Neurofeedback technology offers exciting solutions for treating ADHD symptoms, anxiety and cognitive performance. Devices used for neurofeedback convert your brain’s electrical activity into digital signals that can be monitored and trained upon for enhanced training and monitoring purposes.
Sensors can detect EEG (electrical brainwave patterns) or fNIRS (blood-flow tracking), while linear (directive) systems use set protocols and gamified feedback mechanisms to train specific frequencies toward desired states.
1. SDCNF
Hilber co-founded the San Diego Center for Neurofeedback with Dr. Christiana Silva in 2013 before it later merged into San Diego Therapy Center as a non-profit, offering non-medication based neurofeedback services that improved physiological self-regulation, symptom reduction and overall functioning for individuals suffering from trauma, ADHD, anxiety or behavioral concerns as well as autism spectrum disorders. Her work has proven particularly impactful in helping youth.
Baker emphasizes the importance of selecting a neurofeedback device which does not introduce electrical currents into one’s brain to avoid side effects or interference with normal function. She notes programs like Cygnet and Othmer method, which monitor brainwaves directly, allow clinicians to create more personalized treatment plans by following protocols as guides, adapting training accordingly based on symptoms experienced and client responses, while still offering feedback to users.
However, these systems require a QEEG brain map which typically costs between $700 and $3,000 prior to beginning neurofeedback training, thus increasing its price significantly.
2. Muse
Interaxon first launched the Muse headband as an experiment in neurofeedback, notifying users when their brain wave activity reached certain thresholds. Since then, the device has expanded into sleep and performance tracking features as well. Interaxon’s latest model, Muse S Athena is its first to incorporate functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). These sensors track blood flow to your brain to track concentration. When distractedness arises, the device increases volume on meditation programs as well as providing audio feedback of tweeting birds to help stay focused.
The Muse device records your nighttime activities using accelerometer and gyroscope data and tracks metrics like heart and breathing rates to improve sleep hygiene. Each morning, a score will indicate your quality and efficiency of restful slumber. In addition, its app offers guided meditations, ambient noise programs and mindset talks designed to build mindfulness practice; those looking for an even more customized experience can upgrade to the Muse Premium Subscription Bundle which offers access to over 500 meditation and sleep programs!
Researchers have utilized previous generations of Muse headbands to investigate topics ranging from mental fatigue in emergency room workers and pilots on duty, to having one available to consumers outside the lab – however due to sensor limitations this version of device may make answering some of their pressing questions challenging.
To use the Muse S Athena, download and enable Bluetooth on your primary smartphone or tablet device, attaching its headband to your head, and starting a session in the Muse app. When connected, sensors detect when it is time for meditation or sleep programs at their designated volumes to start playing – gradually decreasing as sensors sense near-fall asleep indicators – eventually silencing completely when proximity sensor detects your eyes shutting. Each charge lasts approximately two hours of use – available exclusively through Muse’s website with 30-day return policy!
3. Narbis
Focusing in today’s world can be hard work. What if there was a device that could help train your brain to be more focused? Neurofeedback technology has been scientifically proven to enhance focus and attention – now available for at-home use!
Narbis, founded by father-son team Brian and Paul Narbis, took neurofeedback out of the lab and into wearable glasses. These smart glasses include electrodes that rest on your head to track brainwave activity and determine whether you are distracted or focused. If the system detects that you become disfocused, lenses darken to remind you to pay attention again. With two or three 20-minute sessions each week, users can gradually become better at keeping their lenses clear while developing concentration skills.
Similar technologies have garnered the interest of professional athletes and musicians looking to improve their performance, including members of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning soccer team who claimed they used neurofeedback training as part of their winning strategy. But Narbis founders wanted this technology available for people needing focus in work or school environments – without needing to set aside extra time for gaming video games.
As with other at-home neurofeedback devices, Narbis glasses provide a readout of your brainwaves and encourage healthy ones while discouraging bad ones – both are proven techniques for increasing neuroplasticity – the brain’s capacity to adapt quickly to changing circumstances by creating new neural connections between neurons.
Devon Greco, the company’s founder, told the Philadelphia Inquirer he hopes to sell Narbis glasses both to consumers and businesses alike in time. Already it has garnered interest from some MLB teams as well as clinics that provide neurofeedback therapy treatments.
While the Narbis isn’t yet ready for public consumption, its creator has already raised $42,997 through Kickstarter and plans on shipping early backers their devices this fall for approximately $295 each.
4. Flowtime
This neurofeedback device offers a flexible approach to time management that maximizes deep and uninterrupted focus states known as flow states. Unlike strict timer-based systems like Pomodoro’s Pomodoro Technique, Flowtime lets your work continue until attention naturally begins to waiver instead of forcing breaks every so often according to an arbitrary timer. This makes Flowtime particularly ideal for neurodivergent users who struggle initiating tasks but excel at hyperfocusing once engaged.
Brainwave monitoring and biosensing feedback is designed to assist with practicing techniques that reduce anxiety, calm your heart rate, increase focus and productivity and strengthen productivity. You’ll see your brainwaves and heart rate displayed on a screen while hearing music or mediation music playing to encourage certain brainwave patterns. Some apps also offer beginner-friendly lessons or guided mindfulness meditations so that users know how to utilize the equipment effectively.
If you have a specific health condition, always consult with a physician prior to using home neurofeedback devices. When used to treat anxiety disorders or similar ailments, professional training at a clinic is often more beneficial and can provide more comprehensive treatment that allows better management of symptoms.
Mendi headset combines advanced neurofeedback with cutting-edge fNIRS technology, which measures and visualizes prefrontal cortical activity. You can play games based on this activity and even control a ball moving on screen! Sensors detect activity within your prefrontal cortex to help regulate emotions, break negative thought patterns, and increase attention span.
The Flowtime app offers many tools to improve mental health and wellbeing, such as 110 beginner-friendly lessons and guided meditations to teach you how to use your device effectively, exercises, and games that enhance focus and concentration, tracking progress reports, setting reminders for important events or tracking physical health indicators, such as stress levels. You can even connect it with other apps for increased tracking power!
