Neurobiofeedback (neurofeedback or neurotherapy), also called neurobiofeedback in Turkish, is a method that measures the electrical activity of the brain and provides the individual with instantaneous feedback about this activity. Brain waves are recorded via EEG (electroencephalography) and converted into visual or auditory stimuli in a computer environment.
This method is based on the individual observing their own brain activity and learning the relationship between certain mental states and brain waves.
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback method that focuses on brain activity. During the application, no external electric current is delivered to the brain; the electrical signals spontaneously produced by the brain are measured.
Brief information about neurofeedback
- Measured: The electrical activity of the brain recorded via EEG.
- Form of feedback: Images, games, or sounds on a computer screen.
- Basic approach: Learning through feedback and repetition.
- Purpose: By improving the capacity for self-regulation, this method aims to increase or decrease arousal in the organism according to the individual's needs. It is used to enhance performance in healthy individuals and to improve existing capacity in various clinical conditions.
How Does Neurofeedback Work?
Our brain works continuously throughout the day. Different electrical activities emerge while sleeping, thinking, focusing on a subject, or resting. These activities form brain waves that can be measured using the EEG (electroencephalography) method.
In neurofeedback application, these waves are monitored via computer. Changes in the individual's brain activity are conveyed to them through visual or auditory feedback.
For example, the movement of an image on the screen, the continuation of an animation, or the hearing of a sound can be associated with the occurrence of the specified EEG activity.
Through this feedback, the individual can observe in which situations and in what ways their brain activity changes.
How Does the Brain Learn Through Feedback?
When learning a new skill, we see the consequence of our behavior. For example, when learning to ride a bicycle, we change our movements when we lose our balance. Through repeated trials, our balancing skill improves.
The foundation of neurofeedback also relies on the approach of learning through feedback.
- The electrical activity of the brain is measured.
- The measured activity is presented to the individual as an image or sound.
- Positive feedback is given when the targeted activity emerges.
- Through repeated sessions, it is aimed to support the learning process related to this activity.
This mechanism is related to the principle known in learning psychology as operant conditioning. In other words, feedback following a specific behavior can play a role in the learning of that behavior.
How is Neurofeedback Applied?
In neurofeedback sessions, brain activity is recorded with the help of sensors and monitored via a computer program.
The basic stages of the application are as follows:
|
Stage |
What is done? |
|
1. Assessment |
The individual's needs, clinical status, and current health information are evaluated. |
|
2. EEG measurement |
The electrical activity of the brain is recorded using sensors placed on the scalp. |
|
3. Transfer to computer |
The measured signals are processed via a computer program. |
|
4. Feedback |
The individual monitors images or sounds that change depending on brain activity. |
|
5. Learning process |
Sessions are continued with feedback regarding the targeted activity. |
Throughout the application, the conditions under which feedback will be given and which EEG activities will be monitored are arranged according to the determined training plan.
Is Neurofeedback Applied in the Same Way to Everyone?
A single training program is not used for everyone in neurofeedback applications.
Different electrical activities can be observed in different regions of the brain. Furthermore, individuals' clinical conditions and assessment results differ from one another.
Therefore, the following information may be taken into account when formulating the training plan:
- The individual's current health status and complaints
- Clinical evaluation results
- EEG and QEEG findings when necessary
- Neuropsychological evaluations
- Medications and other treatments used
Quantitative EEG (QEEG) is the analysis of brain activity recorded via EEG using numerical methods. EEG and QEEG data are considered together with other evaluation findings in the appropriate clinical context.
What is the Difference Between Biofeedback and Neurofeedback?
Biofeedback and neurofeedback are based on the same learning principles. In both, physiological changes that the individual cannot easily notice under normal conditions are measured and feedback is provided. The method is called Biofeedback. When working on EEG waves, it is called neurofeedback, and when working on the somatic system, it is called Biofeedback.
The main difference is which biological activity is being monitored.
|
Feature |
Biofeedback |
Neurofeedback |
|
What is measured? |
Bodily responses such as heart rate, respiration, muscle tension, temperature |
Brain waves via EEG |
|
Which system is it related to? |
Peripheral nervous system and bodily physiological functions |
Brain activity of the central nervous system |
|
How is information presented? |
Graphs, images, and sounds |
Images, sounds, and computer games |
|
What is the common approach? |
Learning through physiological feedback |
Learning through feedback regarding brain activity |
Neurofeedback is a specialized application area of biofeedback that focuses on brain waves.
