Neurofeedback Training and Physical Training Differentially Impacted on Reaction Time and Balance Skills Among Iranian Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury

چکیده مقاله

Background: Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) demand particular attention; people with SCI report reduced quality of life and impairments in everyday life. We tested whether and to what extent neurofeedback or a physical activity training could, compared to a control condition, improve reaction time and balance as proxies for fine motor control in a sample of Iranian veterans with SCI. Methods: A total of 30 Iranian veterans with SCI were randomly assigned to the following study conditions: neurofeedback, physical training, or a control condition (conventional therapy). Both at the beginning and four weeks later, reaction times and balance were objectively measured. Results: Compared to the control condition and over time, reaction times improved in the neurofeedback condition, while balance improved in the physical training condition. Conclusions: Compared to a conventional treatment condition, neurofeedback and physical training improved skills in specific areas of motor control. Thus, it appears that both neurofeedback and physical training should be introduced as routine interventions for patients with SCIs. © 2019, Australian Military Medicine Association. All rights reserved.