Sequential Prefrontal Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback on Abstinence Self-Efficacy, Mindfulness, and EEG in Alcohol Use Disorder

NCT07582692 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 27004121AN01-202406-HR-080-02
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 17
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study examined the effects of sequential prefrontal alpha-theta neurofeedback training on abstinence self-efficacy, mindfulness, and brain electroencephalography (EEG) activity in adults with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Participants in the experimental group received 24 sessions of neurofeedback over 8 weeks (3 sessions per week, 30 minutes per session), while a control group received no intervention. EEG and self-report measures were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Conditions

Alcohol Use Disorder

Keywords

neurofeedback; EEG; abstinence self-efficacy; mindfulness; alpha-theta

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Abstinence Self-Efficacy

  Total score on the Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale (AASE; Korean adaptation), a 20-item scale with four subscales (Negative Affect, Social/Positive Emotions, Physical and Other Concerns, Withdrawal and Urges), each rated 0-4; higher scores indicate greater confidence in maintaining abstinence.

  Baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 8)

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Mindfulness

  Baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 8)

• EEG Relative Power

  Baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 8)

Study Arms (2)

Sequential Prefrontal Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback

EXPERIMENTAL

24 sessions of sequential prefrontal alpha-theta neurofeedback training over 8 weeks (3 sessions/week, 30 min/session). Each session: 5 min alpha feedback (8-12 hertz \[Hz\]) followed by 25 min theta feedback (4-7 Hz) at Fp1/Fp2, delivered via ocean wave and birdsong audio while eyes closed. Device: Power Nap (Neuro21, Korea).

Behavioral: Sequential Prefrontal Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback Training

Control - No Intervention

NO INTERVENTION

Participants continued usual daily activities for 8 weeks without any intervention. Pre- and post-test assessments (EEG and self-report measures) were conducted.

Interventions

Sequential Prefrontal Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback Training BEHAVIORAL

Operant conditioning-based neurofeedback: 5 min alpha (8-12 Hz) + 25 min theta (4-7 Hz) at prefrontal sites Fp1/Fp2 per session; 24 sessions over 8 weeks supervised by a certified practitioner. Audio feedback (ocean waves for alpha, birdsong for theta) delivered via Power Nap device (Neuro21, Korea) while participants remained eyes-closed and seated.

Sequential Prefrontal Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) criteria
• Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Korean (AUDIT-K) score \>= 20 (males) or \>= 10 (females) indicating high-risk drinking
• Voluntary written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Sensory impairment (visual or auditory)
• Diagnosis of intellectual disability
• Current use of antipsychotics, central nervous system stimulants, or sedatives
• Active neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, recent traumatic brain injury)
• Severe psychiatric comorbidities (e.g., active psychosis) contraindicated for EEG-based neurofeedback

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Seoul University of Buddhism: lead

Study Sites (1)

Neurofeedback Training Centre

Seoul, South Korea

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Alcoholism

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Alcohol-Related Disorders; Substance-Related Disorders; Chemically-Induced Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 5, 2026
• First Posted: May 13, 2026
• Study Start: July 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: September 25, 2024
• Study Completion: September 25, 2024
• Last Updated: May 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

KR (1)