Fadaei A, Najafi M, Miladi-Gorji H, Tajik-Mansoury M A, Afkar M. Effect of Neurofeedback Training and Swimming Exercise on the Electroencephalographic Changes and Craving in Methamphetamine-dependent Patients. BCN 2025; 16 (S1) :179-192
URL:
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-2587-en.html
1- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology & Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
2- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
3- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Science, Semnan, Iran.
4- Department of Emergency Medicine, Torbat Jam Faculty of Medical Science, Torbat- e Jam, Iran.
Abstract:
Introduction: In this study, we investigated whether neurofeedback (NFB) training and swimming exercise would decrease the electroencephalographic (EEG) changes and visual image-induced craving in methamphetamine (METH)-dependent patients.
Methods: This research was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 32 METH-dependent patients were allocated randomly to four groups: Control, NFB, swim, and NFB/swim. The EEG and visual image-induced craving were recorded before and after the intervention in all four groups.
Results: The NFB, swim, and NFB/swim groups showed significantly lower absolute power for 4 frequency bands. Also, the swim and NFB/swim groups had less and greater relative power in the alpha and delta bands, respectively. In addition, the NFB/swim group exhibited an increase in delta/alpha power ratio compared to the control and the NFB groups. Also, the NFB/swim group showed a significant reduction in visual image-induced craving score compared to the control, swim, and NFB groups.
Conclusion: This study provides novel evidence that combined NFB training and swimming exercise during METH abstinence was effective in normalizing METH-induced EEG changes, which may help patients manage their cravings.
Type of Study:
Original |
Subject:
Cognitive Neuroscience Received: 2022/11/6 | Accepted: 2023/08/12 | Published: 2025/03/18