Brainwave entrainment refers to the brain's electrical response to rhythmic sensory stimulation, such as pulses of sound or light.
When the brain is given a stimulus, through the ears, eyes or other senses, it emits an electrical charge in response, called a Cortical Evoked Response (shown below). These electrical responses travel throughout the brain to become what you "see and hear". This activity can be measured using sensitive electrodes attached to the scalp.
When the brain is presented with a rhythmic stimulus, such as a drum beat for example, the rhythm is reproduced in the brain in the form of these electrical impulses. If the rhythm becomes fast and consistent enough, it can start to resemble the natural internal rhythms of the brain, called brainwaves. When this happens, the brain responds by synchronizing its own electric cycles to the same rhythm. This is commonly called the Frequency Following Response (or FFR):
FFR can be useful because brainwaves are very much related to mental state. For example, a 4 Hz brainwave is associated with sleep, so a 4 Hz sound pattern would help reproduce the sleep state in your brain. The same concept can be applied to nearly all mental states, including concentration, creativity and many others.
Just as our physical system operates at peak exertion during intense athletics and at a relaxed pace while sleeping, our brain operates at different levels of intensity— consistently cycling through these different levels throughout the day and night.
The following chart outlines the four main levels of brainwave activity with a description of the mental state they induce.
|
Brainwave Frequency |
Brainwave Type |
Associated Mental State |
| 13-40 Hz |
BETA |
ATTENTIVE, CONSCIOUS, NARROW FOCUS, COGNITION |
| 7-13 Hz |
ALPHA |
VISUALIZATION, RELAXATION, INGENUITY Your brain activity slows from the brisk patterns of Beta into the more mellow waves of Alpha. In the Alpha state, you are truly relaxed and your awareness expands. Accelerated learning occurs. A creative energy begins to surface. New ideas and solutions to problems flash like lightning into your mind. Fears vanish. A liberating sense of peace and well being is experienced. When Alpha brain waves become more dominant, logical left-brain activity—which normally acts as a filter or censor to the subconscious—drops its guard. This allows the more intuitive, emotional and creative depths of the mind that exist just below the threshold of consciousness to become increasingly influential. |
| 4-7 Hz |
THETA |
INTUITION, DEEP THOUGHT As your brain slows, you fall into a subtle and mysterious theta state of deeper relaxation, where your mind slows almost to the point of sleep. Theta is the brain state where the unexplainable occurs in the wake of your own neurological activity. Theta brings forward flickers of dreamlike imagery, heightened receptivity, early memories and surges of inspiration. Theta can bring you deep states of meditation, where you experience a sensation of suspension or floating. As Theta is an expansive state, you may feel your mind expand beyond the boundaries of your body and enter the energy fields that circulate around your physical self. |
| 0-4 Hz |
DELTA |
DETACHED AWARENESS, SLEEPING The slowest of all brain wave frequencies, Delta brain waves are long, deep and undulating, most commonly associated with deep dreamless sleep. Your deep Delta state of brain wave activity is one of harmonious relaxation, where both sides of the brain work in synchronization. The Delta state promotes accelerated physical healing. |
|
* The human brain typically operates in all of the above brain wave frequencies however there always exists a dominant brain wave frequency. It is this dominant and abundant brain wave frequency that determines our state of mind. |
||
While this is a common request, we're unable to give out personal information, and refer prospects to existing clients and iMusic users. Doing so would mean that these iMusic users are providing a service for us (sales related support for prospective iMusic purchasers), and we would have to compensate them for that service, and thus they would no longer be an arms length, unbiased source for questions.
We encourage you to read just a few of many testimonials we receive (by the thousands):
http://www.getimusic.com/acclaim.php
iMusic | BrainAmp (single CD release) is a neuro speed performance aid that will introduce your brain to an accelerated, peak-performance state (the science of brainwave entrainment at work). It will pull you out of your comfort zone and propel you to a higher level of operation, giving your brain a tremendous, science-driven workout.
You will experience increases in IQ, intelligence, focus, stamina and brain synchronization and overall mental power.
Aug. 2004 -- Got a mind-draining job? It might protect you from Alzheimer's disease, a new study suggests.
The causes of dementia and Alzheimer's disease are still being scrutinized. Scientists know that genetics account for only a part of the 4.5 million Alzheimer's disease patients in the U.S. But they have difficulty teasing out the impact of such factors as education, diet, and socioeconomic status -- including occupation.
Several studies have found that blue-collar workers develop more cases of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in their later years. But why?
This current study delves more deeply into occupation to understand the specific job demands that make the difference, lead researcher Kathleen Smyth, PhD, a sociologist at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals of Cleveland, tells WebMD.
Her study, which appears in an issue of the journal Neurology, involved a group of people over age 60. Through extensive testing, 122 patients were diagnosed as having signs of Alzheimer's disease. The 235 people in the comparison group were the patients' friends and neighbors whose tests showed no signs of Alzheimer's.
Family members provided information about jobs the Alzheimer's patients held. The comparison group provided similar job history details.
Researchers then sifted through thousands of Department of Labor job descriptions. That helped them identify factors like job complexity, training required, aptitude required, whether activities required abstract, creative abilities vs. routine and concrete ones, physical demands, and work conditions.
Early Signs of Dementia?
The Alzheimer's patients had held mostly blue-collar jobs. However, another pattern emerged.
"When both groups were in their 20s, there were few differences in the mental demands of their jobs," Smyth tells WebMD. "But in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, we did find differences -- increased mental demands among [the comparison group]. For those with Alzheimer's disease, the mental demands from their jobs stayed flat ... they did not advance."
In those early years, something had changed. "We don't know exactly what," says Smyth.
One theory: Even as early as their teens or 20s, "Alzheimer's may have been affecting them in some subtle way, keeping them from moving into more advanced jobs," Smyth tells WebMD. "Many researchers feel that a big piece of dementia is 'brought to the table's at a very early age."
Another theory: "Life circumstances kept them from getting more advanced jobs," she says. "They didn't get the right opportunities and got stuck in low-level jobs. It's use it or lose it. Over three decades, if you're not mentally stimulating yourself, it's not good for your brain."
"We're hoping this is the take-home message -- build variety into your job," Smyth says. "Choose jobs where you have variety. And if you have a job that is routine, compensate in other ways. Studies looking at leisure activities show they have an impact. There's pretty wide acceptance that trying to keep your mind active is what's important."
A Second Opinion
"All these Alzheimer's studies have a fundamental problem that is tough to overcome -- that people are very complex, and success in your career is much more than book smarts and educational achievement," James Lah, MD, PhD, a clinical neurologist and neuroscientist at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, tells WebMD. Lah agreed to provide insights on Smyth's study.
Indeed, the development of Alzheimer's may start much earlier than once thought. Or another contributing factor may be in place, like a developmental problem, he says.
Lah points to a famous study of 30 nuns from the order of the School Sisters of Notre Dame who provided blood samples and underwent testing of their mental abilities from their 70s until their deaths. The nuns also gave permission to be autopsied after death. The findings have helped provide answers to the puzzle of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers analyzed essays the nuns wrote 50 to 60 years earlier, when they were novitiates in their teens or early 20s. "Their writing indicated their linguistic abilities, a measure of intelligence. But their writing -- whether it was complex or not -- also showed subtle signs of Alzheimer's disease," Lah tells WebMD. "It could be that something was going on in their brains that affected their writing, that also played a role in their developing Alzheimer's disease later on."
