Brain Training: Neurofeedback
Training protocols, frequency bands, and evidence-based neurofeedback approaches.
Research Library
We've curated 366 research papers for this use case. Dr. Hill and the Peak Brain team are reviewing and summarizing these papers to provide accessible, actionable insights.
Citations and abstracts shown below. Detailed summaries, key findings, and clinical applications will be added as reviews are completed.
The effect of training distinct neurofeedback protocols on aspects of cognitive performance
The use of neurofeedback as an operant conditioning paradigm has disclosed that participants are able to gain some control over particular aspects of their electroencephalogram (EEG). Based on the association between theta activity (4-7 Hz) and working memory performance, and sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) activity (12-15 Hz) and attentional processing, we investigated the possibility that training healthy individuals to enhance either of these frequencies would specifically influence a particular aspect of cognitive performance, relative to a non-neurofeedback control-group. The results revealed that after eight sessions of neurofeedback the SMR-group were able to selectively enhance their SMR activity, as indexed by increased SMR/theta and SMR/beta ratios. In contrast, those trained to selectively enhance theta activity failed to exhibit any changes in their EEG. Furthermore, the SMR-group exhibited a significant and clear improvement in cued recall performance, using a semantic working memory task, and to a lesser extent showed improved accuracy of focused attentional processing using a 2-sequence continuous performance task. This suggests that normal healthy individuals can learn to increase a specific component of their EEG activity, and that such enhanced activity may facilitate semantic processing in a working memory task and to a lesser extent focused attention. We discuss possible mechanisms that could mediate such effects and indicate a number of directions for future research.
View Full Paper âEEG biofeedback vs. placebo treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A pilot study
Method: Seven children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were trained using a standard EEG biofeedback treatment protocol designed to alter SMR/theta ratios and reduce behavioral symptomatology diagnostic of ADHD. During alternate periods they were also trained using a placebo protocol that was identical to the treatment protocol, save that the association between EEG patterns and feedback to the participants was random. Single-case design elements were used to control for the effects of internal validity threats such as maturation, history, and treatment order. Two participants failed to complete all training sessions, and the effects of training on behavior were analyzed both including and excluding these non-completers. Results: When all participants were included in analyses that controlled for overall trend, EEG biofeedback was found to be no more effective than the placebo control condition involving non-contingent feedback, and neither procedure resulted in improvements relative to baseline levels. When overall behavioral trends unrelated to training were not controlled for and noncompleters were excluded from the analysis, it could be mistakenly concluded that EEG biofeedback is significantly more effective than placebo and that the effect sizes involved are moderate to large. These results indicate that many previous reports of the efficacy of EEG biofeedback for ADHD, particularly those presenting series of single cases, might well have been based on spurious findings.
View Full Paper âNeurotherapy and the Challenge of Empirical Support: A Call for a Neurotherapy Practice Research Network
This paper summarizes a review of the empirical support for neurotherapy (NT) as a treatment for psychological and neurological disorders according to the criteria for efficacious treatments set forth by Chambless and Hollon (1998). The review classifies the level of efficacy established for five of ten disorders examined according to the evidence reported in the literature. Specific suggestions for two distinct future research strategies are given. The first of these is in the area of mechanism research and efficacy; the second is a proposal for the creation of an observational study Practitioner Research Network (PRN) aimed at providing data on the effectiveness of neurotherapy as practiced in the field.
View Full Paper âEEG and Behavioral Changes following Neurofeedback Treatment in Learning Disabled Children
Neurofeedback (NFB) is an operant conditioning procedure, by which the subject learns to control his/her EEG activity. On one hand, Learning Disabled (LD) children have higher values of theta EEG absolute and relative power than normal children, and on the other hand, it has been shown that minimum alpha absolute power is necessary for adequate performance. Ten LD children were selected with higher than normal ratios of theta to alpha absolute power (theta/alpha). The Test Of Variables of Attention (TOVA) was applied. Children were divided into two groups in order to maintain similar IQ values, TOVA values, socioeconomical status, and gender for each group. In the experimental group, NFB was applied in the region with highest ratio, triggering a sound each time the ratio fell below a threshold value. Noncontingent reinforcement was given to the other group. Twenty half-hour sessions were applied, at a rate of 2 per week. At the end of the 20 sessions, TOVA, WISC and EEG were obtained. There was significant improvement in WISC performance in the experimental group that was not observed in the control group. EEG absolute power decreased in delta, theta, alpha and beta bands in the experimental group. Control children only showed a decrease in relative power in the delta band. All changes observed in the experimental group and not observed in the control group indicate better cognitive performance and the presence of greater EEG maturation in the experimental group, which suggests that changes were due not only to development but also to NFB treatment.
View Full Paper âLearning to control brain rhythms: making a brain-computer interface possible
The ability to control electroencephalographic rhythms and to map those changes to the actuation of mechanical devices provides the basis for an assistive brain-computer interface (BCI). In this study, we investigate the ability of subjects to manipulate the sensorimotor mu rhythm (8-12-Hz oscillations recorded over the motor cortex) in the context of a rich visual representation of the feedback signal. Four subjects were trained for approximately 10 h over the course of five weeks to produce similar or differential mu activity over the two hemispheres in order to control left or right movement in a three-dimensional video game. Analysis of the data showed a steep learning curve for producing differential mu activity during the first six training sessions and leveling off during the final four sessions. In contrast, similar mu activity was easily obtained and maintained throughout all the training sessions. The results suggest that an intentional BCI based on a binary signal is possible. During a realistic, interactive, and motivationally engaging task, subjects learned to control levels of mu activity faster when it involves similar activity in both hemispheres. This suggests that while individual control of each hemisphere is possible, it requires more learning time.
View Full Paper âNeurofeedback Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: A Comparison with Methylphenidate
Clinical trials have suggested that neurofeedback may be efficient in treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We compared the effects of a 3-month electroencephalographic feedback program providing reinforcement contingent on the production of cortical sensorimotor rhythm (12â15 Hz) and beta1 activity (15â18 Hz) with stimulant medication. Participants were N = 34 children aged 8â12 years, 22 of which were assigned to the neurofeedback group and 12 to the methylphenidate group according to their parents' preference. Both neurofeedback and methylphenidate were associated with improvements on all subscales of the Test of Variables of Attention, and on the speed and accuracy measures of the d2 Attention Endurance Test. Furthermore, behaviors related to the disorder were rated as significantly reduced in both groups by both teachers and parents on the IOWA-Conners Behavior Rating Scale. These findings suggest that neurofeedback was efficient in improving some of the behavioral concomitants of ADHD in children whose parents favored a nonpharmacological treatment.
