Neuro at Night - Lecture on Asymmetry Research

Introduction

• Date: Monday, September 18th
• Presenter: Richard
• Topic: Asymmetry in the brain, its implications, and neurofeedback techniques
• Format: Recorded session with an interactive Q&A

General Overview

• Importance of studying asymmetry: Educational and informative for patient mapping
• Update required for courses with latest research and protocols
• Historical context: Asymmetry research by Rosenfeld, Bears, Davidson

Research and Protocols

• Focus on Alpha Asymmetry

  • Origin: Davidson in the 1980s related to affect and depression
  • Left hemisphere: Active during approach
  • Right hemisphere: More active in withdrawal, linked to depression
  • Emphasis on protocols training Alpha asymmetry to reduce depression

• Evolution of Neurofeedback Training

  • Earlier practices involved beta and SMR adjustments
  • Movement to QEEG (Quantitative EEG) and newer techniques
  • New mind approach focuses on asymmetry protocols

Key Research Findings

• Past Studies and Findings

  • Rosenfeld and Bears research established early links between asymmetry and affect
  • Various protocols emerged: Beta up, SMR up/down on different hemispheres

• Recent Studies

  • 8 RCT studies on depression, 14 on anxiety related to asymmetry
  • Effectiveness of as few as 5 sessions
  • International contributions highlighted

Recent Research Papers

• Manila et al., 2017

  • 32 subjects, 5 sessions focusing on anxiety
  • Found Alpha increase on the right, rather than balance
  • Discussed implications for depression

• Wang et al., 2019

  • 87 subjects, RCT design
  • Studied linked ears vs CZ reference
  • High beta down at P3/P4 shown effective for anxiety and depression

• Lou et al., 2022

  • SMR training at C3 shown to relieve anxiety

• Chon et al., 2016

  • Beta up at F3 for depression

Theoretical Implications

• Concepts and Models
  • Alpha as non-active idling
  • Importance of emotional stability for cognitive function
  • Compensatory training model: Manipulating activation and arousal

Practical Applications

• Training Techniques and Outcomes
  • Asymmetry protocols for anxiety and depression
  • Two-channel training (e.g., anterior/posterior, quadrants)
  • Decreased depression through activation

Conclusion

• Research Validation
  • Extensive international research supports methodologies
  • Updates to the web course will include the latest findings
• Future Directions
  • Continued exploration of multi-protocol training
• Q&A
  • Discussed practical experiences and effective combinations

Next Steps

• Upcoming session on Wednesday: Open agenda
• Encouragement for practitioners to engage and share challenges

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These notes summarize the key points and ideas discussed during the session, providing a comprehensive overview of the recent research and its practical implications in neurofeedback therapy related to brain asymmetry."