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Combined Bio- and Neuro- Feedback vs. Varenicline Use for Smoking Cessation

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Smoking
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Asthma
Interventions
Other: Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Training
Other: Passive Control
Other: Sham Neurofeedback
Registration Number
NCT02991781
Lead Sponsor
Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki
Brief Summary

This study will develop and experimentally test the efficiency of a neurofeedback training protocol vs. varenicline use for smoking cessation.

Detailed Description

This study will develop and experimentally test the efficiency of a neurofeedback(NF) training protocol for smoking cessation. As non-pharmacological, non-invasive and painless brainwave technique, NF contributes to teach individuals how they can take the control of their mind through operant conditioning. NF regulates brain function in natural way. Studies have reported an 80% rate of reducing or eliminating the need for traditional medication14. Therefore, other nicotine substitutes (such as varenicline) which may carry their own toxicity risk factor may become redundant. The protocol will include 5 bio- and 25 Neuro-feedback sessions, lasting approximately 36 months.

The electrophysiological evaluation of the efficacy of the intervention will include EEG resting state and a multifeature Mismatch Negativity (MMN) evoked response measurements before and after the participation of human volunteers. These data will be analyzed in terms of cortical activation patterns and cortical connectivity. Questionnaires will be used to collect behavioral and psychometric data regarding smoking related behaviors. Additionally, a clinical evaluation including spirometry, exhaled carbon monoxide, total antioxidant capacity, vitamine E, and cotinine will be conducted. The data will be collected prior, during, after the completion of the study and after a one-year follow up.

The Neurofeedback intervention will be compared to a different group of participants that will follow an intervention based on varenicline use for approximately 3 months. The electrophysiological evaluation of the efficacy of the intervention will include EEG resting state and a sleep polysomnography measurement. Questionnaires and clinical evaluation include the same measurements as the neurofeedback intervention but only in 3 time points: prior, during, after the completion of the study.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
106
Inclusion Criteria
  • Being continuous tobacco smokers (>10 cigarettes per day) for at least 6 months
  • Being unemployed for at least 3 months
  • Being diagnosed with Asthma
  • Being diagnosed with C.O.P.D.
  • Age < 35, for the group of Young Unemployed
  • Age >35 years, for the groups of Asthma and C.O.P.D. patients
Exclusion Criteria
  • Diagnosed neurological, mental or psychiatric illness
  • Drug-resistance epilepsy

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Asthma PatientsVarenicline use for smoking cessationAsthma patients: Presence of 2 or more of symptoms of airflow obstruction (cough, wheezing, dyspnea). Airflow obstruction at least partially reversible demonstrated by spirometry with FEV1 increased by \>12% following b2 agonist inhalation) or evidence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness by metacholine provocation test (demonstrated by provocative concentration causing a 20% fall (PC20) \<8 mg or mannitol provocation test (with FEV1 decrease of 15%) Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Training Varenicline use for smoking cessation Passive Control
SmokersVarenicline use for smoking cessationSmokers will consist of a group of patients that are under the age of 35, unemployed and healthy according to a standard clinical evaluation. Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Training Varenicline use for smoking cessation Sham Neurofeedback Passive Control
COPD PatientsBiofeedback and Neurofeedback TrainingC.O.P.D. patients: Presence of a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) / forced vital capacity (FVC) \< 0.70 with symptoms as dyspnea, chronic cough, chronic sputum production Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Training Varenicline use for smoking cessation Passive Control
COPD PatientsPassive ControlC.O.P.D. patients: Presence of a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) / forced vital capacity (FVC) \< 0.70 with symptoms as dyspnea, chronic cough, chronic sputum production Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Training Varenicline use for smoking cessation Passive Control
Asthma PatientsBiofeedback and Neurofeedback TrainingAsthma patients: Presence of 2 or more of symptoms of airflow obstruction (cough, wheezing, dyspnea). Airflow obstruction at least partially reversible demonstrated by spirometry with FEV1 increased by \>12% following b2 agonist inhalation) or evidence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness by metacholine provocation test (demonstrated by provocative concentration causing a 20% fall (PC20) \<8 mg or mannitol provocation test (with FEV1 decrease of 15%) Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Training Varenicline use for smoking cessation Passive Control
SmokersSham NeurofeedbackSmokers will consist of a group of patients that are under the age of 35, unemployed and healthy according to a standard clinical evaluation. Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Training Varenicline use for smoking cessation Sham Neurofeedback Passive Control
COPD PatientsVarenicline use for smoking cessationC.O.P.D. patients: Presence of a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) / forced vital capacity (FVC) \< 0.70 with symptoms as dyspnea, chronic cough, chronic sputum production Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Training Varenicline use for smoking cessation Passive Control
SmokersBiofeedback and Neurofeedback TrainingSmokers will consist of a group of patients that are under the age of 35, unemployed and healthy according to a standard clinical evaluation. Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Training Varenicline use for smoking cessation Sham Neurofeedback Passive Control
SmokersPassive ControlSmokers will consist of a group of patients that are under the age of 35, unemployed and healthy according to a standard clinical evaluation. Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Training Varenicline use for smoking cessation Sham Neurofeedback Passive Control
Asthma PatientsPassive ControlAsthma patients: Presence of 2 or more of symptoms of airflow obstruction (cough, wheezing, dyspnea). Airflow obstruction at least partially reversible demonstrated by spirometry with FEV1 increased by \>12% following b2 agonist inhalation) or evidence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness by metacholine provocation test (demonstrated by provocative concentration causing a 20% fall (PC20) \<8 mg or mannitol provocation test (with FEV1 decrease of 15%) Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Training Varenicline use for smoking cessation Passive Control
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Neurofeedback vs. Varenicline efficacy for smoking cessation2 years

The outcome measure is the effect size of each intervention measured in standardized percentage of participants that give up smoking.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Depression2 years

The outcome measure is the change from baseline in the scoring of the Beck's Depression Inventory, which is evaluating depression, after the completion of the intervention.

Anxiety2 years

The outcome measure is the change from baseline in the scoring of the Spielberger's State -Trait Anxiety Inventory , which is evaluating anxiety, after the completion of the intervention.

General health2 years

The outcome measure is the change from baseline in the scoring of the General Health Questionnaire which is evaluating general health, after the completion of the intervention.

Neuroplastic effects of combined bio- and neuro- feedback training in the mismatch negativity response2 years

The outcome measure is the change from baseline in the activation of the Mismatch Negativity response of the auditory cortex after the completion of the intervention.

Effectiveness in changing quality of life as measured by EuroQL-5D2 years

The outcome measure is the change from baseline in the scoring of the a questionnaire evaluating quality of life (EuroQL-5D), after the completion of the intervention.

Neuroplastic effects of combined bio- and neuro- feedback training in the resting state cortical activity2 years

The outcome measure is the change from baseline in the activation of the resting state cortical network after the completion of the intervention.

Sleep quality during varenicline use2 years

The outcome measure is the change from baseline in the scoring in psychometric tests evaluating sleep quality.

Trial Locations

Locations (3)

National Association of General Practitioners in Bulgaria

🇧🇬

Sofia, Bulgaria

AAI Scientific Cultural Services Ltd (AAISCS)

🇨🇾

Nicosia, Cyprus

Laboratory of Medical Physics, AUTH

🇬🇷

Thessaloniki, Greece

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