BCIwiki (bciwiki.com) — Researchers at Kunming University of Science and Technology, China, published a review of neurofeedback for post-traumatic stress disorder in the Journal of Biomedical Engineering on October 27, 2026. It compares EEG, real-time fMRI and fNIRS feedback mechanisms and evaluation methods.
The review notes that some patients with PTSD have limited responses to existing interventions, with substantial variation between individuals. Neurofeedback (NFB) is a closed-loop neuromodulation approach based on a brain-computer interface (BCI). It provides real-time feedback on brain-activity features to guide patients in regulating abnormal neural patterns. The authors discuss its potential for PTSD rehabilitation rather than reporting a new treatment trial.
The paper reviews regulatory mechanisms involving the prefrontal-limbic emotion regulation circuit and dysregulated states of the default mode, salience and central executive networks. It compares EEG, real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging and functional near-infrared spectroscopy in terms of feedback targets, spatiotemporal resolution and clinical applicability.
For outcome evaluation, the review uses a multidimensional framework combining clinical scales, neurophysiological measures and functional recovery indicators. It discusses neurofeedback's clinical position relative to first-line treatments and potential synergistic mechanisms when combined with psychological interventions. These discussions do not establish that neurofeedback can replace first-line treatment or that combining treatments necessarily adds benefit.
The authors identify inadequate control designs and a lack of standardized training parameters as limitations of current research. They recommend integrating individualized target selection with machine learning-based modeling in future studies to support standardized neurofeedback application.