Neurofeedback training is a natural, non-invasive method to boost your mental and cognitive performance by manipulating your brainwaves in a particular way.
While research on neurofeedback’s nootropic abilities is largely inconclusive, several controlled trials suggest the practice might help in treating chronic mental conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Neurofeedback has also become surprisingly easy to administer in recent years. Thanks to innovative devices, you can now perform this intricate training from the comfort of your home.
Below are the five tips to consider when using at-home neurofeedback devices.
1. Understand What Constitutes a Home Neurofeedback Kit
Like other forms of biofeedback, neurofeedback’s success comes down to the quality and reliability of the selected devices. According to brain training experts, such as Outliyr, some of the most suitable home neurofeedback kits include both hardware and software components, allowing users to undergo neurofeedback training which further maintains their superhuman ‘flow state.’
At-home neurofeedback hardware mostly comprises sensors and amplifiers.
The sensors are equipped with electrodes that pick up electrical brain activities or brainwaves. They attach to your head using a provided mechanism.
Earlier neurofeedback sensors were attached to the scalp employing a conductive paste. However, newer versions may require a cap, depending on the sensors available and the recommended placement.
Neurofeedback amplifiers relay the brainwave signals picked up by the sensors to computer software, where most of the work happens.
The software compares incoming brainwaves against a prerecorded baseline. A deviation from the normal brainwave sets off an automatic audio and/or video signal that cues the brain to refocus back to the proper range.
2. Insist On Advanced Neurofeedback Devices
Simply knowing what constitutes a home neurofeedback kit isn’t enough. For optimal results, you should insist on the most advanced equipment available.
Speed and accuracy are the key metrics for gauging the efficacy of neurofeedback hardware components. Consider sensors that can pick brainwave frequencies from as low as 0.5 Hertz to 100+ Hertz.
Besides, prioritize a medically certified hardware kit.
As for the software, choose applications with an intuitive interface that supports dynamic data visualization. Sans.AI is a noteworthy mention here.
Known as the world’s first and only neuroadaptive system in the world, Sans.AI encompasses all the necessary components to produce optimal neurofeedback. Besides, Sans.AI/s personalized system allows a user to train every peak-performance brainwave, enabling you to develop a suitable personal program to attain ideal results.
3. Define Your Goals
Now that you’ve assembled the best home neurofeedback kit, proceed to define the objectives for the training. This step is critical, as it determines the program’s overall success.
As mentioned, neurofeedback is commonly used to manipulate the brainwaves of ADHD and PTSD patients. Some findings also suggest the training may increase pain tolerance and enhance cognitive performance for people with depressive disorder (MDD).
Other common neurofeedback applications include promoting restful sleep, managing opiate dependence disorder, and improving athletic endurance.
Note that each condition is associated with specific brain signals. If you’re targeting multiple goals, record and analyze data from each training separately.
Alternatively, you should consider neurofeedback configurations that can train several brain metrics (power, phase, coherence, etc.). It’s even better if the device can measure different metrics concurrently.
Mendi relies on its non-invasive fNIRS sensors, which are powerful enough to analyze the subtlest brain activity. Equipped with infrared light, these sensors may also train other physiological aspects like heart rate.
4. Assess Your Mind Frame
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when using a home neurofeedback device is to go into the training with the wrong mind frame.
While neurofeedback may be effective at retraining brainwaves associated with mental health conditions like ADHD, do not perform the training during periods of mental meltdowns. The best time to utilize a neurofeedback home kit is when mental health symptoms are mildest or nearly imperceptible. Any visible anxiety signs are your cue to postpone the training.
Self-administering neurofeedback training is also discouraged if you have a seizure disorder or recently had a concussion or implants. The same is true if you’re presently under prescription medications or suffer from substance use disorders.
These conditions can falsify the results, making it difficult to draw conclusive reports from the collected data.
5. Analyze Data Against a Baseline Reading
Most neurofeedback training occurs in two phases.
The first phase involves taking your baseline readings, representing your normal brainwave range. After recording the baseline neural data, you can conduct the second phase of the training right away or later.
Each result should be compared against your baseline reading to draw conclusive findings. You can then refocus your brain accordingly whenever you detect significant deviations from the baseline range.
For long-lasting impact, consistency is key. The training period will depend on the neurofeedback system and targeted brainwaves.
Sens.ai, a leading home neurofeedback provider, recommends performing about 20-minute sessions daily for at least thrice a week for eight weeks.
As for the brainwaves, alpha waves (8–10 Hz) are considerably easier to train than beta (11–25 Hz) and gamma (30 — 100 Hz) waves since they’re recorded during periods of complete body relaxation and intense mental focus.
The Bottom Line
Gone are the days when neurofeedback was conducted at specialized clinics under the strict supervision of a licensed psychologist or psychotherapist.
With advancements in biofeedback technology, you can unlock neurofeedback’s perceived cognitive benefits by self-administering the training at home. Just be sure to insist on a premium at-home toolkit from a credible neurofeedback brand.
Verify that the selected kit contains essential neurofeedback accessories, then follow an expert’s manual to improve each test’s accuracy. You could also enlist professional help to better interpret neurofeedback data.
