This report describes and briefly characterizes a method for computing quantitative EEG (qEEG) z-scores based on a modification of the typical methods used for qEEG reporting. In particular, it describes using a sample of EEG from a single individual, and creating a reference database from the individual sample, in contrast to using a population of individuals as the source data. The goal of this method is to quantify and localize within-subject changes that may arise due to time or various factors. We refer to this approach as “z-builder,” because the z-score reference is constructed or “built” on a per-subject basis in the office or laboratory and is not derived from a reference obtained from an outside source. It is confirmed that z-scores for EEG acquired during a test period can be calculated based on a single previously recorded reference sample from an individual, and that the resulting z-scores obey the expected statistical distribution. Reference data can be calculated using samples in the 1to 5-minute range, and subsequent static or dynamic z-scores for a test sample can then be computed using this reference data in lieu of a population database. It is confirmed that, in the absence of systematic change in the EEG, z-scores generally fall well within the range of 1.0, providing a sensitive indicator when changes do occur. It is shown that this method has value in assessing individual stability of EEG parameters and for quantifying changes that may occur due to time effects, aging, disorders, medications, or interventions.
{"title":"Principles and Statistics of Individualized Live and Static Z-Scores","authors":"T. Collura, J. Tarrant","doi":"10.15540/nr.7.1.45","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.7.1.45","url":null,"abstract":"This report describes and briefly characterizes a method for computing quantitative EEG (qEEG) z-scores based on a modification of the typical methods used for qEEG reporting. In particular, it describes using a sample of EEG from a single individual, and creating a reference database from the individual sample, in contrast to using a population of individuals as the source data. The goal of this method is to quantify and localize within-subject changes that may arise due to time or various factors. We refer to this approach as “z-builder,” because the z-score reference is constructed or “built” on a per-subject basis in the office or laboratory and is not derived from a reference obtained from an outside source. It is confirmed that z-scores for EEG acquired during a test period can be calculated based on a single previously recorded reference sample from an individual, and that the resulting z-scores obey the expected statistical distribution. Reference data can be calculated using samples in the 1to 5-minute range, and subsequent static or dynamic z-scores for a test sample can then be computed using this reference data in lieu of a population database. It is confirmed that, in the absence of systematic change in the EEG, z-scores generally fall well within the range of 1.0, providing a sensitive indicator when changes do occur. It is shown that this method has value in assessing individual stability of EEG parameters and for quantifying changes that may occur due to time effects, aging, disorders, medications, or interventions.","PeriodicalId":37439,"journal":{"name":"NeuroRegulation","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41502593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In this retrospective study, researchers examined effects of quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), individualized neurofeedback treatment protocols for anxiety. The present study includes 52 clients with 53.8% (n = 28) self-reporting as male and included two time points (pre and post). Secondary analyses utilized a subset of client data (n = 21) with measurements from three time points (pre, post, and follow-up). All clients completed qEEG and self-report assessments. Clients agreed to attend a minimum of 15 biweekly sessions, for one academic semester. Findings from regression analyses revealed three predictors of posttreatment outcomes. In addition, analysis of a subsample of data assessed at three time points revealed statistically significant improvement from pre to post and sustained outcomes from post to follow-up. We discuss limitations and implications for future research.
