Trial results for a study investigating EEG neurofeedback training for aphasia were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2026-02-05. The trial, which was terminated, enrolled 7 participants.
Background
Aphasia, frequently resulting from stroke, affects communication abilities, often leading to challenges in daily life, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is another condition characterized by a gradual decline in language function. Current treatments often involve speech therapy, but alternative or complementary approaches are being explored to improve communication, manage associated psychological symptoms, and enhance quality of life. Electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback training is one such investigational approach, aiming to modulate brain activity to improve these outcomes.
Trial design
This terminated study, designated as Phase NA, enrolled 7 participants. The trial investigated individuals with Aphasia, Primary Progressive Aphasia, and Stroke. The study explored whether electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback training could offer greater benefits than sham feedback for improving communication, anxiety, and sleep quality. Participants underwent a crossover design, with half receiving active EEG neurofeedback followed by sham feedback, and the other half receiving sham feedback followed by active neurofeedback.
Key results
The trial reported several key measurements related to communication and sleep quality:
- Change in Number of Items Correctly Named on the Philadelphia Naming Test:
- For the group receiving Active EEG Neurofeedback then Sham Neurofeedback, a mean change of 6.7 (Standard Deviation 10.7) was observed.
- For the group receiving Sham Feedback then Active Neurofeedback, a mean change of 2.3 (Standard Deviation 4.9) was observed.
- Another measurement for the Active EEG Neurofeedback then Sham Neurofeedback group showed a mean change of -12 (Standard Deviation 10.5).
- Another measurement for the Sham Feedback then Active Neurofeedback group showed a mean change of -5 (Standard Deviation 11.4).
- Change in Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWA) Score:
- For the group receiving Active EEG Neurofeedback then Sham Neurofeedback, a mean change of 6 (Standard Deviation 7.2) was observed.
- For the group receiving Sham Feedback then Active Neurofeedback, a mean change of 8 (Standard Deviation 11.3) was observed.
- Another measurement for the Active EEG Neurofeedback then Sham Neurofeedback group showed a mean change of 3.7 (Standard Deviation 4.0).
- Another measurement for the Sham Feedback then Active Neurofeedback group showed a mean change of 7.5 (Standard Deviation 10.6).
- Change in Quality of Sleep as Assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI):
- For the group receiving Active EEG Neurofeedback then Sham Neurofeedback, a mean change of 0.67 (Standard Deviation 7.57) was observed.
- For the group receiving Sham Feedback then Active Neurofeedback, a mean change of 5.67 (Standard Deviation 5.51) was observed.
- Another measurement for the Active EEG Neurofeedback then Sham Neurofeedback group showed a mean change of -0.33 (Standard Deviation 2.89).
- Another measurement for the Sham Feedback then Active Neurofeedback group showed a mean change of -3.33 (Standard Deviation 3.06).
What this means
The posted results provide preliminary data from a terminated study with a very small enrollment of 7 participants. The measurements show varied changes across communication and sleep quality assessments for both active EEG neurofeedback and sham feedback groups. Due to the limited sample size, the crossover design, and the termination of the trial, these results are exploratory and do not allow for definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy of EEG neurofeedback training for individuals with aphasia. Further research with larger cohorts would be needed to understand any potential benefits.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT04290988, titled "Circuitry Assessment and Reinforcement Training Effects on Recovery", were posted on 2026-02-05 on clinicaltrials.gov.