Efficacy of portable EEG-based neurofeedback for ADHD: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Portable EEG-based neurofeedback (NFT) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, its overall efficacy remains under scrutiny, particularly in comparison to traditional interventions. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of portable EEG-based NFT in improving ADHD symptoms. A total of 10 published studies were included, involving 260 children diagnosed with ADHD in the NFT intervention groups and 131 children in control groups who did not receive NFT. The within-group analysis indicated post-treatment improvements in ADHD symptom severity for children receiving NFT. Control groups also showed modest improvements, likely reflecting nonspecific treatment effects such as placebo or general engagement. However, the between-group comparison revealed a significant advantage for NFT, with children who received portable EEG-based NFT exhibiting greater reductions in ADHD symptoms compared to controls. These findings suggest that portable EEG-based NFT yields meaningful improvements in core ADHD symptoms, including inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, and supports its potential as a scalable and sustainable alternative to traditional interventions, such as pharmacological treatments.