View Full Paper âThe improvement/rehabilitation of auditory memory functioning with EEG biofeedback
Five clinical case studies (1 normal, 3 brain injured and 1 subject who had a left frontal hematoma) are presented which addressed the effectiveness of EEG biofeedback for auditory memory impairment. A normative QEEG activation database of 59 right-handed subjects was developed, which delineated the QEEG variables which were positively related to auditory memory performance (paragraphs). Persons who had experienced a brain injury underwent the same procedure employed in the development of the database. The person's values on the effective parameters of memory functioning were determined. EEG biofeedback interventions were determined by the individual's deviation from the normative reference group in terms of the relevant QEEG parameters of effective auditory memory (paragraph recall). Improvements ranged from 39% to 134% and either maintained or improved in all of the subjects who had a follow up assessment that occurred from one month to one year following termination of treatment.
View Full Paper âNeurofeedback for AD/HD: A Ratio Feedback Case Study and Tutorial
The case study of a 13-year-old AD/HD male treated with neurofeedback is the subject matter for a tutorial on Ratio feedback. Method. Neurofeedback was conducted at C3 (increase 15 to 18 Hz, decrease 2 to 10 Hz) and C4 (increase 12 to 15 Hz, decrease 2 to 7 Hz). Protocols provided visual and auditory feedback based on the ratio of slow wave activity to be suppressed divided by fast wave activity to be enhanced (Ratio feedback). Results. The patient demonstrated marked improvement in processing speed and variability on the Test of Variables of Attention-Auditory, a 19-point increase in IQ on the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, significant behavioral improvement based on parental (Behavior Assessment System for Children) and patient (Brown ADD Scale) reports, and a 7.5 grade equivalent increase in reading scores (Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement-Brief Form). At the 17-month follow-up parent questionnaires indicated that the patient's behavioral gains had been maintained or were slightly improved. EEG data showed significant declines in the C4/SMR Ratio (10*2 to 7 Hz/12 to 15 Hz) and 2 to 7 Hz amplitude, a tendency toward an increase in 12 to 15 Hz amplitude, a significant increase in 8 to 11 Hz amplitude, and a decline in 22 to 30 Hz amplitude. Beta activity (15 to 18 Hz) was unchanged. An unexpected finding was that C3/Beta (10*2 to 10 Hz/15 to 18 Hz) and C4/SMR protocols had similar effects on the EEG even though they targeted different bands to enhance and suppress. It appears that suppression of slow wave activity (2 to 7 Hz) may be the active component in both Ratio protocols and that fast wave enhancement either plays a minor (12 to 15 Hz) or no role (15 to 18 Hz). Discussion. The findings cast doubt on the assumption that the C3/Beta and C4/SMR protocols have unique effects on EEG activity. Nevertheless, they may have differential effects on brain functions related to the training sites employed. It would be useful to analyze EEG changes in successfully treated individual AD/HD patients as a first step toward understanding the effects of various treatment protocols. What the protocols are intended to do, and the actual effects on the EEG may be different. If there are active components common to the various AD/HD treatment protocols reported in the literature, this is one way of beginning to recognize them. Brain maps collected before, during, and at the conclusion of treatment would enhance our understanding of treatment effects of various neurofeedback protocols, lead to more focused and productive research, and ultimately facilitate the development of more efficient treatment paradigms.
View Full Paper âEfficacy of Neurofeedback for Children in the Autistic Spectrum: A Pilot Study
Background. The efficacy of neurofeedback training was evaluated in 12 children in the autistic spectrum with matched controls, based on established training protocols for other conditions with similar symptoms. Method. Twenty-four autistic children were divided into two groups, matched by sex, age, and disorder severity. One group received neurofeedback training and the second acted as a control group. Responses to the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklists (ATEC) and parental assessments of problem behaviors were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of neurofeedback training for this condition. Results. Neurofeedback training resulted in a 26% average reduction in total ATEC rated autism symptoms, compared to 3% for the control group. Parental assessments reported improvement in all behavioral categories: socialization, vocalization, anxiety, schoolwork, tantrums, and sleep, compared with minimal changes in the control group. Discussion. Autistic spectrum children who underwent neurofeedback training showed significant improvements in autism symptoms and behaviors. The magnitude of improvement was independent of initial severity or age.
View Full Paper âEEG Biofeedback on a Female Stroke Patient with Depression: A Case Study
Background. This single case concerns the treatment of a 71-year-old female stroke patient. The patient's MRI revealed that the location of the stroke was in the right side basal ganglia with damage extending into the anterior limb of the internal capsule. She presented with a virtual paralysis of the left side of her body (hemiplegia with immobilized left arm, contracted fist, minimal motor control over left leg, absence of muscle tonus in left side of face and slurred, monotonic speech). Method. The client was provided with EEG biofeedback training on a one to two half-hour sessions per week schedule. Bipolar montages were used along with single site protocols. This was based largely on the idea of reciprocal communication loops between widely separated cortical generators. It was thought that encouraging communication between cortical sites would have a beneficial impact on impairments related to both functional and structural damage. EEG training protocols included SMR (12-15 Hz) enhancement at C4, C4-Pz and T3-T4 with theta suppression; beta (15-18 Hz) enhancement with theta suppression at C3, C3-Fpz and at C3-Fp1. Results. Patient showed significant improvement in gross motor control and range of movement of left arm and leg. The most dramatic improvement was observed in speech (articulation, strength and tone). While substantial improvements were observed in motor ability, restoration of mood stability proved somewhat more elusive. Since she was receiving additional treatment (physical therapy and medication management), it is impossible to attribute the improvement in functioning solely to the EEG training. However, the consensus among the attending medical personnel was that the improvements noted above took place with unusual expeditiousness. Discussion. When performing EEG biofeedback it may be most practical to adopt an âexercise modelâ approach in which the regulatory mechanisms in the brain are challenged through the sequential use of multiple protocol configurations. In this case several different training protocols proved useful in her ongoing recovery. While improvements in functioning were a result of a concerted effort involving multiple therapeutic interventions, it is likely that neurofeedback played a vital synergistic role.
