Internet Gaming DisorderNCT07843615
Mechanism of BCI-Based Dual-Target Neurofeedback Training in Improving Cognitive Control Deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder
A study testing "Activate Neural Circuits + Promote Social Rewards" Dual-target Neurofeedback Training and "Activate Only the Neural Circuits" Neurofeedback Training in people with Internet Gaming Disorder, run by The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
Addressing the three core issues in research on cognitive control deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)-unclear neural mechanisms, limited intervention targets, and poor patient compliance-this project innovatively constructs a pathological model of IGD characterized by "decline in social rewards → dysfunction of… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Internet Gaming Disorder
- What is being tested?
- "Activate Neural Circuits + Promote Social Rewards" Dual-target Neurofeedback Training and "Activate Only the Neural Circuits" Neurofeedback Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 120 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2026to 30 Dec 2028
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Individuals aged between 18 and 35 years, irrespective of gender, having completed a minimum of 9 years of education and capable of effectively cooperating in questionnaire evaluations
- Consent to actively cooperate in the completion of subsequent follow-up assessments
- Right-handed
- The Gaming Disorder Screening (GDSS) Scale score ≥ 47 points
- Average weekly gaming time greater than 21 hours, maintained for over one year
- More than 50% of daily internet time spent playing online games
Who cannot join
- Severe cognitive functional impairments manifested through a history of head trauma, cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, etc., or usage of cognitive enhancement drugs in the past 6 months
- Left-handed
- An intellectual disability with an IQ score less than 70
- A diagnosis of schizophrenia or other severe mental illnesses as per the DSM-5 criteria
- Abuse or dependence on other psychoactive substances (excluding nicotine) within the past 5 years
- Severe organic diseases that might compromise study participation
- Color blindness or color weakness
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
China1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Bengbu Medical University
Bengbu
Dongliang Jiao, doctor, 15005527903, jdl3925697@163.com
About this study
Official title: Mechanistic Study on Brain-Computer Interface-Based Dual-Target Neurofeedback Training Intervention for Cognitive Control Deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder
Addressing the three core issues in research on cognitive control deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)-unclear neural mechanisms, limited intervention targets, and poor patient compliance-this project innovatively constructs a pathological model of IGD characterized by "decline in social rewards → dysfunction of the dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex-Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (dACC-DLPFC) cognitive control circuit → abnormalities in the frontal midline theta rhythm (Fmθ)." The investigators have developed a dual-target intervention system that integrates neurofeedback with social reward substitution, transforming social rewards into therapeutic reinforcers to enhance the effectiveness of the intervention.
Read the detailed description
Existing research has confirmed that cognitive control dysfunction is the core pathological mechanism underlying the onset and progression of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD); however, there remain critical scientific questions in this field that urgently need to be addressed:
First, the underlying neural mechanisms driving cognitive control abnormalities in IGD patients have not yet been clarified. Most existing studies remain at the level of phenomenological description and have not elucidated the mechanisms of dysfunction in brain circuits related to cognitive control or the upstream regulatory factors;
Second, the cognitive control deficits in IGD patients have not yet been fundamentally remediated. Current intervention strategies focus solely on "inhibitory interventions" and fail to establish a healthy social reward system capable of replacing the immediate rewards of gaming. This leaves a gap in behavioral regulation following the correction of cognitive control deficits, resulting in a significant sense of psychological emptiness after withdrawal and persistently high rates of clinical relapse;
Third, IGD patients exhibit low participation in restorative interventions targeting cognitive control deficits, and the effects of such interventions are short-lived. IGD is generally characterized by low sensitivity to social rewards and insufficient treatment motivation. The decline in social rewards and cognitive control deficits are causally interlinked; traditional psychotherapy models that rely on verbal communication and self-disclosure struggle to adapt to these characteristics, resulting in limited therapeutic efficacy.
In light of these scientific issues, this project will conduct targeted research:
First, the investigators will innovatively construct an IGD pathological model: "social reward decline → dysfunction of the dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex-Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (dACC-DLPFC) cognitive control circuit → abnormalities in the frontal midline theta rhythm (Fmθ)." The investigators will systematically elucidate the mechanisms, upstream drivers, and specific biomarkers underlying the dysfunction of the cognitive control circuit;
Second, based on the above theory and approaching IGD intervention from the perspective of organically combining "breaking with the old" and "establishing the new," the investigators will establish a dual-target system to repair the cognitive control circuit. Develop an Fmθ neurofeedback intervention device that "activates neural circuits and inhibits gaming behavior + promotes social rewards and substitutes for gaming behavior";
Third, transform social rewards into therapeutic reinforcers to effectively stimulate intrinsic motivation for cognitive control restoration, thereby significantly improving compliance and engagement in IGD cognitive control interventions.
