Presentation Information
[O-2-04]Understanding cognitive and functional outcomes in schizophrenia: The impact of neurofeedback on task speed, accuracy, and productivity
*Aanchal Narang, Devvarta Kumar, Aarti Jagannathan, Jagadisha Thirthalli (National Institute of Menta Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS)(India))
Keywords:
Schizophrenia,EEG Neurofeedback training,Cognitive enhancement,Entry Level Job tasks
Background:
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness often associated with cognitive impairments that significantly affect occupational functioning. While pharmacological treatments target clinical symptoms, functional recovery, especially in work-related skills, remains limited. Neurofeedback has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention to enhance attention and cognitive control, which are essential for vocational performance.
Aim:
To assess the effect of neurofeedback training on speed, accuracy, and productivity in entry-level job tasks among patients with schizophrenia.
Methods:
A total of 68 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to either a neurofeedback intervention group (n = 34) or a waitlist control group (n = 34). The intervention group received 15 sessions of theta/beta neurofeedback over four weeks. Participants completed simulated entry level job tasks (Index Card Filing, Toilet Tank Assembly, Restaurant Order Placing, and Data Entry) and underwent neuropsychological assessments pre- and post-intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess changes.
Results:
Significant time × group interaction effects were observed for speed, accuracy, and productivity of job tasks- Index Card Filing, Toilet Tank Assembly, and speed and productivity for Data Entry and Restaurant Order Placing tasks. Neuropsychological assessments showed significant changes in attention (F=5.05, p=0.02) and working memory (F=4.11, p=0.04).
Conclusion:
Neurofeedback training led to measurable improvements in real-world job task performance in individuals with schizophrenia. These gains occurred independently of changes in clinical symptoms, highlighting neurofeedback’s potential as a targeted cognitive and functional rehabilitation tool to enhance vocational outcomes.
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness often associated with cognitive impairments that significantly affect occupational functioning. While pharmacological treatments target clinical symptoms, functional recovery, especially in work-related skills, remains limited. Neurofeedback has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention to enhance attention and cognitive control, which are essential for vocational performance.
Aim:
To assess the effect of neurofeedback training on speed, accuracy, and productivity in entry-level job tasks among patients with schizophrenia.
Methods:
A total of 68 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to either a neurofeedback intervention group (n = 34) or a waitlist control group (n = 34). The intervention group received 15 sessions of theta/beta neurofeedback over four weeks. Participants completed simulated entry level job tasks (Index Card Filing, Toilet Tank Assembly, Restaurant Order Placing, and Data Entry) and underwent neuropsychological assessments pre- and post-intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess changes.
Results:
Significant time × group interaction effects were observed for speed, accuracy, and productivity of job tasks- Index Card Filing, Toilet Tank Assembly, and speed and productivity for Data Entry and Restaurant Order Placing tasks. Neuropsychological assessments showed significant changes in attention (F=5.05, p=0.02) and working memory (F=4.11, p=0.04).
Conclusion:
Neurofeedback training led to measurable improvements in real-world job task performance in individuals with schizophrenia. These gains occurred independently of changes in clinical symptoms, highlighting neurofeedback’s potential as a targeted cognitive and functional rehabilitation tool to enhance vocational outcomes.