EEG the New Frontier

M. Barry Sterman, Ph.D.

This workshop provides an objective examination of what EEG is, what it tells us about the brain, how to properly obtain and evaluate topographic data, and how to use that information to most effectively apply the method of neurofeedback. The principles reviewed in the workshop are based on many years of controlled laboratory studies. These quantitative EEG (QEEG) studies addressed the correlates of both normal and abnormal brain functioning. The workshop material will cover many unresolved issues and shortcomings associated with both research and clinical use of EEG. Dr. Sterman will describe improved methods and unique assessment metrics that have proven essential for competent clinical assessment and neurofeedback therapy. In addition to the theoretical background, the workshop will cover the practical application of quantitative EEG (QEEG) using the latest techniques and technology.

Surface EMG in Physical Medicine:

Glenn Kasman, MS, PT.

Introduction - Includes, physiological rationale, recording technique, safety, electrode placements, troubleshooting, and very basic clinical concepts.

Limitations – Covers limitations of surface EMG, normalization, data management, understanding clinical EMG standards, motor learning, setting patients up for success, and EMG-triggered electrical muscle stimulation.

Testing & Assessment - Includes assessment and feedback training techniques, interpretation; specific applications for headache, TMD, whiplash and other cervical problems, shoulder impingement, instability, and scapular pain syndromes, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, low back and trunk dysfunction, hip pain, general knee rehab, ACL rehab, and patellofemoral dysfunction; and a module on applications for neurological rehab.

Clinical Applications of S-EMG Biofeedback

Gabriel E. Sella, M.D.

S-EMG methodology has been used successfully in the investigation and treatment of a number of clinical conditions. The subject will be discussed over a two-day period on the clinical aspects of investigation and treatment of the following pathologies: (a) tension headache, (b) primary muscular neck pain (c) secondary muscular neck pain from overuse of the accessory muscles of respiration, (d) chest pain of muscular origin and (e) low back pain. The participant will learn to recognize clinically, by differential diagnosis, the presence of symptoms specific to the above conditions. The participant will learn to apply S-EMG muscular investigation on specific muscles affecting the condition in order to determine the specific locations of biofeedback treatment. The participant will learn to apply S-EMG biofeedback treatment modality by specific protocols for each of the above conditions.

Basics of EEG Biofeedback

Ben Reitsma, Ph.D.,

Johan Fekkes, drs. & Wytze van der Zwaag, drs.

In this 1-day workshop, participants are offered a neurophysiological and theoretical framework for applying EEG biofeedback. Topics covered include neocortical dynamics, a model of arousal regulation and cortical potentials (EEG-data). The consequences of this framework are presented in a clinical approach to EEG biofeedback with attention to Assessment procedures and a clinical decision strategy for tailoring EEG biofeedback treatment. In the afternoon, the clinical approach is applied to dealing with the instrumentation with hands-on demonstration of electrodes, raw EEG-signals, frequency bands of interest, filtering techniques and feedback principles. A demonstration of the BioGraph and EEG Spectrum software is given and attendees can familiarize themselves with more practical aspects of EEG biofeedback by being connected to an instrument and running a demonstration training session.

Strategies for Internal Self-Regulation

Jan van Dixhoorn, Ph.D.

Participants in this workshop will learn some of the procedures that can induce concrete changes in posture, breathing, attention, body and mood. The same instruction can elicit different changes in different individuals, and these differences will be discussed in detail. From this greater understanding of individual differences, ways to find effective strategies for self-regulation will be presented. Participants will learn how to select those procedures that provide meaningful feedback for themselves or their clients.

Healthy Computing with Biofeedback: Assessment, intervention and prevention of repetitive motion injury

Erik Peper, Ph.D.

Prevent computer-related disorders (e.g., repetitive strain injuries, upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders) that annually cost businesses approximately $7 billion in treatment and lost work time. Learn a systems perspective utilizing applied psychophysiology for assessment, training, prevention and implementation at the work site that includes ergonomics, work style and stress management strategies. Specially learn:

  • To understand a systems perspective of computer-related disorders utilizing the seven components of healthy computing.
  • To know the basics of ergonomic principles and healthy work styles.
  • To use a standardized psychophysiological assessment with sEMG, SCR, Temp and respiration at the computer workstation.
  • To use biofeedback for ergonomic assessment and recommendations.
  • To understand the components of a six-session Healthy Computing prevention program that encompasses biofeedback training, ergonomics, somatic awareness, work style, fitness, and stress management.

