Mapping Protocols and Evidence on Combined EEG Neurofeedback and Meditation: A Systematic Review
NeuroRegulation June 29, 2026 Juan-Pablo Aristizabal, Vivian de Moura Dayrell, Alexandre Correia Pedra et al.
Combining meditation with EEG neurofeedback shows promise for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue while improving well-being, attention, and resilience. This systematic review of 45 studies found substantial variation in methods, with most being randomized clinical trials or within-subject designs. Focused attention and mindfulness meditations paired with auditory feedback were common; wearable devices appeared in 35 studies. Intervention sessions ranged from 1 to over 50, lasting 1.5 to 80 minutes. Neurophysiological changes included increased alpha and theta brainwave power. However, lack of standardized protocols, small sample sizes, and limited blinding weaken the evidence, highlighting the need for more rigorous research.