- Conditions
- Internet Gaming Disorder
- Being tested
- "Activate Neural Circuits + Promote Social Rewards" Dual-target Neurofeedback Training, "Activate Only the Neural Circuits" Neurofeedback Training, Sham Feedback
- Keywords
- Internet Gaming Disorder, Cognitive Control, Restructuring of the dACC-DLPFC Loop, Social Rewards, Neurofeedback Therapy
- Medical subject headings
- Internet Addiction Disorder
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
"Activate Neural Circuits + Promote Social Rewards" Dual-target Neurofeedback TrainingBehavioural
Using the MATLAB environment, the PsychToolbox add-on, and the integrated EEGLAB toolbox for real-time EEG signal processing, a neural feedback system was constructed to enable precise, targeted regulation of the dACC-DLPFC circuit.
Target 1 (activating neural circuits to inhibit gaming behavior [breaking old habits]) and Target 2 (promoting social rewards to replace gaming behavior [establishing new habits])-this dual-target design forms a complete learning loop of "inhibiting impulses → obtaining healthy rewards," simulating the behavioral patterns of a healthy brain.
A three-group between-subjects design was employed to isolate the unique effects of the "social reward" component; each session consisted of 30 minutes of neurofeedback training, four times a week, for four consecutive weeks.
Dual-regulation group: Received comprehensive "neural circuit activation + promotion of social reward" dual neurofeedback training.
"Activate Only the Neural Circuits" Neurofeedback TrainingBehavioural
- Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. The 40 participants assigned to the single-modulation group will receive only "inhibitory" neurofeedback training targeting the dACC-DLPFC circuit (activating the neural circuit only, without promoting social reward).
- Assessments will include standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, each administered once before and after the intervention.
- During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions.
- The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points: baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups.
Sham FeedbackBehavioural
- Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. The 40 participants assigned to the sham feedback group will follow the same task protocol but receive sham feedback unrelated to their own brain activity. 2. Assessments, including standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, will be conducted once before and once after the intervention.3. During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions. 4. The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points: baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-regulation group | Experimental | 1. Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. 40 participants assigned to the dual-regulation group will receive a full course of "neural circuit activation + social reward promotion" dual neurofeedback training.
2. Assessments, including standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, will be conducted once before and once after the intervention.
3. During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions.
4. The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points:baseline (T0, Time Point 0), immediately post-intervention (T1, Time Point 1), 6-month follow-up (T2, Time Point 2) and 12-month (T3, Time Point 3) follow-ups. Receives: Behavioral: "Activate Neural Circuits + Promote Social Rewards" Dual-target Neurofeedback Training |
| Single-regulation group（ Neural Circuits Activation Only ） | Other | 1. Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. The 40 participants assigned to the single-regulation group will receive only "inhibitory" neurofeedback training targeting the dACC-DLPFC (dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex - Dorsolateral Prefronteral Prefronta Cortex) circuit (activating the neural circuit only, without promoting social reward).
2. Assessments will include standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, each administered once before and after the intervention.
3. During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions.
4. The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points: baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups. Receives: Behavioral: "Activate Only the Neural Circuits" Neurofeedback Training |
| Sham Feedback group (none contingent feedback) | Other | 1. Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. The 40 participants assigned to the sham feedback group will follow the same task protocol but receive sham feedback unrelated to their own brain activity.
2. Assessments, including standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, will be conducted once before and once after the intervention.
3. During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions.
4. The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points: baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups. Receives: Behavioral: Sham Feedback |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Severity of Gaming Disorder
The severity of gaming disorder was assessed using the Gaming Disorder Screening Scale (GDSS), which consists of 18 Likert-scale items. Each item has four response options (1 = never; 2 = sometimes; 3 = often; 4 = always), with a total score range of 18 to 72. Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis using ICD-11 as the gold standard, a total score of ≥47 indicates a high risk of gaming disorder
Measured: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Results of Neurofeedback Training
Results of Neurofeedback Training:Average increase in frontal midline theta (Fmθ) power during training. The higher the power, the better theresults
Measured: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Results of Neurofeedback Training
Results of Neurofeedback Training:The time it takes for participants to reach a predetermined target energy level. The shorter the time, the better the training results.
