Proposal for a Washington, DC University’s Neurofeedback/Biofeedback Research and Practice Lab
Overview
This is the extended portion of a proposal to acquire high-quality research-grade EEG-Biofeedback equipment in order to enhance the experimental and pedagogical resources to graduate students engaged with research and advanced psychological studies at the University.
This document is intended to explain the scientific and clinical applications of EEG-Biofeedback and the benefits of creating a Biofeedback Research and Practice Lab at theUniversity.
Departments of Interest
The Somatic Psychology department is the only graduate program that requires a Thesis, which often involves the submission of empirical research to one or several peer-reviewed Scientific Journals. As a growing institution that values contemplative practice, education, and research, a Biofeedback Research and Practice Lab would provide faculty and students new resources with which to conduct graduate research for the advancement of general knowledge of contemplative practice and education.
This proposal seeks to provide the Graduate Somatic Psychology program with primary access to Biofeedback equipment, training for supervising faculty, and a small annual budget to maintain peripheral supplies. Other Graduate School departments will have access to equipment according to availability once Somatic students and faculty have received approval to conduct their research.
Benefits and Comparable Universities
As a growing institution that values contemplative practice, education, and research, a Biofeedback Research and Practice Lab will provide faculty and students new resources with which to conduct graduate research for the advancement of general knowledge of contemplative practice and education. Allocating resources to a Biofeedback Laboratory at our university can result in increased research output and enhanced quality of education for students.
Several universities in the United States have already begun incorporating Biofeedback Laboratories into their research programs and pedagogy.
- Sonoma State University Sonoma.edu/psychology/biofeedback/program.html
- East Carolina University ecu.edu/cs-hhp/rcls/biofeedback
- University of North Texas Nt.edu/neurotherapy/neurofeedback.html
- Cedarville University Cedarville.edu
Long-Term Benefits to The University
As an institution that values contemplative practice and education, the creation of an EEG-Biofeedback Laboratory will provide graduate students and faculty with an opportunity to use modern scientific research methods to learn more about contemplative practices and their effects on the brain and other regions of the central nervous system. Conducting and publishing unique scientific research studies that study the effects of contemplative practice with modern scientific instrumentation will provide the University with an opportunity to join in the burgeoning field of contemplative research that has begun to have an important effect on higher education. The Mind and Life institute is the most notable example of a well-funded grant-making research organization that is dedicated to the scientific investigation of contemplative practice, the International Symposia for Contemplative Studies serves as a pool for cutting-edge contemplative research, while the Heart-Math, Fetzer, and Monroe institutes have been engaged in contemplative and consciousness research for many years and could serve as partners in future contemplative research projects. The EEG-Biofeedback Laboratory would establish a valuable research presence at the Graduate School of Psychology with clear objectives for ensuring usage of those resources through growth-focused benchmarks.
Modern research institutions have become increasingly interested in Contemplative Neuroscience and Research, and the creation of an EEG-Biofeedback Research & Practice Laboratory would enable the University to become a significant contributor to the field. The proposed laboratory resources and subsequent research output could be used in order to create and deepen relationships with important leading research institutions such as those listed below.
Contemplative Research Institutes
International Symposia for Contemplative Studies ContemplativeResearch.org
Mind and Life Institute MindAndLife.org
Heart-Math Institute HeartMath.com
Fetzer Institute Fetzer.org
The Monroe Institute MonroeInstitute.org/Research
Universities with Contemplative Programs
Brown University Brown.edu/academics/Contemplative-Studies
University of Redlands Redlands.edu/academics/meditation- room/5172.aspx
Emory University Emory.edu/ECCS/
Rice University Reli.Rice.edu/content.aspx?id=770
University of Michigan Sitemaker.umich.edu/pccs/home
University of Arizona Consciousness.arizona.edu
What is EEG-Biofeedback?
