Changes in Brain-wave Amplitudes During NF Sessions
fatigue, depression, cognitive impairment, anxiety
Since the goal of the present study was to achieve relief from cancer-related symptoms such as cognitive impairment, stress, fatigue, depression, and anxiety, these goals were operationalized accordingly in the NF paradigm. Therefore, alpha-band and theta-beta ratios were trained in the current trial. The success of the training (eg, alpha) is assumed if symptom relief (arousal or distress) is evident. In the current RCT, a significant increase in alpha band from approximately 7 to above 8 Hz was achieved in 22 patients over the first 6 sessions in the first as well as in the second alpha band training (8-13 Hz). Thus, the effectiveness of the training can be assumed. Consequently, causal associations regarding this target are possible. Generally, an association between the increased alpha band and thus with increased relaxation ability and cancer-specific symptom relief can be hypothesized. To the best of our knowledge, no literature on psycho-oncological patients is available concerning the change of the theta and beta band. In the current study, no significant change in the theta-beta ratio corresponding to the target to 2.5 or <20 Hz was detected over the first 6 sessions. It is possible that a 5-minute training session was not effective enough across the 6 sessions. Unfortunately, there are no evidence-based data or training protocols in this cohort so far.