Neurofeedback Training and Brain Plasticity

 

The brain is truly an amazing organ that science is uncovering new information about every day.

Our brains are involved in virtually every function of our bodies both conscious and unconscious.  To move our arms, stand, dance, speak, or remember we actively use our brains.  Digestion, breathing, pulse rate, blood pressure, and blinking are things that we don’t even have to think about.  Our brains take care of regulating these functions.

  It used to be thought that after maturity no real change happened in the brain.  The thought was that we are stuck with whatever we have.  More recent science shows that the brain can change.  Things like chronic stress can cause negative physical changes in the brain.  Things like studying a musical instrument, a new language or other skill can cause positive changes in the brain.

Neurofeedback training Florida is a method of using technology to measure the electrical signals produced by the brain as neurons communicate, and feeding back that information in order to train the brain to make positive changes.  The electrical signals are measured via small sensors placed on the scalp.  These sensors connect to an instrument that connects to a computer.  The signals are processed and displayed in the form of line graphs, bar graphs, and digital displays.  The process uses goals that are set to either encourage increasing or decreasing the power of certain frequencies ie theta, alpha, beta.  When the goals are met feedback is given to alert the trainee that their brain is in the desired state.  The feedback can take the form of a light turning on or changing color, an animation, movie, or game playing, or a sound or music playing.  This feedback is reinforcing to the brain and encourages the brain to repeat what it just did to get the feedback.

Neurofeedback training is being used in addition to other therapies to help people with symptoms related to sleep, stress, attention, emotional issues, trauma, learning difficulties, and substance abuse.

It can also be used to help people who want to perform better by helping them to be more relaxed and focused.  This can help with performance in sports, music, academics, or business.

Get More Info : Biofeedback Training Houston

How Will We Do Biofeedback Post COVID19?

Biofeedback is usually a face to face, one on one activity.  If you were providing biofeedback prior to the start of social distancing and stay at home orders, things have surely changed drastically for you very quickly.  Now what will we do?  Many of the people who provide biofeedback also provide psychotherapy.  It is much simpler to provide psychotherapy virtually than it is for biofeedback.  All you need is for the provider and the client to have a computer, smartphone, or tablet and access to a software program or application like GotoMeeting, Zoom, or Skype.  Even though this is considered simple, there can still be impediments.  Some clients don’t have smartphones, tablets, or even computers.  Some also do not have internet access.  If both parties do have access to the necessary technology then the sessions can take place fairly easily and inexpensively.

With biofeedback there is the added requirement of having some kind of biofeedback instrument technology.  Most biofeedback providers own and use equipment that costs thousands of dollars that they use with their clients in their office.  If you are going to work virtually then the clients need to have a biofeedback instrument at their home.  There are less expensive biofeedback devices that don’t have the same features and durability as the in-office professional systems.  Devices that I recommend for home or virtual biofeedback cost from $25 – $1,600.  There are many differences in devices including what modalities they measure, the type of feedback they give, and data storage and reporting functions.

You also need to decide if you will have your clients purchase or rent the devices from you or directly from an equipment provider.  You may also need to provide some basic training for your clients as to how to use the device and how to share data from their training with you.

We may have to do some biofeedback in this way at least temporarily.  I believe that this way of working will continue for some clients but not all.  Many clients enjoy the face to face experience and would prefer to be there with you.  I think that some of the benefit they receive is also from the energy they draw from you when they are in your presence.

When we are able to start seeing clients face to face again, we will need to be more vigilant with our procedures for cleaning sensors, cables, and caps between patients and handling of electrode gels, creams, and pastes to prevent the spread of infection.  More providers may decide to wear gloves when prepping and applying sensors to the client’s skin, and removing and cleaning the sensors.  Some may also decide to wear masks at least when they first start seeing clients in the office again and we get more guidance from the CDC, Center for Disease Control.

The COVID19 pandemic has brought about very interesting and challenging times and I am sure that we will get through them and be able to work with biofeedback clients face to face again even if it is in a different way.

Please share your thoughts about this topic with me and other readers.

For more information on biofeedback and neurofeedback devices that can be used with virtual biofeedback sessions visit: www.biofeedbackinternational.com

Get More Info : How Will We Do Biofeedback Post COVID19?

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How Will We Do Biofeedback Post COVID19?

