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Differential EMG Biofeedback for Children with ADHD: A Control Method for Neurofeedback Training with a Case Illustration

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Abstract

The objective of the present paper was to develop a differential electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) training for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) matching multiple neurofeedback training protocols in order to serve as a valid control training. This differential EMG-BF training method feeds back activity from arm muscles involved in fine motor skills such as writing and grip force control. Tonic EMG-BF training (activation and deactivation blocks, involving bimanual motor tasks) matches the training of EEG frequency bands, while phasic EMG-BF training (short activation and deactivation trials) was developed as an equivalent to the training of slow cortical potentials. A case description of a child who learned to improve motor regulation in most task conditions and showed a clinically relevant reduction of behavioral ADHD symptoms illustrates the training course and outcome. Differential EMG-BF training is feasible and provides well-matched control conditions for neurofeedback training in ADHD research. Future studies should investigate its value as a specific intervention for children diagnosed with ADHD and comorbid sensorimotor problems.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank A.D. and his family for their participation. We express our gratitude to Hartmut Heinrich for providing the BF software and Yamilée Schwitter for her support in the development of the EMG-BF method. We are thankful to Antonia Bak, Guyslaine Thalman, Lea Meier, Markus Maechler, Matthias Hartmann, Melanie Achermann, Nadia Mock, and Stefanie Hossmann for their valuable support during the training period. We are also thankful to Robert Riener, Roland Müller, Peter Wolf and Andreas Brunschweiler for providing technical support. The study was supported by the SBF COST B27 ENOC and by a grant to the GD of the Canton of Zurich.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Neumuensterallee 9, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland

    S. Maurizio, M. D. Liechti, D. Brandeis & R. Drechsler

  2. Division of Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    M. D. Liechti & L. Jäncke

  3. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany

    D. Brandeis

  4. Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    D. Brandeis

  5. Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    S. Maurizio, M. D. Liechti, D. Brandeis & L. Jäncke

Authors
  1. S. Maurizio
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  2. M. D. Liechti
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  3. D. Brandeis
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  4. L. Jäncke
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  5. R. Drechsler
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Correspondence to R. Drechsler.

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Maurizio, S., Liechti, M.D., Brandeis, D. et al. Differential EMG Biofeedback for Children with ADHD: A Control Method for Neurofeedback Training with a Case Illustration. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 38, 109–119 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-013-9213-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-013-9213-x

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