3                                                                                                Brainwave Connections                                                                            Spring 2005
Text Box: My children hit the idea: they found it “boring” to train the brain on their own – at a computer or even with an external train or car as feedback modality – “if you connect this interactive for a competition – we are with you !” There we are: Without great effort 2 trainees are able to control each a car on a two-track car race by brainwaves. By specific interfaces with two trainings-entities there is a resolution of braintraining, which is simple to realize and highly motivating. Material: 2 neurofeedback training systems like BrainMaster, computer/notebook, BrainTrain as BCI (Brain-Controlled Interface) device, 1 car race with two tracks (for example) The car race may be a simple version – no matter if for battery-use in Text Box: original. It should be compatible with the electrical requirements of the BCI-device, in case of BrainTrain DC and 6 Volt. The BrainTrain transforms feedback-sounds into electrical impulses. The interfaces of both trainings-systems are connected to the input of the car race in a specific wiring scheme – each to one track. To be fair, both systems should have the same feedback-percentages. A time-expanded feedback-sound transforms longer electrical impulses – like the “space”-sound in BrainMaster-software. To ensure comparable conditions, both trainees should train with equal training-settings. The premiere took place during our last basic-workshop in March in Hannover. First patients were Ben and Eric (see photo) – they are proudly Text Box: demonstrating this interesting training modality. Meanwhile several patients have trained with this training-setting – children trained with their parents, with their brother or sister, children were motivated through this modality of interactive training to reinforce contact with others. We often observed a remarkable increase of SMR-amplitude – reflecting the result of this highly motivating direct manner of external feedback. More than with computer-animations there exists an intrinsic, plausible connection between task and rewarded brainwaves. And there is a certain fascination to control the motion of the race car without mouse or joy-stick – it’s special fun when a car jumps the rails! Text Box: Interactive Brainwave Car Race

Trainees under the supervision of Dorte Klein, Hanover, Germany, take part in a 2-person simultaneous car race under EEG control.

The SMR amplitude trend for Torbin shows a clear increase with BCI  training
Text Box: really drive in competition, the trainees are learning rather an interactive communication. This social aspect should be investigated further. It seems that an interactive use of neurofeedback opens new fields of applications with further tools and comprehensive therapy settings. Please email for wiring diagram or specific information Doerte Klein, Dipl.-Psychologin/Psychotherapeutin, EEG-Biofeedback Trainingszentrum Hannover, Germany www.eegbiofeedback.de info@eegbiofeedback.de