View Full Paper âFunctional MRI for neurofeedback: feasibility studyon a hand motor task
We present an fMRI-based method that enables subjects to monitor and actively modulate their own brain activity as a form of biofeedback. On a 1.5T clinical MR scanner, functional areas during a simple hand motor task were delineated by detecting signal variations associated with the brain activity. Then, the subject adopted a different strategy to expand the activation in motor and somatosensory areas that were not activated previously. Statistical maps of brain activity were visually presented back to the subject, being updated at the end of each segmented rest-task block in near real-time manner. Our results suggest that the visual feedback of the functional brain activation maps guided subjects to adjust their task performance to achieve the desired modulation of cortical activity. This method may offer a potential utility for fMRI-based neurofeedback
View Full Paper âNeurofeedback training as a therapy for tinnitus/ Neurofeedback in der Therapie des Tinnitus
Background and objective: Biofeedback is known as a possibility to control physiologic processes like body temperature or heart frequency. Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback linked to aspects of the electrical activity of the brain such as frequency, location or amplitude of specific EEG activity. It has been successfully used in patients with closed head injury, hyperactivity disorder or epilepsy. Patients/methods: In this study 40 patients with tinnitus were treated with neurofeedback. They trained to upregulate the amplitude of their α-activity and downregulate the amplitude of ÎČ-activity during muscle relaxation and acoustic orientation on sounds or music in order to suppress their tinnitus. Results: After 15 sessions of training 24 patients with a duration of their tinnitus for an average of 1 year showed significant increase of α-amplitudes while 16 patients with duration of their tinnitus on an average of 7 years showed a decrease of ÎČ-amplitudes without any change in α-activity. After the training all patients had a significant reduction of the score in the tinnitusquestionaire of Göbel and Hiller. In a control-group of 15 persons without tinnitus we didn't see any changes of α- or ÎČ-amplitudes during the same training. Conclusions: In conclusion neurofeedback is a new therapy for patients with tinnitus. Patients get the possibility of selfcontrol and therefore of influence on their disease.
View Full Paper âClinical Use of an Alpha Asymmetry Neurofeedback Protocol in the Treatment of Mood Disorders
Background: This study reports on three of six patients who have completed an average of 27 neurofeedback sessions using a patented alpha asymmetry protocol for the treatment of depression. Method: The follow-up data, from one to five years post therapy, were derived from a single session re-test using the same alpha asymmetry protocol and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results: The three patients originally diagnosed as having unipolar depression reached the training criteria for the non-depressed range by the end of their initial training, and they have maintained their normal scores for right hemisphere alpha asymmetry training over time. The follow-up Beck Depression Inventory scores were also within the normal range. Discussion: This finding is contrary to the previously held demonstrations by Davidson and Henriques regarding the stability of decreased left anterior cortical activation in remitted depression. While some patients have reported mood changes with life's vicissitudes, none have experienced clinical depression since they have terminated therapy.
View Full Paper âManipulation of frontal EEG asymmetry through biofeedback alters self-reported emotional responses and facial EMG
Individual differences in resting asymmetrical frontal brain activity have been found to predict subsequent emotional responses. The question of whether frontal brain asymmetry can cause emotional responses has yet to be addressed. Biofeedback training designed to alter the asymmetry of frontal brain activity was therefore examined. Eighteen right-handed female participants were randomly assigned to receive biofeedback training designed to increase right frontal alpha relative to left frontal alpha (n = 9) or to receive training in the opposite direction (n = 9). Five consecutive days of biofeedback training provided signals of reward or nonreward depending on whether the difference between right (F4) and left (F3) frontal alpha exceeded a criterion value in the specified direction. Systematic alterations of frontal EEG asymmetry were observed as a function of biofeedback training. Moreover, subsequent self-reported affect and facial muscle activity in response to emotionally evocative film clips were influenced by the direction of biofeedback training.
View Full Paper âTreatment of fibromyalgia incorporating EEG-Driven stimulation: A clinical outcomes study
Thirty patients from a private clinical practice who met the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) were followed prospectively through a brainwave-based intervention known as electroencephalograph (EEG)-driven stimulation or EDS. Patients were initially treated with EDS until they reported noticeable improvements in mental clarity, mood, and sleep. Self-reported pain, then, having changed from vaguely diffuse to more specifically localized, was treated with very modest amounts of physically oriented therapies. Pre- to posttreatment and extended follow-up comparisons of psychological and physical functioning indices, specific FS symptom ratings, and EEG activity revealed statistically significant improvements. EDS appeared to be the prime initiator of therapeutic efficacy. Future research is justified for controlled clinical trials and to better understand disease mechanisms. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 57: 933â952, 2001.
Attention and neurofeedback synchrony training: Clinical results and their significance
Previous research on information processing by the primate brain prompted further investigation of phase synchronized alpha brain wave activity at five loci in humans. The results of this investigation indicated that a particular form of attention was associated with production of whole brain synchrony. Method. Patients were treated with a dual approach, a systematic program of attention training coupled with the regular practice of multi channel alpha phase synchrony training. One hundred thirty-two clinical patients were treated for a variety of stress related symptom categories by six therapists in different locations. Patients were rated for symptom intensity, frequency and duration. Results. It was found that learning to develop this particular form of attention, coupled with the regular practice of multi-channel alpha phase synchrony were effective in resolving many common stress related disorders. Analysis of 132 cases using this dual approach found that more than 90 percent of the patients reported an alleviation of symptoms. These positive results were found with stress-induced headache, joint pain, and gastrointestinal disease. Conclusion. The authors propose that there exists a common mechanism operating in these widely different successful applications; to wit, attentional flexibility, which is achieved through systematic practice of audio taped attention exercises and neurofeedback phase synchrony training. Patients who participated in this program generally reported experiencing a release from their symptoms and from emotional conditioned responses in favor of more flexibility and more stable homeostasis. The significance of this ârelease experienceâ is discussed and attention-neurofeedback training is compared to other interventions, which rely exclusively on peripheral modalities of biofeedback training
View Full Paper âTreatment of chronic fatigue with neurofeedback and self-hypnosis
A 21 year old patient reported a relatively rapid onset of serious chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), with her worst symptoms being cognitive impairments. Congruent with research on rapid onset CFS, she had no psychiatric history and specialized testing did not suggest that somatization was likely. Neuroimaging and EEG research has documented brain dysfunction in cases of CFS. Therefore, a quantitative EEG was done, comparing her to a normative data base. This revealed excessive left frontal theta brainwave activity in an area previously implicated in SPECT research. Therefore, a novel treatment approach was utilized consisting of a combination of EEG neurofeedback and self-hypnosis training, both of which seemed very beneficial. She experienced considerable improvement in fatigue, vigor, and confusion as measured pre-post with the Profile of Mood States and through collaborative interviews with both parents. Most of the changes were maintained at 5, 7, and 9 month follow-up testing.