{"title":"Predictors of Neurofeedback Outcomes Following qEEG Individualized Protocols for Anxiety","authors":"J. Gregory, Devon E. Romero, M. Jones","doi":"10.15540/nr.7.1.18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.7.1.18","url":null,"abstract":"In this retrospective study, researchers examined effects of quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), individualized neurofeedback treatment protocols for anxiety. The present study includes 52 clients with 53.8% (n = 28) self-reporting as male and included two time points (pre and post). Secondary analyses utilized a subset of client data (n = 21) with measurements from three time points (pre, post, and follow-up). All clients completed qEEG and self-report assessments. Clients agreed to attend a minimum of 15 biweekly sessions, for one academic semester. Findings from regression analyses revealed three predictors of posttreatment outcomes. In addition, analysis of a subsample of data assessed at three time points revealed statistically significant improvement from pre to post and sustained outcomes from post to follow-up. We discuss limitations and implications for future research.","PeriodicalId":37439,"journal":{"name":"NeuroRegulation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47175643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Proceedings of the 2019 ISNR Annual Conference","authors":"","doi":"10.15540/nr.6.4.197","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.6.4.197","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37439,"journal":{"name":"NeuroRegulation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47468721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Factors such as sleep, posture, and diet can impact EEG readings and have physiological and neurological effects that, when in dysfunctional ranges, may increase susceptibility to developing affective mood disorders or other psychiatric issues. Based on an observation of a neurofeedback client generating excessive amounts of theta rhythms while in a slouched posture, we discuss the role of theta rhythms in brain function and emotional regulation. Slouched posture has been strongly correlated with depressive symptoms. Although the precise nature of the relationship between slouched posture, sleep, and depressive symptoms remains unclear, the literature suggests a cyclical, reciprocal dynamic that is modulated by the involvement of theta rhythms. We recommend that neurofeedback practitioners assess their patients’ posture while training, as it could affect the training’s effectiveness. Sleep patterns should be assessed prior to the initiation of neurofeedback; if sleep issues remain a consistent problem, efforts to optimize the biological matrix may be indicated. Simple changes in body posture, diet monitoring, and strategies to reduce sleep deprivation may be helpful.
{"title":"Slouched Posture, Sleep Deprivation, and Mood Disorders: Interconnection and Modulation by Theta Brain Waves","authors":"E. Barr, E. Peper, Ronald J. Swatzyna","doi":"10.15540/nr.6.4.181","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.6.4.181","url":null,"abstract":"Factors such as sleep, posture, and diet can impact EEG readings and have physiological and neurological effects that, when in dysfunctional ranges, may increase susceptibility to developing affective mood disorders or other psychiatric issues. Based on an observation of a neurofeedback client generating excessive amounts of theta rhythms while in a slouched posture, we discuss the role of theta rhythms in brain function and emotional regulation. Slouched posture has been strongly correlated with depressive symptoms. Although the precise nature of the relationship between slouched posture, sleep, and depressive symptoms remains unclear, the literature suggests a cyclical, reciprocal dynamic that is modulated by the involvement of theta rhythms. We recommend that neurofeedback practitioners assess their patients’ posture while training, as it could affect the training’s effectiveness. Sleep patterns should be assessed prior to the initiation of neurofeedback; if sleep issues remain a consistent problem, efforts to optimize the biological matrix may be indicated. Simple changes in body posture, diet monitoring, and strategies to reduce sleep deprivation may be helpful.","PeriodicalId":37439,"journal":{"name":"NeuroRegulation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41524713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G. Lindenfeld, George R. Rozelle, J. Hummer, M. Sutherland, James Miller
The posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) condition is a systemic neuroinflammatory state that emanates from a failure to recover from traumatic occurrence(s). Major complications associated with PTSD include problems with impulse control and issues related to verbal and physical outbursts of anger and rage. The Veteran’s Administration (VA) projects a post–9/11 veteran population of around 3.5 million by 2019. Emotional problems are prevalent among combat service members and veterans with about half of the group suffering from various symptoms of PTSD. Three in four among them report they are reliving traumas in the form of flashbacks and nightmares. Current mental health treatments have not fully remediated the negative impact that results from PTSD. We present a case study of a novel and transformative treatment approach called Reconsolidation Enhancement by Stimulation of Emotional Triggers (RESET) Therapy. The intervention uses binaural sound to unlock the memory reconsolidation process, thereby releasing the emotional component of experienced trauma. RESET Therapy offers a compelling therapeutic adjunct to the practicing biofeedback/neurofeedback clinician, who is under constant pressure to deliver interventions that are rapid, tolerable, and cost-effective. Additionally, the treatment spares the therapist from repeated exposures to the raw limbic activity of traumatized patients, thereby minimizing the potential for vicarious traumatization.
