Comparing focused attention meditation to meditation with mobile neurofeedback for persistent symptoms after mild-moderate traumatic brain injury: a pilot study

A pilot randomized clinical trial compared mobile neurofeedback (mNF) meditation with traditional focused attention (FA) meditation for managing chronic symptoms after mild-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants practiced either FA (n = 10) or mNF (n = 10) meditation 12 minutes daily for 6 weeks. No significant between-group differences were found on the primary outcome (Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory) or secondary measures. In an exploratory analysis combining both groups, meditation was associated with significant improvements on symptom, anxiety, and depression scales. The authors conclude that meditating with neurofeedback does not appear to provide an advantage over meditating on one's own for chronic post-TBI symptoms.

Study at a glance

Abstract

ABSTRACT Primary Objective This study evaluated whether a meditation practice incorporating mobile neurofeedback (mNF) offers any advantage over a more traditional form of focused attention (FA) meditation in managing persistent symptoms after traumatic brain injury (TBI) (clinicaltrials.gov NCT02615535). Research Design Pilot randomized clinical trial, exploring feasibility of mNF in TBI. Methods and Procedures Participants included adults with chronic mood and/or cognitive complaints following mild-moderate TBI. Subjects practiced either FA (n = 10) or mNF (n = 10) meditation 12 minutes daily for 6 weeks. Pre-post intervention difference on the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) was the primary outcome variable. Secondary outcomes included the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), amongst other scales and neurocognitive tests. Main Outcomes and Results No significant pre-post between-group differences were found on the NSI (p = .838) nor other assessments. In an exploratory analysis combining FA and mNF data, meditation was associated with significant improvements on the NSI (p = .04), BAI (p = .012) and BDI (p = .037). Conclusions Meditating with neurofeedback does not appear to provide an advantage over meditating on one’s own for chronic post-TBI symptoms. Further research on home-based meditation following TBI, whether self-directed or technologically facilitated, is warranted.