Neurofeedback to improve neurocognitive functioning of children treated for a brain tumor: design of a randomized controlled double-blind trial

Marieke A de Ruiter, Antoinette Y N Schouten-Van Meeteren, Rosa van Mourik, Tieme W P Janssen, Juliette E M Greidanus, Jaap Oosterlaan, Martha A Grootenhuis, Marieke A de Ruiter, Antoinette Y N Schouten-Van Meeteren, Rosa van Mourik, Tieme W P Janssen, Juliette E M Greidanus, Jaap Oosterlaan, Martha A Grootenhuis

Abstract

Background: Neurotoxicity caused by treatment for a brain tumor is a major cause of neurocognitive decline in survivors. Studies have shown that neurofeedback may enhance neurocognitive functioning. This paper describes the protocol of the PRISMA study, a randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of neurofeedback to improve neurocognitive functioning in children treated for a brain tumor.

Methods/design: Efficacy of neurofeedback will be compared to placebo training in a randomized controlled double-blind trial. A total of 70 brain tumor survivors in the age range of 8 to 18 years will be recruited. Inclusion also requires caregiver-reported neurocognitive problems and being off treatment for more than two years. A group of 35 healthy siblings will be included as the control group. On the basis of a qEEG patients will be assigned to one of three treatment protocols. Thereafter patients will be randomized to receive either neurofeedback training (n=35) or placebo training (n=35). Neurocognitive tests, and questionnaires administered to the patient, caregivers, and teacher, will be used to evaluate pre- and post-intervention functioning, as well as at 6-month follow-up. Siblings will be administered the same tests and questionnaires once.

Discussion: If neurofeedback proves to be effective for pediatric brain tumor survivors, this can be a valuable addition to the scarce interventions available to improve neurocognitive and psychosocial functioning.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00961922.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
EEG locations. Patients in PRISMA are trained on location Cz. Location Cz is the location exactly halfway between the nasion (the bridge of the nose) and the inion (the most prominent point on the lower rear of the skull) and halfway between the two ears.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Flow chart of the PRISMA study.

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