An Investigation into Discomfort and Fatigue Related to the Wearing of an EEG Neurofeedback Headset

Self-regulating brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback has the potential to improve cognitive functions, rehabilitate motor control and reduce chronic fatigue. Nonetheless, user experience and factors which may interfere with the beneficial effects of neurofeedback are still under researched. This preliminary study aimed to investigate whether wearing an EEG neurofeedback recommended headset for 1 hour induced significant physical discomfort and fatigue. Data were obtained from a standard visual analogue scale questionnaire and a newly developed EEG headset discomfort (EEGhd) questionnaire. 21 participants (12 in the experimental (headset) and 9 in the control (electrodes only) group) watched a nature documentary video while their brain signals were recorded. They completed the set of questionnaires before and after the video, while wearing the EEG headset (or electrodes). A two-sample t-test revealed that the experimental group experienced significantly higher EEGhd than the controls (p < .001). Participants reported the onset of discomfort after approximately 25 minutes. These results highlight the importance of assessing user experience and accounting for physical discomfort when designing an EEG neurofeedback study.