Which Changes in the Body Can Be Measured with Biofeedback?
In biofeedback applications, various responses of the body can be monitored by utilizing different sensors.
- Heart Rate: Changes in the heartbeat rate.
- Respiration: The speed and pattern of breathing.
- Muscle Tension: Changes in the electrical activity of muscles.
- Skin Conductance: Changes associated with the activity of sweat glands.
- Body Temperature: Temperature changes, especially in the fingertips and toes.
For example, in a stressful moment, our muscles may tense, our heartbeat may accelerate, or our breathing pattern may change. Biofeedback allows these changes to be observed on the screen.
Which Waves in the Brain Does Neurofeedback Monitor?
Brain waves are formed by the emergence of the brain's electrical activity at different frequencies.
In EEG measurements, these waves are examined under delta, theta, alpha, beta, and other frequency groups.
Each wave type can be associated with different functional states of the brain.
|
Brain wave |
State it is generally associated with |
|
Delta |
Deep sleep in particular |
|
Theta |
Transition to sleep, inward focus, and daydreaming |
|
Alpha |
Wakeful and relaxed state |
|
SMR |
Sensorimotor activity associated with a calm and alert state |
|
Beta |
Attention, active thinking, and mental alertness |
Our brain produces these different wave types at various proportions throughout the day. Therefore, the presence of a single brain wave does not mean that there is a health problem on its own.
Brain waves do not indicate the presence or absence of a disease on their own. The meaning of EEG findings must be considered together with the individual's age, state of alertness, and clinical evaluation results.
How is Neurofeedback Applied in Children?
Age-appropriate computer games and animations can be utilized in neurofeedback sessions directed at children.
In these games, the child's brain activity is monitored with EEG sensors. Depending on the determined EEG activity, the game or animation on the screen changes.
For example, in a computer game:
- The child sees an airplane or a racing car on the screen.
- The computer monitors the child's brain activity via EEG.
- When the targeted EEG activity occurs, the airplane can advance or the racing car can move.
- Thus, the child receives instant feedback regarding changes in brain activity.
Such games are used to present the learning process through feedback in a format that children can understand.
Neurofeedback and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
One of the areas where neurofeedback is researched is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder where difficulties related to attentional processes, hyperactivity, and impulse control can be observed.
In neurofeedback research, EEG activities associated with attention and self-regulation processes have been studied.
However, the results of studies conducted generally do not show that neurofeedback provides a reliable and clinically meaningful improvement in ADHD symptoms on its own.
Therefore, neurofeedback should not be presented as an application that will replace evidence-based assessment and treatment methods for ADHD.
What Happens in Our Body During Stress?
Stress is a natural response that can be encountered during different periods of daily life. When we encounter a stressful situation, changes may occur in our nervous system and various functions of our body.
For example:
- Our heartbeat may accelerate.
- Our breathing may change.
- We may feel tension in our muscles.
- Sweating may increase.
- We may have difficulty concentrating.
The autonomic nervous system plays an important role in these changes. In particular, the activity of the sympathetic nervous system affects the arousal level of the body.
How Does Feedback Help Us Understand Stress Responses?
In the biofeedback method, it is possible to see certain physiological changes associated with stress on the computer screen.
For example, an individual can monitor changes in heart rhythm when their breathing changes or observe how muscle activity differentiates when they relax their muscles.
Neurofeedback, on the other hand, applies a similar feedback approach to the electrical activity of the brain.
The primary common point between these two methods is making physiological processes that are normally difficult to notice observable.
It should be remembered that symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness may also originate from different health problems. These symptoms should not be attributed solely to stress.
Is Electricity Delivered to the Brain in Neurofeedback Application?
No. During EEG-based neurofeedback, no external electric current is delivered to the brain.
The sensors used are intended to record the electrical signals spontaneously generated by the brain.
Therefore, recording with EEG and delivering electrical stimulation to the brain are distinct procedures.
The working principle of neurofeedback is based on converting the measured activity into an image or sound via a computer.
Are There Any Side Effects of Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive method. However, the fact that no external electricity is delivered to the brain does not mean that no undesirable effects will be experienced.
The suitability of the application should be considered based on personal health status and clinical evaluation. In case any discomfort is felt during the application, it is important to report this to the relevant healthcare professional.
