quality, reproducibility, and cross-laboratory
collaboration. Ultimately, refining these multimodal
neurofeedback systems will depend on
interdisciplinary partnerships among neuroscientists,
engineers, clinicians, and HCI specialists. Future
platforms that seamlessly integrate multiple
biometrics, adapt training dynamically in real time,
and maximize ecological validity may prove
instrumental in optimizing ADHD interventions and
expanding their clinical impact.
5 CONCLUSION
Advances in wearable EEG neurofeedback for
ADHD have offered new avenues for improving
attentional regulation and addressing core symptoms
such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Across various studies, advancements in device
design—ranging from PreG and semi-dry electrodes
to sophisticated artifact-rejection algorithms—have
led to greater convenience and reliability in data
acquisition. By reducing setup time and enhancing
comfort, these developments aid consistent user
adherence, a critical requirement given the need for
repeated neurofeedback sessions. Furthermore,
home-friendly EEG systems are increasingly
recognized for their ecological validity, as children
and adolescents often respond more naturally in
familiar day-to-day environments than they would in
clinical laboratories. While many trials report
encouraging outcomes—particularly reductions in
inattention and impulsivity—findings must be
viewed with caution due to methodological
disparities and limited sample sizes. Notably, a
recent meta-analysis focusing on self-reported
outcomes found no significant advantage of
neurofeedback over control interventions on core
ADHD symptom ratings (Fan et al. 2022). The
heterogeneity of control conditions further
complicates the extraction of firm conclusions.
Additionally, the phenomenon of “learners” versus
“non-learners” underscores substantial inter-
individual variability. Some participants master EEG
self-regulation with relative ease, whereas others
show negligible change in their cortical rhythms or
behavioral measures. For researchers, pinpointing
why some individuals respond more favorably than
others remains a key challenge. One potential
answer lies in tailoring training protocols according
to each participant’s QEEG profile. Although these
personalized approaches have demonstrated
promise, larger-scale and multi-center studies are
needed to systematically assess their superiority over
“one-size-fits-all” methods.
On the technical side, real-time artifact detection
has emerged as a vital component for ensuring robust
feedback loops. By incorporating IMUs into
wearable headsets, clinicians can swiftly filter out
data segments compromised by motion or muscle
activity. This integration of additional sensors not
only preserves data quality but also aligns well with
modern trends in multimodal neuroscience research.
Synchronizing these signals, however, requires
carefully harmonized hardware/software solutions as
well as shared standards, analogous to the BIDS
initiative. Although efforts toward such
standardization are ongoing, more concerted cross-
disciplinary collaborations—spanning neuroscience,
engineering, data science, and clinical practice—
could rapidly accelerate the refinement of
multimodal neurofeedback frameworks. From a
clinical standpoint, combining EEG neurofeedback
with psychosocial or behavioral therapies may
bolster overall treatment outcomes, particularly
if
parents and teachers remain engaged and supportive.
Early evidence suggests that such integrated
interventions can yield improvements not only in
core ADHD symptoms but also in related behavioral
or cognitive domains (Luo et al. 2023). Nonetheless,
further validation via randomized, multi-center trials
is crucial to solidify claims of lasting therapeutic
benefit. Another avenue involves bridging
neurofeedback with psychopharmacology.
Preliminary meta-analyses indicate that
neurofeedback may act synergistically with stimulant
medications by either lowering the required dosage
or complementing existing regimens (Lin et al.
2022). More extensive comparative-effectiveness
studies should clarify the longevity and relative
efficacy of these combination strategies.
In sum, wearable EEG neurofeedback for ADHD
has reached a notable inflection point: hardware
miniaturization, improved electrodes, and advanced
machine learning techniques have converged to
create systems that may soon become routine in both
clinical and home settings. Still, critical challenges
loom. Researchers must resolve inconsistencies in
outcome measures and refine best-practice protocols
for open-label and blinded studies alike.
Concurrently, the field should prioritize larger
sample sizes, standard data formats, and real-time
noise mitigation to ensure replicable, high-quality
findings. Ultimately, by combining technical
ingenuity with robust methodological design, EEG
neurofeedback stands poised to advance from an
emerging adjunctive therapy to a mainstay
intervention for ADHD—one that can be flexibly