Neurocognitive enhancement at workplace: the potential of a technology-supported neurofeedback training program

Recently, implications of neurocognitive enhancement have been investigated in various researchareas (Farah et al., 2004). Neurocognitive enhancement consists of improving cognitiveperformance through neuroscientific tools that can modulate brain activity and cognitive behavior.In recent years, numerous studies have shown how different neurocognitive enhancementtechniques can improve cognitive skills such as attention and memory (Crivelli, Fronda, Venturella,& Balconi 2019b; Lucke & Partridge, 2013). The development of tools for neurocognitiveenhancement has made more relevant neuroethical questions, in order to investigate ethicalimplications of mental and physical enhancement techniques and the impact on perceived quality oflife in professionals (Bostrom & Sandberg, 2009; Crivelli, Fronda, Venturella, & Balconi 2019a;Fronda, Balconi, & Crivelli, 2018; Fronda, Crivelli, Venturella, & Balconi, 2018; Nagel, 2014).Moving from such framework, this study aimed at investigating potential effects and ethicalimplications of a neurocognitive enhancement training at workplace, in a sample of 16 healthymiddle-aged professionals occupying managerial positions. Professionals underwent a briefintensive mindfulness program supported by a neurofeedback device. Such program aimed atimproving cognitive efficiency and reducing work stress levels, which cause deterioration ofperformance. To evaluate training effects, participants’ cognitive performance and restingelectrophysiological activity were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the program. Analysisof data showed that at the end of the program there was an increase of attention and concentrationand a decrease of perceived stress levels. Consistently, it was also observed an increase ofparticipants’ alpha/beta ratio (an electrophysiological marker of relaxation vs. agitation) and vagaltone. In addition, the perceived quality of life at workplace was consistently improved. Findingssuggest that the tested program might act as a valuable opportunity to better performances andwellbeing of professionals exposed to work-related stressors. The ethical impact was alsoconsidered as a consequence of these results.