Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review

Bazzana, Fabian; Finzi, Sarah; Fini, Giulia Di; Veglia, Fabio

doi:10.3389/fnhum.2022.920659

Cited by 6 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 37 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Here the use of the term endogenous neuromodulation to refer to the absence of overt reinforcers was introduced-likely for the first time. A systematic mixed studies review has just been published (Bazzana et al, 2022). It reports on 18 studies of ILF NF and the alternative of reward-based training on Infra-Slow Fluctuations.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Endogenous Neuromodulation at Infra-Low Frequency: Method and Theory

Othmer,

Othmer

2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Clinical work conducted over the last seventeen years at the EEG Institute in Los Angeles and by other neurofeedback providers around the world has demonstrated the utility of extending frequency-based neurofeedback deep into the infra-low frequency (ILF) region, using the method of endogenous neuromodulation described herein. The method is characterized by the absence of any overt reinforcements, which makes it possible to extend the clinical reach to extremely low frequencies. As the training frequency is lowered, the signal becomes more difficult to discriminate, and ultimately it can only be discerned by the brain itself, in the process of endogenous neuromodulation. The method emulates how the brain does skill learning in general: It must observe itself performing the skill, with feedback on its performance. While the immediate target of ILF neurofeedback is enhanced self-regulatory competence--with symptomatic relief and functional recovery the secondary consequences, progressive lowering of the target frequencies has led to improved outcomes in application to challenging dysfunctions such as episodic suicidality, migraine, seizures, and bipolar mood swings. The work has also yielded insights into how the frequency domain is organized. The training proceeds best at frequencies that are specific to each individual, and these are referred to as optimal response frequencies (ORFs). These frequencies differ for various placements but stand in two fixed relationships to one another, one that holds over the EEG spectral range, and another that holds over the entire ILF range. Training in the ILF region engages the dynamics of the glial-neuronal networks, which govern tonic, resting state regulation. The collective clinical experience with ILF neuromodulation within a large practitioner network supports the case for making protocol-based, individualized ‘homeodynamic’ regulation a therapeutic priority, particularly for our most impacted clinical populations: addiction, trauma formations, traumatic brain injury, and the dementias. The case is made for further outcome studies and foundational research.

show abstract

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Endogenous Neuromodulation at Infra-Low Frequency: Method and Theory

Othmer,

Othmer

2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…ILF oscillations seem to be related to some neurophysiological processes, such as cerebral vasomotor fluctuations, cortical excitability, and heart-rate variability [48]. The therapeutic effectiveness of ILF neurofeedback seems promising for various symptoms (for a recent review on this subject, see Bazzana 2022) [49]. In chronic pain conditions, two studies demonstrated encouraging findings.…”

Section: Ilf Neurofeedbackmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The focus on infralow fluctuations for neurofeedback protocols is relatively new and has not been implemented as often as brain activity ranging from 8 to 25 Hz [49]. ILF fluctuations (<0.1 Hz) of blood oxygenation levels (BOLD signals) have been found in chronic-pain patients using fMRI [65].…”

Section: Ilfmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These fluctuations were not only associated with chronic pain, but also with other neuropsychiatric disorders [65]. Although the specificity of ILF fluctuations for diseases might seem low [65], ILF neurofeedback appears to be promising for several symptoms [49]. In addition, ILF neurofeedback is not only promising in modulating brain activity, but also in influencing neurovegetative functions such as temperature regulation, heart rate and blood pressure [49].…”

Section: Ilfmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although the specificity of ILF fluctuations for diseases might seem low [65], ILF neurofeedback appears to be promising for several symptoms [49]. In addition, ILF neurofeedback is not only promising in modulating brain activity, but also in influencing neurovegetative functions such as temperature regulation, heart rate and blood pressure [49]. The broad involvement of ILF fluctuations during cognitive processes, might also explain the encouraging results of ILF neurofeedback in patients with chronic pain [19,39,40,43].…”

Section: Ilfmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

A Scoping Review of the Effect of EEG Neurofeedback on Pain Complaints in Adults with Chronic Pain

Schuurman,

Lousberg,

Schreiber

et al. 2024

JCM

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background and Aim: Non-pharmacological treatments such as electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback have become more important in multidisciplinary approaches to treat chronic pain. The aim of this scoping review is to identify the literature on the effects of EEG neurofeedback in reducing pain complaints in adult chronic-pain patients and to elaborate on the neurophysiological rationale for using specific frequency bands as targets for EEG neurofeedback. Methods: A pre-registered scoping review was set up and reported following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The data were collected by searching for studies published between 1985 and January 2023 in PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Results: Thirty-two studies on various types of chronic pain were included. The intervention was well-tolerated. Approximately half of the studies used a protocol that reinforced alpha or sensorimotor rhythms and suppressed theta or beta activity. However, the underlying neurophysiological rationale behind these specific frequency bands remains unclear. Conclusions: There are indications that neurofeedback in patients with chronic pain probably has short-term analgesic effects; however, the long-term effects are less clear. In order to draw more stable conclusions on the effectiveness of neurofeedback in chronic pain, additional research on the neurophysiological mechanisms of targeted frequency bands is definitely worthwhile. Several recommendations for setting up and evaluating the effect of neurofeedback protocols are suggested.

show abstract

Biofeedback Interventions for Impulsivity-related Processes in Addictive Disorders

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose of Review Biofeedback is a promising technique that has been used as a treatment tool for different psychological disorders. In this regard, central (neurofeedback) and peripheral psychophysiological signals are presented as comprehensible stimuli with the aim of training specific processes. This review summarizes recent evidence about its use for the treatment of impulsivity-related processes in addictive disorders. Recent Findings Neurofeedback (NFB) protocols, based on electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), have focused on substance use disorders. Biofeedback protocols using peripheral measures have been mainly based on heart rate variability and focused on behavioral addictions. EEG-NFB reported good results in the reduction of hyperarousal, impulsivity and risk taking in alcohol use disorder, and decreased rates of smoking and less craving in nicotine addiction. In fMRI-NFB, effective NFB performance has been related with better clinical outcomes in substance use disorders; however, its implication for treatment is still unclear. Heart rate variability biofeedback results are scarce, but some interventions have been recently designed aimed at treating behavioral addictions. Summary In addictive disorders, biofeedback interventions for impulsivity-related processes have shown promising results, although the literature is still scarce. Further research should aim at proving the effectiveness of biofeedback protocols as a treatment option for impulsivity in addictive disorders.

show abstract

Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review

Cited by 6 publications

References 37 publications

Endogenous Neuromodulation at Infra-Low Frequency: Method and Theory

Endogenous Neuromodulation at Infra-Low Frequency: Method and Theory

A Scoping Review of the Effect of EEG Neurofeedback on Pain Complaints in Adults with Chronic Pain

Biofeedback Interventions for Impulsivity-related Processes in Addictive Disorders

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About