View Full Paper âImprovement/Rehabilitation of Memory Functioning with Neurotherapy/QEEG Biofeedback:
This article presents a new approach to the remediation of memory deficits by studying the electrophysiological functioning involved in memory and applying biofeedback techniques. A Quantitative EEG (QEEG) activation database was obtained with 59 right-handed subjects during two auditory memory tasks (prose passages and word lists). Memory performance was correlated with the QEEG variables. Clinical cases were administered the same QEEG activation study to determine their deviations from the values that predicted success for the reference group. EEG biofeedback interventions were designed to increase the value (to normal levels) of the specific electrophysiological variable that was related to successful memory function and deviant in the subject. Case examples are presented that indicate the successful use of this intervention style in normal subjects and in subjects with brain injury; improvement cannot be fully explained by spontaneous recovery, given the time postinjury. Five cases (two normal, two subjects with brain injury, and one subject who had stereotactic surgery of the hippocampus for seizure control) are presented. Improvements ranged from 68% to 181% in the group of patients with brain injury, as a result of the interventions.
View Full Paper âChanges after EEG biofeedback and cognitive retraining in adults with mild traumatic brain injury and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Introduction. Adults diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were treated with EEG Biofeedback and cognitive retraining. Methods. Psychological and neuropsychological tests were completed at pre-treatment and post-treatment and compared to a normal control group that did not receive training, but tested on two occasions. Results. The results found significant improvement on full scale attention and full scale response accuracy of a continuous performance task in the mTBI and ADHD groups compared to the control group. A self report showed a significant decline in symptoms in the mTBI and ADHD groups compared to the control group. Errors on a problem solving task decreased only in the mTBI group. Discussion. The treatment model used in this study showed significant improvement in the sustained attention of individuals diagnosed with mTBI and ADHD after twenty treatment sessions.
Comparison of Alpha-Theta, Alpha and EMG Neurofeedback in the Production of Alpha-Theta Crossover and the Occurrence of Visualizations
Background: Alpha-theta biofeedback training has been employed in clinical addictions treatment since the first reports of successful application by Peniston and Kulkosky. Several studies have questioned the theta crossover component of this feedback protocol as necessary to the training condition. Methods: We observed theta and alpha amplitudes, percentage of theta/alpha crossover, and self-reports of visualization in 191 sessions of three different protocols of brain wave biofeedback. Feedback conditions studied were alpha only, alpha-theta, and a type of EMG training. Subjects with identical electrode placement in all conditions, and not informed as to the nature of the feedback received, were given the same induction and expectations. They were asked to describe imagery occurring during feedback. Results: Visualization was found to be not exclusive to alpha-theta neurofeedback, but instead was present in all three modes of feedback. In addition, an inverse relationship was found to exist between the degree of theta-greater-than-alpha states and the presence of visual imagery. EMG sessions produced a greater percentage of time in theta/ alpha crossover states than alpha training alone, but the differences were small. Conclusions: Alpha only feedback, EMG feedback and alpha-theta feedback sessions were associated with similar amounts of average theta/ alpha ratio and percentage of theta/alpha crossover across sessions. Neither alpha-theta biofeedback nor biofeedback associated theta/alpha ratio increase is specific to the self-reported production of imagery.
The Effects of Performance Enhancement Training on Hypertension, Human Attention, Stress, and Brain Wave Patterns: A Case Study
Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of alpha-increase neurofeedback training (Performance Enhancement Training) on blood pressure, stress reduction, attention, and observe changes in brainwave patterns. A forty-nine-year-old male college student diagnosed with essential hypertension controlled by medication had undergone twenty-six sessions of alpha-increase biofeed-back (8-13 Hz) at PZ electrode site for a period of 15 weeks. Method: Pre- and post-blood pressure measurements were taken for every session. At the beginning of week number eight, the participant discontinued his medication as advised by his physician. Pre- and post-visual TOVA CPT test was administered to assess the changes in accuracy, reaction time (RT), and RT variability. Osterkamp and Press Self-Assessment Stress Inventory was administered before and after training to assess the level of stress. QEEG evaluation was conducted prior, as well as upon completion of the study. Results: Mean Arterial Blood Pressure (MAP) yielded statistically significant results between pre- and post-sessions within participant blood pressure measurements. The participant's systolic and diastolic blood pressures during the first thirteen sessions were not significantly different from those of the last thirteen sessions when his medication was discontinued, suggesting his ability to control his blood pressure within normal limits without the use of medication. The results of the TOVA test clearly indicate an improvement in individuals' reaction time and the reaction time variability. The results of the Osterkamp and Press Self-Assessment Stress Inventory indicated an improvement in two of the scales: Work and Social Life. Statistical analysis showed that before and after QEEG evaluations were within normal limits. Discussion: The mechanism through which Performance Enhancement Training simultaneously affects blood pressure, reaction time (RT), and variability needs further investigation. However, the positive changes in the measured variables appear to be a function of enhanced self-awareness that leads to the improved self-regulation.
View Full Paper âNeurofeedback Treatment of Depression with the Roshi
Introduction. A patient with severe, medication resistant depression was found to have the frontal alpha asymmetry described in Davidson's (1998a) research as demonstrating a predisposition to depression. Treatment. Initial sessions of EEG neurofeedback using Rosenfeld's (1997) protocol for correcting the alpha asymmetry were discouraging, actually producing slight negative change. Therefore, treatment shifted to using the Roshi, a two channel unit combining neurofeedback and photic stimulation, doing primarily left hemisphere beta training. Results. The very first Roshi session produced positive changes, and within five sessions the patient reported feeling less depressed and more energetic. At the conclusion of thirty training sessions, objective testing documented dramatic reductions in depression, somatic symptoms, overemotionality, anxiety, rumination, and fatigue. Discussion. In support of Henriques and Davidson's (1991) belief that hypoactivation of the left hemisphere results in an âapproach deficitâ and more withdrawal behavior, post-testing and interview data also documented that the patient had become less withdrawn, more active, sociable, and less distrustful. Eight and one-half month follow-up documented maintenance of changes. Continued exploration of left hemisphere beta protocols in treating depression, and of the combined use of neurofeedback with photic stimulation are encouraged.
View Full Paper âOperant conditioning of left-hemispheric slow cortical potentials and its effect on word processing
This study investigated whether language-related cognitive processes can be modified by learned modulation of cortical activity. Study participants received feedback of slow cortical potentials (SCPs) recorded above left- hemispheric language cortices and were reinforced for producing negative and positive shifts upon two different discriminative stimuli. In all subjects who achieved reliable control of left-hemispheric brain responses, substantial modification of word processing was observed. Behavioral modification could be documented in two experiments in which word probes were presented following discriminative stimuli. When negative shifts of the EEG were required, lexical decisions on words were substantially speeded, while they were slowed during positivity conditions. There was no indication for any performance difference between conditions in control subjects who failed to achieve control over SCPs after feedback training. This result was replicated in an experiment using lateralized-tachistoscopic stimulus presentation. Comparisons of word and pseudoword responses in both experiments indicated that behavioral modification was most pronounced for word responses. It was also not seen in a simple reaction time task not involving language materials. This argues against a global effect related to perception, visuo-spatial attention, or motor processes. We conclude that linguistic processes can be influenced by modification of cortical activity due to operant conditioning. In closing, tentative explanations of the present results based on theories of language and attention processes are being discussed.