Biofeedback is usually a face to face, one on one activity.  If you were providing biofeedback prior to the start of social distancing and stay at home orders, things have surely changed drastically for you very quickly.  Now what will we do?  Many of the people who provide biofeedback also provide psychotherapy.  It is much simpler to provide psychotherapy virtually than it is for biofeedback.  All you need is for the provider and the client to have a computer, smartphone, or tablet and access to a software program or application like GotoMeeting, Zoom, or Skype.  Even though this is considered simple, there can still be impediments.  Some clients don’t have smartphones, tablets, or even computers.  Some also do not have internet access.  If both parties do have access to the necessary technology then the sessions can take place fairly easily and inexpensively.

With biofeedback there is the added requirement of having some kind of biofeedback instrument technology.  Most biofeedback providers own and use equipment that costs thousands of dollars that they use with their clients in their office.  If you are going to work virtually then the clients need to have a biofeedback instrument at their home.  There are less expensive biofeedback devices that don’t have the same features and durability as the in-office professional systems.  Devices that I recommend for home or virtual biofeedback cost from $25 – $1,600.  There are many differences in devices including what modalities they measure, the type of feedback they give, and data storage and reporting functions.

You also need to decide if you will have your clients purchase or rent the devices from you or directly from an equipment provider.  You may also need to provide some basic training for your clients as to how to use the device and how to share data from their training with you.

We may have to do some biofeedback in this way at least temporarily.  I believe that this way of working will continue for some clients but not all.  Many clients enjoy the face to face experience and would prefer to be there with you.  I think that some of the benefit they receive is also from the energy they draw from you when they are in your presence.

Read more:- BCIA Certification Training

Watch Biofeedback Training video on Youtube:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jx_61cAdUc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3PjYGo-Tp8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBXF56Xb4Kw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL25MiyS5ow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5gWuNr-jB8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHHQ-FCdl9c&t=25s

ProComp Infiniti

The ProComp Infiniti is an 8 channel, multi-modality encoder that has all the power and flexibility you need for real-time, computerized biofeedback and data acquisition in any clinical setting.

The first two sensor channels provide ultimate signal fidelity (2048 samples per second) for viewing RAW EEG, EMG and EKG signals. The remaining six channels (256 samples/sec) can be used with any combination of sensors, including EEG, EKG, RMS EMG, skin conductance, heart rate, blood volume pulse, respiration, goniometry, force, and voltage input.

ProComp Infiniti(TM) offers internal, user-activated calibration to ensure that you can always obtain the highest quality signal, without the costly downtime associated with factory re-calibration.

In short, the ProComp Infiniti covers the full range of objective physiological signals used in clinical observation and biofeedback.

Housed in an ergonomically designed case and requiring only a USB port, ProComp Infiniti can be used with any IBM-compatible laptop or desktop PC. What’s more, ProComp Infiniti can capture data in real time by connecting directly to the PC via fiber-optic cable, or it can store data on a Compact Flash memory card for uploading later to the PC.

ProComp Infiniti comes complete with:

• 14 bit resolution, eight-channel ProComp Infiniti encoder unit
• TT-USB interface unit
• Fiber-optic cables (1′ and 15′)
• Four alkaline “AA” batteries
• Sleek fabric storage and carrying case

Software Information

Software includes Biograph Infiniti and either the EEG Suite, the Physiology Suite or the Rehab Suite.

To upgrade your ProComp+ to the new Infiniti, please call our toll free number.

PROCOMP INFINITI w/EEG $ 3995.00

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PROCOMP INFINITI w/PHY $ 3995.00

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PROCOMP INFINITI w/RHB $ 3995.00

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HOW TO USE BIOGRAPH INFINITI BIOFEEDBACK SOFTWARE A 3-PART SERIES

Notice: Live webinar registration will require a valid email address so that testing of your connection may be made prior to the class. The live session will also be recorded and made available later to registrants in case of any problems logging in at the time of the live session or for further review or study. This also allows people who cannot attend the live session to be able to view it later.

Advanced:
Editing Screens
Creating Screens
Basic Channel Editing
Script Editor
Favorites/Quick Start Editor
 
April 24, 2020
3:00pm–4:30pm EST
Fee: $35

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Read more click here : https://biofeedbackinternational.com/webinars/

Biofeedback/Neurofeedback Training and Seminars are designed to teach clinicians biofeedback fundamentals and cutting-edge applications. https://biofeedbackinternational.com/contact-us/

Functional Neuroanatomy

Functional Neuroanatomy: Functional Neuroanatomy for BCIA Neurofeedback Recertification.

