In March 2020, as the ADD Centre shut down our in-person services for the pandemic, we decided that we needed to provide a remote solution for our neurofeedback and biofeedback clients. The solution was to roll out a complete remote single-channel neurofeedback and biofeedback training program using smaller home training units (pictured below) and the program has been a success!  

 

 

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Our clients have been able to benefit from single channel neurofeedback training from the comfort of their own homes.  Clients pick up a training device from our office (curbside pickup available) and our staff log in to their computers remotely to download the software and run the setup.  Clients and parents DO NOT need to learn any software.  A staff member runs each session remotely via GoToMeeting secure software.  

 

We are currently working on a study to compare the effectiveness of in-person vs. virtual neurofeedback training sessions and the preliminary data suggests that the remote training has led to impressive gains in neurocognitive testing.   

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Additional Remote Training Options:

1. eVu TPS Home Biofeedback Training: 

The eVu TPS is a portable sensor for at-home biofeedback training with a smartphone or tablet. The sensor is designed for users who do not necessarily have high level of experience with biofeedback equipment. The sensor is applied to a single finger with a fabric strap and detects and transmits highly researched measurements of psycho-physiological health, including heart rate variability. The TPS measures Temperature, Pulse and Skin conductance. By resting the sensor over your diaphragm, you can practice synchrony between breathing and heart rate changes, thus training heart rate variability.  

DeStress Solution Training Program

The eVu TPS sensor can be used for a stress-reduction training program administered remotely via online conference.

This program provides:
• a method for assessing and reporting stress, 
• training screens for self-regulation (biofeedback)
• relaxation therapy exercises

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The program begins with an initial stress test and analysis. The user’s physiological stress-response provides guidance for the at-home biofeedback training screens. Ultimately, the user learns to become aware of their negative physiological stress responses, such as noticing that your hands are getting cold when you are stressed. You then practice how to voluntarily shift to a more desirable response, such as warming your hands. 

Systems will be available to rent for a small fee and then online training sessions billed per session. Sessions would be done with our staff and may include Biofeedback plus Metacognitive strategies as requested. This program runs on an Android phone or tablet.

2. Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE):

Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE) is a technique that utilizes pulses of light and sound at specific frequencies to gently and safely guide the brain into various brain wave patterns. 
Through the process of entrainment (the tendency of physiological processes to mirror environmental stimuli) you have the ability to alter your brain wave frequencies to improve mental performance. 
It is an effective, inexpensive alternative therapy for many symptoms such as anxiety, inattention Deficit Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), PTSD, and chronic pain. AVE may also increase brain health by increasing cerebral blood flow and stimulating beneficial neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and endorphins. AVE devices have been used successfully to boost physical performance for athletes, academic performance for students and cognitive performance for seniors.

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Recommended AVE Program examples:

A1- Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR) - Use to achieve relaxed attention. 

A2- SMR for Sleep - Use to improve sleep for those with insomnia due to a “racing” mind but relaxed body. 

A4- ADD and Learning - This session has rapid transitions for mental stimulation to 
help keep the user “engaged” in the session. Used in the ADD study published in the 
Journal of Neurotherapy. 

This system is available for rent and will include a recommendation as to which session(s) would be best for you. 

3. Cogmed Working Memory Training Program: 

Cogmed Working Memory Training is an evidence-based program for helping children, adolescents, and adults sustainably improve attention by training their working memory. It does so through web-based training programs that are age and ability appropriate. It was originally developed in Sweden and has considerable research behind it. It is only available through accredited psychology service providers, such as the ADD Centre. 

The research-based program, clinically proven to increase working memory capacity, is delivered under the supervision of a qualified Cogmed Provider—a “Coach”. The training consists of a specific set of working memory tasks that are performed on a computer or tablet in the convenience of the trainee’s home, school, or designated health care facility.

These Programs are “built around three easy-to-use and age-specific applications, the Cogmed program guides the trainees through multiple working memory exercises, automatically adjusting them in real-time to a level that is challenging but not so difficult that it becomes intimidating. It adapts to the trainee’s ability. Each application shares the same underlying design and algorithms – the differences are in the user interface.

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This program involves an initial interview and then weekly coach calls to check on progress. The program runs for 5 weeks, 5 days per week. We are offering this at a special discount due to the COVID-19 epidemic. As many children are home from school over the next few weeks this program can be a productive way to use this time off.  
www.cogmed.com for more information. 

4. iLS Listening Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP): 

WHAT IS THE SSP?

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a five-day auditory intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, by calming the physiological and emotional state, the door is opened for improved communication and more successful therapy.
The SSP is a research-based therapy showing significant results in just five days in the following areas:
• Social and emotional difficulties
• Auditory sensitivities
• Anxiety and trauma related challenges
• Inattention
• Stressors that impact social engagement

More recently this has been recommended for Concussion.

At the ADD Centre we are involved in a joint research project with the University of North Carolina (on hold due to COVID-19) concerning this intervention and feel this is a helpful approach.  

PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO:  addcentre@gmail.com to ask questions and/or inquire about pricing. 
 

Dr. Lynda Thompson and her late husband, Dr. Michael Thompson wrote the basic textbooks in this field, The Neurofeedback Book and The Functional Neuroanatomy book, that describe why and how biofeedback and neurofeedback works. These books include the background behind the methods described above. They have done over 150 presentations as invited teachers to large professional groups in 25 countries on 5 continents.