IQ
Research Papers
Neurofeedback Overtraining and the Vulnerable Patient
Neurofeedback overtraining in vulnerable patients can cause transient, site specific functional decline that may be distressing to the patient and trainer. Susceptible patients can be identified before training with a checklist, and overtraining then avoided by close observation of training response. Procedures are described and a possible mechanism is offered.
View Full Paper →Neurofeedback for Children with ADHD: A Comparison of SCP and Theta/Beta Protocols
Behavioral and cognitive improvements in children with ADHD have been consistently reported after neurofeedback-treatment. However, neurofeedback has not been commonly accepted as a treatment for ADHD. This study addresses previous methodological shortcomings while comparing a neurofeedback-training of Theta-Beta frequencies and training of slow cortical potentials (SCPs). The study aimed at answering (a) whether patients were able to demonstrate learning of cortical self-regulation, (b) if treatment leads to an improvement in cognition and behavior and (c) if the two experimental groups differ in cognitive and behavioral outcome variables. SCP participants were trained to produce positive and negative SCP-shifts while the Theta/Beta participants were trained to suppress Theta (4–8 Hz) while increasing Beta (12–20 Hz). Participants were blind to group assignment. Assessment included potentially confounding variables. Each group was comprised of 19 children with ADHD (aged 8–13 years). The treatment procedure consisted of three phases of 10 sessions each. Both groups were able to intentionally regulate cortical activity and improved in attention and IQ. Parents and teachers reported significant behavioral and cognitive improvements. Clinical effects for both groups remained stable six months after treatment. Groups did not differ in behavioural or cognitive outcome.
View Full Paper →Neurofeedback 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 →Ten-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 “used-to-be” 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.
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