Neurofeedback games stimulate the brain in many ways.
Electronic games are increasingly popular, estimated to be a $49 billion dollar global industry. A small but growing segment of the industry incorporates neurofeedback technology with the intent to enhance brain function in various ways. The potential applications are fascinating and exciting.
How Neurofeedback Works
Neurofeedback is basically biofeeedback for the brain. It involves monitoring brainwave patterns through the use of sensors applied to targeted points on the 'scalp. This technology is similar to that used in electroencephalograms, or EEG's. Usually, an initial "quantitative EEG," or QEEG, is done to provide a baseline map of a person's brainwaves. This is then run against a software database of statistically "normal" brainwave patterns to assess how a person's brain is functioning. Brainwaves found to be sub-optimal are targeted with sensors in subsequent neurofeedback sessions, thereby strengthening that area of the brain and often enabling it to operate more efficiently.
Electronic Gaming Applications
The gaming industry has taken elements of neurofeedback technology and incorporated it into electronic games. These electronic games are different from standard games because they seek to achieve a balanced, optimally performing brain in addition to providing fun and challenges for the gamer. Most neurofeedback games use strategically placed sensors to activate and track brain activity.
Neurofeedback Gaming Hardware
Manufacturers have come up with various means of placing brainwave sensors on the scalp, ranging from visors to headsets. Typically these units cost around $50 and up. Neurofeedback devices are also being developed for use with mobile phones. Many of these devices are made to interface with off-the-shelf video games and DVD's. If focus begins to wander, the video game is set to slow down and the controls do not work as efficiently. With DVD's, the screen image will start to shrink and the audio will begin to fade. Other devices are set to work exclusively with accompanying neurofeedback software.
Beneficial Uses
Many neurofeedback games exist primarily for entertainment purposes, but increasingly they are being designed to achieve very specific outcomes. For example, neurofeedback games targeted to help people with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder have had successful results. New developments are emerging to help those with other mental health diagnoses, including depression.
Another focus of many neurofeedback games is helping people achieve optimal performance in a number of areas. From improving your golf game, to seeking greater relaxation, to achieving heightened spiritual awareness, the potential applications seem limitless.
Conclusion
While the future of neurofeedback games is very promising, a word of caution is in order. Neurofeedback was originally developed to be used in a clinical setting with trained, certified professionals. A QEEG is a diagnostic tool, and without it as a baseline guide, an accurate assessment of a person's brainwave function cannot be made. According to a 2006 report in "USA Today," Henry Owens, a clinical psychologist who recommends neurofeedback games to his patients, noted that without a QEEG, "how would you know what's being treated?" He recommends seeking the opinion of a trained neurofeedback professional before proceeding on your own.
Tags: neurofeedback games, brainwave patterns, electronic games, neurofeedback technology, potential applications