Imagery, Visualization and Stress Management: Make Health Happen

Erik Peper, Ph.D.

Based upon a structured 14-session program stress management protocol, the workshop focuses upon the imagery and visualization techniques to mobilize health and facilitate self-regulation. Incorporates awareness and analysis of stress and illness risk factors, dynamic relaxation, effortless breathing, generalization techniques with peripheral hand warming, cognitive self-management through analysis and change of the internal dialog, rewriting of past unsuccessful events. The major focus of the workshop is imagery and visualization with behavior change to reduce illness and mobilize health. Imagery and visualization are a useful method to become access and change emotional patterns as they relate to illness. of to enhance health. Imagery and visualization with relaxation and breathing can be applied as a primary or adjunctive approach for a broad range of psychosomatic disorders that range from chronic pain to cancer. Can be used with individuals and in groups. The workshop components are:

  • An overview of the Make Health Happen 14 session structured program for learning and teaching effective stress management techniques in groups or with individuals.
  • A description of specific practices involved in dynamic relaxation, cognitive balance, and self-healing through imagery and behavior change.
  • Specific strategies to teach how to use imagery, rewrite the past events, and explore messages from the unconscious.
  • Guided structured visualization and self-healing practices to reduce symptoms and enhance health through developing, carrying out and adapting the self-healing imagery.

From Therapy Center to the Workplace

Gideon de Haan, PT

Biofeedback has a central place in learning-based rehab-programs. This interactive workshop focuses on biofeedback from the therapy center to the workplace. The workshop will show participants how to build a bridge from the therapy center to the workplace with the use of biofeedback as a training- & diagnostic tool for treatment of work-related disorders “around-the-clock”. Participants will learn from practical cases, question and answer sessions and practice.

EEG Evaluation & Treatment of ADD/HD, and Other Disorders

Joel Lubar, Ph.D.

This workshop will cover neurofeedback assessment and treatment of disorders for which there is clear published evidence for efficacy. Participants will be introduced to EEG concepts including the meaning of EEG terminology, the interpretation of signatures, and the distinction between raw EEG and QEEG. Artifacts that can contaminate EEG records will be demonstrated, how to recognize and minimize them, and a new methodology shown for eliminating most artifact from the recordings. Participants will be shown specific protocols for AD/HD, seizures, depression, anxiety, alcohol/drug dependency, Tourettes Syndrome and the treatment of affective disorders and others. Important segments of the workshop will included illustrative case histories with graphs of EEG changes over time.

Treating Pelvic Floor Dysregulation Incontinence and Vulvovaginal Pain

Howard Glazer, Ph.D.

This workshop starts with the basics of SEMG and deals with a number of applications of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction including urinary/bowel involuntary loss and retention disorders as well as pelvic and vulvovaginal pain disorders. It includes a detailed review of the structure and functioning of the pelvic floor and the principles and practical application of SEMG biofeedback. The focus is on didactic presentation for the first day and a half followed by practical hands-on demonstration for participants who wish to experience the technology and patient demonstration evaluations. The workshop includes instructional presentation, demonstration and hands-on instruction in the use of clinical and home-training units.

Achieving High Performance

Henk Kraaijenhof

This seminar provides you with practical assessment and training for achieving high performance in ones personal, professional or sport life. How to chose and use biofeedback modalities, organize, and individualize training programs will be shown. New technologies and tools for maintaining a balanced life while enhancing peformance will be discussed.

Biofeedback for Clinical Practice: Anxiety and Psychosomatic Disorders

Donald Moss, Ph.D.

The objective of the workshop is to provide participants with a basic orientation to the use of respiration training and HRV biofeedback for anxiety disorders. Biofeedback and self-regulation skills training can be integrated clinically with the cognitive-behavioral approach to the anxiety disorders. Day 1 covers the identification of anxiety disorders, cardiovascular and respiratory physiology, and HRV Biofeedback -- a general overview and introduction to HRV as applied to managing stress and anxiety disorders. Day 2 covers the psychophysiology of the anxiety disorders, and assessment procedures including a multi-modal psychophysiological baseline, capnometric evaluation of respiration with a hyperventilation trial, and an initial baseline of heart rate variability.