Nevertheless, he continues counseling patients to do crossword puzzles and to continue interpersonal interactions, to keep their brains in good operating condition. "It's something a lot of us would like to believe is true -- that we can actively prevent dementia. We don't know for sure it's going to help, but we know for sure it's not going to hurt."
With iMusic, training the brain and keeping your neurons snapping into old age is easier than ever!
SOURCES: Kathleen Smyth, PhD, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals of Cleveland. James Lah, MD, PhD, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta. WebMD Medical News: "Genes and Environment Affect Alzheimer's Risk."
There are many iMusic CD's that have brain training features, because when you're peak performing with iMusic, you are working mentally harder, which will cause neural connection expansion and increased cognition.
BrainAmp is different because it's specially designed to do just one thing: train your brain and push your mind to higher levels of ability and power. It has been engineered for this sole purpose, and because of this high level of specialization, this iMusic selection delivers a more powerful and growth activating mental workout than any other iMusic release. The sole intent of iMusic BrainAmp is to empower and improve your cognition, and it does this tremendously well.
Because other iMusic releases are designed to deliver peak performance states for activities like reading, studying, working, brain-storming or for energizing, they do not strengthen the brain as effectively as BrainAmp because they are designed with a different priority in mind.
For example, iMusic | Energy Suite is designed to energize the brain by entraining energy building brainwaves, and doing so stimulates mental growth -- but the mental growth that occurs in this brain state is low when compared to the electrifying and very stimulating brainwave window that is activated with BrainAmp. But of course, BrainAmp does not induce energy as well as Energy Suite.
Thrive+Flow will enhance your mind, optimize your bodies biochemical levels and elevate your state as you love life and enjoy the music. Developed by foremost brain experts and human performance thought leaders at Volition Thought House, iMusic works for everyone and all ages.
This 4 CD set of over 5 hours of iMusic will dial you into the peak creative state, and optimize your mind for imaginative thought, creative writing, breakthrough illumination, idea creation, ingenious design and execution of artistic tasks. Just push play while you think, create and work to experience a new, higher level of creativity.
Learn More about iMusic | Creative Suite
Use iMusic | Creative Suite when you are engaging any task, activity or thought process that requires creativity. Whether you are reading fiction, brainstorming, drawing, writing or sculpting, your performance will be accelerated and amplified.
For complete details on when to use each CD, look at your iMusic case and Creative Suite documentation.
This 3 CD set of over 3.5 hours of iMusic will awaken your mind in a high achievement oriented manner. Invigorating and enlivening, iMusic | WakeUp Suite is a smart, comprehensive, physiological activation system that will not only wake you, but take you from pleasant dreams to a lively, hyped and sparkling state in a matter of minutes.
Learn More About iMusic | WakeUp Suite
Use iMusic WakeUp 2, when you want to experience a more natural and delightful wakeup. Simply set the CD to play 30 minutes before your scheduled wakeup time.
Use iMusic WakeUp 3 as your morning after wakeup call to get your mind recuperating, regenerating and normalizing itself quicker and more effectively than ever before. Just push play to regain physiological equilibrium fast after a night of fun.
Learn More About iMusic | WakeUp Suite
iMusic | Energy Suite is a 3 CD set for higher energy levels and enthusiasm on demand.
Just push play to harness the power of brainwave entrainment. Your mind will be automatically guided into a scientifically determined peak performance state for a hi-energy + hi-output day!
Even more, you will experience the many mental and physical benefits that you can come to expect from using iMusic.
iMusic | FitDrive Suite is the only way to enter the peak performance mental state for fitness training—on demand. Use this 4 CD set to dial in your mind, enhance your physiological assets and gain that special edge that only 'in-the-zone' training
For more information visit: http://www.getimusic.com/v5
iMusic | Intelligence Suite contains iMusic PeakRead, iMusic IvyFocus and iMusic ThinkFast. This 3 disc set of over 210 minutes of powerful iMusic will optimize your brain state for reading, learning, studying, memorizing and give you greater focus, mental stamina and intellectual endurance. Using iMusic | Intelligence Suite will set your mind working on a higher performance plane. You will experience leaps in intelligence, brain power, cognitive functioning and IQ-- just by playing it as you work.
To improve your intelligence, thought capacity, focus, IQ and overall cognitive functioning, simply play the appropriate selection from the iMusic Intelligence Suite whenever you are performing any mental task. Whether you're learning, reading, thinking, studying or focusing your thought forces, playing iMusic at a comfortable level while you work will not only entrain your brain into the optimum state, boosting your performance, but train your brain to work at a higher level on a permanent basis.
iMusic ThinkFast delivers F1 thought speeds and time stopping concentration. Catapulting your mind into a high performance zone that makes demanding mental tasks easier than ever.
Just play this iMusic selection gently in the background to elevate your brain power for tasks such as; mathematical computations; complex lines of thought; competitive chess; or thinking through any brand of challenging material.
And because ThinkFast tunes your brainwaves and cognitive characteristics into a super performance state everytime, you'll be able to pull out your mental 'A' game on demand.
Perfect for…
Tasks like: math, number crunching, programming
Games like: Chess, sudoku puzzles, brain teasers
Every release in the iMusic series is subjected to thorough testing and analysis. We use state of the art brain observation equipment such as EEG's, to monitor the effects of each iMusic Volume on a wide cross section of real people.
Click here for further details.
ScienceDaily (Oct. 5, 2008) — A study in the Oct. 1 issue of the journal Sleep shows that the successful manipulation of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) amplitude by instrumental SMR conditioning (ISC) improved sleep quality as well as declarative learning. ISC might thus be considered a promising non-pharmacological treatment for primary insomnia.
"The aim of the study was to improve sleep quality and memory performance by 'rewarding' the existence of certain activities of the brain," said the study's workgroup leader, Dr. Manuel Schabus, researcher for the division of physiological psychology at the University of Salzburg in Austria.
Instrumental conditioning of different EEG parameters has long been used as a therapeutic tool to treat different kinds of disorders, including epilepsy and attention–deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Prior research has found that ISC can be effective in treating psychophysiological insomnia, a form of insomnia associated with worrying.
Twenty-seven healthy subjects were randomly assigned to either an ISC group or a randomized frequency group in order to examine the effects of ISC on sleep as well as declarative memory performance. Participants attended the laboratory on 13 occasions, during 10 of which they were connected to a feedback system that allowed them to keep track of their current brain activity by looking at a computer screen. Participants were encouraged to use physiological relaxation combined with positive mental activity in order to "shape their brainwaves"; all participants remained blind to their group assignment and were not debriefed until after the investigation had ended.
Participants trained the enhancement of the SMR over the course of two weeks and were rewarded with a pleasant image whenever they succeeded to enhance this specific type of brain activity. Subjective data about sleep quality and depression and objective data about memory and intelligence were also collected. Participants were asked to perform a declarative word-pair association task before and after a 90-minute nap periods in the laboratory; naps were taken before and after treatment sessions.
The researchers suggest that future studies focus on the effects of ISC on various cognitive tasks and address the potential clinical significance of this kind of training for the long-term treatment of insomnia.
With iMusic | DeepSleep Suite, a restful, deep sleep can be experienced on demand. With our breakthrough IMAGINCE digital audio technology, developed from over 30 years of clinical neural research, iMusic | DeepSleep Suite is proven to dial your mind into the deep sleep state and entrain your brainwaves for the ultimate rest experience; helping you achieve the “perfect sleep” night after night.
