Neurocognitive enhancement mediated by neurofeedback wearable devices in the Lifespan: psychometric, neuropsychological and psychophysiological perspective

Neuroenhancement intensive protocols combining cognitive training and mindfulness-based practices through wearable neurofeedback (NF) devices were demonstrated to reduce physiological and subjective stress markers and improve neurocognitive efficiency in healthy samples. This work aims to explore the potential of this integrated neurocognitive enhancement protocol in different age groups. 55 volunteers (30 young adults, 15 adults over 50, 10 elderly over-65) were randomly divided into an active control group and an experimental group. All participants were subjected to intensive 3-weeks training protocols, with daily sessions. Experimental groups (young adults, over-50 and over-65) practiced mindfulness-based exercises with NF, while the control group has practiced breathing exercises without the device. Participants underwent standardized psychometric, neuropsychological and psychophysiological assessment sessions before and after the training. After the training, all experimental groups improved executive control skills, reduced perceived stress levels and showed increased psychophysiological markers of vagal tone and parasympathetic control of stress. The young-adult experimental participants improved the electrophysiological markers of attention regulation (amplitude of the ERP N2 component in attentional tasks); the electroencephalographic markers of reactivity and balancing between relaxation state and activation in resting state were boosted in the experimental over-50 participants; while the experimental over-65 participants ameliorated the electrophysiological markers of emotional regulation (index of frontal asymmetry for the alpha band). The study highlights the potential of the integration of traditional strengthening interventions and new technologies both from the point of view of promoting subjective well-being and affective regulation abilities, and of neurocognitive strengthening with preventive purpose, through different age groups.