{"title":"Remediation of PTSD in a Combat Veteran: A Case Study","authors":"G. Lindenfeld, George R. Rozelle, J. Hummer, M. Sutherland, James Miller","doi":"10.15540/NR.6.2.102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15540/NR.6.2.102","url":null,"abstract":"The posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) condition is a systemic neuroinflammatory state that emanates from a failure to recover from traumatic occurrence(s). Major complications associated with PTSD include problems with impulse control and issues related to verbal and physical outbursts of anger and rage. The Veteran’s Administration (VA) projects a post–9/11 veteran population of around 3.5 million by 2019. Emotional problems are prevalent among combat service members and veterans with about half of the group suffering from various symptoms of PTSD. Three in four among them report they are reliving traumas in the form of flashbacks and nightmares. Current mental health treatments have not fully remediated the negative impact that results from PTSD. We present a case study of a novel and transformative treatment approach called Reconsolidation Enhancement by Stimulation of Emotional Triggers (RESET) Therapy. The intervention uses binaural sound to unlock the memory reconsolidation process, thereby releasing the emotional component of experienced trauma. RESET Therapy offers a compelling therapeutic adjunct to the practicing biofeedback/neurofeedback clinician, who is under constant pressure to deliver interventions that are rapid, tolerable, and cost-effective. Additionally, the treatment spares the therapist from repeated exposures to the raw limbic activity of traumatized patients, thereby minimizing the potential for vicarious traumatization.","PeriodicalId":37439,"journal":{"name":"NeuroRegulation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45582580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Recent neuroscience research tried to identify biological markers underlying schizophrenia’s (SZ) symptoms. Results showed a functional hypofrontality in SZ patients during both cognitive and emotional tasks. Here, we submitted an experimental (E) group of patients to a neurofeedback (NF) training during emotion induction (T1) and assessed its efficacy by comparing the frontal neural activity before (T0) and after it (T2), with regard to a control (C) group. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used during an emotional task with valence and arousal rating. Behavioral results showed that patients of both groups could identify pictures’ valence, both in T0 and T2. However, a significant interaction effect revealed that negative and positive stimuli received more positive values in T2 compared to T0 only in E group, as a consequence of an alleged more functional management of negative feelings. Such results were paralleled by imaging data that showed increased O2Hb levels over frontal areas for positive and negative pictures compared to neutral ones, which were even more evident in the E group in T2. The preliminary results of the present study highlight the possible application of NF training to sustain patients’ achieving more awareness and regulation during emotion processing.
{"title":"Neurofeedback Intervention for Emotional Behavior Regulation in Schizophrenia: New Experimental Evidences from Optical Imaging","authors":"M. Balconi, M. E. Vanutelli","doi":"10.15540/NR.6.2.71","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15540/NR.6.2.71","url":null,"abstract":"Recent neuroscience research tried to identify biological markers underlying schizophrenia’s (SZ) symptoms. Results showed a functional hypofrontality in SZ patients during both cognitive and emotional tasks. Here, we submitted an experimental (E) group of patients to a neurofeedback (NF) training during emotion induction (T1) and assessed its efficacy by comparing the frontal neural activity before (T0) and after it (T2), with regard to a control (C) group. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used during an emotional task with valence and arousal rating. Behavioral results showed that patients of both groups could identify pictures’ valence, both in T0 and T2. However, a significant interaction effect revealed that negative and positive stimuli received more positive values in T2 compared to T0 only in E group, as a consequence of an alleged more functional management of negative feelings. Such results were paralleled by imaging data that showed increased O2Hb levels over frontal areas for positive and negative pictures compared to neutral ones, which were even more evident in the E group in T2. The preliminary results of the present study highlight the possible application of NF training to sustain patients’ achieving more awareness and regulation during emotion processing.","PeriodicalId":37439,"journal":{"name":"NeuroRegulation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46836443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Introduction: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to abnormalities within three neural networks: default mode (DMN), salience (SN), and central executive (CEN). This study examined the effectiveness of LORETA z-score neurofeedback (LZNF) training for altering current source within these networks and reducing symptoms associated with PTSD. Methods: Twenty-three adults with chronic PTSD were randomly assigned to 15 sessions of either LZNF (n = 12) or heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB; n = 11). Psychosocial and physiological assessments were completed at baseline and postintervention. Results: The LZNF group showed very large, statistically significant decreases in symptoms on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-V (PCL-5; p = .003, d = 2.09) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI; p = .003, d = 2.13). The HRVB group also showed very large decreases on the PCL-5 (p = .006, d = 1.40) and medium effects on the BAI (p = .018, d = 0.76). Between-group comparisons showed medium to large effects of group type in favor of LZNF (PCL-5 d = 0.57; BAI d = 0.94), although not statistically significant. LZNF Responders (n = 9) demonstrated very large, statistically significant decreases in abnormal z-scores within all targeted networks (DMN p = .012, d = 0.96; SN p = .008, d = 1.32; CEN p = .008, d = 1.33). Conclusion: The positive outcomes of this study provide preliminary evidence to support LZNF training as a specific, effective, and tolerable intervention for adults with chronic PTSD.
