Which neurofeedback session is better for motor skill acquisition; before or after training

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effect of two neurofeedback protocols with two different mechanisms on learning a motor task. Forty-two volunteers aged 18–22 years old were placed in three groups of pre-training, post-training, and control. In the pre-training group, Mu (8–12 Hz) amplitude was suppressed at C4 before the motor skill training, while the participants in the post-training group were instructed to increase theta (4–8 Hz) amplitude at Pz and immediately after motor skill training. After the training session, the subjects participated in retention tests at approximately 90 min,<br><br>24 h, and 1 week after training. The results showed that the pre-training group performed better in the first retention test (p = 0.002). Nevertheless, this superiority was not maintained in subsequent retention tests, where no difference was observed between the groups. Mu amplitude suppression before training led to more beneficial effect on learning of a new motor skill, even though it was not so effective over time. However, it appears that the inhibition of Mu amplitude in the motor cortex and subsequent higher excitability can effect motor skill acquisition.