Thought Technology Ltd. Z-Sore Mini-Suite Lessons 1-4 Course notes Online Course

Thought Technology Ltd. Topics Covered in Lessons 1-4: Lesson Overview real-time z-score neurofeedback and installation of Z-Score Add-on 2.Using Z-Score Assessment functions 3.Training with real-time z-scores 4.Training, continued, using Favorites and other methods for efficient training

Thought Technology Ltd. Questions

A Z-score measures the deviation of a measured value from the mean of a set of previously measured values (or norms) It is reported in multiples of standard deviation of that set: Z-score Definition Z = measured value – mean standard deviation

Z-scores approximate a Gaussian distribution From: SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF AN EEG NORMATIVE DATABASE: Validation and Clinical Correlation (see also J. Neurotherapy 7(3/4): , 2003) R.W. Thatcher, Ph.D., R.A. Walker, B.A. C.J. Biver, Ph.D., D. M. North, M.A. and R. Curtin, B.A.

Z-score Biofeedback Z-score biofeedback: online comparisons to Thatcher’s normative database Simplify feedback by training on z-scores instead of metrics, or… … train on metrics and analyze deviations from norms post-season (in replay or review mode) Analysis: trend Z-scores over session, report percent of time in condition for each metric or percent of metrics in condition at any given time.

“Traditional” or z-score neurofeedback?  Traditional:  Training the brain against itself  Using specific protocols or tasks to boost performance  Some conditions have shown documented success using specific protocols  Z-score:  Seeks to increase efficiency in the brain compared to an established mean  Provides a foundation for connectivity training  More objectively allows for developmental factors

Lifespan EEG Normative Database N= 625 Ages 2 months to 82 years Eyes open, eyes closed An uneventful prenatal, perinatal and postnatal period. No disorders of consciousness. No head injury with cerebral symptoms. No history of central nervous diseases. No convulsions of emotional, febrile, or other nature. No abnormal deviation with regard to mental and physical development.

Z-score and Neuroguide The Z-score algorythm functions by taking a client’s data measure and comparing it to a database, called Neuroguide. The database compares the client’s value to a mean value from a similar population based on: –The data measure –Sex of the client –Age of the client The algorythm expresses the client’s data measure as a difference from Neuroguide’s mean value for that similar population, in units of standard deviation. Electrode sites Eyes open or eyes closed

Bands: Delta1-3.5 Hz Theta4-7.5 Hz Alpha8-12 Hz Beta Hz Hi Beta Hz Beta Hz Beta Hz Beta Hz Metrics: Absolute amplitude Relative Power Ratios (10) Coherence Asymmetry Phase Output values for 2 channels: 72 Output values for 4 channels: 248

Output values for 2 channels: 72 Power 16 values absolute power 16 values absolute power 16 values for relative power 16 values for relative power 20 values for ratio training 20 values for ratio trainingConnectivity 8 values for asymmetry 8 values for asymmetry 8 values for coherence 8 values for coherence 8 values for phase 8 values for phase

Output values for 4 channels: 248 Power 32 values absolute power 32 values absolute power 32 values for relative power 32 values for relative power 40 values for ratio training 40 values for ratio trainingConnectivity 48 values for asymmetry 48 values for asymmetry 48 values for coherence 48 values for coherence 48 values for phase 48 values for phase

Concepts of z-score neurofeedback

Installation of Z-Score Add-On Auto-run window for the Z-score installation cd.

Installation of Z-Score Add-On If Z-score screen is used, without installation of Z-score add-on, the Z-score related instruments will not function. BIOFEEDBACK FOUNDATION OF EUROPE The Foundation for Learning

Installation of Z-Score Add-On If Z-score screen is used, without installation of Z-score add-on, the Z-score related instruments will not function.

Installation of Z-Score Add-On BIOFEEDBACK FOUNDATION OF EUROPE The Foundation for Learning Click “View installation instructions” link to open pdf instructions for the installation procedure. Click “View installation instructions” link to open pdf instructions for the installation procedure.

Installation of Z-Score Add-On Installing – Basic Steps (nothing difficult)

Installation of Z-Score Add-On Installing – Security Keys Send a copy of Security Key A to

Installation of Z-Score Add-On Installing – Security Keys Once the has been sent, press the “Cancel” button in the installation. Installation cannot continue without Security Code B

Installation of Z-Score Add-On Installing – Security Keys Once you have received Security Key B, run the installation cd again. Go through the same steps. When the software asks for security key B, enter the code correctly and the installation will be complete

Selecting the training location

Getting Started with the Software Double click on the white “Biograph Infiniti” icon to start the Biograph Infiniti. Double click on the white “Biograph Infiniti” icon to start the Biograph Infiniti.