Play iMusic on any ordinary stereo or audio system (MP3, CD, etc.) to quickly enter the deep sleep state, an essential for successful and healthy living. The orchestral and symphonic digitally re-mastered iMusic masterpieces will dial your brainwaves into the perfect frequency, guiding your mind and body into a deep sleep within minutes.
iMusic SleepTrainer
Brainwave training widens its role in medicine
By Rita Baron-Faust
It looks like a scene from a 1950s science fiction flick: Patients with electrodes attached to their skulls sit deep in concentration, focusing their minds to control the beeps and squiggly lines produced by an electronic monitor.
Now these fantastic visions are unfolding with increasing frequency in real medical clinics around the country; people with epilepsy, attention deficit disorder and other forms of serious mental illness are treating these ailments by learning to control electrical patterns in their own brains. This therapy, known as neurofeedback, is emerging as the hottest new twist on biofeedback.
Though biofeedback was first developed by psychologists, its primary uses have been for illnesses below the neck. Standard biofeedback teaches you first to become conscious of normally unconscious functions such as pulse, digestion and body temperature, then teaches you to control them in response to sounds or other cues from monitoring devices. These techniques have allowed patients to lower their blood pressure, banish their headaches and control their incontinence without using drugs.
Now new insights into the biology of mental illness have made it possible to treat them in a similar fashion.
Aerobics for the brain
In neurofeedback (also known as neurotherapy), therapists attach electrodes to patient's unshaved scalps. Through these electrodes, a device measures electrical impulses in the brain, amplifies them and then records them. These impulses are divided into different types of brain waves.
For example, in order to concentrate on a task, parts of the brain must produce more high-frequency beta waves. To relax, the brain must produce more low-frequency theta waves.
Using a program similar to a computer game (only without a joystick), people learn to control the video display by achieving the mental state that produces increases in the desired brain wave. Some practitioners call it "aerobics for the brain."
In epilepsy, where once only medications and surgery could reduce seizures, neurofeedback is showing results. A German study published in the April 1999 journal Clinical Neurophysiology found that two-thirds of epilepsy patients could reduce their seizure rate by learning to control very low frequency brain waves in the cortex.
"In people with epilepsy, part of the brain has become unstable, and occasionally it triggers the rest of the brain into seizure," explains Siegfried Othmer, Ph.D., an Encino, California, physicist who trains biofeedback therapists. "Neurofeedback may help stabilize those circuits and reduce the probability of seizures."
New understanding
The use of neurofeedback for psychiatric problems depends on recent understanding about these diseases. In the 1960s, when biofeedback was developed as a therapy, schizophrenia and attention deficit were considered mainly the result of emotional trauma or poor upbringing.
Consequently, biofeedback practitioners first focused on obviously physical problems. Now scientists understand better the electrical and chemical components of mental illness, creating opportunities for neurofeedback.
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) use neurofeedback games to reduce theta waves and increase beta waves, increasing their attentiveness. Joel Lubar, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who originated neurofeedback treatment for ADHD in the 1970s, says neurofeedback can produce some of the same brain wave changes as drugs used to treat the disorder.
In a 1998 study published in the December issue of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, researchers in Ontario, Canada, taught ADHD patients biofeedback and learning strategies. They found a significant improvement in symptoms (such as impulsiveness and inattention) after 40 EEG biofeedback sessions, as well as a change in the ratio of beta to theta waves.
"Biofeedback can not only help a child use brain waves they don't usually employ, but it may also help increase blood flow to specific parts of the brain involved with ADHD," says Lubar. "Used with behavior therapies that incorporate classroom and homework skills, neurofeedback can help these children become less dependent on stimulants like Ritalin."
More than 700 groups nationwide are using EEG biofeedback for ADD/ADHD, according to the Association for Applied Psychotherapy and Biofeedback, an organization of biofeedback practitioners. The ADHD therapists have reported that patients experienced a 60 to 80 percent significant improvement in symptoms and much less need for medicine.
Dr. J. Alan Cook, a psychiatrist in Mt. Vernon, Washington, uses it for 25 to 35 percent of his patients, treating such problems as depression, addiction, bipolar disorder and ADHD. "Once the training has been completed, patients seem to retain the benefits long term," he says.
Crossing a new frontier in neurotherapy, researchers from London, England, reported in the December 1999 International Journal of Psychophysiology that a group of schizophrenic people had used neurofeedback to create some of the same electrical patterns that schizophrenia drugs produce in the brain. Though the investigators couldn't tell from this short experiment how the neurofeedback might affect the patient's symptoms, they considered it a successful first step toward developing a new treatment.
As scientists understand better how the brain works -- or fails to work -- they are finding more and more ways it can heal itself.
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A study conducted by Dr. Siegfried Othmer, an international leader in the field of neurofeedback and brainwave training, led to the conclusion that brainwave training has exceptional effects on IQ. On average, individuals 
experienced a 23% increase in IQ. Individuals that began brainwave training with IQ levels that were less than 100 have been shown to enjoy IQ gains of 33 points on average, in addition to significant improvements in reading comprehension, memory related tasks and logic handling abilities. A year later, a follow up with those involved in the study found major improvements in self concept, creativity and concentration to be rampant.
A similar study performed by Michael Taney found brainwave training to yield IQ gains of 19 points (on average) for those who used brainwave training technology similar to iMusic (but not as advanced). A study by Thomas Budzynski, Ph.D found that college students who used brainwave training technology drastically out performed those that did not in both academic tasks and by GPA.
A M.D. associated with Dr. Siegfried Othmer based in North Carolina used brainwave training to treat a boy with an IQ of 70 who was labeled as mildly retarded. A year later this boy was retested and the improvements were startling; he scored 60% higher with an IQ of 112. This specific case is consistent with a myriad of similar cases that have been documented with children with sub 90 IQ scores. Dr. Siegfried Othmer says that “brainwave training clearly facilitates the organization of mental functioning so that the child can exhibit his native intelligence. The results are so striking that they must compel us to revisit the whole issue of whom we are calling mentally retarded.”
RELATED STUDIES / FURTHER READING
"Academic Performance Enhancement with Photic Stimulation and EDR Feedback." Thomas Budzynski, Ph.D., John Jordy, M.Ed., Helen Kogan Budzynski, Ph.D., Hsin-Yi Tang, M.S., and Keith Claypoole, Ph.D.
"Exceptional Results with \'Exceptional Children" Lynda Thompson, Ph.D. and Michael Thompson, M.D., Journal Of NeuroTherapy
Electroencephalographic Biofeedback of SMR and Beta for Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorders in a Clinical Setting, Lubar, J. O., and J.F. Lubar. Biofeedback and Self Regulation 9, no. 1 (1984) 1-23
Righting the Rhythms of Reason: EEG Biofeedback Training as a Therapeutic Modality in a Clinical Office Setting. Tansey, M.A., Medical Psychotherapy 3 (1990): 57-68
"EEG Alpha Rhythm Frequency and Intelligence in Normal Individuals." Anoukhin, A., Intelligence, 23: 1-14
"EEG Average Frequency and Intelligence." Giannitrapani, D. (1969)., Electroencephalography & Clinical Neurophysiology, 27, 480-486.
"Differences in EEG Alpha Activity Related to Giftedness." Jausovec, N. (1996)., Intelligence, 23, 159-173.
Intelligence, Academic Achievement, and EEG Abnormalities in Hyperactive Children, Am J Psychiatry 131:4, April 1974, James H. Satterfield, M.D., Dennis P. Cantwell, M.D., Ronald E. Saul, M.D., Alvin Yusin, M.D.
