faq

F A Q - Neuro/Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a training method based on classical Pavlovian and Operant Conditioning.

It teaches physical and mental awareness and voluntary control over the function of specific organs and systems. The goal is to ensure controlled psycho-physiological performance. The two functional states of main interest are: calmness (relaxation), and alertness (vigilance) or "open focus". Thus training teaches the individual to improve health and performance by using signals from the body itself. It can be used to reduce pain, discomfort, increase attention, mental focus, etc.
Chances are you have used some form of biofeedback yourself.
If you have ever taken your temperature or stepped on a scale, you have received "feedback" about your body's condition.
Trainers rely on Biofeedback machines the same way you rely on your scale or thermometer. The machines use sensors to depick the bodily physiological functions with great sensitivity and precision. This valuable information is used to gauge and direct progress in overcoming many psychological and physical ailments.

In Biofeedback electrodes are placed anywhere necessary over the body. A computer and a special software, allow monitoring the physiological parameters of interest and trainee's responses to different stimuli, including:

muscle activity

skin response

breathing

brain wave activity

heart rate and heart rate variability

peripheral temperature

At the beginning these parameters are tested for amplitude and frequency. This creates an important baseline regarding how the trainee functions before starting the training. This baseline is compared later on with new baselines with the purpose to verify progress.

Next, a training protocol is designed, which aims to address the physilogical abnormalities if any, or to improve selected ones. During the training itself, the software converts and compares the raw input data against pre-selected thresholds. The preselected threshold/s determine whether raw incoming signals from the trainee need to be inhibited or rewarded. The trainer continuously resets these thresholds, conditioning the trainee to achieve a new state of being - the desired one. To close the feedback loop, visual and auditory feedback is provided to coach the training along the learning process. The feedback display can be in actual values, and/or as an interactive metaphore, video game, movie etc.

Example - control ofmuscle tension:
the biofeedback equipment picks up electrical signals from the muscles. It displays the imput data in actual numbers or in a chart or a graph on a computer screen. Every time muscles performs a desired task - predetermined tension or relaxation a sound and visual feedback is provided to testify and encourage the trainee that the task is successfully accomplished.

Biofeedback is also used to change habitual reactions to stress that can cause or associate with pain or dis-ease. As memtioned above, live feedback from physiological responses is used to help recognize and learn to extinquish a wrong coping stratedy, learned in the past.

WHO USES BIOFEEDBACK ? Biofeedback is useful in any dis-orders which requires recognition and control of certain physiological responses. Clinicians use biofeedback in:

Migraine headaches, tension headaches

Pain management

Digestive disorders

High or low blood pressure

Cardiac arrhythmias

Circulatory disorders

Epilepsy

Paralysis

DISCLAIMER: It is important to mention here that Biofeedback is not a treatment. It is a special type of conditioning - training modality, based on the learning theory. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
It addresses only the trainee's own physiological response to any cause/s [noxi] and through positive reinforcementtraining, reestablishes a desired pattern of conditioned performance

NEUROFEEDBACK or EEG Operant Conditioning, is an extension of the classical Biofeedabck. The only difference is that it operates using the EEG brainwaves, rather than skin sonductance, muscle tension, heart rate variability etc., as in Biofeedback. Otherwise the training principles are the same

History of Neurofeedback

Joe Kamiya, University of Chicago, was the first to introduce EEG biofeedback in humans in the 1960s.

At the very beginning investigations started with applying the principles of classical operant conditioning by using primarily alpha brain waves to facilitate deep relaxation and meditation.

SMR/beta EEG feedback conditioning evolved from an animal research with cats. Barry Sterman, UCLA Professor Emeritus, proved that cats, entrained in the middle to high frequency brainwave-range (12-20 Hz) demonstrated greater latency and resistance to epileptic seizures, induced by toxic chemicals, with higher threshold for seizure onset, compared to untrained cats from previous unrelated experiments. These results were replicated in monkeys and humans. Some twelve research centers subsequently confirmed the results in humans in appr. twenty studies. This is how SMR biofeedback was introduced in treating intractable seizures.
Several years afterwards, it was noted that SMR biofeedback not only decreases seizure activity, but also improves behavior of hyperactive children as well. In the mid 70's, Joel Lubar, University of Tennessee, studied the effect of Neurofeedback on hyperactivity itself, without being related to seizures.

Who uses Neurofeedback?

EEG biofeedback or Neurofeedback finds application in increasing number of problems. Most common modalities are:

Addiction, Alcoholism, Anxiety, Attachment Disorder, Autoimmune Disorders, Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Cerebrovascular Disease, Dementia, Head Injuries, Learning and Attention Disorders: ADD and ADHD, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Mood Disorders: Depression,Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Conduct Disorder,Eating Disorder, Epilepsy, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Optimal Performance, Post-concussion Syndrome, PTSD, PMS, Migraine, Sleeping disorders, Stroke, Tourette's Syndrome

Another important application of Neurofeedback is for performance enhancement.

Mental fitness training is an EEG - feedback training protocol, designed to break down states and conditions, involving learned self-limiting attitudes and behavior patterns, hard-to-break habits, etc. The premises is to entrain a relaxed body, open state of mind and talent optimization. Self- awareness and self-mastery are necessary to accomplish tasks on demand, for any purpose: business, pleasure, etc. For exampleL continuous long-lasting high-level concentration and focus are reuired by certain jobs, or just for playing peak performance golf.

