In this study, the individually determined upper alpha frequency band in EEG (electroencephalogram) was investigated as a neurofeedback parameter. Fourteen subjects were trained on five sessions within 1 week by means of feedback dependent on the current upper alpha amplitude. On the first and fifth session, cognitive ability was tested by a mental rotation test. As a result, eleven of the fourteen subjects showed significant training success. Individually determined upper alpha was increased independently of other frequency bands. The enhancement of cognitive performance was significantly larger for the neurofeedback group than for a control group who did not receive feedback. Thus, enhanced cognitive control went along with an increased upper alpha amplitude that was found in the neurofeedback group only.Research Highlights ►Human EEG oscillations in the upper alpha frequency band are enhanced by neurofeedback. ►EEG-enhancement was accompanied by an improvement of performance in a cognitive task. ►EEG-enhancement due to neurofeedback was restricted to the frequency range that was used for feedback.