Exceptional Results with 'Exceptional Children', Lynda Thompson, Ph.D. and Michael Thompson, M.D., Journal Of NeuroTherapy
New Visions School NeuroTechnology Replication Project 2000 - 2001, Michael Joyce
Electroencephalographic Biofeedback of SMR and Beta for Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorders in a Clinical Setting, Lubar, J. O., and J.F. Lubar. Biofeedback and Self Regulation 9, no. 1 (1984) 1-23
Righting the Rhythms of Reason: EEG Biofeedback Training as a Therapeutic Modality in a Clinical Office Setting. Tansey, M.A., Medical Psychotherapy 3 (1990): 57-68
EEG Training for ADHD and Learning Disorders, Othmer, S & Othmer, S.F., March, 1989
Attention deficit disorder. Othmer, S. (1998). EEG Spectrum Training Syllabus. Volume 3. Encino, CA: EEC Spectrum.
EEG and behavioral changes in a hyperactive child concurrent training of the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR). A preliminary report. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 1, 293-306. Lubar, J.F., Shabsin, H.S., Natelson, S.E., Holder, G.S., Whitsett, S.F., Pamplin, W.E., and Krulikowski, D.I. (1981).
The Physiological Response to "Beta Sweep" Entrainment, Gontgovsky, S., Montgomery, D., Proceedings AAPB Thirteenth Anniversary Annual Meeting (1999)
Discourse on the development of EEG diagnostics and biofeedback for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Lubar, J. F. (1991)., Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 16, 201-225.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of EEG neurofeedback training for ADHD in a clinical setting as measured by changes in T.0.V.A. scores, behavioral ratings, and WISC-R performance. Lubar, J. F., Swartwood, M. 0., Swartwood, J. N., & O\'Donnell, P. FL (1995). Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 20, 83-99.
Quantitative analysis of EEG in boys with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder: Controlled study with clinical implications. Mann, C. A., Lubar, J. E, Zimmerman, A. W., Miller, C. A., & Muenchen, R. A. (1992). Pediatric Neurology, 8,30-36.
Intellectual, auditory and photic stimulation and changes in functioning in children and adults. Russell, H. L. (1997). Biofeedback, 25(1), 16-17, 23, 24.
A pilot study of the effect of 18 Hz audio visual stimulation (AVS) on attention and concentration symptoms and on quantitative EEG (QEEG) in long-term chronic fatigue (CFS).Trudeau, D. L., Moore, J., Stockley, H., & Rubin, Y. (1999). Journal of Neurotherapy 3~4), 76
A controlled study of the effects of neurofeedback training on IQ and EEG patterns for ADD subjects. Utter, C. P. (1996). Unpublished manuscript. College of Wooster.
Brain metabolism in teenagers with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Zametkin, A. I, Liebenauer, L. L., King, A. C., Minunkas, D. V., Herscovitch, P., Yamada, E. M., & Cohen, R. M. (1993). Archives of General Psychiatry, 50, 333-340.
iMusic Research Record
References / Further Reading
Anoukhin, A. "EEG Alpha Rhythm Frequency and Intelligence in Normal Individuals." Intelligence, 23: 1-14
Barber, T. X. (1957). "Experiments in hypnosis." Scientific American, 196, 54-61.
Benson, H., Wallace, R.K. (1972). "The Physiology of Meditation." Scientific American, Vol 226, No 2, 84-90
Berg, K, Siever, D (1999). "Audio-Visual Entrainment as a Treatment Modality for Seasonal Affective Disorder." Presented at the Society for Neuronal Regulation.
Berg, K, Mueller, H., Siebael, D., Siever, D. (1999). "Outcome of Medical Methods, Audio-Visual Entrainment, and Nutritional Supplementation for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome." Presented at the Society for Neuronal Regulation.
Bermer, F. (1958). "Cerebral and cerebellar potentials." Physiological Review, 38, 357-388.
Boersma, F., Gagnon, C. (1992). "The Use of Repetitive Audiovisual Entrainment in the Management of Chronic Pain." Medical Hypnosis Journal, Vol 7, No3: 80-97
Brackopp, G. W. (1984). Review of research on Multi-Modal sensory stimulation with clinical implications and research proposals. Unpublished manuscript--see Hutchison (1986).
Budzynski, T. H. (1977). "Tuning in on the twilight zone." Psychology Today, August.
Cade, C. M. & Coxhead, N. (1979) "The Awakened Mind: BiofeedBack and the Development of Higher States of Consciousness." New York: Delacorte Press.
Chatrian, G., Petersen, M., Lazarte, J. (1960). "Responses to Clicks from the Human Brain: Some Depth Electrographic Observation." Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 12: 479-487
Deikman, A. (1969). "De-automatization and the mystic experience." In C. T. Tart (Ed.), Altered States of Consciousness. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Dempsey, E., Morison, R. (1942). "The Interaction of Certain Spontaneous and Induce Cortical Potentials." American Journal of Physiology, 135: 301-307
Eppley, K.R., Abrams, A. (1989). "Differential Effects Of Relaxation Techniques on Trait Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis." Journal of Clinical Psychology, Vol 45, 6: 957-973
Evans, F. J., Gustafson, L. A., O 'Connell, D. N., Orne, M. T. & Shor, R. E. (1970). "Verbally-induced behavioral response during sleep." Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 1, 1-26.
Fox, P., Raichle, M. (1985). "Stimulus Rate Determines Regional Blood Flow in Striate Cortex." Annals of Neurology, Vol 17, No 3: 303-305.
Fredrick, J., Lubar, J., Rasey, H., Blackburn, J. (1999). \"Effects of 18.5 Hz Audiovisual Stimulation On EEG Amplitude at the Vertex." Proceedings AAPB Thirteenth Anniversary Annual Meeting, 42-45.
Foster, D. S. (1990) "EEG and subjective correlates of alpha frequency binaural beats stimulation combined with alpha biofeedBack." Ann Arbor, MI: UMI, Order No. 9025506.
Foulkes, D. & Vogel, G. (1964). "Mental activity at sleep-onset." Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 70, 231-243.
Giannitrapani, D. (1969). "EEG Average Frequency and Intelligence." Electroencephalography & Clinical Neurophysiology, 27, 480-486.
Gontgovsky, S., Montgomery, D. (1999). "The Physiological Response to "Beta Sweep" Entrainment." Proceedings AAPB Thirteenth Anniversary Annual Meeting, 62-65.
Hoovey, Z. B., Heinemann, U. & Creutzfeldt, O. D. (1972). "Inter-hemispheric 'synchrony' of alpha waves. " Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 32, 337-347.
Hutchison, M. (1986). Megabrain. New York: Beech Tree Books. William Morrow.
Hutchison, M. (1990). "Special issue on sound/light." Megabrain Report: Vol 1, No. 2.
Jausovec, N. (1996). "Differences in EEG Alpha Activity Related to Giftedness." Intelligence, 23, 159-173.
Joyce, M., Siever, D., Twittey, M. (2000). "Audio Visual Entrainment Program as a Treatment for Behavior Disorders in a School Setting." Journal of Neurotherapy, Vol 4, No 2, 9-25
Kooi, K. A. (1971). Fundamentals of Electroencephalography. New York: Harper & Row.
Manns, A., Mirralles, R., Adrian, H. (1981). "The Application of Audio Stimulation and Electromyographic Biofeedback to Bruxism and Myofascial Pain-Dysfunction Syndrome." Oral Surgery, Vol 52, No 3, 247-252.