简介:创伤后应激障碍(PTSD)与三个神经网络的异常有关:默认模式(DMN),突出性(SN)和中央执行(CEN)。本研究考察了LORETA z-score神经反馈(LZNF)训练在改变这些网络中的电流源和减少PTSD相关症状方面的有效性。方法:23名慢性创伤后应激障碍成年患者被随机分配到15个疗程的LZNF (n = 12)或心率变异性生物反馈(HRVB;N = 11)。在基线和干预后完成心理社会和生理评估。结果:LZNF组在DSM-V (PCL-5;p = 0.003, d = 2.09)和贝克焦虑量表(BAI;P = 0.003, d = 2.13)。HRVB组对PCL-5也有非常大的降低(p = 0.006, d = 1.40),对BAI有中等影响(p = 0.018, d = 0.76)。组间比较显示,组型对LZNF有中等到较大的影响(PCL-5 d = 0.57;BAI d = 0.94),但无统计学意义。LZNF应答者(n = 9)在所有目标网络中表现出非常大的、具有统计学意义的异常z分数下降(DMN p = 0.012, d = 0.96;SN p = 0.008, d = 1.32;CEN p = 0.008, d = 1.33)。结论:本研究的积极结果提供了初步证据,支持LZNF训练作为成人慢性创伤后应激障碍的特异性、有效性和可耐受的干预措施。
{"title":"Healing the Neurophysiological Roots of Trauma: A Controlled Study Examining LORETA Z-Score Neurofeedback and HRV Biofeedback for Chronic PTSD","authors":"A. Bell, D. Moss, R. Kallmeyer","doi":"10.15540/NR.6.2.54","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15540/NR.6.2.54","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to abnormalities within three neural networks: default mode (DMN), salience (SN), and central executive (CEN). This study examined the effectiveness of LORETA z-score neurofeedback (LZNF) training for altering current source within these networks and reducing symptoms associated with PTSD. Methods: Twenty-three adults with chronic PTSD were randomly assigned to 15 sessions of either LZNF (n = 12) or heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB; n = 11). Psychosocial and physiological assessments were completed at baseline and postintervention. Results: The LZNF group showed very large, statistically significant decreases in symptoms on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-V (PCL-5; p = .003, d = 2.09) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI; p = .003, d = 2.13). The HRVB group also showed very large decreases on the PCL-5 (p = .006, d = 1.40) and medium effects on the BAI (p = .018, d = 0.76). Between-group comparisons showed medium to large effects of group type in favor of LZNF (PCL-5 d = 0.57; BAI d = 0.94), although not statistically significant. LZNF Responders (n = 9) demonstrated very large, statistically significant decreases in abnormal z-scores within all targeted networks (DMN p = .012, d = 0.96; SN p = .008, d = 1.32; CEN p = .008, d = 1.33). Conclusion: The positive outcomes of this study provide preliminary evidence to support LZNF training as a specific, effective, and tolerable intervention for adults with chronic PTSD.","PeriodicalId":37439,"journal":{"name":"NeuroRegulation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44084020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Pérez-Elvira, J. A. Carrobles, Diego J. López Bote, J. Oltra-Cucarella
Objective/Background: Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in the general population. Pharmacological treatments have shown efficacy in the short term, yet the symptoms return once the treatment has been withdrawn. In the search for treatment options with long-lasting effects, neurofeedback (NF) has arisen as a therapeutic option. Neurofeedback is the application of operant conditioning to brain activity. The aim of this work is to show the effectiveness of Live Z-Score NF training (LZT), a paradigm within the field of NF, in a case of insomnia. Participants: A 32-year-old male with chronic insomnia since his adolescence. Methods: Thirty 35-min sessions of qEEG-guided LZT using patient’s highly preferred feedback. The main outcomes of this study were the patient’s qEEG metrics and a visual analog scale of sleep quality throughout the intervention. Results: qEEG-guided LZT showed an improvement of 90.63% of the patient’s qEEG metrics and an 82.55% relief of the clinical symptoms after 30 NF sessions. Conclusions: Although more research is needed to establish that NF based on Live Z-Score is effective for insomnia, our results suggest that NF might be a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of insomnia.
