• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.12
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• pp.569-581
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• 2016

This experimental study employs a pretest -posttest method concerning the integrated therapy of neurofeedback training, brain gymnastics, and oriental herbal tea effects on seniors living alone. The purpose of the study is to identify effects on brain functions and quality of life. The study participants included 23 seniors living alone (male 10, female 13), ranging in age from 65~90. The experiment lasted 8 weeks, from December 22, 2014, to February 28, 2015. The neurofeedback training utilized the 2 Channel neurofeedback system by Braintech Corporation and was conducted a total of 16 times over 8 weeks, having two sessions per week lasting for 30 minutes focusing on relaxation, concentration and memory. Brain gymnastics, developed by the Korean Science Institute of Psychiatry, ran for 30 minutes, twice a week for a total of 16 sessions administered over 8 weeks. Participants were required to drink 3 cups of oriental herbal tea developed according to Donguibogam for 8 weeks. The results of applying integrated therapy found positive effects on brain function resulting from changes in level of tension and anti-stress quotient. Quality of life, daily life basic measurements, and depression symptoms were significantly influenced by decreases in blood pressure and blood sugar. Results of this study find the integrated therapy of neurofeedback training, brain gymnastics, and oriental herbal tea can significantly enhance brain functions and quality of life within seniors living alone. Therefore integrated therapy involving neurofeedback, brain gymnastics, and oriental herbal tea is a necessary intervention to improve the quality of life of seniors living alone, and will improve the quality of life through healing both mind and body in a more practical and systematical manner.