Biosource Software offers a $75 self-paced BCIA-accredited Functional Neuroanatomy online didactic course for Neurofeedback professionals. You may use this course to satisfy 15 of 48 hours of continuing education for Neurofeedback recertification. At $5 per credit hour, this is one of the most affordable ways to complete nearly one-third of the hours required for BCIA Neurofeedback recertification.

Disclaimer: This course does not fulfill BCIA’s Neuroanatomy requirement. To keep this product affordable, we do not provide AMA or APA continuing education credit.

Based on Michael and Lynda Thompson’s superb Functional Neuroanatomy book, this course covers:

• Functional Networks and Behavior (15-31)
• Brodmann Area Locations and Functions (32-37)
• Frontal Lobe Functions (38-59)
• Central Regions and Cerebellum (60-65)
• Temporal Lobes (66-85)
• Insula and Cingulate Gyrus (86-99)
• Parietal and Occipital Lobes (100-117)

Buy Now :- Functional Neuroanatomy $75

Human Physiology

Biosource Software offers a $150 self-paced Human Physiology online didactic course that fulfills BCIA’s Anatomy and Physiology requirement for Biofeedback certification.

If you are pursuing Neurofeedback certification, you will need our Physiological Psychology course, instead.

Since your time is valuable, this course focuses on the topics important for biofeedback professionals.

Disclaimer: To keep these products affordable, they do not provide AMA or APA continuing education credit.

Based on the leading Human Physiology (15th ed.) textbook by Fox, this course covers:

Chapter 1: The Study of Body Function
Chapter 2: Chemical Composition of the Body
Chapter 3: Cell Structure and Genetic Control
Chapter 4: Enzymes and Energy
Chapter 5: Cell Respiration and Metabolism
Chapter 6: Interactions Between Cells and the Extracellular Environment
Chapter 7: The Nervous System
Chapter 8: The Central Nervous System
Chapter 9: The Autonomic Nervous System
Chapter 10: Sensory Physiology
Chapter 11: Endocrine Glands
Chapter 12: Muscle
Chapter 13: Blood, Heart and Circulation
Chapter 14: Cardiac Output, Blood Flow, and Blood Pressure
Chapter 15: The Immune System
Chapter 16: Respiratory Physiology
Chapter 17: Physiology of the Kidneys
Chapter 18: The Digestive System
Chapter 19: Regulation of Metabolism
Chapter 20: Reproduction

Related Products for BCIA Biofeedback Certification

Biofeedback Tutor is an online multimedia tutorial that provides an up-to-date and comprehensive review of biofeedback for BCIA certification preparation and professional education. Biofeedback Tutor satisfies 42 hours of didactic credit, including 3 hours of Professional Standards credit, for BCIA’s Biofeedback certification. $125.

Biofeedback100 is a multiple choice testing service that provides an up-to-date and extensive review of the Blueprint for the BCIA Certification Exam in Biofeedback. Biosource Software has developed a professionally-written question pool that exceeds 500 questions and is based on the current BCIA Blueprint of Knowledge and Core Reading List. $75.

Human Physiology $150

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Adding The Intelligence of the Heart in Performance Enhancement Training

R. Adam Crane BCIA Senior Fellow, BCIAEEG, NRNP Diplomate

Science of The Heart: The Role of the Heart in Human Performance

Introduction

For centuries the heart has been considered the source of emotion, courage and wisdom. Neurocardiology is the relatively new science of exploring the physiological mechanisms by which the heart communicates with the brain; thereby influencing information processing, perceptions, emotions and health. Neurocardiology asks questions such as: Why do people experience the feeling or sensation of love and other positive emotional states in the area of the heart, and what are the physiological ramifications of these emotions? How do stress and different emotional states affect the autonomic nervous system, the hormonal and immune systems, the heart and brain? Over the years scientists have experimented with different psychological and physiological measures, but consistently heart rate variability, or heart rhythms, stands out as one of the most dynamic and reflective measures of inner emotional states and stress.

It is clear that negative emotions lead to increased disorder in the heart’s rhythms and in the autonomic nervous system, thereby adversely affecting the rest of the body. In contrast, positive emotions create increased harmony and coherence in heart rhythms, and improve balance in the nervous system. The health implications are easy to understand. Disharmony in the nervous system leads to inefficiency and increased stress on the heart and other organs, while harmonious rhythms are more efficient and less stressful to the body’s systems.

More intriguing are the dramatic positive changes that occur when techniques are applied that increase coherence in rhythmic patterns of heart rate variability. These include shifts in perception and the ability to reduce stress, and deal more effectively with difficult situations. Apparently, the heart is acting as though it has a mind of its own, and is profoundly influencing the way we perceive and respond to the world. In essence, the heart is affecting intelligence and awareness.

