Mechanism of BCI-Based Dual-Target Neurofeedback Training in Improving Cognitive Control Deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

"Activate Neural Circuits + Promote Social Rewards" Dual-target Neurofeedback Training: Using the MATLAB environment, the PsychToolbox add-on, and the integrated EEGLAB toolbox for real-time EEG signal processing, a neural feedback system was constructed to enable precise, targeted regulation of the dACC-DLPFC circuit. Target 1 (activating neural circuits to inhibit gaming behavior \[breaking old habits\]) and Target 2 (promoting social rewards to replace gaming behavior \[establishing new habits\])-this dual-target design forms a complete learning loop of "inhibiting impulses → obtaining healthy rewards," simulating the behavioral patterns of a healthy brain. A three-group between-subjects design was employed to isolate the unique effects of the "social reward" component; each session consisted of 30 minutes of neurofeedback training, four times a week, for four consecutive weeks. Dual-regulation group: Received comprehensive "neural circuit activation + promotion of social reward" dual neurofeedback training.

"Activate Only the Neural Circuits" Neurofeedback Training: 1. Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. The 40 participants assigned to the single-modulation group will receive only "inhibitory" neurofeedback training targeting the dACC-DLPFC circuit (activating the neural circuit only, without promoting social reward). 2. Assessments will include standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, each administered once before and after the intervention. 3. During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions. 4. The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points: baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups.

Sham Feedback: 1\. Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. The 40 participants assigned to the sham feedback group will follow the same task protocol but receive sham feedback unrelated to their own brain activity. 2. Assessments, including standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, will be conducted once before and once after the intervention.3. During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions. 4. The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points: baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups.

Study summary

Addressing the three core issues in research on cognitive control deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)-unclear neural mechanisms, limited intervention targets, and poor patient compliance-this project innovatively constructs a pathological model of IGD characterized by "decline in social rewards → dysfunction of the dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex-Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (dACC-DLPFC) cognitive control circuit → abnormalities in the frontal midline theta rhythm (Fmθ)." The investigators have developed a dual-target intervention system that integrates neurofeedback with social reward substitution, transforming social rewards into therapeutic reinforcers to enhance the effectiveness of the intervention.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Severity of Gaming Disorder — through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
  The severity of gaming disorder was assessed using the Gaming Disorder Screening Scale (GDSS), which consists of 18 Likert-scale items. Each item has four response options (1 = never; 2 = sometimes; 3 = often; 4 = always), with a total score range of 18 to 72. Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis using ICD-11 as the gold standard, a total score of ≥47 indicates a high risk of gaming disorder
• Results of Neurofeedback Training — through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
  Results of Neurofeedback Training:Average increase in frontal midline theta (Fmθ) power during training. The higher the power, the better theresults
• Results of Neurofeedback Training — through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
  Results of Neurofeedback Training:The time it takes for participants to reach a predetermined target energy level. The shorter the time, the better the training results.
• Changes of Behavioral Indicators — through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
  Stop-Signal Reaction Time (SSRT) derived from the Social Reward-modified Stop-Signal Task. Shorter SSRT indicates better cognitive control performance under social-reward versus no-reward conditions.
• Changes of Behavioral Indicators — through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
  Stop-Signal Delay (SSD) derived from the Social Reward-modified Stop-Signal Task. Higher SSD indicates better cognitive control performance under social-reward versus no-reward conditions.
• Changes of Behavioral Indicators — through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
  Hit rate derived from the Social Incentive Delay Task. Reduced hit rate under social-reward cue conditions indicates impaired social reward processing.
• Changes of Behavioral Indicators — through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
  Reaction time for correct hits derived from the Social Incentive Delay Task. Prolonged reaction time under social-reward cue conditions indicates impaired social reward processing.
• Social Reward — through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
  The social reward function was measured using the "Social Pleasure" subscale of the Multidimensional Pleasure Deficit Scale. This subscale consists of four items. Participants were first asked to list two current or past social activities that had brought them pleasure, and then to respond to each item, assessing factors such as their willingness to participate in these activities and the level of pleasure experienced during participation. Scoring is based on a 10-point Likert scale, ranging from "Not at all" to "Very much." Higher scores indicate stronger social reward.
• Executive Function — through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
  Executive function was evaluated using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A), comprising 75 items scored on a 3-point Likert scale ranging from "never" to "often." Higher scores on the Global Executive Composite (GEC) reflect greater executive function impairment.

Trial sites (1)

More The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University trials in China

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