Markland, O.N. (1990). "Alpha Rythms." Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology, 7, 163-189.
Mavromatis, A. (1987). "Hypnagogia: The Unique State of Consciousness Between Wakefulness and Sleep." New York: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
Miller, E. E. (1987). Software for the Mind: How to program Your Mind for Optimum Health and Performance. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts.
Oster, G. (1973). "Auditory beats in the brain." Scientific American, 229, 94-102.
Rosenzweig, M. R. "Auditory Localization." Perception: Mechanisms and Models, Readings from Scientific American, W. H. Freeman and Company, San Fransisco.
Rossi, E. L. (1986). The Psychobiology of Mind-Body Healing. New York: W. W. Norton.
Rubin, F. (1968). (Ed.), Current Research in Hypnopaedia. London: MacDonald.
Schacter, D. L. (1977). "EEG theta waves and psychological phenomena: A review and analysis." Psychology, 5, 47-82.
Shealy, N., Cady, R., Cox, R., Liss, S., Clossen, W., Veehoff, D. "A Comparison of Depths of Relaxation Produced by Various Techniques and Neurotransmitters by Brainwave Entrainment - Shealy and Forest Institute of Professional Psychology" A study done for Comprehensive Health Care, Unpublished.
Siever, D. "Isochronic Tones and Brainwave Entrainment." Unpublished.
Siever, D. (2002) "The Rediscovery of Audio-Visual Entrainment Technology." Self-published by mindalive.ca.
Siever, D., Twittey, M. "Light and Sound Stimulation as a Treatment for Chronic Pain." Unpublished.
Svyandoshch, A. (1968). "The assimilation and memorization of speech during natural sleep." In F. Rubin (Ed.), Current Research in Hypnopaedia. London: MacDonald.
Thomas, N., Siever, D. (1976). "The Effect of Repetitive Audio/Visual Stimulation on Skeletomotor and Vascular Activity." Hypnosis - The Fourth European Congress at Oxford.
Timmerman, D. L., Lubar, J. F., Rasey, H. W., Frederick, J. A. (1999). "Effects of 20-Min Audio-Visual Stimulation (AVS) at Dominant Alpha Frequency and Twice Dominant Alpha Frequency on the Cortical EEG." International Journal of Psychophysiology.
Toman, J (1941). "Flicker Potentials and the Alpha Rhythm in Man." Journal of Neurophysiology, Vol 4, 51-61.
Trudeau, D. (1999). "A Trial of 18 Hz Audio-Visual Stimulation (AVS) on Attention and Concentration in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)." Presented at the Society for Neuronal Regulation.
Van Dusen, W. (1975). The Presence of Other Worlds. London: Wildwood House.
Vernon D., T. Egner et al. in International Journal of Psychophysiology, Vol. 47, No.1, pages 75-85; January 2004 "The Effect of Training Distinct Neurofeedback Protocols on Aspects of Cognitive Performance"
Vogt, F., Klimesh, W., Dopelmayr, M. (1998). "High Frequency Components in the Alpha Band and Memory Performance." Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology, 15, 167-172.
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Wise, Anna. "The High Performance Mind." G.P. Putman's Sons, New York.
iMusic | Intelligence Suite: Grade School Survey
Executed by the Volition Performance Team, Volition Thought House Inc. Sept. 2004
With over 12 public schools taking part throughout North Eastern USA and South Western Canada, 110 teachers of grades 3 through 8 were requested to play iMusic | Intelligence Suite for their class over a 2 week period. After this 2 week period, the teachers were asked to complete a survey to help us better understand the effects of iMusic on school aged children. The following summation presents the teachers responses regarding their experience with iMusic.
Survey Results Overview:
- 98.7% of the teachers surveyed felt their class was better poised for learning while iMusic was played.
- 89% of the teachers surveyed observed their classroom to be quieter and less noisy while iMusic was played.
- 100% of the teachers surveyed observed their students to be more focused and attentive while iMusic was played.
- 95.3% of the teachers surveyed felt their students were more productive and made better use of their time while iMusic was played.
Conclusion:
The results point to a dramatic change in the behavior and dynamic of classrooms that play iMusic—showing that iMusic benefits students in a classroom environment. We hypothesize that continued use of iMusic will lead to improved student performance. Further research should be pursued to better document the the full extent of improvements iMusic will have on student test scores and overall academic performance.
Brain Damage Music therapies are in widespread use for a variety of behavioral and neurological problems. When positive effects are obtained on behavior, the brain mechanisms involved remain a mystery. Now comes evidence that a certain type of music therapy has behavioral benefits via measurable changes in brain function. Dr. Pascal Belin and his associates, working at the Service Hospitalier Frederic Joliot in Orsay and other institutions in France report that Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) promotes recovery from aphasia, a severe language disorder subsequent to stroke. MIT involves speaking in a type of musical manner, characterized by strong melodic (two notes, high and low) and temporal (two durations, long and short) components.
Reporting in the December 1996 issue of Neurology (vol. 47, pgs. 1504-1511), Belin et al studied seven patients who had a lengthy absence of spontaneous recovery. They also evaluated the effects of MIT on the brain by measuring relative cerebral blood flow (CBF) and PET scanning during hearing and repetition of simple words and of "MIT-loaded" words. MIT produced recovery of speech capabilities. Of great interest, a critical regions of the brain was activated by "MIT-loaded" words but not regular words. This is Broca's Area in the left hemisphere, known for over 100 years to be critically implicated in language and speech.
The authors believe that the reactivation by MIT of Broca's Area was critical to recovery of speech. These findings provide enormous promise for both the treatment of aphasia and understanding the role of music in normal and abnormal brain function.
CASE STUDY: TEN YEAR OLD MALE WITH ASPERGER\'S SYNDROME
Jolene Ross, PhD and James Caunt, BS
Advanced Neurotherapy, PC, Wellesley Hills, MA
Introduction
The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of neurotherapy in the treatment of Asperger\'s Syndrome. A comparison was performed using neurological and behavioral data of a 10-year-old boy with Asperger\'s Syndrome before and after 40 sessions of neurotherapy conducted over the course of a year.
Method
An electronic QEEG was recorded using a Lexicor 19 channel system with eyes closed, eyes open, and two tasks: reading and math. This was performed before and after 40 neurotherapy treatment sessions using Neurocybernetics training equipment. The QEEG data were analyzed using the SKIL Topometric analysis program. In addition, a modified version of the Australian Scale for Asperger\'s Syndrome was filled out by the child\'s mother before treatment and again after 40 sessions. A structured intake format with behavioral ratings was performed prior to treatment and an analogous form was filled out by the child\'s mother after 40 sessions. A comparison was made between the pre- and post-treatment analyzed QEEGs, modified Australian Scale for Asperger\'s Syndrome and behavioral ratings.
Results
After 40 sessions of neurotherapy the subject showed an approximate 2/3 improvement in behavioral ratings. The post-treatment QEEG showed significant reductions in elevated 6-9 Hz slow wave activity in the medial and central-parietal regions with eyes open. There was also a dramatic reduction in the magnitude of elevated 9-12 Hz activity in the parietal and occipital regions with eyes open while reading and while performing math.
Conclusion
The subject, who was 11 years old at the time of re-evaluation, experienced significant improvements in both neurological and behavioral functioning after 40 sessions of neurotherapy administered over the course of a year.
