Infra-Low Frequency Training
Articles
Infra-Slow Rhythmic Oscillations of The Steady Potential of the Cerebral Cortex
(Abstract not available)
Books
Process in Brain Research - Volume 7: Slow Electrical Processes in the Brain
Many phenomena in animal nerve tissue are accompanied by electrical processes. These processes are largely due to mechanisms of nervous activity. They provide special opportunities for studying those aspects of nervous activity which generally do not lend themselves to other research techniques.
Research Papers
Infra-Low Frequency Training
An individually optimized dynamic EEG reinforcement protocol has been recently extended to the domain of very low EEG frequencies, down to 0.01 Hz in center frequency of the reinforcement band. This represents a straight-forward extension to very low frequencies of a fairly generic training strategy that has been in productive use for many years. Improved clinical outcomes have been observed for a variety of hitherto intractable conditions, including the autistic spectrum, attachment disorder, eating disorders, and migraine conditions that have been refractory to prior neurofeedback.
ATP-Dependent Infra-Slow (<0.1 Hz) Oscillations in Thalamic Networks
An increasing number of EEG and resting state fMRI studies in both humans and animals indicate that spontaneous low frequency fluctuations in cerebral activity at <0.1 Hz (infra-slow oscillations, ISOs) represent a fundamental component of brain functioning, being known to correlate with faster neuronal ensemble oscillations, regulate behavioural performance and influence seizure susceptibility. Although these oscillations have been commonly indicated to involve the thalamus their basic cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we show that various nuclei in the dorsal thalamus in vitro can express a robust ISO at ~0.005–0.1 Hz that is greatly facilitated by activating metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and/or Ach receptors (AchRs).
Is Neurofeedback an Efficacious Treatment for ADHD? A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial (abs.)
For children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a reduction of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity by neurofeedback (NF) has been reported in several studies. But so far, unspecific training effects have not been adequately controlled for and/or studies do not provide sufficient statistical power. To overcome these methodological shortcomings we evaluated the clinical efficacy of neurofeedback in children with ADHD in a multisite randomised controlled study using a computerised attention skills training as a control condition.
Neurofeedback for Children with ADHD: A Comparison of SCP with Theta/Beta Protocols (abs.)
This study fills a niche in the research to date in that it compares two neurofeedback techniques that rely on very different challenges to the brain. The capacity for learned self-regulation was demonstrated once again with both techniques. Significantly, there was no difference between them in terms of cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Measured improvement in IQ was both statistically and clinically significant. Results held up over a six-month follow-up period.
Very Slow EEG Fluctuations Predict the Dynamics of Stimulus Detection and Oscillation Amplitudes in Humans (abs.)
This study fills a niche in the research to date in that it compares two neurofeedback techniques that rely on very different challenges to the brain. The capacity for learned self-regulation was demonstrated once again with both techniques. Significantly, there was no difference between them in terms of cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Measured improvement in IQ was both statistically and clinically significant. Results held up over a six-month follow-up period.
Related Research
Intro to the Brain (video)
An excerpt of a talk by Jay Gunkelman where he provides an introduction to infra-low frequency activity and a discussion of the potenial glial cell explanation for this activity.
Very Low Frequency EEG Oscillations and the Resting Brain in Young Adults: A Preliminary Study of Localisation, Stability and Association with Symptoms of Inattention (abs.)
Spontaneous very low frequency oscillations (VLFO: <0.2 Hz) in functional magnetic-resonance imaging are proposed to identify a default-mode network of resting brain activity. Activity in this network has been related to lapses of attention during goal-directed tasks and may provide a basis for ADHD. This study assessed the relation between scalp-recorded EEG VLFO at rest and ADHD.
Very Slow EEG Fluctuations Predict the Dynamics of Stimulus Detection and Oscillation Amplitudes in Humans (abs.)
Our ability to perceive weak signals is correlated among consecutive trials and fluctuates slowly over time. Although this "streaking effect" has been known for decades, the underlying neural network phenomena have remained largely unidentified. We examined the dynamics of human behavioral performance and its correlation with infraslow (0.01-0.1 Hz) fluctuations in ongoing brain activity.
Evaluation of Commercially Available Electrodes and Gels for Recording of Slow EEG Potentials
Recent work has shown that a vast amount of information can be lost when recording EEG-signals using conventional AC-coupled (alternating current coupled; i.e. high-pass filtered) recording methods (Vanhatalo et al., 2004a). For instance, infraslow (also called ultraslow, super-slow, or multisecond) oscillations within the frequency range of 0.02–0.2 Hz are seen during nonREMsleep and they show a distinctive relationship with higher frequency EEG events (Vanhatalo et al., 2004b). Furthermore, long-lasting DC shifts are observed during awakening or falling asleep, or during changes of sleep stage (Marshall et al., 1994, 1998).
