A Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial Investigating Individualized Alpha Neurofeedback Plus Cognitive Training in Paediatric Brain Tumour Survivors

The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Brain Tumor, Primary

Treatments: Behavioral: Cognitive Training; Behavioral: neurofeedback; Behavioral: Sham feedback

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07085494

HKU_PBTS_NF_CT

Details and patient eligibility

About

Brief Summary of the Study:

This study is a prospective, randomized, sham-controlled, triple-blind trial investigating whether combining individualized alpha neurofeedback (NF) with cognitive training (Cogmed) can improve cognitive functioning in pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS), a group at risk for persistent cognitive difficulties after cancer treatment. Participants (ages 6-18) who have completed primary cancer therapy and report cognitive problems are randomly assigned to either (1) individualized alpha NF plus Cogmed or (2) sham NF plus Cogmed. Both interventions include eight one-hour sessions over four weeks, with neurofeedback (real or sham) followed by Cogmed training.

The primary outcome is cognitive performance measured by CNS Vital Signs at baseline, post-intervention, and 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include attention, executive function, behavior, and quality of life (measured by SWAN, BRIEF, SDQ, and PedsQL). The study uses rigorous double-blinding and intention-to-treat analysis, with sample size planned at 40-60 participants. Results will determine if individualized alpha NF, when combined with cognitive training, yields greater cognitive and behavioral benefits than cognitive training alone in PBTS.

Full description

This study is a prospective, randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind trial designed to evaluate whether individualized alpha neurofeedback (NF) combined with cognitive training (Cogmed) can improve cognitive functioning in pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS), who frequently suffer from attention, memory, and executive function difficulties following cancer treatment.

Participants:

The study plans to enroll 40-60 PBTS, aged 6 to 18, who have completed primary cancer treatment at least six months prior and report cognitive difficulties. Major exclusion criteria include severe neurological or psychiatric conditions, interfering medications, and significant sensory or motor deficits.

Design and Intervention:

Participants are randomly assigned (1:1) to one of two groups:

1. Individualized Alpha Neurofeedback + Cogmed (NF Group)
2. Sham Neurofeedback + Cogmed (Sham Group) Both groups participate in eight one-hour sessions over four weeks. Each session includes 30 minutes of neurofeedback (either real, based on each participant's individualized alpha EEG band, or sham, based on pre-recorded EEG data but with identical procedures) followed by 30 minutes of Cogmed cognitive training (adaptive, computerized working memory tasks).

Blinding:

The study is double-blind: both participants and outcome assessors are blinded to group allocation. The neurofeedback software automatically delivers either real or sham feedback according to assignment, maintaining blinding for all involved.

Objectives and Outcome Measures:

The primary objective is to determine whether the combined individualized alpha NF and Cogmed intervention leads to superior improvements in cognitive functioning, measured by CNS Vital Signs, compared to sham NF plus Cogmed. Assessments occur at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 12-month follow-up.

Secondary objectives include evaluating changes in attention, executive function, behavior, and quality of life, using validated tools such as the SWAN, BRIEF, SDQ, and PedsQL. The study will also examine neurophysiological changes (qEEG markers) and their relationship to cognitive and behavioral outcomes.

Data Analysis:

Primary and secondary outcomes will be analyzed using mixed linear models to assess group-by-time interactions. An intention-to-treat approach will include all randomized participants, with appropriate methods for handling missing data.

Significance:

This study will clarify whether adding individualized alpha neurofeedback to cognitive training offers additional cognitive and behavioral benefits for pediatric brain tumor survivors, compared to cognitive training alone, using a rigorous double-blind, sham-controlled methodology with a planned sample size of 40-60 participants.

Enrollment: 50 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 6 to 18 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• • Paediatric brain tumour survivors aged 6 to 18 years
• Completion of primary cancer treatment (for example, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy) at least six months prior
• Documented or reported cognitive difficulties in attention or executive functioning
• Ability and willingness to attend scheduled sessions over four weeks

Exclusion criteria

• • Severe neurological or psychiatric conditions (for example, uncontrolled seizures) that preclude EEG monitoring or completing computer-based training
• Medication regimens that significantly interfere with EEG signals and cannot be safely adjusted
• Severe sensory or motor deficits that would make training infeasible
• Inability or unwillingness to follow study protocol

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Quadruple Blind

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50 participants in 2 patient groups

Neurofeedback + Cognitive trianing

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will receive neurofeedback and cognitive training

Treatment:

Behavioral: neurofeedback

Behavioral: Cognitive Training

Sham neruofeedback + cognitve trianing

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Participants will receive sham neruofeedback and cognitive training

Treatment:

Behavioral: Sham feedback

Behavioral: Cognitive Training