{"title":"Efficacy of Live Z-Score Neurofeedback Training for Chronic Insomnia: A Single-Case Study","authors":"R. Pérez-Elvira, J. A. Carrobles, Diego J. López Bote, J. Oltra-Cucarella","doi":"10.15540/NR.6.2.93","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15540/NR.6.2.93","url":null,"abstract":"Objective/Background: Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in the general population. Pharmacological treatments have shown efficacy in the short term, yet the symptoms return once the treatment has been withdrawn. In the search for treatment options with long-lasting effects, neurofeedback (NF) has arisen as a therapeutic option. Neurofeedback is the application of operant conditioning to brain activity. The aim of this work is to show the effectiveness of Live Z-Score NF training (LZT), a paradigm within the field of NF, in a case of insomnia. Participants: A 32-year-old male with chronic insomnia since his adolescence. Methods: Thirty 35-min sessions of qEEG-guided LZT using patient’s highly preferred feedback. The main outcomes of this study were the patient’s qEEG metrics and a visual analog scale of sleep quality throughout the intervention. Results: qEEG-guided LZT showed an improvement of 90.63% of the patient’s qEEG metrics and an 82.55% relief of the clinical symptoms after 30 NF sessions. Conclusions: Although more research is needed to establish that NF based on Live Z-Score is effective for insomnia, our results suggest that NF might be a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of insomnia.","PeriodicalId":37439,"journal":{"name":"NeuroRegulation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44854108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editorial – Volume 6, Number 2","authors":"Rex L. Cannon","doi":"10.15540/nr.6.2.53","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.6.2.53","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37439,"journal":{"name":"NeuroRegulation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45621193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
EEG state discrimination studies may contribute to understanding the role of awareness in physiological selfregulation, but many individuals learn the existing paradigm very slowly. In this study, a self-prompted discrimination paradigm, in which subjects decide when to respond based upon their subjective state, was examined for the rate of learning and its effects on the ability to control EEG alpha. Twenty-nine participants received up to three 40-min sessions in which discrimination training was alternated with training to control alpha in four 10-min sets, compared to 22 participants who received control training only. Discrimination training appeared to facilitate the ability to control alpha amplitude, but only in the first session. The rate of learning of the discrimination paradigm was markedly greater than seen in previous studies. Comparing the time series of postresponse alpha amplitudes suggested that the lowest scoring sessions involved a behavioral inertia, or difficulty switching states, particularly when a higher alpha state was required. However, extreme amplitudes were discriminated better than moderate ones and discrimination task performances significantly exceeded the percent time that alpha amplitude was in the correct state. These two observations suggest that EEG discrimination involves awareness of, and not just manipulation of, one’s EEG state.
{"title":"Self-Prompted Discrimination and Operant Control of EEG Alpha","authors":"J. Frederick, Andrew S. Heim, Kelli N. Dunn","doi":"10.15540/NR.6.2.81","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15540/NR.6.2.81","url":null,"abstract":"EEG state discrimination studies may contribute to understanding the role of awareness in physiological selfregulation, but many individuals learn the existing paradigm very slowly. In this study, a self-prompted discrimination paradigm, in which subjects decide when to respond based upon their subjective state, was examined for the rate of learning and its effects on the ability to control EEG alpha. Twenty-nine participants received up to three 40-min sessions in which discrimination training was alternated with training to control alpha in four 10-min sets, compared to 22 participants who received control training only. Discrimination training appeared to facilitate the ability to control alpha amplitude, but only in the first session. The rate of learning of the discrimination paradigm was markedly greater than seen in previous studies. Comparing the time series of postresponse alpha amplitudes suggested that the lowest scoring sessions involved a behavioral inertia, or difficulty switching states, particularly when a higher alpha state was required. However, extreme amplitudes were discriminated better than moderate ones and discrimination task performances significantly exceeded the percent time that alpha amplitude was in the correct state. These two observations suggest that EEG discrimination involves awareness of, and not just manipulation of, one’s EEG state.","PeriodicalId":37439,"journal":{"name":"NeuroRegulation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42311690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}