Mapping of EEG-microstate-dynamics and the effect of frontal-midline-theta training on phenomenology of spontaneous mentation among healthy adults

The EEG based neurofeedback is a noninvasive non pharmacological approach to modulate cognitive functions underlying attention and emotional regulation.  A Study reported giving Frontal midline EEG activity in theta range as feedback using breathing protocols enhances executive functioning of the participants . They employed eight days of protocol in where training is done within two consecutive weeks. Inspired by this we are employing the same protocol for understanding mind wandering phenomenology. Internal focus such as Meditation increases FM theta oscillations . And Mind wandering is a common confounder seen during sustained attention periods. Thus training individuals in focused attention methods might impact mind-wandering episodes. In present study the participants will undergo 2week FM theta training focused on understanding the effect of focused attention training on the phenomenology of mind wandering (spontaneous mentation). Assessment of pre and post Mind wandering will be done via sustained attention paradigm, where participants are probed with questions related to their attention status and also will encourage them to report when every they self-catch their thoughts during the sustain attention task. The whole protocol will be of 2 weeks span and with minimum of 4 weeks time for wash out subject will undergo sham training protocols. The study design is cross over where half of the participants will receive FM theta training protocol and other half sham protocol as their first session subsequently after the washout gap they will receive the other half.

Study hypothesis

Frontal-midline theta focused attention training will influence the contents of spontaneous mentation (mind wandering) and its EEG microstate dynamics

Aim

To evaluate the effect of frontal-midline-theta focused attention training on phenomenology of spontaneous mentation and its EEG microstate dynamics among healthy adults