NEUROFEEDBACK TRAINING IN CHRONIC PAIN SYNDROME
Victoria L. Ibric, MD, PhD (1) and Liviu Dragomirescu, PhD (2)
(1)Therapy & Prevention Center, Pasadena, CA; (2) Institute of Biology, Bucharest
Introduction
Peripheral biofeedback was used for more than 40 years in the treatment of various pain conditions. Neurofeedback has proved beneficial in Epilepsy, Attention Deficit Disorder, and in other disorders. This paper brings new data about the use of neurofeedback in chronic pain.
Method
Since 1996, 147 patients were referred to us for biofeedback training for different chronic pain syndromes such as headaches, back pain, Fibromyalgia, and Complex Regional Pain Syndromes. Patients were previously treated with other modalities without complete resolution of pain. Stress tests and depression/ anxiety scales were taken periodically to monitor progress. Electrodes were set in varied positions according to 10/20 system, and based on the type or location of pain in each individual case. Sessions were 45 minutes long, and VAS pain scale was used pre- and post-training. The neurofeedback was done as “simple neurofeedback” (audio-visual NF), and/or as neurofeedback enhanced by light or electromagnetic closed loop EEG (CL-EEG) neurofeedback. For example, Myofascial Pain Syndrome responded well to “simple neurofeedback” versus Fibromyalgia that required CL-EEG-Neurofeedback. Patients with different pain syndromes required different numbers of neurofeedback sessions.
Results
Out of 147 patients, only 74 completed 20 or more neurofeedback sessions. Out of 74, 68 cases (92%) reported improvement in their pain perception that was sustained for more than five years. We previously reported other longitudinal studies.
Conclusion
Neurofeedback training can permanently modify pain perception and pain affect. The effects obtained through neurofeedback training are based on operant conditioning. Birbaumer, Flor, Lutzenberger and Elbert (1995 and Rainville, Duncan, Price, Carrier and Bushnell (1997) have shown that pain has cortical and sub-cortical representation. Neurofeedback training addresses directly those areas corresponding to pain perception, memory, and affect. Neurofeedback training was enhanced by light or electromagnetic stimulation CL-EEG and the effects obtained were faster, greater, and longer lasting than those obtained through “simple neurofeedback.” We hypothesize that the neuromodulation obtained through enhanced neurofeedback may produce deeper neurophysiological regulations. To confirm this, further investigations are warranted.
References
Birbaumer, N., Flor, H., Lutzenberger, W. & Elbert, T. (1995). The corticalization of pain. In B. Bromm & J. E. Desmendt (Eds.). Pain and the brain: From nociception to cognition. Advances in pain research and therapy: Vol. 22 (pp. 331-343). New York: Raven Press.
Rainville, P., Duncan, G. H., Price, D. D., Carrier, B., & Bushnell, C. M. (1997). Pain affect encoded in human anterior cingulate gyrus but not somato-sensory cortex. Science, 277, 968-971.
ScienceDaily (Oct. 5, 2008) — A study in the Oct. 1 issue of the journal Sleep shows that the successful manipulation of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) amplitude by instrumental SMR conditioning (ISC) improved sleep quality as well as declarative learning. ISC might thus be considered a promising non-pharmacological treatment for primary insomnia.
"The aim of the study was to improve sleep quality and memory performance by 'rewarding' the existence of certain activities of the brain," said the study's workgroup leader, Dr. Manuel Schabus, researcher for the division of physiological psychology at the University of Salzburg in Austria.
Instrumental conditioning of different EEG parameters has long been used as a therapeutic tool to treat different kinds of disorders, including epilepsy and attention–deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Prior research has found that ISC can be effective in treating psychophysiological insomnia, a form of insomnia associated with worrying.
Twenty-seven healthy subjects were randomly assigned to either an ISC group or a randomized frequency group in order to examine the effects of ISC on sleep as well as declarative memory performance. Participants attended the laboratory on 13 occasions, during 10 of which they were connected to a feedback system that allowed them to keep track of their current brain activity by looking at a computer screen. Participants were encouraged to use physiological relaxation combined with positive mental activity in order to "shape their brainwaves"; all participants remained blind to their group assignment and were not debriefed until after the investigation had ended.
Participants trained the enhancement of the SMR over the course of two weeks and were rewarded with a pleasant image whenever they succeeded to enhance this specific type of brain activity. Subjective data about sleep quality and depression and objective data about memory and intelligence were also collected. Participants were asked to perform a declarative word-pair association task before and after a 90-minute nap periods in the laboratory; naps were taken before and after treatment sessions.
The researchers suggest that future studies focus on the effects of ISC on various cognitive tasks and address the potential clinical significance of this kind of training for the long-term treatment of insomnia.
THE EFFECTS OF EEG NEUROFEEDBACK AND NEURO-COGNITIVE PROCESSING IN THE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF AN ARTS-BASED PRIVATE ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Lise\' DeLong, PhD candidate, The Union Institute and University, Greenwood, Indiana
Introduction.
This is a randomized, controlled pilot study investigating the effectiveness of electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback and neuro-cognitive processing (brainwave training)in an educational environment of a small unique private arts-based elementary / middle school.
Method.
The sample size of the study was twenty-four (N=24) divided into 12 control and 12 neurofeedback subject groups. The study divided the groups by first and second semester providing two 18-week sessions containing a total of 25 one-hour therapeutic periods, using EEG neurofeedback and neuro-cognitive coaching sessions.
Results.
Results indicated that the students using the EEG neurofeedback and neuro-cognitive therapy made improvement in overall academics and in the behavioral aspects of attention problems: hyperactivity, internalizing problems, and adaptive skills. The area of greatest statistical significance, was in auditory discrimination (p=<. 001).
Conclusions.
Neurofeedback and neurocognitive training show promise in improving auditory discrimination, concentration and focus skills, and nonverbal intelligence in both special needs and normal children.
THE FUNCTIONAL MEANING AND POSSIBLE PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF THETA AND ALPHA OSCILLATIONS FOR COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE
W. KLIMESCH, PHD
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF SALZBURG, SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
Introduction
Studies from our laboratory and other investigators indicate that different frequency bands in the theta and alpha range are associated with different types of cognitive processes. Whereas event-related changes in the theta band appear to be related to encoding and retrieval processes of a complex working memory system, the upper alpha frequency range responds selectively to sensory-semantic memory processes of a complex long-term memory system and the lower alpha band attentional processes.
Method
In a series of memory experiments spectral estimates for a resting period (resting power) and ERD/ERS during task performance were calculated. In addition, phase locking and evoked oscillations were measured by wavelet analyses.
Results
Findings from several experiments indicate that cognitive performance is superior when alpha ERD and resting power is large, but when theta ERS is large and resting power is small. Most interestingly, we have found a similar relationship for evoked oscillations and ERP components. In addition, recent results indicate that increased theta and alpha phase-locking is related to improved cognitive performance.
Discussion
The reported findings suggest that cognitive performance may be based at least in part by an interplay between the synchronous activation of three neuronal network systems: a working memory, attentional, and semantic memory system, each operating with a different frequency, the first in the theta (about 6 Hz), the second in the lower alpha (about 8 Hz), and the third in the upper alpha (about 12 Hz) frequency range. The implications of this theoretical framework are discussed by considering phase sensitive measures to analyze local and large scale integration processes between different neural networks.
