Closed-Loop Individual Music Neurofeedback Based on Brain-Computer Interaction for Student Stress Intervention

Music neurofeedback is a non-invasive method for regulating neural activity and reducing stress based on brain-computer interface technology combined with music stimulation. However, the current music neurofeedback protocol is regulated by a single indicator, resulting in significant differences in individual effects. This study proposed a neurofeedback protocol based on personalized music selection and used three stress scales and two cognitive behavioral experiments to evaluate the stress regulation effect, and combined electroencephalogram (EEG) microstate analysis to explore the stress relief mechanism. Five university students participated in a five-session neurofeedback training. After the intervention, the results of the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Stroop task showed a significant decrease in the scores of stress-related symptoms and a significant improvement in response inhibition. The EEG results showed that the absolute power of the a band in the frontal and temporal lobes increased significantly, the coverage and duration of microstate C decreased significantly, and the duration of microstate D increased significantly, which was significantly correlated with the reduction of stress scores. Personalized music neurofeedback provides a potentially effective tool and innovative perspective for student stress management. The elucidation of spatiotemporal neurocognitive mechanisms provides a new theoretical framework for the development and optimization of neurofeedback protocols.