neurofeedback techniques have shown promising results, suggesting potential efficacy for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility

Study A :

* Minimum age : 18 Years
* Maximum Age : 50 Years
* Sex : women or men

Inclusion Criteria :

* Normal Body Mass Index (18.5-25),
* Right-handlers
* Affiliated to a social security scheme
* Having given a free, informed and written consent

Exclusion Criteria :

Related to the study - Insufficient command of French

Related to Magnetic Resonance Imagine

* Implantable cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator;
* Neurosurgical clips;
* Cochlear implants;
* Neural or peripheral stimulator;
* Foreign orbital or brain metallic foreign bodies;
* Endoprostheses implanted for less than 4 weeks and osteosynthesis materials placed for less than 6 weeks;
* Claustrophobia. Related to near infra Red spectroscopy
* Hairs that do not allow proper near infra Red spectroscopy measurement upon ligh blockage

Study B

* Minimum age : 18 Years
* Maximum Age : 25 Years
* Sex : women

Inclusion Criteria :

* Normal BMI (18.5-25),
* Right-handlers
* Affiliated to a social security scheme
* Having given a free, informed and written consent
* Based on emotional overeating questionary : having emotional overeating episodes \> 6 days in a month for at least one negative emotion

Exclusion Criteria :

Related to the study

* Insufficient command of French
* Excessive consumption of alcohol or other psychoactive substances (determined on the basis of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test questionnaires - excluded if score \> 12 and "Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble" questionnaire - excluded if score\> 1 " yes ")
* Eating disorders ("sick, control, one stone, fat, food" questionnaire \>2)
* Food addiction (Yale Food Addiction Score 2.0, score \>2
* With psychoactive treatment
* Digestive or gastric disorders

Related to magnetic resonance imaging

* Implantable cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator;
* Neurosurgical clips;
* Cochlear implants;
* Neural or peripheral stimulator;
* Foreign orbital or brain metallic foreign bodies;
* Endoprostheses implanted for less than 4 weeks and osteosynthesis materials placed for less than 6 weeks;
* Claustrophobia.

Related to near infraRed spectroscopy

- Hairs that do not allow proper near infraRed spectroscopy measurement upon ligh blockage

Where this trial is running

Rennes

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hyperphagiaemotional overeatingfunctional near infraRed spectroscopyneurofeedbackcognitive control
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.