Measured: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Changes of Behavioral Indicators
Stop-Signal Reaction Time (SSRT) derived from the Social Reward-modified Stop-Signal Task. Shorter SSRT indicates better cognitive control performance under social-reward versus no-reward conditions.
Measured: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Changes of Behavioral Indicators
Stop-Signal Delay (SSD) derived from the Social Reward-modified Stop-Signal Task. Higher SSD indicates better cognitive control performance under social-reward versus no-reward conditions.
Measured: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Changes of Behavioral Indicators
Hit rate derived from the Social Incentive Delay Task. Reduced hit rate under social-reward cue conditions indicates impaired social reward processing.
Measured: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Changes of Behavioral Indicators
Reaction time for correct hits derived from the Social Incentive Delay Task. Prolonged reaction time under social-reward cue conditions indicates impaired social reward processing.
Measured: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Social Reward
The social reward function was measured using the "Social Pleasure" subscale of the Multidimensional Pleasure Deficit Scale. This subscale consists of four items. Participants were first asked to list two current or past social activities that had brought them pleasure, and then to respond to each item, assessing factors such as their willingness to participate in these activities and the level of pleasure experienced during participation. Scoring is based on a 10-point Likert scale, ranging from "Not at all" to "Very much." Higher scores indicate stronger social reward.
Measured: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Executive Function
Executive function was evaluated using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A), comprising 75 items scored on a 3-point Likert scale ranging from "never" to "often." Higher scores on the Global Executive Composite (GEC) reflect greater executive function impairment.
Measured: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Secondary outcomes (3)
Changes of Electrophysiological Indicators
Event-related potential (ERP) components N200 elicited during the Stop-Signal Task were analyzed with respect to amplitude . N200 amplitude indexed conflict monitoring.
Measured: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Changes of Electrophysiological Indicators
Event-related potential (ERP) components P300 elicited during the Stop-Signal Task were analyzed with respect to latency. P300 latency reflected inhibitory control capacity.
Measured: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Neuroimaging Indicators
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess the strength of functional connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)
Measured: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 Sep 2026
- Study start1 Jan 2026
- Primary completion30 Dec 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Dec 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Internet Gaming DisorderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Bengbu Medical University
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Dongliang Jiao, doctor, Study chair, School of Mental Health, Bengbu Medical University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07843615
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- dlJiao-350
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 20 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 28 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Mechanistic Study on Brain-Computer Interface-Based Dual-Target Neurofeedback Training Intervention for Cognitive Control Deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07843615
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- dlJiao-350
- Conditions
- Internet Gaming Disorder
- Keywords
- Internet Gaming Disorder, Cognitive Control, Restructuring of the dACC-DLPFC Loop, Social Rewards, Neurofeedback Therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Bengbu Medical University
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Dec 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 28 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Addressing the three core issues in research on cognitive control deficits in Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)-unclear neural mechanisms, limited intervention targets, and poor patient compliance-this project innovatively constructs a pathological model of IGD characterized by "decline in social rewards → dysfunction of the dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex-Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (dACC-DLPFC) cognitive control circuit → abnormalities in the frontal midline theta rhythm (Fmθ)." The investigators have developed a dual-target intervention system that integrates neurofeedback with social reward substitution, transforming social rewards into therapeutic reinforcers to enhance the effectiveness of the intervention.
Detailed description
Existing research has confirmed that cognitive control dysfunction is the core pathological mechanism underlying the onset and progression of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD); however, there remain critical scientific questions in this field that urgently need to be addressed:
First, the underlying neural mechanisms driving cognitive control abnormalities in IGD patients have not yet been clarified. Most existing studies remain at the level of phenomenological description and have not elucidated the mechanisms of dysfunction in brain circuits related to cognitive control or the upstream regulatory factors;
Second, the cognitive control deficits in IGD patients have not yet been fundamentally remediated. Current intervention strategies focus solely on "inhibitory interventions" and fail to establish a healthy social reward system capable of replacing the immediate rewards of gaming. This leaves a gap in behavioral regulation following the correction of cognitive control deficits, resulting in a significant sense of psychological emptiness after withdrawal and persistently high rates of clinical relapse;
Third, IGD patients exhibit low participation in restorative interventions targeting cognitive control deficits, and the effects of such interventions are short-lived. IGD is generally characterized by low sensitivity to social rewards and insufficient treatment motivation. The decline in social rewards and cognitive control deficits are causally interlinked; traditional psychotherapy models that rely on verbal communication and self-disclosure struggle to adapt to these characteristics, resulting in limited therapeutic efficacy.