There is now a scientific basis to explain how and why the heart affects mental clarity, creativity, emotional balance and personal effectiveness. Research indicates that the heart is far more than a simple pump. The heart is, in fact, a highly complex, self-organized information processing center with its own functional “brain” that communicates with and influences the cranial brain via the nervous system, hormonal system and other pathways. These influences profoundly affect brain function and most of the body’s major organs, and ultimately determine the quality of life.

Read more.

emWave2 Charcoal Gray

On the go or at your computer, take control of your wellness.

emWave technology is an innovative approach to improving wellness and facilitating personal growth

based on learning to change your heart rhythm pattern to create coherence; a scientifically measurable state characterized by increased order and harmony in our psychological and physiological processes.

emWave technology collects pulse data through a pulse sensor and translates the information from your heart rhythms into graphics on your computer or into easy to follow lights on the portable emWave Personal Stress Reliever. Used just a few minutes a day, this simple-to-use technology helps you transform feelings of anger, anxiety or frustration into more peace, ease and clarity.

As you practice on the go or at your computer you increase your coherence baseline and your ability to take charge of your emotional reactions. Health, communication, relationships and quality of life improve.

emWave2 Features

• Use emWave2 on the go as a portable training device and store your sessions for later review.
• Run a session while at your computer and watch your coherence through real-time charts.
• Store all session information on your computer for future comparison and review.
• Four challenge levels including a challenging Advanced User mode.
• Adjustable brightness of the LED displays and audio feedback.
• Make sessions entertaining with the coherence building tools.

Read More: Biofeedback Training

emWave2 Charcoal Gray $ 199.00 -  Buy Now

emWave2 Silver Blue $ 199.00 -  Buy Now

The History of Muscle Dysfunction and SEMG

Jeffrey R. Cram, PhD and Maya Durie, MEd, CMT

Abstract

The history of muscle pain and dysfunction is viewed through the lens of a four factor theory of histologic (tissue related) issues, psychologic (emotional) issues, sensory motor (movement) issues and biomechanical (postural) issues. The historical antecedents of both bodywork and surface electromyography are reviewed.

Key words: Surface EMG, SEMG, bodywork, trigger points, posture, emotions, movement.

Note: Parts of this article have appeared in The History of SEMG, Jour App Psychophys and Biof, In Press.

Humans have had to deal with sore muscles since the beginning of time. Initially, muscle assessments and treatments were conducted by hand and during the last century, the use of electronic instruments came into play.

To put muscle function and the clinical use of Surface electromyography (SEMG) into a perspective of history, is seems prudent to utilize a broad nomothetic net or conceptual framework. In Clinical Applications for Surface Electromyography, Kasman, Cram and Wolf (1998) consider chronic muscle dysfunction from a four fold perspective: Histologic (Tissue related issues); Psychologic (Psychophysiology and Emotions), Sensorimotor (Movement) and Mechanical Dysfunction (Cumulative Trauma, Posture etc). In this article we will provide a brief historical overview related to each of these four areas. This will provide a deep background for the emergence of the clinical use of SEMG, including information on the history of body work, psychophysiology, rehabilitation and the emergence of electricity and SEMG instrumentation.

TISSUE RELATED ISSUES

We will begin with issues pertaining to the tissues of the body. The muscle, as an organ system, contains many sensory mechanisms. The muscle spindles tell the nervous system about the instantaneous length and force of contraction of segments of muscle tissue. The golgi tendon organ measures the actual force which the muscle is exerting and the rufini nucleus of the joints informs the nervous system of the relationship of angles of the bones. However, it is the free nerve ending within the muscle that senses local pain. And it is metabolic disturbances such as too much (lactic) acid or too much internal pressure due to swelling, congestion or edema, which activate the free nerve ending.

From a clinical point of view, up until the last two centuries, palpation and observations about movement and posture were the only tools available for assessing muscle oriented pain. Through the manual sense of touch, the practitioner can learn to feel many things. Is the muscle tissue hard to the touch? Does it feel stiff? Does it have lumps, tough fibers, etc. or is it soft, supple and relaxed? What does the fascia feel like? Is there a normal cranial-sacral rhythm? As you move the body passively through its range of motion, does it seem restricted suggesting a shortened muscle resting length? During active movement, does it appear that the body is using the correct muscles for the movement or is there a substitution pattern? Is the patient afraid of movement due to pain? Has a trauma become lodged in the nervous system or even the muscle tissue itself? Can one see or feel problems with ligament laxities or joint fixations? These are just some of the examples of questions we want to address, both by hand and by instrument. . Thus, one could think of body work as a means to help normalize the disturbance of tissue that might foster and create muscle pain and SEMG as an instrumented way of assessing some of these conditions.

