About NeurofeedbackNeurofeedback is one type of biofeedback. Biofeedback is a training technique that enables an individual to develop some control over body functions that normally are involuntary. It does this by detecting physical responses, such as changes in skin temperature, and feeding that information back to the subject, who can immediately see that a specific thought or action produced the change. The goal is to learn and to reinforce thoughts or actions that create the desired response. For example, biofeedback may be useful in controlling chronic tension headaches by teaching the subject to relax at will. Neurofeedback uses an electroencephalograph (EEG) machine to record neural impulses produced by the brain. Most often, this must be done in a clinical setting, under professional supervision. The EEG connects to the subject by electrodes, or sensors, attached to the surface of the scalp or forehead. A mild abrasive gel or witch hazel may be used first to clean the skin, and the sensor is held in place with a wax paste. Additional sensors may be clipped to the ear or placed at the back of the neck or the base of the thumb. Another method uses a special cap with built-in sensors. All methods send the recorded data to a computer, which processes it and provides appropriate feedback.
AttenGo vs. NeurofeedbackOne of the most important advantages of AttenGo is that it can be used at home, without professional supervision, and it was designed to work without EEG feedback. A built-in scoring system provides the feedback that tells users whether they’re getting the desired results. The program reports both general progress and areas of special difficulty and records the results for constant monitoring of progress. The two techniques differ in other important ways. Most neurofeedback protocols focus on developing sustained attention, by encouraging the production of Beta 1 brainwaves and by inhibiting slow Theta brainwaves. Other aspects of attention, such as selective attention, orienting of attention, and executive attention, are not usually reinforced. These aspects are critical in developing the well-rounded cognitive skills essential to listening, reading, learning, problem solving, following instructions, and interacting responsibly in various settings. Unlike neurofeedback, AttenGo trains for cognitive skills on the most fundamental level. Also, in addition to enhancing Beta 1 brainwaves, it also reinforces Beta 2, important for alertness. The program enables users to practice the lows and highs of each frequency band and trains them to quickly shift from one band to another (Alpha/theta, Beta 1, Beta 2), thus developing better attentional flexibility. AttenGo does even more: it trains users to meet cognitive challenges against both visual and auditory distractions, enabling marked improvement in the ability to concentrate, even in a noisy classroom or workplace.
SummaryNeurofeedback’s main known advantages:
Neurofeedback’s main disadvantages:
AttenGo’s combined advantages:Improves brain wave ratios
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About Neurofeedback
