Re: [Openeeg-list] Trying to do some research on the effects of biofeedback

[Ray C. <ray...@ms...>]

Hi Laura.

I am a member of the Openeeg-list group, and read your post requesting pointers to information about the use and nature of biofeedback on the mind.

Several years ago, I became curious about the whole concept of biofeedback, after reading two or three books which promoted biofeedback as being a very effective way to deal with the mind capabilities, as well as its problems. However, the books seemed to make the whole concept to be a bit like snake oil medicine, offering cures for everything from hangnails to autism, so I wasn't too taken with the whole idea. I was intrigued and curious, but still rather skeptical. Maybe I was just being a bit too skeptical.

However, after finding the Openeeg website, I saw the plans with which one could construct their own eeg device, so I thought it would be fun to just give it a try. (Many years ago, when I was in the navy, I was a radar electronics technician, so I have the basic skills to undertake such an easy project, and anyway, it just sounded like a fun project to tinker with. Who wouldn't like to play with their own brain?)

So, I went ahead and, for about only $300, made one and got the ancillary materials (electrodes, paste, etc.). It works great, but I didn't really know what I was doing, as far as the actually application and interpretation of my results were concerned. At that point, I needed a class in the use of the device and the interpretation of its results, but wasn't about to pay the large fees they were charging for those who probably, in most cases, wanted to become certified therapists.

So, as a result, I just played around with it for a year or so, using the free Brain Bay software that you've probably seen mentioned on the Openeeg website. It was all fun and interesting to watch my own brain waves, but as stated, I lacked the knowledge and skills requisite to any actual use and application of them. So, I put it away and haven't even looked at it in years.

I also quit frequenting the Openeeg website. Every now & then a message from the Openeeg website pops up, but I usually just delete them, without even giving them a read; however, for some reason, I opened yours and saw what you had written, requesting information.

So, the reason I am writing to you is because, as of late, I have thinking that maybe I didn't really give biofeedback a fair trial, and have wondered about just how effective it really is for some things. Thus, your message, requesting information struck a chord with me, as it seems as though we might be on the same 'wavelength,' so to speak.

I have, halfheartedly, tried to find any information as to how effective biofeedback has truly proved to be in such areas as ADD, autism, memory, as well as other things.; however, everything I've seen hasn't seemed very academic, and appears to be nothing more than anecdotal evaluations, much like you might get from reading the reviews given by people regarding the lawn chairs they recently bought on Amazon. I'm not interested in that kind of evaluation, but am searching for unbiased, rigorous, scientific studies concerning the effectiveness of biofeedback, much as what I assume that you, yourself, are seeking.

If I find that biofeedback is, in fact, a valid approach to much of what it's touted to be, then I will give it a more concerted effort and study, although I'm still not going to spend thousands of dollars on classes. Instead, I would opt for doing some research as to how one uses and interprets the results of biofeedback sessions. Between Google, YouTube, the library system, and online classes from major universities, there is now a plethora of knowledge 'out there,' to which one can avail themselves, so it seems possible that one can now probably bring themselves up to a level that would meet my own needs and interests. If your need for information is pursuant to more scholarly or professional goals, then that, of course, is another matter.

So, to make a long story short, I am just writing to let you know that, since we seem to be on at least a similar path, I will certainly pass on anything that I find, and would appreciate hearing about anything that you might run across, as well.  Like they say, 'two heads are better than one,' so maybe we can put our efforts together and come up with a decent collection of studies. Tomorrow, I will send you a list of the material which I already have, such as it is, but right now it's time to get ready for bed.

Best Regards,

Ray Cole
ray...@ms...
________________________________
From: LM <lm...@gm...>
Sent: Friday, April 2, 2021 8:16 AM
To: ope...@li... <ope...@li...>
Subject: [Openeeg-list] Trying to do some research on the effects of biofeedback

I'm doing some research on the effects of using biofeedback.  I'm
trying to look for research, articles, papers, etc. comparing the
results of biofeedback training and meditation and hypnagogic states.
Also looking for research, articles about what people think alpha and
theta waves represent and how asymmetry or waves being more prevalent
in one hemisphere than another or one part of the brain versus another
might affect that.  For instance, some research connects presence of
theta waves with activities such as storing memories and daydreaming.

If anyone has any pointers to information on these subjects, would
greatly appreciate hearing about it.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Laura


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