Modern EEG-Biofeedback consists in the practice of placing electrodes on the scalp in order to detect and relay markers of brainwave activity into a computer system that provides observers with immediate digital feedback when a physiological event occurs in real-time – This is known as Electroencephalography (EEG). Moment-by-moment feedback of the information is provided through auditory or visual cues to the subject, which indicates that a specific change has occurred, and the information may then used in order to train the practitioner or research subject in order to gain greater control over their typically automatic physiological responses.
The purpose of the training ranges from experimental (discovering how the mind and body interact) and clinical (developing state mastery for the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Anxiety, Brain Injury, and others), and the contemplative - Meditation and state training is a well-known application for EEG-Biofeedback.
Summary of Applications:
- Scientific Research: Research projects for students and faculty in the Graduate School of Psychology through (A) Biofeedback training or (B) Passive observation of changes in physiological activity through any variety of IRB approved procedures.
- Experiential: Biofeedback training for meditation and self-exploration.
Notable Example: Biocybernaut Institute BioCyberNaut.com
Retrieved from University of North Carolina, Asheville Website
http://facstaff.unca.edu/cschrade/biofeedback_faq.htm
Primary Equipment: Electroencephalography (EEG)
Electroencephalography (EEG) measures brainwave activity at any one of the biofeedback field's pre-established clinical research sites.
Brainwave activity is measured in accord with five distinct bands of frequency (electrical pulsations per second = Hz) that are labeled the Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma frequencies. Some researchers disagree as to the precise wavelength at which each band should be classified, but the generally accepted ranges are described in more detail below.
This and all subsequent images were retrieved from the Vilistus EEG User Manual
Delta brainwaves are the lowest detectable frequencies in the human brain, oscillating between approximately 0.5 and 2 Hz. Delta waves are considered healthy when they are dominant as drowsiness sets in as well as in the deeper stages of sleep.
Theta brainwaves oscillate between 3 and 7 Hz and are the second lowest detectable frequency in the human brain. Advanced meditators are often very skilled at producing high amplitude theta at will, a state which is associated with hypnotic trance, introspection, contemplation, quietness of mind, and metacognition. Theta plays a very important role in quieting the nervous system and relaxing attention.
Alpha brainwave patterns fall in a higher band of frequency. Alpha waves oscillate from 8 – 12 Hz, and are typically present while awake. Alpha brainwaves are associated with relaxed attentiveness while awake, and can be measured to assess the potential for a patient to increase their cognitive flexibility.
Beta brainwaves (Also The Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR)) oscillate between 13 and 15 Hz, a narrow range sometimes associated with high alpha and low beta activity. Healthy SMR is associated with bodily presence, relaxation, and attention. Unhealthy SMR activity is associated with depression, various forms of seizure, chronic pain, body tremors, and dystonia. Beta waves oscillate between 16 and 25 Hz and are associated with increases in mental work, especially when involving arithmetic problem solving (Kwon, Cho, & Lee, 2009).
Gamma brainwaves occur between the frequencies of 28 and 40Hz and some speculate at 60 + Hz. Healthy gamma is associated with focus, the integration of disparate brain regions, high mental processing speed, and cognitive engagement. Gamma is often targeted for improving cognitive and physical performance when memory or attention declines are present.
Important Channel and Sensor Information
Vilistus Mind Mirror 6 - EEG/HRV/GSR
Device Channels:
Four Channel Multi-Modal battery powered (2 x AA) Digital Sampling Unit with multiple connectivity options (USB, Blueooth and WiFi) and supplied with the Vilistus/Pro software and software API. Four Channel device can function as a virtual eight-channel device due to new dual-channel sensors that integrate the ground line into each node.
EEG Sensors:
Dual Channel EEG sensors with integrated ground line. One sensor provides two channels of EEG but only uses a single port on a Vilistus-4 Digital Sampling unit (4-Channel).
Below: The below image illustrates a computer screen that displays the brainwave activity measured through the Vilistus Mind Mirror 6 software. The blue bars on the left represent a moment-by-moment representation of the fluctuation in brainwave power at each of the previously described frequency bands, and the yellow line-graphs represent each band as it changes over time.
