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

[Steve S. <acu...@gm...>]

qEEG

On Fri, Apr 2, 2021, 9:34 PM Ray Cole <ray...@ms...> wrote:

> 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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