In light of these scientific issues, this project will conduct targeted research:
First, the investigators will innovatively construct an IGD pathological model: "social reward decline → dysfunction of the dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex-Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (dACC-DLPFC) cognitive control circuit → abnormalities in the frontal midline theta rhythm (Fmθ)." The investigators will systematically elucidate the mechanisms, upstream drivers, and specific biomarkers underlying the dysfunction of the cognitive control circuit;
Second, based on the above theory and approaching IGD intervention from the perspective of organically combining "breaking with the old" and "establishing the new," the investigators will establish a dual-target system to repair the cognitive control circuit. Develop an Fmθ neurofeedback intervention device that "activates neural circuits and inhibits gaming behavior + promotes social rewards and substitutes for gaming behavior";
Third, transform social rewards into therapeutic reinforcers to effectively stimulate intrinsic motivation for cognitive control restoration, thereby significantly improving compliance and engagement in IGD cognitive control interventions.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-regulation group | Experimental | Behavioral: "Activate Neural Circuits + Promote Social Rewards" Dual-target Neurofeedback Training1. Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. 40 participants assigned to the dual-regulation group will receive a full course of "neural circuit activation + social reward promotion" dual neurofeedback training. 2. Assessments, including standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, will be conducted once before and once after the intervention. 3. During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions. 4. The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points:baseline (T0, Time Point 0), immediately post-intervention (T1, Time Point 1), 6-month follow-up (T2, Time Point 2) and 12-month (T3, Time Point 3) follow-ups. |
| Single-regulation group（ Neural Circuits Activation Only ） | Other | Behavioral: "Activate Only the Neural Circuits" Neurofeedback Training1. Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. The 40 participants assigned to the single-regulation group will receive only "inhibitory" neurofeedback training targeting the dACC-DLPFC (dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex - Dorsolateral Prefronteral Prefronta Cortex) circuit (activating the neural circuit only, without promoting social reward). 2. Assessments will include standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, each administered once before and after the intervention. 3. During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions. 4. The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points: baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups. |
| Sham Feedback group (none contingent feedback) | Other | Behavioral: Sham Feedback1. Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. The 40 participants assigned to the sham feedback group will follow the same task protocol but receive sham feedback unrelated to their own brain activity. 2. Assessments, including standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, will be conducted once before and once after the intervention. 3. During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions. 4. The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points: baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Individuals aged between 18 and 35 years, irrespective of gender, having completed a minimum of 9 years of education and capable of effectively cooperating in questionnaire evaluations
- Consent to actively cooperate in the completion of subsequent follow-up assessments
- Right-handed
- The Gaming Disorder Screening (GDSS) Scale score ≥ 47 points
- Average weekly gaming time greater than 21 hours, maintained for over one year
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Severe cognitive functional impairments manifested through a history of head trauma, cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, etc., or usage of cognitive enhancement drugs in the past 6 months
- Left-handed
- An intellectual disability with an IQ score less than 70
- A diagnosis of schizophrenia or other severe mental illnesses as per the DSM-5 criteria
- Abuse or dependence on other psychoactive substances (excluding nicotine) within the past 5 years
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| "Activate Neural Circuits + Promote Social Rewards" Dual-target Neurofeedback TrainingUsing the MATLAB environment, the PsychToolbox add-on, and the integrated EEGLAB toolbox for real-time EEG signal processing, a neural feedback system was constructed to enable precise, targeted regulation of the dACC-DLPFC circuit. Target 1 (activating neural circuits to inhibit gaming behavior [breaking old habits]) and Target 2 (promoting social rewards to replace gaming behavior [establishing new habits])-this dual-target design forms a complete learning loop of "inhibiting impulses → obtaining healthy rewards," simulating the behavioral patterns of a healthy brain. A three-group between-subjects design was employed to isolate the unique effects of the "social reward" component; each session consisted of 30 minutes of neurofeedback training, four times a week, for four consecutive weeks. Dual-regulation group: Received comprehensive "neural circuit activation + promotion of social reward" dual neurofeedback training. | Behavioural | Dual-regulation group |