View Full Paper âNeurofeedbackâThe Significance of Reinforcement and the Search for an Appropriate Strategy for the Success of Self-regulation
Nine healthy children took part in five sessions of feedback and instrumental conditioning of slow cortical potentials (SCPs). The feedback conditions (the relation between the feedback signal and amplitude of SCP) were inverted after two sessions. Neither the children nor the therapists were aware of this change. The adjustment of the children to the new feedback setting and the self-regulation strategies employed were investigated. The results were as follows: (a) Healthy children achieved control over cortical negativity within two sessions. (b) The change of feedback conditions worsened the regulation abilities, which then improved again within the following three sessions. (c) After the first two sessions, the participants were able to describe strategies that were successful during different phases of self-regulation. (d) Following the change in the feedback conditions, the children re-evaluated the way they influenced their SCPs. However, they did not alter the cognitive or behavioral strategies. The study demonstrated that positive and negative reinforcement and the knowledge of results are more important for successful self-regulation than the search for effective strategies. The relevance of these findings is discussed.
View Full Paper âPerformance Enhancement Training Effects on Attention: A Case Study
The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the effects of alpha-increase biofeedback training on human attention. A healthy twenty-three year old male college student had undergone twenty-three sessions of alpha- increase biofeedback (8â13 Hz) at PZ electrode site for a period of eleven weeks. Pre-and Post- visual TOVA CPT test was administered to assess the changes in reaction times and their variability. QEEG evaluation was conducted prior as well as upon the completion of the study. The results of the TOVA test clearly indicate an improvement in individual's reaction time and the reaction time variability. Statistical analysis showed that before and after QEEG evaluations were within normal limits
View Full Paper âTreatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder with Neurotherapy and Group Self-Exploration
The eficacy of integrating Neurofeedback techniques with internal self-exploration was evaluated as a procedure for the treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). These procedures employed a modification of the alpphaltheta neurofeedbaclzprocedures previously described by Peniston and Kulkosky (1991). Eleven female subjects meeting DSM-121-R (1987) criteria for DID were provided with 30 sessions of Neurofeedback and 10 group sessions as treatment. Subjects were administered the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inuentory-II (Millon, 1987)and the Global Assessment of Functioning scale (DSM-ID-R, 1987) before and after 30 neurofeedback sessions. One to three years post treatment, subjects completed a Dissociative Experience Scale questionnaire (Bernstein and Putnam 2986) to assess the long term efficacy of treatment. Neurofeedback training coupled with internal self-exploration served as an effective treatment modality for the unification ofpatients with DID. OfII patients treated, 21 were assessed as unijkd post treatment. All subjects scored as normal on the Dissociative Experience Scale (Bernstein and Putnarn, 1986)for at least one year post treatment.
View Full Paper âNeurofeedback combined with training in metacognitive strategies: effectiveness in students with ADD
A review of records was carried out to examine the results obtained when people with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) received 40 sessions of training that combined neuro-feedback with the teaching of metacognitive strategies. While not a controlled scientific study, the results, including pre- and post-measures, are consistent with previously published research concerning the use of neurofeedback with children. A significant addition is that a description of procedures is included. The 111 subjects, 98 children (age 5 to 17) and 13 adults (ages 18 to 63), attended forty 50-min sessions, usually twice a week. Feedback was contingent on decreasing slow wave activity (usually 4-7 Hz, occasionally 9-11 Hz) and increasing fast wave activity (15- 18 Hz for most subjects but initially 13-15 Hz for subjects with impulsivity and hyperactivity). Metacognitive strategies related to academic tasks were taught when the feedback indicated the client was focused. Some clients also received temperature and/or EDR biofeedback during some sessions. Initially, 30 percent of the children were taking stimulant medications (Ritalin), whereas 6 percent were on stimulant medications after 40 sessions. All charts were included where pre- and post-testing results were available for one or more of the following: the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA, n = 76), Wechsler Intelligence Scales (WISC-R, WISC-III, or WAIS-R, n = 68), Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT 3, n = 99), and the electroencephalogram assessment (QEEG) providing a ratio of theta (4-8 Hz) to beta (16-20 HZ) activity (n = 66). Significant improvements (p < .001) were found in ADD symptoms (inattention, impulsivity, and variability of response times on the TOVA), in both the ACID pattern and the full-scale scores of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales, and in academic performance on the WRAT 3. The average gain for the full scale IQ equivalent score was 12 points. A decrease in the EEG ratio of theta/beta was also observed. These data are important because they provide an extension of results from earlier studies (Lubar, Swartwood, Swartwood, and O'Donnell, 1995; Linden, Habib, and Radojevic, 1996). They also demonstrate that systematic data collection in a private educational setting produces helpful information that can be used to monitor students' progress and improve programs. Because this clinical work is not a controlled scientific study, the efficacious treatment components cannot be determined. Nevertheless, the positive outcomes of decreased ADD symptoms plus improved academic and intellectual functioning suggest that the use of neurofeedback plus training in metacognitive strategies is a useful combined intervention for students with ADD. Further controlled research is warranted
View Full Paper âNEUROFEEDBACK TRAINING IN A CASE OF ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
Electroencephalographic biofeedback, also known as neurofeedback, has been used to improve attention in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In the present case study, a ten-year-old boy completed 37 sessions of neurofeedback training over a six-month period on-site in a school setting. Beta brainwave training was applied for sessions 1â22 and replaced by sensorimotor rhythm training for sessions 23â37. A review of his national achievement test scores for four years revealed he improved performance the year he received neurofeedback and the gain was lost the year after treatment was completed. The participant had been receiving methylphenidate for the previous two years and remained on the medication throughout neurofeedback and for the year after neurofeedback treatment. Findings are suggestive of the advantages of incorporating neurofeedback training as part of a multimodal treatment program in a school setting for children with ADHD.