Main privileges of Neuro/Biofeedback refer to:

no use of medication,

no side effects,

long-term potentiation and stable recent and long-term outcome

results with reduced to no medication requirements.

How does it work?

Neurofeedback training is a form of computer-assisted classical and operant physiological conditioning, able to enhance or inhibit the amplitude of selected bands of brain electrical activity. Selected- and full-spectrum brainwave training improves regulation of attention, mood, energy level and cognitive function. It works by shaping and thus enhancing the four essential mental attributes:

Mental Focus: ability to maintain mental clarity and freedom from distraction.
Mental Flexibility: freedom to shift easily from one mental state to another, to perform realistic planning and execute tasks without being distracted.
Mental Sensitivity: a quality of attention, allowing strength and openness of perception, capturing valuable details and subtleties.
Mental Resiliency: state of flow, defined by relaxed, centered and ready-to-bounce back from failure and success.

Neurofeedback training and metacognitive strategies bring better and complex insight to the self mind, braking the pattern of being a victim of self-thought processing, allow performing at best when being relaxed, focused and confident, as well as learning the value of effortless action and how to achieve it. This is accomplished through continuous reinforcement.

Sensors are placed on the "trainee's" scalp and on each ear. Brainwaves are monitored by using a computer and a software program. Goals are set so that the trainee would voluntarily acomplish a brain wave pattern, closer and closer to the goals. The software program "coaches" the trainee by converting and matching the brainwave signals with the preset thresholds and presenting the results through visual, auditory and tactile feedback in a video game format.

Every mental task requires a precise sequence of time-related events, like activation and rest. Sometimes individual response can become unstable and neuronal activation time - unreliable, or "stuck" in a limited frame of response capability. Beta/SMR Training, known as Activation Control Training, augments event-related levels of attention and activation. Thus extreme mood states, compulsive, impulsive or hyperactive behavior, tension and stress, sleep, wakefulness and alertness, involved in real-time response are subjected to conscious moderatation and control.

In other cases reflection, deep relaxation, dispel of negative self-talk, spontaneous creative imagery, etc are required for various purposes. Alpha/Theta Training Protocol is the one that is designed to produce brain wave patterns, resulting in deep relaxation, open state of mind and that of subconscious.. unlock and release of memories of past traumas/events to be channeled into a new, comfortable and healthy mental frame and state. This protocol encompasses transition beyond mental and emotional blockages toward optimal mental performance.

Are there any limitations for Neuro/Biofeedback?

There is no age or gender limitation for administering Neuro/Biofeedback. Very small children are usually held in the parent's laps while training.
In cases where motivation and cognitive demand is low, it is successfully done as well. Don't forget that Prof. Barry Sterman started his EEG conditioning experiments with cats.

OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE TTRAINING

enables better mind management. It facilitates enhanced self-awareness, effortless mental performance, improved focus, attention and memory to enhance creative, athletic and academic performance. It works by employing the so called long-term potentiation. .

Optimal performance is a state, which goes beyond personal perception into the the next level- expression of natural gifts and getting out of the old inefficient patterns. This is done by computerized monitoring, tracking and guidance of progress.
It is the first level allowing BETTER self-awareness and BETTER brain function. Long-term effects require that training becomes part of the pleasure system and becoming part of the future life style.
The final step in training is the so called state of Fluidity, a process of guidance and counseling that helps integration and reinforcement of new patterns of function and behavior through long-term potentiation. Life style: diet, nutrition, activity, rest and exercise are integrated into a well-bonded complex to insure Mental Fitness and Wellness as a long-standing continuous process.

DISCLAIMER: As mentioned earlier, Neurofeedback is not a treatment. It is a special training, based on the learning theory. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
It addresses only the trainee's own EEG response and performance, and through positive reinforcement training, recruits a desired pattern of conditioned performance

Quality of Service!

Our technicians are qualified to deliver Neurofeedback and Biofeedback training. They work under our direct recommendation and supervision.

Neuro/Biofeedback technicians act as coaches. They stand at the sidelines, set goals and limits on what to expect, and give hints on how to improve performance. Like a pitcher, learning to throw a ball over home plate, the trainee, in an attempt to improve skills, monitors his or her own performance.

Trainee's Responsibilities

Biofeedback places unusual demands on trainee and patients. First thing to recognize is that there is a solution to physical ailments, just through personal efforts. Biofeedback and Relaxation practice on a daily basis is a must. Most important, comes the acceptance of responsibility for maintaining health.

Is this training reimbursed by third-party payers?

Reimbursement experience is increasingly favorable as time goes on, and as third-party payers become acquainted with this new modality. In the US reimbursement is more likely for those conditions traditionally regarded as being within the preview of biofeedback modalities, such as pain and sleep disorders. It remains marginal in ADHD, where there is a cost disadvantage with respect to pharmacological intervention. Most practitioners specializing in ADHD with this modality are currently operating with a largely cash-based practice. Some insurance providers will invariably say, "Provide us with multi-center studies and multiple replications from numerous investigators before we will even consider this modality for coverage." However, the competitive climate will change these realities as the public begins to demand this service. The other driver of course is money, which is also more important than large-scale controlled studies. We can demonstrate favorable cost-benefit ratios in Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs, i.e. for post-concussion syndrome, whiplash), as well as in fibromyalgia, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and addictions just for starters. In Canada insurance companies still don't recognize Neurofeedback and Biofeedback.

For more information about Neurofeedback and Biofeedback,
call (514) 344-6666, or e-mail us.

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