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

2. Biofeedback A MIRROR OF OUR PERFORMANCE

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

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

5. Autonomous Nervous System

6. Practice makes perfect
Relaxation Model
Practice makes perfect

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. Neurofeedback Brain Wave Biofeedback
The illustration is from NIH.

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

11. Standardized Placement Procedure International 10 – 20 System

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

13. Recording the Raw Data Hardware - Deymed

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

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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. Neurofeedback Session What Happens?

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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

25. 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

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

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

28. 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)

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. Leigh Richardson, BCN, BCB, CWC
Q & A
Leigh Richardson, BCN, BCB, CWC
Brain Performance Center
910 E. Southlake Blvd, Ste. 165
Southlake, TX