What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a learning procedure that brings awareness of a person’s brain wave activity and with training that person can learn to regulate their brain waves.
Neurofeedback is also known as “EEG Biofeedback” as it is based on the brain’s electrical activity, the electroencephalogram (EEG). It is a painless, non-invasive method which helps people to modify their brainwave activity to improve attention, concentration, reduce impulsivity, and to control hyperactive behaviours. Essentially, the technique trains the brain to regulate and adjust itself to function more efficiently.
Historically, electrodes were applied to the client’s scalp, however modern technology now provides wireless non-invasive sensors, which picks up their brainwave activity. The monitored brain activity is processed by a computer which extracts information from the brain signals about certain brainwave frequencies. Changes in the brain signals are fed back to the client by the computer either visually to a monitor in front them or as sounds through a headset. If the client’s brain activity changes in the direction specified by the neurofeedback trainer, a positive “reward” feedback is given to the client.
The fun attention training games utilised by Games for Life will not move unless the client produces a specific brainwave signal. When appropriate levels of brainwave activity are produced, the client is reinforced, because the game continues (WOW). The clients learn through this method to change brainwave activity. During a neurofeedback session, clients also practice maintaining appropriate brainwave states when engaged in school or work related tasks (e.g., reading) thereby helping them to apply it to their daily activities.
