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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07582692

Sequential Prefrontal Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback on Abstinence Self-Efficacy, Mindfulness, and EEG in Alcohol Use Disorder

This study examined the effects of sequential prefrontal alpha-theta neurofeedback training on abstinence self-efficacy, mindfulness, and brain electroencephalography (EEG) activity in adults with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Participants in the experimental group received 24 sessions of neurofeedback over 8 weeks (3 sessions per week, 30 minutes per session), while a control group received no intervention. EEG and self-report measures were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

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Key information

Conditions

Alcohol Use Disorder Alcohol-Related Disorders Alcoholism Chemically-Induced Disorders Mental Disorders Substance-Related Disorders

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Neurofeedback Training Centre

Seoul, South Korea

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) criteria
  • Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Korean (AUDIT-K) score >= 20 (males) or >= 10 (females) indicating high-risk drinking
  • Voluntary written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Sensory impairment (visual or auditory)
  • Diagnosis of intellectual disability
  • Current use of antipsychotics, central nervous system stimulants, or sedatives
  • Active neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, recent traumatic brain injury)
  • Severe psychiatric comorbidities (e.g., active psychosis) contraindicated for EEG-based neurofeedback

Treatment and study plan

Sequential Prefrontal Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback Training

Behavioral

Operant conditioning-based neurofeedback: 5 min alpha (8-12 Hz) + 25 min theta (4-7 Hz) at prefrontal sites Fp1/Fp2 per session; 24 sessions over 8 weeks supervised by a certified practitioner. Audio feedback (ocean waves for alpha, birdsong for theta) delivered via Power Nap device (Neuro21, Korea) while participants remained eyes-closed and seated.

Primary outcomes

  1. Abstinence Self-Efficacy

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 8)

    Total score on the Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale (AASE; Korean adaptation), a 20-item scale with four subscales (Negative Affect, Social/Positive Emotions, Physical and Other Concerns, Withdrawal and Urges), each rated 0-4; higher scores indicate greater confidence in maintaining abstinence.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Mindfulness

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 8)

    Total score on the Mindfulness Scale (20 items, 4 subscales: Decentered Attention, Nonjudgmental Acceptance, Present-Moment Awareness, Attentional Focus), rated 1-5 (reverse-scored); higher scores indicate greater mindfulness.

  2. EEG Relative Power

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 8)

    Relative spectral power (% of total power) across delta (1-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), beta (13-30 Hz), and sensorimotor rhythm (SMR; 12-15 Hz) bands at prefrontal sites (Fp1, Fp2), measured using eyes-closed resting EEG with the NeuroBrain system.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Seoul University of Buddhism

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Sequential Prefrontal Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback Training on Abstinence Self-Efficacy, Mindfulness, and EEG in Alcohol Use Disorder

Acronym: NFB-AUD

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
May 13, 2026
Registry last updated
May 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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