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During a Neurofeedback session, one or two electrodes are placed on the child's scalp using gel or paste and two other electrodes are attached to the earlobes. These sensors measure the child's EEG signals and send it to a computer.
Before appearing on the computer as brainwaves, the EEG signals first pass through the Brain Trainer (See Figure 1), where the brainwaves are amplified and digitized. The computer then converts the EEG signals into the controls of a computer game.
The trainee undergoing Neurofeedback actually uses his/her brainwaves to control the computer game! The child's EEG signals are then viewed on the Therapist's computer. |
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Therapist Data
The therapist's computer enables her to monitor the child's EEG at any time during the session without disturbing the Neurofeedback session.
Each display contains four EEG data streams. The top line, slightly more squiggly, is the child's entire EEG recorded from the scalp by the electrode. The three wavy lines below show activity in three separate EEG frequency bands or rhythms -- here, Theta, Alpha, and High Beta bands.
The child's goal is to increase certain EEG frequency bands (e.g., Alpha) while decreasing others (e.g., Theta).The child monitors his EEG frequency band activity not as wavy lines on the therapist's screen, but as elements of a game on the game computer. Each frequency band grows larger or smaller in response to his brain wave activity. |
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Child's Screen
With his brainwaves, he is playing the game called "Bugz Raider." In order for the fish to produce bubbles, his Theta waves (in the second box) have to be within the inhibition range, i.e. they must fall below the two yellow lines. At the same time, his Alpha waves (in the third box) have to be above the reward range, i.e. they must rise beyond the two yellow lines.
As long as he keeps this up, he is rewarded in the game with visual and auditory stimuli. During the 30 minute session, he will have to produce waves that fit the criteria in order to shoot as many bubbles so as to kill the bugs. Hundreds of times during the session he may need to alter his brain activity in order to achieve the desired brainwave pattern which scores the most points. |
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Based on the principle of Conditioning
Neurofeedback is based on the scientific principle of conditioning. The child is rewarded through visual and auditory feedback from the game.
In the game, bubbles are produced if the brainwave pattern meets the set conditions. Points are awarded. If the undesired brainwave patterns are detected, no bubbles will be produced and no points are awarded.
This form of reward encourages the trainee to produce the ‘correct' brainwaves in order to score points in the game. With this information, the brain gradually learns to produce the desired EEG patterns.
Brainwaves can be shaped through time
Yes, this can be done because the human brain is rather agile. As the child's brainwave becomes increasingly shaped within the desired parameters, the training parameters are constantly changed so that his brainwaves can be further shaped. Through this form of training, the new brainwave pattern of the child is one that is closer to what is normally observed in individuals.
This leads to improvements in various mental abilities such as improved attention and IQ.
Different modes for training
Besides computer games, we also use toys, music and videos for Neurofeedback training. |
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