Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback (NFB) enables self-regulation of brain functions by providing a form of feedback (audio, visual or a combination) on current physiological, behavioral and neural processes through recorded brain activity. The feedback provided could be both positive and negative to motivate the subject to consciously produce desirable brain activity to meet a goal, by optimizing personal performance.
Neurofeedback protocols typically focus on treatment for the alpha, beta, theta and gamma frequency bands or a combination such as alpha/theta ratio, beta/theta ratio etc. Neurofeedback is often applied in the treatment of psychiatric pathologies such as autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorders and depression. Additionally, it is also applied in non-clinical contexts to target attentional focus and emotional regulation. Neurofeedback training can range from single-session manipulation to recurring sessions to increase efficacy. The efficacy of the training can be measured through changes in baseline neural activity and change in social behavior outcomes.
Setup Requirements and Technological Challenges
A typical neurofeedback setup requires an EEG system consisting of an amplifier and a cap along with a platform on which brain activity can be recorded and used to modulate the feedback (through a game most often, in audio or visual form). Though neurofeedback is widely applied to optimize performance and self-regulation in both clinical and non-clinical contexts, there are some challenges in the field:
Effectiveness of the method
The effectiveness of neurofeedback protocols for treatment of neuropsychological disorders has been difficult to prove for some conditions such as schizophrenia, Tourette’s syndrome, anxiety or bipolar disorders. A lack of methodologically robust studies prevents the analysis of the effectiveness of such methods.
Lack of standardization of EEG-NFB protocols
Parameters used in training are often chosen individually by the therapist or researcher without basing their choices on scientific foundations. Electrode placement, protocol, type of reward and duration of the session are some parameters that always need to be defined.
The transfer problem
Does modulation of brain activity with EEG-NFB cause behavioral changes? Research shows that subjects who train at high frequenciesoften control muscle activity instead of brain activity.
Our Solutions
While having discussed the challenges of NFB therapy, we must note that increased efforts are being made to evaluate the effectiveness of the method. To achieve standardization of protocols and use the same parameters for recurring sessions, users can make use of the standard waveguard™ caps which come in the (extended) 10-20 layout and use the electrode positions they would like to employ in combination with the 24 channel eego™ amplifier. The eego™ range of solutions is already integrated into third-party applications such as the BrainAssistant and Neuroguide platforms which allow end-users to generate individualized reports for subjects.
Showcases and Publications
Neurofeedback training: Decreases in Mu rhythm lead to improved motor performance in complex visuomotor skills
Wang, Kuo-Pin, et al.
Individual alpha peak frequency in ice hockey shooting performance
Christie, Sommer, et al.
A scoping review of the use of lab streaming layer framework in virtual and augmented reality research
Wang, Qile, et al.