The State of the Art in Biofeedback and

The State of the Art in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback: Where do we stand? Thomas F. Collura, Ph. D. October 16, 2010 Michigan Society for Behavioral Medicine and Biofeedback Annual Conference: Lansing, Michigan

Historical Perspective

EEG Biofeedback • • Operant Conditioning (Learning) Based on brain electrical activity Means to navigate “inner” space Means to condition and train the brain Wide range of application areas EEG ranges from 0 to 100 Hz Components include alpha, theta, beta, etc.

Current Trends • • Assessment & Planning Multichannel Protocols / Connectivity Live Z-Score Training EEG & Peripheral Biofeedback DC and Slow Cortical Potentials Energy Neurofeedback Real-World Feedback

EEG circa 1925

EEG Physiology

EEG Physiology

Cells of the Cerebral Cortex

Normal Neuronal Cycle

Concentration/Relaxation Cycle

EEG Biofeedback Goals • Improve Self-Regulation • Achieve Flexible & Appropriate Brain States • Normalize Connectivity • Address Functionality, not Symptoms • Provide Lasting Change

Live Z-Score Training

Multichannel Assessment / Training

Advanced Protocols

Z-Plus

Z-Bars Delta Absolute Power 19 channels

Z-Bars Delta Coherence 19 -channel

Live Topographic Maps

Planetary Analogy • Targets = “sun” • Z-Scores = “planets” • PZOK = “how many planets are within the defined range • PZMO = “what is the tendency to move inward” (gravity) • PZME = “how far are they on average (size of solar system) • GOAL: A compact (normal) solar system

Sun and Planets

EEG & Peripheral Training

DC / Slow Cortical Potentials • • Very slow (< 1. 0 Hz) signals Reflect Brain Activation Glial Cells (10 x more than neurons) Research in Europe, Germany Clinical, BCI applications Relatively new in USA Historically very costly

F 3 F 4 P 3 P 4 DC/SCP

Energy Neurofeedback • • • Low, Medium, High levels Emphasis on Assessment & Planning Feedback generally brief Facilitates change Nonvolitional mechanisms Exact mechanisms may be unknown

Real-World Feedback

Future Horizons • • • More General Acceptance of EEG BF Clinical Outcome Studies Improved Assessment & Training Methods Safe, non-drug approach Employs innate ability of brain to selfregulate • Migration to home, school, office