| "Activate Only the Neural Circuits" Neurofeedback Training1. Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. The 40 participants assigned to the single-modulation group will receive only "inhibitory" neurofeedback training targeting the dACC-DLPFC circuit (activating the neural circuit only, without promoting social reward). 2. Assessments will include standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, each administered once before and after the intervention. 3. During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions. 4. The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points: baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups. | Behavioural | Single-regulation group（ Neural Circuits Activation Only ） |
| Sham Feedback1. Conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. The 40 participants assigned to the sham feedback group will follow the same task protocol but receive sham feedback unrelated to their own brain activity. 2. Assessments, including standardized scales, behavioral tests, and neuroimaging, will be conducted once before and once after the intervention.3. During neurofeedback training, participants will undergo training four times per week, for a total of 16 sessions. 4. The entire intervention will last approximately one month. To track the immediacy and sustainability of the intervention's effects, the above measures will be collected at all four time points: baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at 6-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups. | Behavioural | Sham Feedback group (none contingent feedback) |
Primary outcome
Severity of Gaming Disorder
Time frame: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
The severity of gaming disorder was assessed using the Gaming Disorder Screening Scale (GDSS), which consists of 18 Likert-scale items. Each item has four response options (1 = never; 2 = sometimes; 3 = often; 4 = always), with a total score range of 18 to 72. Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis using ICD-11 as the gold standard, a total score of ≥47 indicates a high risk of gaming disorder
Results of Neurofeedback Training
Time frame: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Results of Neurofeedback Training:Average increase in frontal midline theta (Fmθ) power during training. The higher the power, the better theresults
Results of Neurofeedback Training
Time frame: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Results of Neurofeedback Training:The time it takes for participants to reach a predetermined target energy level. The shorter the time, the better the training results.
Changes of Behavioral Indicators
Time frame: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Stop-Signal Reaction Time (SSRT) derived from the Social Reward-modified Stop-Signal Task. Shorter SSRT indicates better cognitive control performance under social-reward versus no-reward conditions.
Changes of Behavioral Indicators
Time frame: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Stop-Signal Delay (SSD) derived from the Social Reward-modified Stop-Signal Task. Higher SSD indicates better cognitive control performance under social-reward versus no-reward conditions.
Changes of Behavioral Indicators
Time frame: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Hit rate derived from the Social Incentive Delay Task. Reduced hit rate under social-reward cue conditions indicates impaired social reward processing.
Changes of Behavioral Indicators
Time frame: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Reaction time for correct hits derived from the Social Incentive Delay Task. Prolonged reaction time under social-reward cue conditions indicates impaired social reward processing.
Social Reward
Time frame: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
The social reward function was measured using the "Social Pleasure" subscale of the Multidimensional Pleasure Deficit Scale. This subscale consists of four items. Participants were first asked to list two current or past social activities that had brought them pleasure, and then to respond to each item, assessing factors such as their willingness to participate in these activities and the level of pleasure experienced during participation. Scoring is based on a 10-point Likert scale, ranging from "Not at all" to "Very much." Higher scores indicate stronger social reward.
Executive Function
Time frame: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Executive function was evaluated using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A), comprising 75 items scored on a 3-point Likert scale ranging from "never" to "often." Higher scores on the Global Executive Composite (GEC) reflect greater executive function impairment.
3 secondary outcomes
Changes of Electrophysiological Indicators
Time frame: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Changes of Electrophysiological Indicators
Time frame: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Neuroimaging Indicators
Time frame: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Dongliang Jiao, doctor study chair
School of Mental Health, Bengbu Medical University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing "Activate Neural Circuits + Promote Social Rewards" Dual-target Neurofeedback Training and "Activate Only the Neural Circuits" Neurofeedback Training in people with Internet Gaming Disorder, run by The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University at 1 site in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Dongliang Jiao, doctor (15005527903, jdl3925697@163.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Severity of Gaming Disorder (time frame: through neurofeedback training completion, an average of 1 month). The study lists 9 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Sep 2026.