Biofeedback Auditory Alpha EEG Training and Its Effect upon Anxiety and Reading Achievement.

The major purpose of this exploratory study was to determine if electroencephalographic (EEG) auditory biofeedback training combined with Open Focus relaxation therapy would increase alpha-brain-wave production in highly anxious freshman university students who were also deficient in reading skills. The subjects for the study were 15 volunteer university freshmen assigned to a remedial reading course. The 15 students were divided into three closely matched groups designated treatment groups one, two, and control. Treatment groups one and two attended sessions of Open Focus relaxation therapy and practiced on days when they were not attending the sessions. The control group did not receive any treatment. Findings comparing pre- and posttest differences for six variables indicated that treatment group one significantly lowered anxiety and tension and increased reading achievement and vocabulary scores. These subjects also increased alpha production and, to a degree, could control alpha brain waves. Treatment group two significantly lowered anxiety and increased vocabulary scores, and the control group significantly increased reading achievement and speed of comprehension. (Author/LL)