Better than sleep: Theta neurofeedback training accelerates memory consolidation

• Theta neurofeedback training improves memory consolidation of a motor sequence.
• Memory consolidation was maintained after theta neurofeedback training for 7 days, longer than any of the control groups.
• Night sleep further improved motor performance of the Theta neurofeedback training group, beyond improvement in the control groups.
• Level of increase in neurofeedback power of the theta correlates with the level of improvement in performance.

Consistent empirical results showed that both night and day sleep enhanced memory consolidation. In this study we explore processes of consolidation of memory during awake hours. Since theta oscillations have been shown to play a central role in exchange of information, we hypothesized that elevated theta during awake hours will enhance memory consolidation.We used a neurofeedback protocol, to enhance the relative power of theta or beta oscillations. Participants trained on a tapping task, were divided into three groups: neurofeedback theta; neurofeedback beta; control. We found a significant improvement in performance in the theta group, relative to the beta and control groups, immediately after neurofeedback. Performance was further improved after night sleep in all groups, with a significant advantage favoring the theta group. Theta power during training was correlated with the level of improvement, indicating a clear relationship between memory consolidation, and theta neurofeedback.