EEG and Intelligence
M. Doppelmayr, PhD and W. Klimesch, PhD
University of Salzburg, Department of Physiological Psychology, AUSTRIA michael.doppelmayr@sbg.ac.at
Introduction
Since the pioneering work of Hans Berger, there have been many attempts to find electrophysiological correlates of intelligence by using a variety of different measures which in most cases were based on event-related potentials (ERPs).Method.We report findings from a different approach which is based on the analysis of small frequency bands that are dynamically adjusted to individual alpha frequency and bandwidths (Doppelmayr, Klimesch, Pachinger, & Ripper, 1998). Previous work indicates that increasing demands on working memory are associated with an event-related increase in theta band power whereas increasing demands on semantic (long-term) memory are reflected by a selective decrease in upper alpha band power (Klimesch 1997; 1999).Findings.Based on a similar methodological approach Neubauer, Freudenthaler and Pfurtscheller (1995) and Neubauer, Sange, and Pfurtscheller (1999) have obtained interesting results with respect to intelligence. As an example, they have found that the extent of decrease in upper alpha power (event-related desynchronization or ERD) is negatively associated with intelligence: More intelligent subjects exhibit a smaller ERD than less intelligent subject. This finding was interpreted on the basis of the 'neural efficiency' hypothesis.In a recent study from our laboratory (Doppelmayr, Klimesch, Stadler, Pollhuber & Heine, 2002) we have found different effects for the lower and upper alpha band in a resting situation with respect to the performance of tasks with high demands either on attentional or long-term memory processes. Whereas intelligence tasks with high attentional demands (such as the LGT-3) selectively affected the lower alpha band, those with high demands on long-term memory (such as the IST-70) primarily affect the upper alpha band. These findings could be replicated and extended by analyzing the EEG while subjects were performing a combination of the Ravens Standard and Progressive Matrices. Analyzing task performance according to an additional intelligence test (CFT-3) and the amount of band power changes for individually adjusted frequency bands and bandwidths revealed several significant results for different time segments, frequency bands and topographical positions.
Discussion
The findings of the different studies show several significant differences in band power changes between higher and less intelligent subjects, mainly in the alpha bands. While the results underline the different functional meaning of specific frequency bands as reported by Klimesch (1999) not all of the findings of Neubauer et al. (1999) could be replicated. The results will be discussed in detail with respect to the neural efficiency hypothesis.
References.
Doppelmayr, M., Klimesch, W., Pachinger, Th., & Ripper, B. (1998). Individual differences in brain dynamics: Important implications for the calculation of event-related band power measures. Biological Cybernetics, 79, 49-57.
Doppelmayr M., Klimesch W., Stadler W., Pöllhuber D, & Heine C. (2002). Alpha power and intelligence. Intelligence, 30, 289-302.
Klimesch, W. (1997). EEG-alpha rhythms and memory processes. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 26, 319-340.
Klimesch, W. (1999). EEG alpha and theta oscillations reflect cognitive and memory performance: A review and analysis. Brain Research Reviews, 29, 169-195.
Neubauer, A. Freudenthaler, H., & Pfurtscheller, G. (1995). Intelligence and spatiotemporal patterns of event-related desynchronization (ERD). Intelligence, 20, 249-266.
Neubauer, A., Sange, G. & Pfurtscheller, G. (1999). Psychometric intelligence and event-related desynchronization during performance of a letter matching task. In G. Pfurtscheller & F. H. Lopes da Silva (Eds.) Event-Related Desynchronization (ERD) - and related oscillatory EEG-phenomena of the awake brain, Handbook of EEG and Clinical Neurophysiology, Revised Series, Vol. 6 (pp. 219-231). Amsterdam: Elsevier.
Efficacy of Neurofeedback for Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Betty Jarusiewicz
Atlantic Research Institute, Atlantic Highlands, NJ
The purpose of this study was to characterize, quantify and document efficacy of neurofeedback for individuals in the Autism spectrum. Neurofeedback, a process of neuro-regulation based on operant conditioning of EEG spectral features, has been proven to assist many with behaviors similar to those seen in the autistic spectrum. This methodology has been used successfully with those exhibiting ADHD behaviors, anxiety, sleep disorders, and addiction. Preliminary work with individuals in the autistic spectrum has shown promise. The neurofeedback protocol of augmenting specific frequencies in the 4-20 Hz. region, while inhibiting excess amplitude in the lower and higher-frequency regions, challenges the brain toward more optimal functioning in terms of both physiological arousal generally, and emotional regulation specifically.
The study involved a comparison of 16 individuals trained with neurofeedback with 16 individuals who did not receive training, but continued other ongoing therapies. Eighty-eight percent of those trained reduced their levels of autistic symptoms within months, as assessed using the ATEC behavioral checklist of the Autism Research Institute. The average reduction in symptoms severity was 26% compared with a control group average of less than 5%. Before and after videos (Greenspan method) were also used for comparison purposes. There were significant improvements on average in the areas of speech (30%), socialization (34%), sleep (29%), anxiety (29%), tantrums (29%), and cognitive awareness (16%). When compared with other treatment modalities using the Rimland Treatment Effectiveness Survey, neurofeedback is rated on a par with occupational therapy, and is surpassed to date only by behavior modification and speech therapies, even in this early-stage comparison.
EXECUTIVE PROFILING: QEEG AND BF IN ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING OF EXECUTIVES
V. E. Wilson, PhD, M. Thompson, MD, J. Thompson, BSc, York University, ADD Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Introduction.
This pilot project investigated the use of neurofeedback and biofeedback within an integrated assessment and training program for enhancing the health and performance of top-level executives.
Method.
Five pharmaceutical executives had a QEEG, IVA continuous Performance Test, a Stress Profile (HR, RR, 2EMG, RR, Temp) under baseline, stressors and recovery, and a paper and pencil Self Regulation Assessment to determine personal risk factors (personality, family background, life style) and success enhancement factors (hardiness, attention, cooperation, etc).
Results.
Results showed three had abnormal QEEGs while the other two had moderately abnormal results as assessed by a neurologist. Three had elevated EMGs, three had breathing disorders, two had extremely low temperatures and four EDRs did not return to baseline during testing. The IVA showed high impulsivity and mind wandering in three executives. Type A behavior with perfectionism, poor life style habits, and family histories were common risk factors among most executives. Enhancement factors were universally high hardiness scores and good communication/cooperation scores. Subjective assessments were more favorable than objective measures. Intensive feedback interviews confirmed the validity of the profiles and determined the areas for training. All executives reported that the QEEG was the most impactful and the first they wish to train.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, performance and health enhancement must include objective and subjective assessment of both the mind and body prior to training top level executives. Top-level highly functioning executives have areas that can be improved and the use of the QEEG is highly viewed as part of self-discovery and personal enhancement.
Attending to music increases brain synchronization
Iwaki, Tatsuya; Hayashi, Mitsuo; Hori, Tadao. (1997).
Changes in alpha band EEG activity in the frontal area after stimulation with music of different affective content. Perceptual & Motor Skills, 84:515-526.
Summary: Cognitive activities may involve cooperative interactions among different regions of the cerebral cortex. In particular, the frontal lobes have been implicated in processes of attention. To probe cortical processing of attention to music, brain wave (electroencephalogram, EEG) recordings were obtained simultaneously from twelve cortical areas under the following conditions: during a baseline quiet period, during stimulating or calming music, and during a post music rest period. The subjects were ten university students. Compared to the pre and post music control periods, the relationship between the left and right frontal lobes increased during stimulating music, i.e., brain waves became more similar between the frontal areas of the two hemispheres. This did not occur for relaxing music. The authors believe that attention to music involves increased cooperation between the right and left frontal lobes.