View Full Paper âThe Clinical Use of An Alpha Asymmetry Protocol in the Neurofeedback Treatment of Depression
In this study we are presenting case studies of two depressed women who were trained with more than 34 sessions each of EEG biofeedback (neurofeedback) using an Alpha Asymmetry protocol, the purpose of this training was to determine if depression could be alleviated when the subjects learned to increase the activation of the left hemisphere and/ or decrease the activation of the right hemisphere. The MMPI-2 was administered before and after training to measure changes in personality factors, including depression. The results suggest that Alpha Asymmetry neurofeedback training may be an effective adjunct to psychotherapy in the treatment of certain types of mood disorders.
View Full Paper âA New Method for Self-Regulation of Slow Cortical Potentials in a Timed Paradigm
A new method of slow cortical potential (SCP) biofeedback is described, in which subjects were presented with a sequence of two alternating tones. Subjects learned to adjust their SCPs with the 4-s rhythm of presented tones by producing directed SCP changes only in certain inter-tone intervals. Specifically, they learned to simultaneously produce two EEG signals: 1) positive or negative SCP shift at vertex, and 2) SCP asymmetry between the right and the left central area. After one training session, 13 healthy participants were able to differentiate significantly between the negativity and the positivity conditions; this differentiation was achieved within less than 300 ms after the discriminative signal, i.e. much faster than in previous studies employing traditional SCP biofeedback technique. However, these participants did not produce a significant hemispheric asymmetry in the first session. In the second experiment, five subjects participated in prolonged training (6 to 17 sessions). Highly significant control of SCP asymmetry over the precentral cortex was attained in four out of five participants. Advantages and disadvantages of the new method as compared with the âclassicalâ SCP biofeedback technique are discussed.
View Full Paper âFrontal interhemispheric asymmetry: self regulation and individual differences in humans
Sixteen subjects naive to biofeedback learned lateralised interhemispheric control of slow cortical potentials (SCPs) across electrode sites F3âF4 during three sessions of visual electroencephalograph (EEG) biofeedback. Subjects were required to generate slow negativity shifts either towards the left or the right hemisphere in sixty pseudorandomly ordered trials per session. Group 1 (n=8) were told to use emotional strategies in the task (positive emotions for left hemisphere activation, negative emotion for right hemisphere activation), group 2 received no guidance. Both groups received feedback in the form of an on-screen rocket-ship, initially centrally placed, which rose to indicate an increase in left hemisphere negativity (relative to the right hemisphere) and fell to indicate an increase in right hemisphere negativity (relative to the left hemisphere). A 2Ă3Ă3Ă2 ANOVA (groupĂsessionĂblockĂtrial) showed no performance differences between the strategy and no strategy groups. Both groups learned to produce correct direction shifts in the final third of each session during both trial types (P<0.001). The no strategy group showed a particularly strong within session learning effect (P<0.0037) with poor performance in the early part of the sessions, and strong shifts at the end. Subjects high on withdrawal showed stronger rightward shifts in keeping with right hemisphere involvement in behavioural withdrawal. This is the first demonstration of self regulation of interhemispheric frontal asymmetry.
Self-regulation of interhemispheric asymmetry in humans
Five healthy right-handed subjects learned to control hemispheric asymmetry with biofeedback of the amplitude difference of slow cortical potentials between the left and the right precentral areas. Six training sessions were conducted with subject I, 12 sessions with subjects II and III, and 14 sessions, with subjects IV and V. Performance of four out of five subjects improved continuously as a function of sessions. Towards the end of training, these subjects demonstrated highly significant differentiation between conditions where right versus left precentral negativity was required. In subject V, no improvement was observed after 14 training sessions. The data indicate that most subjects can learn to self-generate fast electroencephalograph (EEG) differences between the left and the right sensorimotor cortical regions.
View Full Paper âA retrospective, follow-up study of biofeedback-assisted relaxation therapy in patients with posttraumatic headache
Although biofeedback in the treatment of migraine and tension-type headache has been widely researched, there is little research examining biofeedback therapy in posttraumatic headache (PTH). In this retrospective study, 40 subjects with PTH who had received biofeedback-assisted relaxation at our headache clinic were questioned at least 3 months following the completion of therapy. Subjects were queried about improvements in headache, increases in ability to relax and cope with pain, and overall benefits, lasting effectiveness, and continued use of biofeedback in daily life. Results indicate 53% reported at least moderate improvement in headaches; 80% reported at least moderate improvement in ability to relax and cope with pain; 93% found biofeedback helpful to some degree; 85% felt headache relief achieved through biofeedback had continued at least somewhat; and 95% stated they were continuing to use biofeedback skills in daily life. A correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship between response to biofeedback and increased chronicity of the disorder. In other words, the more chronic the disorder, the poorer the response to treatment. A stepwise regression analysis found that chronicity of the disorder and number of treatment sessions significantly affected response to treatment. Data suggest that biofeedback-assisted relaxation should at least be considered when planning treatment strategies for posttraumatic headache.
Neurotherapy and drug therapy in combination for adult ADHD, personality disorder, and seizure disorder: a case report
This is a case report of an adult female patient with ADHD, temporal seizure disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder treated with 30 weekly sessions of SMR neurofeedback and carbamazepine. Posttreatment measures showed improvements in T.O.V.A., self report, and QEEG. Both neurofeedback and carbamazepine showed the most effect in early treatment. Progress continued after discontinuance of the drug.
View Full Paper âTreatment of a depressive disorder patient with EEG-driven photic stimulation
This study examined the effects of electroencephalographic-(EEG-) driven photic stimulation on a case of depressive disorder, as measured by a psychometric test of mood states, EEG parameters, and several autonomic indices. The EEG-driven photic stimulation enhances the alpha rhythm of brain waves using photic signals, the brightness of which is modulated by a subject's own alpha rhythm. The patient was a 37-year-old businessman, who was treated for depression with medication during the 13 months prior to his first visit to our hospital. He underwent two sets of inpatient treatment sessions, comprising first 16 and then 18 treatment sessions. The treatments brought about the following changes: an improvement in general mood state, alpha rhythm increase, cardiac parasympathetic suppression, and increased skin conductance level. In addition, significant correlations between alpha rhythm increase and cardiac parasympathetic suppression or cardiac sympathetic predominance were observed with each inpatient treatment. Significant correlations between alpha rhythm increase, cardiac parasympathetic suppression, or cardiac sympathetic predominance and the improvement of general mood state were also observed. Thus, from these observations, it was concluded that the alpha enhancement induced by EEG-driven photic stimulation produced an improvement in the patient's depressive symptomatology connected with cardiac parasympathetic suppression and sympathetic predominance.
