Neurofeedback Therapy Targeting the Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex to Improve Heart Function and Anxiety in Adults with Coronary Heart Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether real-time functional near-infrared spectroscopy brain-computer interface fNIRS-BCI neurofeedback targeting the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex right DLPFC can reduce cardiac sympathetic activity and improve autonomic regulation. This study focuses on right-handed adults with stable coronary heart disease CHD and comorbid anxiety diagnosed by DSM-5. The goal is to determine if this neurofeedback, compared with sham feedback, can lower heart rate during auditory stimulation and increase heart rate variability HRV. Participants practice controlling right DLPFC activation over a 3-day adaptation phase using a visual energy bar reflecting brain activity. The formal study sessions occur on two consecutive days, each with 15 cycles of rest and auditory stimulation involving a 1 Hz tone with embedded white noise. Participants receive either real neurofeedback with a sensitive threshold linking brain activity to the feedback bar or sham feedback with a weaker link. Brain signals are recorded with fNIRS and heart activity with ECG throughout sessions. Participants complete screening and consent before the adaptation phase. During the formal sessions, researchers collect continuous brain and heart data, perform online processing, and monitor safety. The main measurement compares heart rate changes between real and sham groups during stimulation. Secondary measures assess right DLPFC activation and HRV spectral power. Safety monitoring includes tracking adverse events like dizziness or headache. Data will be securely handled and shared after publication.

Closed-Loop Neurofeedback Targeting the Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Coronary Artery Disease With Anxiety