Mu-Suppression Neurofeedback Training Targeting the Mirror Neuron System: A Pilot Study

Neurofeedback training (NFT) is a promising adjuvant intervention method. The desynchronization of mu rhythm (8-13 Hz) in the electroencephalogram (EEG) over centroparietal areas is known as a valid indicator of mirror neuron system (MNS) activation, which has been associated with social skills. Still, the effect of neurofeedback training on the MNS requires to be well investigated. The present study examined the possible impact of NFT with a mu suppression training protocol encompassing 15 NFT training sessions (45 min each) on 16 healthy neurotypical participants. In separate pre- and post-training sessions, 64-channel EEG was recorded. At the same time, participants (1) observed videos with various types of movements (including complex goal-directed hand movements and social interaction scenes) and (2) performed the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test" (RMET). EEG source reconstruction analysis revealed statistically significant mu suppression during hand movement observation across MNS-attributed frontoparietal areas after NFT. Although numerical mu suppression appeared to be visible in most participants during goal-directed hand movement observation, the frequency analysis showed no significant mu suppression after NFT. At the behavioral level, RMET accuracy scores did not suggest an effect of NFT on the ability to interpret subtle emotional expressions, although RMET response times were reduced after NFT. In conclusion, the present study exhibited preliminary and partial evidence that Mu suppression NFT can induce mu suppression in MNS-attributed areas. More robust experimental designs and more extended training may be necessary to induce substantial and consistent mu suppression, particularly while observing social scenarios. unknown unknown