None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Stress is a ubiquitous concern for people however it may be more prevalent in firefighters who routinely face arduous working conditions. Chronic stress has been shown to have detrimental effects on mental health and the ability to self-regulate mood and behaviour. Neurofeedback (NFB) is a brain-computer interface biofeedback intervention. The objective was to investigate whether NFB could substantially alter self-regulation capacity positively to improve self reported symptoms of stress. There were three hypotheses proposed including, H1: firefighters in the experimental group would show improved scores on self-report measures pre and post intervention. H2: firefighters in the experimental group would maintain these changes at long term follow up. H3: firefighters in the control group would show no change from baseline to follow up. Neurofeedback training involves watching a computer display to use mental activity to control brain waves of interest. The display and sound changes, in real time, as changes in participants’ brainwaves occurs. The feedback allows for the participants learn to regulate their mental activity. If the mental activity successfully changes the brainwaves in the desired direction to reduce stress and produce calming, participants are rewarded with points. With practice, consistent with how learning occurs participants can improve their response to stress.
Interventions
Neurofeedback training trial to explore efficacy in stress management. Conducted by PhD candidate (psychologist minimum 20 years experience in neurofeedback) in a face-to-face setting in clinical practice. Participants attended between 5-10 training sessions lasting approximately 45minutes duration.
Aims: to explore the efficacy of neurofeedback in assisting with stress management to improve self-reported stress symptoms.
Participants:
Consist of an intervention group who will engage with neu
Neurofeedback training trial to explore efficacy in stress management. Conducted by PhD candidate (psychologist minimum 20 years experience in neurofeedback) in a face-to-face setting in clinical practice. Participants attended between 5-10 training sessions lasting approximately 45minutes duration. Aims: to explore the efficacy of neurofeedback in assisting with stress management to improve self-reported stress symptoms. Participants: Consist of an intervention group who will engage with neurofeedback and a control group that does not have the intervention. Control group participants may cross to the intervention at their request after completing follow up measures. Procedure: Consent to participate in an information session. Information session to ensure prospective participants are fully informed on procedures and conduct of the trial. Consent to participate in trial. Baseline self-report questionnaires administered. Attendance at 6-10 training sessions for stress reduction with attendance occurring weekly. Sessions of training conclude when the participant self reports feeling well on a regular basis and not reporting any further changes and that amplitudes remain consistent at each session. A participant may withdraw from the study at any time. EEG sensors placed at C3 & C4 as active sites with linked ear references. Ground at hairline of the forehead. Equipment: EEGer neurofeedback software (v4.04) manufactured by EEG Spectrum International Inc. Spectrum-2 amplifier manufactured by JJ Engineering, USA. Participants will be asked to sit relaxed on a chair with back support and watch a screen displaying their brain waves; The system delivers sound feedback (reward) each time the participant’s real-time brain activity at the targeted region meets the desired threshold of increasing the amplitude of 12-15Hz. Session attendance and verbal feedback from the participant is recorded on a case report form. Self-report questionnaires are administered at the conclusion of the intervention. Self-report questionnaires are administered at a minimum of three months follow up.
Sponsors
Queensland University of Technology
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Operational career Firefighters
Exclusion criteria
Currently not working, diagnosed mental health condition, head injury, DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis, unstable medical condition, suicide risk or ideation, history of seizures, and current substance abuse. Unstable medical condition was any medical condition that was in the early stages of investigation or management. For example, an unresolved orthopaedic concern and the use of pain medications; the early stages of controlling blood sugar (pre-diabetic) where stability was still to be assessed or where a condition was not considered stable and well controlled (pre-hypertension). The rationale for this exclusion is that any alterations to mood, energy or fatigue for example may be attributable to the stabilisation of the medical condition rather than the influence of the intervention.
Outcome results
None listed