Effect of Infra Low Frequency (ILF) neurofeedback training on EEG in children with autism spectrum disorders

Objective: To investigate whether Infra-low frequency Neurofeedback (ILF-NFB) training can improve brain electrical activity in children with autism spectrum disorders ASD. Method: This single arm pre and post intervention study was carried out at IBMS (Institute of Basic Medical Sciences), January 2021 to December 2022. A purposive sampling technique was used. Thirty-five ASD children (male=24; female=11; 7-17 years) were provided with 30 sessions of infra low frequency (ILF) neurofeedback training for 15-20 minutes, during 10 weeks. Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scoring was done and electroencephalogram (EEG) activity was compared before and after ILF-NF training sessions. Results: Around 62.9% participants had mild-moderate autism and 37.1% had severe autism. Wilcoxon Signed rank test revealed a significant decline in delta (Pre-test=47.31 +/- 19.22, Post-test=22.07 +/- 6.83; p=<0.001), theta (Pretest=24.75 +/- 16.62, Post-test=12.37 +/- 3.59; p=<0.001) and alpha (Pre-test=12.01 +/- 9.81, Post-test=4.03 +/- 1.61; p=< 0.001) waves. Mann Whitney U test exhibited no significant gender differences in EEG pattern before and after neurofeedback except in theta waves (p=0.03) before the intervention. Conclusion: Decline in delta, theta, beta and alpha waves propose that ILF-NF training can be effective in improving the EEG activity. ILF-NFB can be perceived as a valuable non-invasive, non-pharmacological intervention for improving EEG pattern via reintegration of brain activity resulting in increased the attention and focus, enhanced mental stability and cognitive engagement.