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Predictive Brain Amplitude Maps of Human Mood States
Society for the Study of Neuronal Regulation conference, May 1-4, 1994
James V. Hardt, Ph.D.
With the recent availability of computerized EEG analysis
equipment, brain mapping has become popular, seeing the emergence of many
colorful types of displays capable of imaging depressed brains, happy brains,
active brains, resting brains, etc. Whatever their variations, all of these
mapping techniques are alike in that they are descriptive rather than
predictive. They can describe a depressed brain or a happy brain, but they can
not prescribed what brain parameters to change, or in what order, or in what
direction to move from depressed to happy, or from sleepy to vigor, or from
confused to clear thinking. As a consequence much EEG feedback is misguided or
unguided. This deficiency is remedied with a new Brain Activity Mapping and
Training (BAMAT) method. Twenty one different moods were assessed with
published mood scales (MAACL, Clyde, POMS) before and after each day of the 7
consecutive day Biocybernaut Institute introductory alpha feedback training, in
which 17 right handed non-meditators (men and women) had 8 channel EEGs (O1,
O2, C3, C4, T3, T4, F3, F4) recorded while each channel was filtered into 8
spectral sub-bands (delta, slow theta, fast theta, slow alpha, broad-band
alpha, fast alpha, slow beta, broad-band beta) while they had 4 channel EEG
feedback on broad-band alpha from O1, O2, C3, and C4. Audio feedback was from 4
spatially separated speakers using 4 different tonal pitches. At 2 minute
intervals audio feedback stopped for 8 seconds, during which blue digital
displays showed trainees their integrated amplitude alpha scores at each
feedback site: O1, O2, C3, and C4. The 64 EEG variables were analyzed to
produce mean, maximum, and minimum scores on each variable, which were
convolved with the mood scale variables in novel ways to minimize individual
error variance and maximize the predictive power of the resultant Brain
Amplitude Maps. Recurring patterns in the maps of different mood states reveal
surprising underlying similarities between certain moods. Visual similarities
are immediately apparent between maps of moods we consider similar. Important
applications to mental health and peak performance are readily suggested. The
implications of having detailed prescriptive maps to guide EEG feedback
training are beyond our current ability to imagine, but this training
methodology could be used to improve our imaginative abilities.
Method (Equipment)
All EEG data were collected with Biocybernaut Institute
Mark 5A Hybrid Spectral Analysis systems, with 64 channel 12 bit A/D
converters. Input to the A/D was provided by 8 EEG amplifiers, each with 8
analog filters. The filters were very sharp (300-400 dB/octave roll off, and
1/3 dB ripple in the pass band). The filters provided delta, slow half of
theta, fast half of theta, slow third of alpha, broad band alpha, fast third of
alpha, slow half of beta, broad band beta signals on each of the 8 EEG
channels: bilateral Occipital, Central, Temporal, and Frontal (O1, O2, C3, C4,
T3, T4, F3, F4). The smoothed, full wave rectified filter output was input to
the A/Ds. Four channel feedback was provided simultaneously from broad band
alpha at the Occipital and Central sites (O1, O2, C3, C4), while the Temporal
and Frontal sites were only passively recorded (ie. no feedback). Recording was
monopolar to linked ears reference.
Method (Procedure)
Every effort was made to follow recommended procedures for
successful alpha enhancement training (Hardt, 1974, 1990). Ss had 7
consecutive days of alpha feedback training. Each day had eyes open, eyes
closed and white noise baselines. Alpha enhancement training times were 60
minutes on days 1-2, 90 minutes on days 3-4, and 120 minutes on days 5-7, with
the option given to trainees to do additional alpha enhancement on days
5-7. Alpha feedback was both audio tones and digital scores (visual). There
were 4 tones from 4 spatially separated speakers (from O1, O2, C3, C4), with
tone volume proportional to instantaneous amplitude of the alpha
envelope. Feedback tones operated for 2 minute intervals, then were interrupted
for 8 seconds of digital display of integrated amplitude alpha scores from each
of the 4 feedback sites. Then score displays turned off and tone feedback
resumed. After each session, an experienced trainer asked for subjective
reports and gave a review of results.
Results
Determination of Cumulative Change Scores and
t-testing: Sets of change scores were calculated, separately for each of
the 17 Ss, on each of the 7 days of training. Each set had 64 change
scores (8 head sites with 8 filters at each head site).
Future alpha and theta studies may see benefits in design,
execution, interpretation, and application from greater understanding of Zen
philosophy, Zen practice, and the Zen progression of mind states from the
beginning student's mind, through kensho, culminating in
satori. Learning to extend one's moments of peak performance (staying in the
"Zone") through properly designed programs of EEG feedback training is now a
realistic goal. Slightly more difficult, is the goal of learning how to enter
the "Zone" whenever peak performance is required. Attainment of these goals
promises the rewards of peak performance for athletics, business, science,
education, government, the arts, perhaps in every area of human endeavor where
people are in search of excellence.
References
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electroencephalographic studies in Yogis, Electroencephalography and
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Hardt, J.V. Alpha EEG responses of low and high anxiety
males to respiration and relaxation training and to auditory feedback of
occipital alpha. Dissertation Abstracts, International,
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Hardt, J.V. and Kamiya, J. Anxiety change through EEG alpha
feedback: Seen only in high anxiety subjects. Science, 201,
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Hardt, J.V., Timmons, B.H., Yeager, C.L., & Kamiya,
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Hardt, J.V. EEG Biofeedback Method and System for Training
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#4,928,704, May 29, (1990).
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