Neurofeedback Training Michael Dahl CS 575

Introduction Goal: Learning to self-regulate one’s own brain It is technology’s answer to psychotherapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and poor cerebral functioning – Mental Health Professionals – Educators – Occupational Therapists – Rehabilitation Counselors – Doctors

Biofeedback Attaching sensors to the body for purpose of acquiring biological signals such as: – Heart rate – Muscle tension – Body temperature – … Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback – Brains electrical activity

Inside the Brain Neurons

Detecting activity inside the Brain When many neurons fire at the same time, they may produce electrical activity detectable to an electrode placed on the head. Electroencephalograph (EEG) - Graphical representation of neuronal activities in the brain.

Early History 1875: Richard Canton – First person to record electrical activity from the brain. He discovered fluctuation in the brain’s electrical activity follow mental activity 1920’s: Hans Berger – First to measure EEG on human scalp. Discovered several types of brainwaves Berger’s EEG recording apparatusBerger’s electrode cap

Brain wave types

Performance and Arousal

More History 1963: Joseph Kamiya – trained patient to recognize alpha state through verbal reinforcement 1968: Barry Sterman – Trained cats to increase SMR

Modern Developments 1970’s – 1980’s: QEEG 1980’s – 1990’s: Use of computer graphics and sound for neurofeedback training

Brain regions Each region of the brain is associated with specific fundamental operations International System of Electrode Placement Example locations:

Equipment for neurofeedback Desktop PC (preferably double monitor) Brain amp Electrodes and paste

Equipment for neurofeedback Software – Program for data acquisition, processing and display (i.e. BioExplorer) - Video games, movie player, ….

Snapshot of data at site cz NormativeADHD OCD / Anxiety DisordersPTSD

QEEG Developed in 1970’s / 1980’s 19 sensors on scalp Broad picture of the brain in action Can compare results to normative database – Often used to access progress of neuorofeedback training

QEEG comparison

EEG Signatures EEG Signatures for ADDEEG Signatures for Anxiety Disorders

Two branches of treatment Normalizing the EEG Personal growth and mental flexibility (peek performance)

Video Chris Kaman’s Story – NBA basketball player for the Clippers – dvoCjrxY

Near Future Virtual Reality – Enhance neurofeedback in a couple ways The total immersion and totality of the feedback allows the patient to focus completely on his physiology without distraction More engaging and motivating for the client

Some Predictions for the Future At some point, every home will have one. We will all hook up to a machine with electrodes. It will be as common as physical exercise. Someday people may even wear tiny computers to monitor their EEG and tell them when they need to make adjustments.

Conclusion Field of neurofeedback is still in its infancy – Research in thin – Clinical outcome studies are overwhelming Research needs to be funded to gain support of insurance companies, schools, and doctors