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Mechanism of BCI-Based Dual-Target Neurofeedback Training in Improving Cognitive Control Deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder
Sponsor: The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University
Summary
Addressing the three core issues in research on cognitive control deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)-unclear neural mechanisms, limited intervention targets, and poor patient compliance-this project innovatively constructs a pathological model of IGD characterized by "decline in social rewards → dysfunction of the dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex-Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (dACC-DLPFC) cognitive control circuit → abnormalities in the frontal midline theta rhythm (Fmθ)." The investigators have developed a dual-target intervention system that integrates neurofeedback with social reward substitution, transforming social rewards into therapeutic reinforcers to enhance the effectiveness of the intervention.
Official title: Mechanistic Study on Brain-Computer Interface-Based Dual-Target Neurofeedback Training Intervention for Cognitive Control Deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 35 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
120
Start Date
2026-01-01
Completion Date
2028-12-30
Last Updated
2026-09-28
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
"Activate Neural Circuits + Promote Social Rewards" Dual-target Neurofeedback Training
Using the MATLAB environment, the PsychToolbox add-on, and the integrated EEGLAB toolbox for real-time EEG signal processing, a neural feedback system was constructed to enable precise, targeted regulation of the dACC-DLPFC circuit. Target 1 (activating neural circuits to inhibit gaming behavior \[breaking old habits\]) and Target 2 (promoting social rewards to replace gaming behavior \[establishing new habits\])-this dual-target design forms a complete learning loop of "inhibiting impulses → obtaining healthy rewards," simulating the behavioral patterns of a healthy brain. A three-group between-subjects design was employed to isolate the unique effects of the "social reward" component; each session consisted of 30 minutes of neurofeedback training, four times a week, for four consecutive weeks. Dual-regulation group: Received comprehensive "neural circuit activation + promotion of social reward" dual neurofeedback training.
"Activate Only the Neural Circuits" Neurofeedback Training
1. Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. The 40 participants assigned to the single-modulation group will receive only "inhibitory" neurofeedback training targeting the dACC-DLPFC circuit (activating the neural circuit only, without promoting social reward). 2. Assessments will include standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, each administered once before and after the intervention. 3. During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions. 4. The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points: baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups.
Sham Feedback
1\. Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. The 40 participants assigned to the sham feedback group will follow the same task protocol but receive sham feedback unrelated to their own brain activity. 2. Assessments, including standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, will be conducted once before and once after the intervention.3. During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions. 4. The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points: baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups.
Locations (1)
Bengbu Medical University
Bengbu, China