Aside commentary:
Science and study has found that using both sides of the brain in unison, a state of brain synchronization, has extreme ramifications on mental performance. Dr. Lester Fehmi has found that this integrative means of thought processing aligns your senses, allowing you to be more intuitive, focused and “in the zone”. Neurologist Jerre Levy of the University of Chicago says that “great men and women of history did not merely have superior intellectual capacities within each hemisphere [of the brain]. They had phenomenal levels of emotional commitments, motivation, attentional capacity – all of which reflected the highly integrated brain in action.”
Neurological Basis and Neurofeedback Treatment of ADHD
Joel F. Lubar, Ph.D., and Judith O. Lubar, LCSW, BCD
Recent evidence based on regional cerebral blood flow, PET scan studies and quantitative multichannel EEG have shown that attention deficit disorder, particularly of the inattentive subtype has a neurological basis. Our data supports and extends these findings and provides a rationale for employing neurofeedback as a significant part of a multicomponent treatment program.
We will demonstrate the relationship between EEG changes and success in learning neurofeedback, objective measures of change and the effect of stimulant medication on the QEEG. Cerebral substrates of different types of selective attention will be covered in relation to ADD/HD and learning disabilities. The direct influence of family dynamics on the EEG and ability to change certain EEG parameters is critical for achieving long term success.
Brainwave optimization and observation technology. It's beginning to spark radical change. And its receiving global news attention in the process.
NASA is adopting the technology to improve pilot flight performance. Medical science is using the findings and advancements to help patients overcome paralysis-- giving sufferers the ability to do normal things like read their email, by simply thinking about it. Rising technologies like Thought Computing are giving people the power to manipulate computers and robots with the power of their brainwaves (BusinessWeek). Disabled people will soon be able to communicate by using a device that will read their brainwaves (CNN).
And now, the findings have been leveraged to create iMusic: making it possible to optimize the mind, artificially stimulate peak performance/experience and dramatically improve the intellectual power and strength of the human brain. By just hearing music.
To date, the most well known form (but certainly not the most effective) of brainwave entrainment methods is called binaural beats, where a slightly different tone is presented into each ear. Binaural beats have become very popular over the years, so much so that for many people the idea of "brainwave entrainment" is inseparable from them.
It is a widespread, misleading myth that binaural beats and the products that rely on this form of brainwave entrainment are an effective way to enhance the mind and improve mental performance.
What are binaural beats? When pure tones are mixed together, their waveforms add and subtract from one another, resulting in a pulse. In the case of binaural beats, the two tones are mixed by the brain itself (one in each ear). The pulses, called "beats", formed by mixing these tones, cause brainwave entrainment to occur, as brainwaves are affected by rapid pulses of sound, light and other sensory stimuli. However, binaural beats induce very weak brainwave entrainment when compared with more effective, modern entrainment methods.
Because any kind of pulse can be used to entrain the brain more effective methods that allow more control than binaural beats have been developed by neuro-scientists and people intimately involved in brain science. One simple and far more powerful method is called Isochronic Tones; a tone is manually spaced, turning on and off in a precise pattern.
Below is an example of an Isochronic entrainment pattern.
Notice how individual and separated each pulse is. This type of stimulation produces incredibly powerful electrical responses in the brain, and when compared with binaural beats, it becomes incredibly obvious just how ineffective, dated and clunky binaural beat methods are.
The facts about Binaural Beats
1) Binaural beats require headphones or special speaker assignments. This creates a tremendous constraint, limiting the usability and applications for binaural beats. Brainwave entrainment with iMusic does not require headphones or speaker assignments. For veteran users of brainwave entrainment, this may seem strange since headphones have always been a traditional part of the brain training experience. The reality of the matter is that headphones have never been required for use with anything except binaural beats, and are part and parcel of a poor brainwave entrainment experience.
2) Binaural beats are not capable of entraining the Hemispheres individually (because they require BOTH ears). This can be a major disadvantage because many of the modern entrainment protocols used in clinical studies today involve separate stimulation to each ear, useful for deeper meditation, cognitive enhancement and particularly for depression and ADD reduction.
3) Binaural beats are not as effective as Volition's IMAGINCE entrainment technology methods. Dr. Gerald Oster, in the 1973 issue of "Scientific American", introduced binaural beats to the main stream. According to Oster, because of the way the brain processes binaural beats, the depth or intensity of the resulting "beat" is only around 3db, or 1/10th the volume of a whisper (which is why the "beats" are usually so hard to detect). He concluded that binaural beats produced very small evoked potentials within the auditory cortex of the brain, while monaural beats and other methods produced far greater potentials. In the brain, a binaural beat would look something like this:
Notice how shallow the wave is. The above pulse would be barely detectable. This is the full effect that a binaural beat audio product has on the brain. Now take a look at a soundscape that you would find in an iMusic release and the powerful effect it has on the brain.
iMusic Soundscape:
iMusic Soundscapes Effect on the Brain:
Which do you think will leave more of an electrical imprint on the brain? The answer is obvious. It's because of these differences that it has been concluded by many researchers, such as Oster, Siever, Manns and others, that binaural beats are not likely to produce much actual brainwave entrainment at all.
There are many more effective, precise and powerful ways to stimulate the brain and induce peak performance. Leading edge methods, all of which which have been integrated into IMAGINCE, the power house technology behind iMusic.
Brainwave entrainment was first identified in 1934, although its effects had been noted as early as Ptolemy.
Not long after the discovery of the Alpha brainwave by Hans Berger in 1929, researchers found that the strength of the wave could be "driven" beyond its natural frequency using flickering lights. This is called "Photic Driving", which is another word for brainwave entrainment using photic (light) stimulation. In 1942 Dempsey and Morison discovered that repetitive tactile stimulation could also produce entrainment and in 1959, Dr. Chatrian observed auditory entrainment in response to clicks at a frequency of 15 per second.
By the 1960s entrainment started to become a tool rather than a phenomenon of the brain. Anesthesiologist M.S. Sadove, MD, used photic stimulation to reduce the amount of anesthesia needed for surgery. Bernard Margolis published an article on brainwave entrainment used during dental procedures, noting less anesthesia required, less gagging, less bleeding and a general reduction in anxiety.
In a 1973 issue of Scientific American, Dr. Gerald Oster examined how combining 2 pure tones resulted in a rhythmic beat which he called Binaural and Monaural Beats. In comparing Binaural beats against Monaural beats, Oster noted that Monaural beats were shown to elicit extremely strong cortical responses, which is the electrical activity responsible for entrainment. Oster concluded that while Binaural Beats produced very little neural response (because the depth of a Binaural Beat is only 3db or 1/10 the volume of a whisper), they could be useful in diagnosing certain neurological disorders.
In the 1980's studies continued with Dr. Norman Shealy, Dr. Glen Solomon and others researching entrainment for headache relief, Serotonin and HGH release, as well as general relaxation. Michael Hutchison wrote his landmark book MegaBrain in 1981, outlining the many possible uses of entrainment from meditation to super-learning. In 1980, Tsuyoshi Inouye and associates at the Department of Neuropsychiatry at Osaka University Medical School in Japan found that photic stimulation produced "cerebral synchronization". Dr. Norman Shealy later confirmed the effect, finding that photic stimulation produced synchronization in more than 5,000 patients. In 1984, Dr. Brockopp analyzed audio-visual brain stimulation and in particular hemispheric synchronization during EEG monitoring. He said "By inducing hemispheric coherence the machine can contribute to improved intellectual functioning of the brain."
In 1981, Arturo Manns published a st