Massage and touch therapy date back many thousands of years. The oldest known book to have been written about massage was from China in 3000 BC. The Egyptians are credited with developing reflexology in 2500 BC. The East Indian holistic health approach called ayurveda, dates back to around 1800 BC and included massage techniques. The Greeks massaged their athletes prior to the Olympic Games in 776 BC. Even Hypocrites, the father of Western medicine, used a massage technique, friction rub, to treat sprains and dislocations.

Read more: BCIA Certification Training

You can see Related blog on Blogger

DynaPulse Pathway System

The DynaPulse Pathway System uses software patterned after the DynaPulse 200M series. Though this software has a newly designed algorithm that produces blood pressure measurements that correlate to readings obtained manually in a physician’s office. The Pathway will track unlimited number of patients and their data while producing a choice of trend graphs to report the blood pressure measurements. With a couple of clicks you can easily upload data to the DynaPulse Analysis Center for further hemodynamic parameter studies. It is an auto-pump for easy cuff inflation and is AC/DC powered.

Flexibility
The DynaPulse Pathway System can be used in several areas:

• Hypertension
• CHF (Chronic Heart Failure)
• Weight Control
• Diabetes
• Smoking Cessation
• Hyperlipidemia
• Various Cardiac diagnoses
• Hemodynamic Analysis (Internet Services)

Monitoring Plus+
Unlike other blood pressure monitors, the DynaPulse Pathway serves as a tracking and reporting tool for an unlimited number of patients. The auto-pump feature also allows for interval cycle measurements.

Affordability
The DynaPulse monitor is an affordable, clinical grade instrument. It is one of the most reliable and accurate blood pressure monitors on the market. It is a registered medical device under FDA 510(k), exceeds AAMI standards, and yet is still very affordable.

Each DynaPulse Pathway System package is complete with:

• DynaPulse Pathway monitor
• DynaPulse Pathway software on CDROM
• Serial Communication Cable
• Large, Standard, and Small adult blood pressure cuffs without D-bar
• DynaPulse Pathway User’s Guide
• AC power cord
• One Year Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty

Price:- DynaPulse Pathway $ 995.00

Read More:- Biofeedback Training

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Alternative Therapies Required to be Made Available to Veterans

Many veterans who have served our country well suffer from a variety of symptoms and illnesses after deployment.  Some of the common conditions they deal with are anxiety, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome), depression, headaches, pain, and insomnia.  A very standard treatment for these conditions is a prescription for medication.  In some cases, medications can provide relief.  There can also be a downside.  Even when drugs are effective there may be accompanying negative side effects and sometimes dependence or addiction.

Now, as part of its Whole Health Initiative, the Veterans Administration is making alternative or complementary therapies available to veterans.  The list of therapies being made available include Acupuncture, Biofeedback, Clinical hypnosis, Guided imagery, Massage therapy, Meditation, Tai chi / qi gong, Yoga, and Chiropractic care.

The VA’s website states the Whole Health Initiative program “creates a personalized health plan that considers the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental needs of veterans”. The VA says the Whole Health System “acknowledges that health care involves more than the physical human body.”  For information on the VA Whole Health Initiative see: https://www.military.com/militaryadvantage/2018/05/15/va-expanding-new-holistic-health-programs.html

Now veterans have these other therapies including biofeedback available to them to help them manage their symptoms and get better.

Read More:- Alternative Therapies

Here you can see Biofeedback Resources International Training and Certification Video:-

BCIA Certification in Peripheral Biofeedback and EEG/Neurofeedback:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb50wtADH1M

Breathing to Relax:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvNQXB-KtGA

Muscle Relaxation with EMG Biofeedback:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZVKEHdd9oE

Biofeedback Training Interest:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0avCYoUE7W8

Using Technology to Manage Stress:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byAbhIT9DWg&t=526s

Biofeedback Psychophysiological Stress Profile:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea6ymq1sbGA

Biofeedback and Neurofeedback training New York, Florida, Houston, Puerto Rico:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_Mqk412y4Y&t=5s

Biofeedback Applications in Healthcare headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and ADHD:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-kUerxho6Y&t=4s

What is the difference between biofeedback and neurofeedback:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSVs66DcthM