Erhong Zhao, Zhongxin Li, Juan Zhang, Baokun Li, Jingli He, Hui Liu, Junxia Wang
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback therapy in reducing anxiety levels and improving overall well-being among patients diagnosed with rectal cancer. A randomised controlled trial was conducted with 150 patients with rectal cancer who were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 75) or the control group (n = 75). The intervention group received 16 sessions of EEG biofeedback therapy over 8 weeks, whereas the control group received standard care. Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory at baseline, post-intervention, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up and 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes, including quality of life, sleep quality, treatment adherence, cortisol levels and heart rate variability (HRV), were also evaluated. The intervention group showed significant reductions in state anxiety (p < 0.001) and trait anxiety (p < 0.001) compared with the control group at all post-intervention time points. Significant improvements were also observed in the intervention group for quality of life (p < 0.001), sleep quality (p < 0.001), treatment adherence (p < 0.001), cortisol levels (p < 0.01) and HRV (p < 0.01). The effects were maintained at the 12-month follow-up. Electroencephalographic biofeedback therapy is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing anxiety levels and improving overall well-being in patients with rectal cancer. The findings suggest that incorporating EEG biofeedback therapy into the standard care of patients with rectal cancer may enhance their psychological well-being, quality of life, sleep quality, treatment adherence, physiological stress responses and autonomic function. Long-term benefits were observed, indicating the sustainability of the intervention's effects. Further research is warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms and potential applications of EEG biofeedback therapy in other cancer populations.
期刊介绍:
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback is an international, interdisciplinary journal devoted to study of the interrelationship of physiological systems, cognition, social and environmental parameters, and health. Priority is given to original research, basic and applied, which contributes to the theory, practice, and evaluation of applied psychophysiology and biofeedback. Submissions are also welcomed for consideration in several additional sections that appear in the journal. They consist of conceptual and theoretical articles; evaluative reviews; the Clinical Forum, which includes separate categories for innovative case studies, clinical replication series, extended treatment protocols, and clinical notes and observations; the Discussion Forum, which includes a series of papers centered around a topic of importance to the field; Innovations in Instrumentation; Letters to the Editor, commenting on issues raised in articles previously published in the journal; and select book reviews. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback is the official publication of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.