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New Alpha/Theta Neurofeedback & Creativity Study |
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Sunday, 21 December 2008 |
A theory of alpha/theta neurofeedback, creative performance
enhancement, long distance functional connectivity and
psychological integration.
Gruzelier J.
Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London,
Lewisham Way, New Cross, London, SE14 6NW, UK,
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Professionally significant enhancement of music and dance
performance and mood has followed training with an
EEG-neurofeedback protocol which increases the ratio of theta to
alpha waves using auditory feedback with eyes closed. While
originally the protocol was designed to induce hypnogogia, a state
historically associated with creativity, the outcome was
psychological integration, while subsequent applications focusing
on raising the theta-alpha ratio, reduced depression and anxiety in
alcoholism and resolved post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). In
optimal performance studies we confirmed associations with
creativity in musical performance, but effects also included
technique and communication. We extended efficacy to dance and
social anxiety. Diversity of outcome has a counterpart in wide
ranging associations between theta oscillations and behaviour in
cognitive and affective neuroscience: in animals with sensory-motor
activity in exploration, effort, working memory, learning,
retention and REM sleep; in man with meditative concentration,
reduced anxiety and sympathetic autonomic activation, as well as
task demands in virtual spatial navigation, focussed and sustained
attention, working and recognition memory, and having implications
for synaptic plasticity and long term potentiation. Neuroanatomical
circuitry involves the ascending mescencephalic-cortical arousal
system, and limbic circuits subserving cognitive as well as
affective/motivational functions. Working memory and meditative
bliss, representing cognitive and affective domains, respectively,
involve coupling between frontal and posterior cortices, exemplify
a role for theta and alpha waves in mediating the interaction
between distal and widely distributed connections. It is posited
that this mediation in part underpins the integrational attributes
of alpha-theta training in optimal performance and psychotherapy,
creative associations in hypnogogia, and enhancement of technical,
communication and artistic domains of performance in the arts.
more here
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Biofeedback 
