Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
 | 
Online Publication Date: May 01, 2012

Peak Performance Training Using Prefrontal EEG Biofeedback

PhD
Page Range: 7 – 15
DOI: 10.5298/1081-5937-39.3.4
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The use of biofeedback training to self-regulate EEG patterns with the aim of recovering or optimizing function and behavioral performance is becoming increasingly established. The most reasonable approach is to learn to generate and maintain optimal brain wave patterns and produce associated peak performance states on demand. We report two studies where 12 sessions of prefrontal EEG feedback were used to improve performance in both clinical and nonclinical populations. Neurofeedback using Focus, Alertness, and 40 Hz (Neureka!) measures resulted in improved selective attention and other cognitive functions. We discuss other potential applications of neurofeedback in the areas of “under-pressure” activity, where peak performance state is an essential part of the job, such as in sports or the performing arts, as well as for human operators, such as air traffic dispatchers and military personnel on duty.

Keywords: EEG biofeedback; peak performance; attention; focus; alertness
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Copyright: Association for Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback
Figure 1.
Figure 1.

Focus measure during 25 minutes of the first and the last (12th) session of Focus/Alertness neurofeedback training in patients with ADHD (N  =  11).

Figure 2.
Figure 2.

Alertness measure during 25 minutes of the first and the last (12th) session of Focus/Alertness neurofeedback training in patients with ADHD (N  =  11).

Figure 3.
Figure 3.

IVA+Plus selective audio-visual sustained attention quotients pre- and post-12 sessions of Focus/Alertness neurofeedback training in patients with ADHD (N  =  11).

Figure 4.
Figure 4.

Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) scores pre- and post-12 sessions of Focus/Alertness neurofeedback training in patients with ADHD (N  =  11).

Figure 5.
Figure 5.

Focus measure during 25 minutes of the first, the 12th, and the last (18th) session of Focus/Alertness neurofeedback training in 6 patients with ADHD who extended number of neurofeedback sessions to 18.

Figure 6.
Figure 6.

Neureka! measure during 25 minutes of the first and last (12th) session of Focus/Neureka! neurofeedback training in the healthy control group (N  =  6).

Figure 7.
Figure 7.

IVA+Plus selective audio-visual sustained attention quotients pre- and post-12 sessions of Focus/Neureka! neurofeedback training in 6 control patients.

Figure 8.
Figure 8.

MicroCog neurocognitive functioning measures changes following 12 sessions of Focus/Neureka! neurofeedback training in 6 control patients.

Contributor Notes

Correspondence: Tato Sokhadze, PhD, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 401 S Chestnut Street, Suite 600, Louisville, KY 40202, email: tato.sokhadze@louisville.edu.