Subthreshold 10-Hz Sound Suppresses EEG Theta
The purpose of this article is to present the details of a newly developed home treatment protocol that provides immediate enhancement of attention and also markedly shortens the frequency and duration of office-based neurofeedback treatment of ADD/ADHD. The critical component of the treatment is the self-administration of a blend of tones embedded in filtered white noise (SUB/ALPHA) that immediately suppresses EEG theta with resultant immediate enhancement of attentional focus. Data from four studies indicating the suppressive effect of SUB/ALPHA on clinical and nonclinical populations are presented.
View Full Paper âA controlled study of the effects of EEG biofeedback on cognition and behavior of children with attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities
Eighteen children with ADD/ADHD, some of whom were also LD, ranging in ages from 5 through 15 were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. The experimental condition consisted of 40 45-minute sessions of training in enhancing beta activity and suppressing theta activity, spaced over 6 months. The control condition, waiting list group, received no EEC biofeedback. No other psychological treatment or medication was administered to any subjects. All subjects were measured at pretreatment and at posttreatment on an IQ test and parent behavior rating scales for inattention, hyperactivity, and aggressive I defiant (oppositional) behaviors. At posttreatment the experimental group demonstrated a significant increase (mean of 9 points) on the K-Bit IQ Composite as compared to the control group (p < .05). The experimental group also significantly reduced inattentive behaviors as rated by parents (p < .05). The significant improvements in intellectual functioning and attentive behaviors might be explained as a result of the attentional enhancement affected by EEG biofeedback training. Further research utilizing improved data collection and analysis, more stringent control groups, and larger sample sizes are needed to support and replicate these findings
EEG biofeedback as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome: A controlled case report
EEG neurofeedback has been identified as a potential diagnostic and treatment protocol with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms. In the present case study, the authors applied an EEG neurofeedback biofeedback paradigm as a treatment modality with a CFS patient. Baseline data were acquired using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised and qualitative and subjective ratings of cognitive improvement. Test results and clinical findings revealed improvements in the patient's cognitive abilities, functional skill level, and quality of life. The patient showed significant differences in pre- and posttest levels on the Wechsler scale.
View Full Paper âEEG biofeedback: A new treatment option for ADD/ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder is commonly treated with stimulant medications such as Ritalin (methylphenidate). However, this medication has short-term effects and numerous undesirable side effects including insomnia and loss of appetite. This study explores using EEG biofeedback, with its minimal side effects and long-term results, as an alternative to pharmacological treatments for ADD
View Full Paper âOperant (biofeedback) control of left-right frontal alpha power differences: Potential neurotherapy for affective disorders
Two experiments were done with subjects from a paid pool of undergraduates. In each study, there were five 1-hour sessions on each of 5 days: (1) Baseline: Rewards given for randomly selected 20% of the 700-ms sequential epochs; mean and SD of baseline power differences determined. 2) Exploration: Subjects were rewarded when right minus left alpha differences in an epoch were greater than the baseline mean plus about .85 SD (p = .20); subjects told to discover how to generate rewards. (3)â(5). Training: Subjects were paid (over and above the $8/h flat rate) in proportion to their hit rates. In the first study (in which active filters passed 8â12 Hz activity, and the rectified, integrated amplitude was utilized), 6 of 8 subjects met learning criteria (a significant difference between baseline and training scores). In the second study (in which on-line FFTs were used to extract alpha power), 3 of 5 subjects met learning criteria.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of EEG neurofeedback training for ADHD in a clinical setting as measured by changes in TOVA scores, behavioral ratings, and WISC-R performance
A study with three component parts was performed to assess the effectiveness of neurofeedback treatment for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The subject pool consisted of 23 children and adolescents ranging in age from 8 to 19 years with a mean of 11.4 years who participated in a 2-to 3-month summer program of intensive neurofeedback training. Feedback was contingent on the production of 16-20 hertz (beta) activity in the absence of 4-8 hertz (theta) activity. Posttraining changes in EEG activity, T.O.V.A. performance, (ADDES) behavior ratings, and WISC-R performance were assessed. Part I indicated that subjects who successfully decreased theta activity showed significant improvement in T.O.V.A. performance; Part II revealed significant improvement in parent ratings following neurofeedback training; and Part III indicated significant increases in WISC-R scores following neurofeedback training. This study is significant in that it examines the effects of neurofeedback training on both objective and subjective measures under relatively controlled conditions. Our findings corroborate and extend previous research, indicating that neurofeedback training can be an appropriate and efficacious treatment for children with ADHD
View Full Paper âA comparison of EEG biofeedback and psychostimulants in treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders
The study compared treatment programs with EEG biofeedback or stimulants as their primary components. An EEG group (EEG) was matched with a stimulant group (MED) by age, IQ, gender and diagnosis. The Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) was administered pre and post treatment. EEG and MED groups improved (p < .05) on measures of inattention, impulsivity, information processing, and variability, but did not differ (p > 0.3) on TOVA change scores. The EEG biofeedback program is an effective alternative to stimulants and may be the treatment of choice when medication is ineffective, has side effects, or compliance is a problem
View Full Paper âPositive outcome with neurofeedback treatment in a case of mild autism
This article looks at the experience of Frankie, an autistic 8 and 1/2 year old boy. He was diagnosed mildly autistic by several specialists. One specialist claimed he was brain damaged and "autistic-like " and that there was no hope for improvement. At Frankie's mother's request, neurotherapy diagnosis and treatment was begun. After 31 sessions, Frankie showed Positive changes in all the diagnostic dimensions defining autism in DSM-111-P, This has profound implications for treatment in a field with few low-risk alternatives.
View Full Paper âComposite Biofeedback Conditioning and Dangerous Offenders: III
seventy seven offenders, selected as subject to deep brain complex seizures, were treated with varying amount of composite EEG-SMR and GSR-SCARS biofeedback conditioning procedure. subjects were selected through successive screens, culminating in criminal conduct. The lack of a recognizable prodrome that 3 subjects might use to cue voluntary self-regulation made it seem necessary to abandon the usual method of continuous analog biofeedback. An operant conditioning method was employed, which provided discontinuous and contingent reinforcing feedback during all occurrences of EEG sensorymotor rhythm and for successive 1K ohms increases in skin resistance. the mean duration of post-release follow-up was 18 months. criminal recidivism rates were shown to decrease roughly in proportion to the number of treatment sessions received. recividism rate varied from 65% for those receiving essentially no biofeedback treatment to 20% for those receiving more than 33 half-hour sessions. the results were interpreted as holding out hope for the identification and treatment modification of one subset of dangerous offenders.
