Alternative Techniques for Health and Wellness Biofeedback Brain Wave Biofeedback (Neurofeedback) Wellness Coaching Cognitive Behavioral Treatments

Biofeedback A MIRROR OF OUR PERFORMANCE

Biofeedback Model Classical Conditioning An unconscious associate learning process that modifies reflexive behavior and prepares us to rapidly respond to future situations.

Biofeedback Model Operant Conditioning An unconscious associate learning process that modifies the form and occurrence of the voluntary behavior by manipulating its consequences.

Autonomous Nervous System

Practice makes perfect Relaxation Model Practice makes perfect

Relaxation Training Techniques Autogenic Training Influences the autonomic nervous system Restore balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic Muscle relaxation 10 – 15 minutes a day Research supports live vs. prerecorded Clients record in their own voice Training not a treatment What stops it from working?

Relaxation Training Techniques Affirmations Develop a positive attitude Develop personal power Develop will power, self discipline A tool to motivate Self confidence If you don’t believe in yourself… who will?

Neurofeedback Brain Wave Biofeedback The illustration is from NIH.

The Different Lobes of the Brain Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, Occipital Lobes

Standardized Placement Procedure International 10 – 20 System

QEEG (Qualitative EEG) Record 20 minutes of data – 10 EO – 10 EC

Recording the Raw Data Hardware - Deymed

Brain Map Example Showing 3 standard deviations over activation in the parietal and frontal lobes

Brain Wave Frequencies Delta – 1 – 3 HZ - sleep Theta – 4 – 7 HZ - foggy drowsiness Alpha – 8 – 11 Eyes Closed contentment, peaceful

Brain Wave Frequencies Sensory Motor Rhythm – 12 – 15 HZ Calm, processing power, transition Beta waves 15 – 20 HZ Primary processing power Beta waves 20 – 30 HZ Gamma waves 30 – 60 HZ

Brainwave Biofeedback What It Does: uses sensors to monitor the brains electrical activity. Used for ADHD, addiction, depression, traumatic brain injury, insomnia, peak performance and many other neurological disorders. On the average 20 sessions is required to create and retain the change. Each session is 20 – 25 minutes of training time. Using operant conditioning teaches the brain self regulation.

Neurofeedback Session What Happens?

Respiratory Biofeedback What it does: uses a band around the abdomen to monitor the breathing and respiration rate. Can create lasting change in 5 sessions. “Breathe is essentially on loan to us; we must return it when we are done with it” Breathe Well, Be Well Robert Fried, PHD

Optimal Breathing Is Important Shortness of breath & heart disease are linked High correlation – high blood pressure & poor breathing Breathing drives the nervous system Promotes weight loss – oxygen burns fats & calories Breathing well key to sleeping well and waking up refreshed

Types of Breath What kind of breather are you? Breathing predominantly in the chest causes SEMG in the trapezius area. The recording below from Peper, Gibney, Tylova, Harvey, and Combatalade (2008) shows the difference between thoracic and effortless diaphragmatic breathing.

Heart Rhythm Patterns HEART RATE variability biofeedback is a new technique for training human beings to change the variability and dominant rhythms in their heart activity.

SEMG (muscle tension) Most muscles are controlled involuntarily The SEMG records muscle waves from muscles. We measure the amplitude, wavelength, and frequency. We graph in the time and frequency domain.

SEMG (muscle tension) Frontales – Forehead tension Action: draws the scalp forward, raises eyebrows, and wrinkles the forehead Sensor placement: locate the actives between the eyebrows and hairline Clinical application: anxiety, stress profile, and tension-type headache Application of Frontales SEMG

Electro Dermal Activity and Temperature Biofeedback Basic function of sweat gland – thermoregulation. EDA is strongly related to emotions. Fight or flight Training the “Relaxation Zone” By breathing correctly the blood vessels will relax and vasodilatation occurs

The Research Behind It… ASSOCIATION APPLIED PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY BIOFEEDBACK 2ND EDITION, 2008

LEVEL 4 EFFICACY HYPERTENSION ADHD RAYNAUDS ANXIETY TMJ CHRONIC PAIN MOTION SICKNESS CONSTIPATION - ADULTS ADHD ANXIETY CHRONIC PAIN EPILEPSY HEADACHES - ADULTS

LEVEL 3 EFFICACY Traumatic Brain Injury Headache Pediatric Diabetes Mellitus Fecal Disorders Children Fecal Incontinence - Adults Insomnia Alcoholism / Substance Abuse Urinary Incontinence in Males Vulvar Vestibulitis (Vulvodynia)

Insomnia Sleep Recovery Program based on a neurocognitive model Reviewed 21 studies – 15 published in last 5 years Research reflected different disciplines Clinical Psychology Health Psychology Behavior Management Stress Management Sleep Medicine Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback Journal of Neurofeedback Medication is NOT a long-term solution

What the Studies Found… The importance of a cognitive approach in treating insomnia The neurocognitive perspective is powerful, can establish direct links, and casual directions There is evidence that hyper-arousal is implicated in insomnia There is solid evidence that CBT is effective for persistent insomnia and is generalizable and sustainable Stimulus control therapy is most effective single treatment Research supports EMG and EEG biofeedback Most patients will benefit from either treating insomnia on a cognitive level with or without medication

Insomnia Sleep Recovery Program Four Week Program Goals – Total Sleep Time and Daytime Awareness Change maladaptive behaviors and habits Stimulus control instructions Establishing sleep restriction guidelines Introduction of relaxation techniques (breathing and autogenic training) Neurofeedback to address cortical hyper-arousal Cognitive restructuring Tools – QEEG, sleep assessment, sleep log

Biggest challenge – changing habits around sleep DOES IT WORK? YES Biggest challenge – changing habits around sleep Clients fall into many treatment categories Keeping focus on sleep goals Lifestyle changes

Leigh Richardson, BCN, BCB, CWC Q & A Leigh Richardson, BCN, BCB, CWC Brain Performance Center 910 E. Southlake Blvd, Ste. 165 Southlake, TX 76092 817-500-4863 www.TheBrainPerformanceCenter.com