The data provides output into a .XLS or .CSV file for deep statistical analysis.
Biofeedback Extended:
Heart Rate Variability and Galvanic Skin Response
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the measurement of heart-rate calculated through a single Blood Volume Pulse (BVP) sensor attached to a fingertip with a strong pulse. HRV information can be used for down-training or up-training heart rate or as a correlational measurement for EEG or other data.
Experimentation Example: Does heart-rate increase or decrease when the subject is presented with a stimulus?
Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) is a measurement of electrical skin conductance on the skin surface (Finger Clip). Some researchers have considered this to be a simple way of assessing Sympathetic Nervous System arousal and others have further extrapolated the data to serve as an indicator for increased stress levels. GSR information can be used for up-training or down-training skin conductance or as a correlational measurement for EEG or HRV.
Experimentation Example: Does skin conductance increase or decrease when the subject is presented with a stimulus?
Below: The below image is a snap-shot of a Summary Screen that includes HRV and GSR alongside EEG in order to provide the researcher with a visual overview of session data.
Professional Associations & Suppliers
Since the 1950's, the field of EEG-Biofeedback has been refined and transformed into a growing industry of biofeedback equipment suppliers, clinical practitioners, and experimental researchers.
As clinicians and scientific researchers continue to develop the applications of EEG-Biofeedback, three large organizations have emerged to foster communities of professional development.
Key Associations in the field include:
- International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (INSR) ISNR.org
- The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedabck (AAPB) AAPB.org
- Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) BCIA.org
Supplies and training for EEG-Biofeedback has become a new industry with many competing manufacturers that continue to refine the sensitivity and reliability of clinical and research-grade instruments.
Key Suppliers for the Industry:
- Vilistus Biofeedback Vilistus.com
- EEG Info EEGInfo.com
- The Stens Corporation Stens-Biofeedback.com
Selected:
The Biofeedback Equipment for the University
The Vilistus Biofeedback equipment has been identified for this proposal due to the relatively low cost when compared with competing products and the large array of features available through a single device.
The Vilistus Mind Mirror 6: Provides Electroencephalography (EEG), Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) within a single device.
All measurements can be cross-correlated or measured independently.
Vilistus Mind Mirror 6 - EEG/HRV/GSR
Core Hardware
1 x Vilistus-4
Four Channel Multi-Modal battery powered (2 x AA) Digital Sampling Unit with multiple connectivity options (USB, Bluetooth and WiFi) and supplied with the Vilistus/Pro software and software API.
The Mind Mirror Software by Vilistus provided as part of the Vilistus Mind Mirror 6 package.
1 x Dual Channel bi-polar EEG Sensor with integrated ground reference
Dual Channel EEG sensor with integrated ground line. This sensor gives you two channels of EEG but only uses a single port on a Vilistus-4 Digital Sampling unit.
1 x Skin Conductance / Galvanic Skin Response Sensor
The Skin Conductance sensor provides information about sweat gland activity with is closely correlated with sympathetic nervous system activity, arousal and stress.
1 x Blood Volume Pulse (ear/fingerclip) Sensor
Measure heart and train for Heart Rate Variability with this easy-to-use sensor.
Peripherals
Our 4oz (114gm) tubes of Ten20 contain the right balance of adhesiveness and conductivity, enabling electrodes to remain in place while allowing the transmittance of electrical signals.
It's the paste used by expert technicians worldwide who rely on its adhesiveness and conductivity.
1 x NuPrep Skin Preparation Gel
Supplied in 4oz (114g) tubes , Nuprep Skin Preparation Gel lowers impedance to improve your results. Its mild abrasive formula improves conductivity and helps achieve maximum efficiency.
Disposable pre-gelled electrodes for use with EEG, ECG or sEMG. Supplied in packs of 50.
Hard Plastic Electrode for EEG and sEMG; supplied in packs of 10.