BIOFEEDBACK FOUNDATION OF EUROPE The Foundation for Learning Getting Started with the Software

BIOFEEDBACK FOUNDATION OF EUROPE The Foundation for Learning Getting Started with the Software Check the basic settings: Check the basic settings: Options menu Change Temperature Options menu Notch Filters EEG EKG EMG 50Hz or 60Hz

Getting Started with the Software Check the basic settings: Check the basic settings: Options menu  Show/Hide File names

BIOFEEDBACK FOUNDATION OF EUROPE The Foundation for Learning Replaying a Session “Start Open Display Session” is for recording new sessions with clients. “Start Open Display Session” is for recording new sessions with clients. “Database” is for reviewing and replaying previously recorded session. “Database” is for reviewing and replaying previously recorded session. We will replay a session, so select “Database” We will replay a session, so select “Database”

Select a client and then select a session Click the “Replay Session” button to replay the chosen session

Select screens to replay session by clicking the “Select Screens” button. BIOFEEDBACK FOUNDATION OF EUROPE The Foundation for Learning Replaying a Session

Choose up-to 5 screens for the replay. –Hold “Ctrl” key and left-click with the mouse to select multiple screens. –Click “Ok” when done. Replaying a Session

Click “Ok” now that the screens are chosen for the session replay. BIOFEEDBACK FOUNDATION OF EUROPE The Foundation for Learning Replaying a Session

The main replay window

Begin recording session Select length of time display Choose which screen to view Stop recording session Pause session replay Replaying a Session Basic session controls Basic session controls

Replaying a Session A different screen displays a completely new screen.

Replaying a Session To check what virtual channel (computation) an instrument represents: –Right-mouse click on the instrument –Select the “Show connected channel(s)” option BIOFEEDBACK FOUNDATION OF EUROPE The Foundation for Learning

Replaying a Session A small window will appear, displaying the channel(s) connected to the instrument. BIOFEEDBACK FOUNDATION OF EUROPE The Foundation for Learning

Replaying a Session Changing thresholds –Left-click on the threshold-line of the instrument –Hold down the left-mouse-click while moving the threshold line to a new value.

Replaying a Session Changing thresholds –Left-click on the threshold-line of the instrument –Hold down the left-mouse-click while moving the threshold line to a new value.

Assessment

Designing effective treatment QEEG Irregularity Intensity/priority Applicability of TX Assessed issues Symptoms AND: No Contraindications (e.g. unaddressed medication or physical issues, client consent, ability to complete treatment, etc.)

Completing an assessment

Reporting Select a recorded file and press Review/Report to load report screens

Reporting The Mini Suite comes with a variety of report screens to aid analysis

Reporting Power Z-scores with absolute amplitudes

Training Goals Establish training goals with the client –Which part of the brain will be trained? qEEG directed or symptom directed or both –At which frequency? –The duration Inhibit or Reward Coach and Motivate Create an environment that encourages improvement Metacognitive Strategies –Metacognitive Strategies (used since 1975) = awareness of how you learn; thinking about thinking; become aware of how you learn; what you know about what you know; strategies about learning (MT).

Potential training strategies Full z-score feedback (all metrics) Grouped Z-score training (selected groups --connectivity or power) Individual metric training (up or down) Performance-based training with z-score components

Training “tasks” Animation with full metric training Animation with groups of metrics Individualized animations Site-based training Other tasks, DVD, games (problems/benefits)

Threshholding Common strategies to maximize success (sometimes, never, always) How much success does one need? Adjusting standard deviations Adjusting percentage of time one is successful

Additional References Collura, T. F. (2008). Whole-head normalization using live Z-scores for connectivity training, Part 1. NeuroConnections Newsletter, April 2008, 12, 15, San Rafael, California; ISNRNeuroConnections Newsletter Smith, M. (2008). A father finds a solution: Z-score training. NeuroConnections Newsletter, April 2008, 22, San Rafael, California; ISNRNeuroConnections Newsletter Thatcher, R. W. (2008). Z-score EEG biofeedback: Conceptual foundations. NeuroConnections Newsletter, April 2008, 9, 11, 20. San Rafael, California; ISNRNeuroConnections Newsletter

Training Options