contingent feedback
Research Papers
Effects of Alpha Feedback Training on Occipital EEG, Heart Rate, and Experiential Reactivity to a Laboratory Stressor
The intent of this study was to examine whether brief alpha biofeedback training would alter the degree of physiological and experiential stress evidenced in an aversive laboratory situation. While occipital alpha and heart rate were monitored, 36 subjects underwent 8 presentations of a warning tone preceding fingertip electric shock by 30 sec. Subjects were then placed into one of three treatments taking place in dim light with eyes open. Group 1 received 24 min of contingent feedback. Group 2 received an equivalent amount of non-contingent feedback and Group 3, a no-feedback control condition, listened to music. Following the treatment period, 12 additional tone-shock pairings were presented, equally divided between eyes-open and eyes-closed trials, also with and without continuation of the treatment period “signal” (i.e. contingent, non-contingent feedback, or music). The results revealed that, in general, enhanced alpha density was maintained by the contingent feedback group during the post-treatment aversive situation. However, the reduction in alpha suppression was not systematically accompanied by corresponding heart rate and self-report reductions in situational reactivity. It was concluded that alpha feedback training was not sufficient to produce a generalized relaxation to the aversive situation. Alternative accounts of the results, focusing primarily on independence of response systems, are discussed.
View Full Paper →Effects of sham feedback following successful SMR training in an epileptic
After 1 year of SMR biofeedback training of a severe epileptic teenage male, incidence of atonic seizures decreased from 8/hr to less than 1/3 hr. SMR increased from 10% to 70%. Epileptiform discharges decreased from 45% to 15%. Unknown to the patient, his family, or certain members of our research staff, noncontingent feedback was introduced on 7/22/74, ending 9/11/74. A significant decrease occurred for SMR(down 8%), and a significant increase for epileptiform discharges(up 4%). Rate of seizures increased, but was not statistically significant over preceding months of contingent feedback. Incidence of seizures associated with urine loss increased from approximately 6/month to 23/month during noncontingent feedback, a significant increase. Urine-loss results suggest that although seizures did not become more frequent, those the patient did experience were “harder,” i.e., more severe. Contingent feedback was reinstituted following the 7-wk sham, and recovery of all variables to their former levels(prior to sham) occurred.
View Full Paper →Ready to Optimize Your Brain?
Schedule a free consultation to discuss contingent feedback and how neurofeedback training can help
Or call us directly at 855-88-BRAIN
View Programs & Pricing →