1 x Cable Extender
Connect wirelessly to a wide range of devices.
Velcro strips with Ag/AgCl electrodes snap connectors embedded in them for Skin Conductance / Galvanic Skin Response.
Important Channel and Sensor Information
Device Channels:
Four Channel Multi-Modal battery powered (2 x AA) Digital Sampling Unit with multiple connectivity options (USB, Blueooth and WiFi) and supplied with the Vilistus/Pro software and software API.
Four Channel device can function as a virtual eight-channel device due to new dual-channel sensors that integrate the ground line into each node.
EEG Sensors:
Dual Channel EEG sensors with integrated ground line. One sensor provides two channels of EEG but only uses a single port on a Vilistus-4 Digital Sampling unit (4-Channel).
GSR/HRV:
These separately interface with the remaining ports for simultaneous physiological measurements.
Additional Details
For individuals, researchers and professional brainwave trainers, this research-grade Mind Mirror features:
- The classic 0.5hz-44hz Mind Mirror screen with two color choices.
- An optional screen with an additional 44-64 Hz gamma band.
- The ability to see the Mind Mirror AND two physiological readouts, Galvanic Skin Response and Blood Volume Pulse.
- Adjustable micro-voltage readings, refresh rates and brainwave configurations (e.g. horizontal bars, outline and outline will fill pattern).
- Interacts with E-Prime Evoked Response Potential (ERP) software.
The Following Page Contains:
Index of Devices
Index of Alternative Devices
These competing products were compared with the newly developed Vilistus hardware and software.
The Vilistus was selected as the preferred equipment due to it's most recent development, variety of features, and interactivity with the industry standard E-Prime ERP software.
Key: Quality ranges from Poor - Average - Good
Brain Master Neurofeedback Hardware
Atlantis II Clinical System (2-Channel) $1,695
2EB Clinical System (2-Channel) $1,295
Atlantis I Clinical System (4-Channel) $2,695
Brain Master systems are generally considered to be one of the industry standards for EEG Biofeedback equipment, and they are compatible with a variety of software including the BrainAvatar suite and BioExplorer.
Quality: Good
Mind Peak
Waverider Biofeedback (2-Channel) $950
Waverider Biofeedback Pro (4-Channel) $1700
The Waverider is a classic EEG Biofeedback and general Biofeedback device that should be compatible with a variety of software suites. Basic functions are is comparable to the Brain Master Atlantis.
Quality: Average
Gamma Training Neurofeedback System (1-Channel)
PeakAchievement.com/neureka.htm
Neureka! Hardware (1-Channel) & Software $6,000
Neureka! Software (May be customized for Waverider) $2,000
The Neureka! system features a simple 1-channel wireless Pendant EEG device that interfaces with BioExplorer software. Peak Achievement claims to have produced a unique Gamma training protocol for the prefrontal cortex, which successfully eliminates interference from muscular artifacts and makes it possible to train Gamma in the 35 - 40hz range.
Their software protocols may be customized for the Waverider hardware, and enabling 2-Channel dyadic training is feasible. Customization will require a consulting fee ($100 - 300).
Quality: Poor
Othmer Neurofeedback System
No Information Available without License.
IBVA
Wireless Single & Dual Person Device with Software $1,500 - 2,000
The IBVA is designed to work with customized software that is only available through the Mac OS, and it is capable of single person and dual person (2-Channel) EEG Biofeedback.
Quality: Average
EEGInfo - Cygnet & Neuroamp
Bio-Medical.com/products/eeg-neuroamp.html
http://www.eeginfo.com/cygnet/
Neuroamp Hardware (2-Channel) & Software $3,250
Quality: Good
References:
Kwon, H., Cho, J., & Lee, E. (2009). EEG asymmetry analysis of the left and right brain activities during simple versus complex arithmetic learning. Journal of Neurotherapy, 13(2), 109-116. doi:10.1080/10874200902885852.
