Using neurofeedback and mindfulness to reduce stress symptoms
Combining Novel Bio-Neurofeedback Techniques With Mindfulness-Based Interventions to Reduce Symptoms of Mental Distress
This study is testing if combining neurofeedback training with mindfulness techniques can help healthy adults feel less stressed.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | KU Leuven Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leuven, Vlaams Brabant) |
| Trial ID | NCT06208787 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of neurofeedback training combined with mindfulness techniques to help reduce symptoms of stress in healthy adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving neurofeedback training or a control group receiving sham training. The intervention consists of 10 training sessions over five weeks, where participants will engage in self-report mood assessments and neural recordings while focusing on specific body points. The study aims to explore how cross-frequency interactions in brainwaves can enhance meditative practices for better stress regulation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults who experience mild to severe stress symptoms and have no prior substantial experience with meditation.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of psychotropic medication usage in the past six months or significant experience in meditative practices may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel method for individuals to manage and reduce their stress symptoms effectively.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using neurofeedback for stress reduction, but this specific approach focusing on cross-frequency interactions is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Provided written informed consent; * Dutch or English speaking; * Experience mild to severe stress symptoms (as measured by a score between 15 and 33 on the Stress Subscale of the DASS-21). Exclusion Criteria: * History of psychotropic medication usage in the past six months; * Substantial experience with meditative practices (including but not limited to mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, or other similar practices) by meeting any of the following criteria: 1. Participant has participated in a multi-day meditation retreat or program during the past year; 2. Participant engages in meditative practices on a weekly basis or more frequently, for at least six consecutive weeks, within six month prior to the study.
Where this trial is running
Leuven, Vlaams Brabant
- KU Leuven — Leuven, Vlaams Brabant, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kaat Alaerts, PhD — KU Leuven
- Study coordinator: Kaat Alaerts, PhD
- Email: kaat.alaerts@kuleuven.be
- Phone: 016 37 64 46
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.