Characteristics of electroencephalographic alpha rhythm parameters in cystic fibrosis patients: Perspectives of neurofeedback

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate electroencephalographic (EEG) alpha parameters that are specific for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and to focus on the perspectives of neurofeedback training in CF individuals. Methods: The data were obtained from experimental (13 CF patients) and control group (10 healthy students) in two sessions using BOSLAB neurofeedback equipment and additionally analyzed with WINEEG software program. Between the sessions, an alpha increasing neurofeedback session was applied. Individual Alpha Peak Frequency (IAPF) and Individual Alpha Bandwidth (IABW) were investigated. Standard personality assessment and statistical tests (Statistica 5) were used for final evaluation. Results: Significant difference (t = 3,154, p < 0.05) for IAPF between experimental (mean 9.07 Hz) and control group (mean 10.33 Hz) was measured in the initial EEG assessment. In addition, IAPF increased after one alpha neurofeedback session in both groups (in CF patients, t = 5,226, p < 0.05). The psychological assessment in adolescents with cystic fibrosis revealed neurotic profile, while the score for depression was below cut-off for manifested depression. Conclusion: These findings indicate the negative psycho-emotional impact of CF. Neurofeedback can be successfully used to support CF patient’s capacity for self-management. Further investigations are needed for confirmation of these results.