View Full Paper âTen-year stability of EEG biofeedback results for a hyperactive boy who failed fourth grade perceptually impaired class
Ten years ago, the first successful application of a clinical,private-practice based, EEG 14-Hz biofeedback training regimen for the treatment of learning disorders was performed by the author. After the 10-year-old boy, with presenting symptomology including a developmental reading disorder, hyperactivity, and an educational classification of perceptually impaired, continued symptom free for a period oftwo years, his case was submitted for publication. Ten years after his termination from successful treatment, his ongoingly normal social and academic functioning is noted and his EEG brainwave signature examined and compared with a population of 24 âused-to-beâ learning disabled, one-half of which had a pretreatment state including the educational classification of perceptually impaired. This 10-year follow-up confirms the long-term stability of the results of this EEG 14-Hz biofeedback regimen. Current findings on recent medical research identifying a major cerebral locus of dysfunction for hyperkinesis and how it supports the electrode placements of this clinical office setting regimen is also discussed.
View Full Paper âSelf-regulation of slow cortical potentials in psychiatric patients: Schizophrenia
Slow cortical potentials (SCPs) are considered to reflect the regulation of attention resources and cortical excitability in cortical neuronal networks. Impaired attentional functioning, as found in patients with schizophrenic disorders, may covary with impaired SCP regulation. This hypothesis was tested using a self-regulation paradigm. Twelve medicated male schizophrenic inpatients and 12 healthy male controls received continuous feedback of their SCPs, during intervals of 8 s each, by means of a visual stimulus (a stylized rocket) moving horizontally across a TV screen. The position of the feedback stimulus was a linear function of the integrated SCP at each point in time during the feedback interval. Subjects were required to increase or reduce negative SCPs (referred to pretrial baseline) depending on the presentation of a discriminative stimulus. The correct response was indicated by the amount of forward movement of the feedback stimulus and by monetary rewards. Schizophrenics participated in 20 sessions (each comprising 110 trials), while controls participated in 5 sessions. Compared with the healthy controls, schizophrenics showed no significant differentiation between negativity increase and negativity suppression during the first sessions. However, in the last 3 sessions, patients achieved differentiation similar to controls, demonstrating the acquisition of SCP control after extensive training.
View Full Paper âWechsler (wisc-r) changes following treatment of learning disabilities via eeg biofeedback raining in a private practice setting
This paper presents Wechsler (WISCâR) profiles and changes following the application of an EEG biofeedback treatment regimen for brainâbased learning disabilities. EEG biofeedback trained increases in activation (increased amplitude of 14 Hz brainwave energy) of the central and sensorimotor cortex's neural activation network resulted in increases in bihemispheric skills (complementary verbalâexpressive and visualâmotor abilities) Prerequisite to a successful learning posture, the acquisition of reading, and integration of higherâorder learning. Enhanced/normalized academic, physical, and psychophysiological abilities were reflected in changes in brainwave energy signature and WISCâR data. Brainwave signatures and WISCâR profiles ânormalisedâ as a result of training with significant remediation of learning disorders. There was significant growth in WISCâR Full Scale (FS), Verbal, and Performance IQ scores, reflecting improved brain function end resultant test performance, with a ânormalisationâ of VerbalâPerformance IQ anomalies. An inverse relationship was observed between energy levels at 5 Hz and 7 Hz ad pretreatment FSIQ levels. Classic Bannatyne patterns were found to be representative of the learning disabled with pretreatment FSIQ scores within the lowâaverage to highâaverage intellectual ranges
Biofeedback-produced hemispheric asymmetry of slow cortical potentials and its behavioural effects
Two studies served to examine behavioural effects of slow cortical potentials (SPs). SPs were manipulated by means of a biofeedback procedure. The ability of human subjects to alter SPs differentially between the two hemispheres - specifically over the lateral aspects of teh central sulcus - was tested by providing feedback ofthe SP difference betwrrn C3 and C4. In Expt. I, 21 of the 45 subjects produced hemispheric asymmetries of more than 2 ÎŒV between C3 and C4 on an average after 80 trials of analogue, continuous and immediate feedback. In Expt. II, SP changes were fed back digitally at the end of each trial. Within 120 trials, 20 of the 48 subjects reached the criterion of a minimum 2-ÎŒV difference in SPs between C3 and C4 on the average. Average differentiation remained significantly below the SP differentiations achieved for continuous feedback. Trials with feedback were followed by âtaskâ trials without feedback, during which subjects were still requested to produce SP changes but also had to complete a task: Either sensorimotor tasks (Expt. I) or forced choice handedness tasks (Expt. II) were presented to evaluate behavioural consequences of hemispheric SP differences. In subjects achieving the required SP differentiation it affected the behavioural output in agreement with the known functions of the respective cortical area.
SelfâReport During Feedback Regulation of Slow Cortical Potentials
ABSTRACT Subjects received exteroceptive feedback for bidirectional changes in slow cortical potentials or alpha power measured from the vertex. The slow potential group succeeded in shifting slow potentials toward negativity and positivity on feedback and transfer trials requiring these changes, after two sessions of training. Differentiation of negativity and positivity was accompanied by verbal reports of somatomotor activation that occurred on trials on which negative slow potentials were required ( p < .01). Vertical and lateral eye movements, chin and frontalis electromyogram, and heart rate did not differentiate between negativity and positivity trials in the slow potential group. However, heart rate acceleration correlated betweenâsubjects with slow potential negativity during feedback. Although the alpha power group did not succeed at controlling changes in alpha, evidence of a training effect appeared in verbal reports of emotional arousal ( p < .05) and focused vision ( p < .08) on alpha suppression trials in this group. We discuss the findings from the viewpoint that biofeedback tasks involving electrocortical responses are problems in the organization of action that subjects seek to solve.
View Full Paper âEffects of biofeedback-assisted attention training in a college population
A program of stress management employing open-focus attention-training workshops was developed at Baruch College to bring the benefits of stress reduction to students. The purpose of the research reported here was to evaluate the results of the open-focus attention-training technique. Open-focus technique without biofeedback training was used for two semesters. Biofeedback training was incorporated in the third semester. In the first study, changes in grade point average (GPA), stress-related symptoms, and physiological measures were examined. The experimental subjects' stress data for this study was reported previously (Valdés, 1985). In the second study, changes in the same variables for experimental and control subjects were evaluated. Students in the control group showed decreased GPA, while those who participated in open-focus training showed a trend toward improved GPA. Stress-related symptoms associated with anxiety and management of emotional problems showed significant posttraining improvement, as did physiological measures in all of the biofeedback modalities in which the experimental subjects were specifically trained. The results support the hypothesis that the workshops were successful in reducing stress levels, and suggest that further controlled research be conducted to verify these findings, and to identify the most effective components of the training procedure.
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