Effectiveness of Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback on Postconcussion Symptoms in Combat Veterans: Results of a Delayed Intervention Analysis

Authors

  • Dr. Judy Carlson Veterans Administration
  • Dr. Caitlin Tyrrell VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
  • Dr. G. Webster Ross VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
  • Dr. Belkys Fiame VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
  • Dr. Courtnee Nunokawa VA Pacific Islands Health Care System; University of Hawaii
  • Ms. Kim Schaper VA Pacific Islands Health Care System

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.13.3.239

Keywords:

Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback, mTBI, Post-Concussive Symptoms, Veterans, Sleep, Headache, Endogenous Neuromodulation

Abstract

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the impact infra-low frequency neurofeedback (ILF NFB) had on a group of combat veterans with postconcussive symptoms who served as a control group in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and later completed a delayed intervention procedure. Methods. After completing the control procedures (eight weekly 15-min health-related discussions and four assessment sessions), veterans were invited to join a delayed intervention (twenty 30-min sessions of ILF NFB and three assessment sessions) group. Of 38 control group members, 32 went on to complete the delayed intervention procedures (16% attrition). Results. Comparing baseline to end of treatment measures, findings were clinically and statistically significant for headache (p < .0001), sleep (p < .0001) and attention (p < .0044). Additional measures of interest were also significantly improved following ILF NFB, including quality of life (p < .0001), depressive symptoms (p < .0001), and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (p = .0001). Significant results remained at the 2-month follow-up on all measures, despite a history of chronicity for many years and prior treatment failure. Conclusion. ILF NFB holds promise to be a safe and effective intervention for those who suffer with postconcussive symptoms of chronic headache, sleep, and attention disorders.

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2026-09-28

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Carlson, J., Tyrrell, C., Ross, G., Fiame, B., Nunokawa, C., & Schaper, K. (2026). Effectiveness of Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback on Postconcussion Symptoms in Combat Veterans: Results of a Delayed Intervention Analysis. NeuroRegulation, 13(3), 239. https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.13.3.239

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Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

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Research Papers

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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Judy Carlson, Dr. Caitlin Tyrrell, Dr. G. Webster Ross, Dr. Belkys Fiame, Dr. Courtnee Nunokawa, Ms. Kim Schaper

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