The History of Neurofeedback
The principles behind neurofeedback are hardly new. The father of operant conditioning is B.F. Skinner, an early 20th century psychologist and scholar. The first experiments with neurofeedback were conducted in the 1960’s by Dr. Joe Kamiya of the University of Chicago and Dr. Barry Sterman of UCLA. In the 1970’s, Dr. Joel Lubar of the University of Tennessee pioneered the use of neurofeedback in children with ADHD. Since that time, advances in hardware and software have made operant conditioning using EEG much more accessible in both clinical and educational settings.
Neurofeedback Research
Research into neurofeedback as a treatment for ADHD continues to expand and is the most studied application of neurofeedback. For example, a 2006 study by Levesque, Beauregard, & Mensor provides important new evidence to support the use of neurofeedback. First, the study randomly assigned participants to treatment vs. control groups and second, the inclusion of functional MRI scans documented actual changes in brain activity that occurred with the treatment group but not with the control group. On every statistical measure, groups receiving neurofeedback significantly out performed control groups over the course of the study.
A comprehensive research bibliography can be found at the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (www.ISNR.org). An excellent introductory source for research in ADHD and neurofeedback is Vincent Monastra’s meta-analysis, “Electroencephalographic biofeedback (neurotherapy) as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Rationale and empirical foundation” published in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 14(1) 2005.
Not Everyone Agrees
It is important to note that there are scholars who study ADHD who are not convinced of the efficacy of neurofeedback. Their criticisms, however, are primarily based upon specific research methodology. To date, there are no studies of neurofeedback that have shown negative results. Not surprisingly, the most vocal of these critics have financial ties to the major pharmaceutical companies.
Neurofeedback at Mind Games
At Mind Games, a typical 30-minute neurofeedback session consists of a one or two channel EEG being attached to the scalp. A set of protocols which suppress brain wave activity associated with distraction and inattention or reward activity associated with attention and executive function are entered into special software. The reward consists of a video game or DVD which plays normally when the person is attentive and focused and slows or stops playing when the person is distracted or inattentive.
It typically takes 30 – 50 sessions but over time, the individual learns to self-activate attention and focus. As you might expect, this enhanced ability is invaluable in academic and vocational settings.
Neurofeedback Technology
Mind Games uses the latest in neurofeedback systems. Our technology was developed by NASA and commercialized by Cyberlearning Technologies and the EEG Institute.