Peak Performance
Cognitive enhancement and brain optimization for executives, athletes, and high performers: training protocols and performance outcomes.
Research Papers
Showing 6 of 18Train Your Brain? Can We Really Selectively Train Specific EEG Frequencies With Neurofeedback Training
Neurofeedback (NFB) is an operant conditioning procedure whereby an individual learns to self-regulate the electrical activity of his/her brain. Initially developed as a treatment intervention for pathologies with underlying EEG dysfunctions, NFB is also used as a training tool to enhance specific cognitive states required in high-performance situations. The original idea behind the NFB training effect is that the changes should only be circumscribed to the trained EEG frequencies. The EEG frequencies which are not used as feedback frequencies should be independent and not affected by the neurofeedback training. Despite the success of sensorimotor rhythm NFB training in cognitive performance enhancement, it remains unclear whether all participants can intentionally modify the power densities of specifically selected electroencephalographic (EEG) frequencies. In the present study, participants were randomly assigned to either a control heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback (HRV) training group or a combination of HRV biofeedback and neurofeedback (HRV/NFB) training group. This randomized mixed design experiment consisted of two introductory theoretical lessons and a training period of 6 weeks. We investigated the evolution of the different EEG frequency bands of our two experimental groups across and within session. All the participants exhibited EEG changes across and within session. However, within the HRV/NFB training group, untrained EEG frequencies have been significantly modified, unlike some of the trained frequencies. Moreover, EEG activity was modified in both the HRV group and the HRV/NFB groups. Hence, the EEG changes were not only circumscribed to the trained frequency bands or to the training modality.
View Full Paper →EEG-Neurofeedback as a Tool to Modulate Cognition and Behavior: A Review Tutorial
Neurofeedback is attracting renewed interest as a method to self-regulate one’s own brain activity to directly alter the underlying neural mechanisms of cognition and behavior. It not only promises new avenues as a method for cognitive enhancement in healthy subjects, but also as a therapeutic tool. In the current article, we present a review tutorial discussing key aspects relevant to the development of electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback studies. In addition, the putative mechanisms underlying neurofeedback learning are considered. We highlight both aspects relevant for the practical application of neurofeedback as well as rather theoretical considerations related to the development of new generation protocols. Important characteristics regarding the set-up of a neurofeedback protocol are outlined in a step-by-step way. All these practical and theoretical considerations are illustrated based on a protocol and results of a frontal-midline theta up-regulation training for the improvement of executive functions. Not least, assessment criteria for the validation of neurofeedback studies as well as general guidelines for the evaluation of training efficacy are discussed.
View Full Paper →Flow and quiet eye: the role of attentional control in flow experience
This report was designed to investigate the role of effective attention control in flow states, by developing an experimental approach to the study of flow. A challenge-skill balance manipulation was applied to self-paced netball and basketball shooting tasks, with point of gaze recorded through mobile eye tracking. Quiet eye was used to index optimal control of visual attention. While the experimental manipulation was found to have no effect, quiet eye was associated with the experience of flow. Furthermore, mediation revealed an indirect effect of quiet eye on performance through flow experience. This study provides initial evidence that flow may be preceded by changes in visual attention, suggesting that further investigation of visual attention may elucidate the cognitive mechanisms behind flow experience.
View Full Paper →Neurocognitive mechanisms of the flow state
While the experience of flow is often described in attentional terms-focused concentration or task absorption-specific cognitive mechanisms have received limited interest. We propose that an attentional explanation provides the best way to advance theoretical models and produce practical applications, as well as providing potential solutions to core issues such as how an objectively difficult task can be subjectively effortless. Recent research has begun to utilize brain-imaging techniques to investigate neurocognitive changes during flow, which enables attentional mechanisms to be understood in greater detail. Some tensions within flow research are discussed; including the dissociation between psychophysiological and experiential measures, and the equivocal neuroimaging findings supporting prominent accounts of hypofrontality. While flow has received only preliminary investigation from a neuroscientific perspective, findings already provide important insights into the crucial role played by higher-order attentional networks, and clear indications of reduced activity in brain regions linked to self-referential processing. The manner in which these processes may benefit sporting performance are discussed.
View Full Paper →Z-score LORETA Neurofeedback as a Potential Therapy in Depression/Anxiety and Cognitive Dysfunction1www.TallahasseeNeuroBalanceCenter.com
Introduction of quantitative electroencephalogram low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (QEEG/LORETA) electrical brain imaging has improved our diagnostic ability in neuropsychiatric practice by enhancing identification of dysregulated (defined as two standard deviations above or below the norm) cortical areas implicated in patient symptoms. Additional use of LORETA Z-score neurofeedback (NFB) enables us to directly target these areas of dysregulation in order to improve associated symptoms. Out of 235 neuropsychiatric patients treated in our clinic with Z-score LORETA NFB, a detailed analysis of 35 cases of depression, anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction is presented. Specific areas of dysregulation attributed to particular conditions identified by LORETA are discussed. Follow-up findings of QEEG/LORETA electrical imaging after NFB therapy (including computerized cognitive testing results) are shown. This chapter summarizes our experience with LORETA Z-score NFB as a tool for therapy of depression and associated anxiety. In addition, this form of NFB is able to improve cognitive functions of individuals suffering from memory, information processing, and other cognitive dysfunctions. Extensive presentations of selected cases are used for demonstration of results from our practice. 25 out of 35 patients (71%) were identified as having an objective improvement (on average 10 points) through cognitive testing. In addition, with NFB subjective cognitive improvement and an objective reduction of QEEG abnormalities were also achieved in most of the patients. Detailed analysis of our patients diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety showed that out of 31 included in the study, 24 (77%) were found to have both subjective and objective (improvement of QEEG abnormalities) improvement of the symptoms within 10 sessions of LORETA Z-score NFB. These results are very promising and indicate good effectiveness of LORETA Z-score NFB in therapy of depression, anxiety, and cognitive enhancement.
A controlled study on the cognitive effect of alpha neurofeedback training in patients with major depressive disorder
Cognitive deficits are core symptoms of depression. This study aims to investigate whether neurofeedback (NF) training can improve working memory (WM) performance in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The NF group (n = 40) underwent eight NF sessions and was compared to a non-interventional control group (n = 20). The NF protocol aimed to increase the individual upper alpha power in the parieto-occipital area of the scalp. Main cognitive variable was WM, which was measured preand posttraining along with other variables such as attention and executive functions. EEG was recorded in both eyes closed resting state and eyes open task-related activity, preand post- NF training, and pre- and post- the NF trials within each session. A power EEG analysis and an alpha asymmetry analysis were conducted at the sensor level. Frequency domain standardized low resolution tomography (sLORETA) was used to assess the effect at brain source level. Correlation analysis between the clinical/cognitive and EEG measurements was conducted at both the sensor and brain source level. The NF group showed increased performance as well as improved processing speed in a WM test after the training. The NF group showed pre-post enhancement in the upper alpha power after the training, better visible in task-related activity as compared to resting state. A current density increase appeared in the alpha band (8-12 Hz) for the NF group, localized in the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC, BA 25). A positive correlation was found for the NF group between the improvement in processing speed and the increase of beta power at both the sensor and brain source level. These results show the effectiveness of this NF protocol in improving WM performance in patients with MDD.
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