How do Alpha Oscillations Shape the Perception of Pain? - An EEG-based Neurofeedback Study

Plain-language summary

Pain is closely linked to alpha oscillations (8 -13 Hz) which are thought to represent a supra-modal, top-down mediated gating mechanism that shapes sensory processing. Consequently, alpha oscillations might also shape the cerebral processing of nociceptive input and eventually the perception of pain. To test this mechanistic hypothesis, the investigators designed a sham-controlled and double-blind electroencephalography (EEG)-based neurofeedback study. In a short-term neurofeedback training protocol, healthy participants will learn to up- and downregulate somatosensory alpha oscillations using attention. Subsequently, the investigators will investigate how this manipulation impacts experimental pain applied during neurofeedback. Using Bayesian statistics and mediation analysis, the investigators will test whether alpha oscillations mediate attention effects on pain perception. This approach promises causal insights into the role of alpha oscillations in shaping pain, and thereby extends previous correlative evidence. Beyond, it can aid the development of novel, non-invasive modulatory treatment approaches for chronic pain, which are urgently needed. The prosed study protocol has been granted in-principle acceptance from PLOS Biology and the corresponding registration can be found at the OSF online repository \[www.osf.io/qbkj2\].

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