Effect of Neurofeedback on the Speed and Accuracy of Reading Skill in 7-10 Year-Old Children with Learning Disabilities

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Ph.D Student of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Speech Therapy, School of Paramedical, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 MSc in General Psychology, Aref counseling center

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Learning disorder has a heterogeneous nature reflected in the educational patterns, strengths, and weaknesses of information processing. Children with learning disabilities present high levels of alpha and beta wave activities which harm development of their mental activities. Neurofeedback helps to reduce the proportion of alpha and theta waves and thus can result in improving the reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Further investigation of the various aspects of neurofeedback, as a relatively new methods of therapy, can lead to its improvement and effective use in treating learning disorders. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of neurofeedback on the speed and accuracy of reading skill in 7-10 year-old children with learning disabilities.
Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out following quasi-experimental design of the pre-test and post-test in one group. The sample, selected based on convenient sampling, consisted of 15 children with learning disabilities with the age range of 7-10 years old. Participants received 15 sessions of neurofeedback. Next, they were evaluated and compared in terms of reading and dyslexia tests of NAMA in two stages, before and after neurofeedback sessions. Data was analyzed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon test.
Results: Findings revealed that the difference between pretest and posttest, in terms of mean and standard deviation, was statistically meaningful (p<0.001) for reading speed. However, no significant change was observed in reading accuracy before and after the treatment. More sessions of therapy are probably necessary to make a change.
 
 

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Main Subjects

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The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume 5, Issue 4
January and February 2017
Pages 76-83

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 September 2015
  • Revise Date: 05 February 2016
  • Accept Date: 28 February 2016
  • First Publish Date: 21 December 2016

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