Neurofeedback Training System to Induce Concentration States Using Virtual Reality

Concentration is particularly important in our daily life either in academic or professional activities to reach goals and complete tasks efficiently. The aim of this work is to promote concentration with a neurofeedback training system implemented in a real-time, interactive Virtual Reality environment. The attention coefficient, defined as the beta/theta ratio, was calculated from electroencephalographic signals to promote concentration through visual feedback stimuli based on brain signals in a sample of three university students. Over eight sessions, participants engaged in five cognitive virtual activities aimed at maintaining attention to complete each task. Signals were acquired in real time using the Muse® headband, with electrodes placed at TP9, TP10, AF7, AF8, and FPz, according to the 10–20 system. These signals were preprocessed to isolate beta and theta waves, which are related to attention. To determine participant concentration, the power spectral density was calculated using the Welch method in beta and theta waves to compute the attention coefficient. The effectiveness of the system was evaluated using the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) before and after the sessions.