METHOD TO IMPROVE NEUROFEEDBACK TRAINING USING A REINFORCEMENT SYSTEM OF COMPUTERIZED GAME-LIKE COGNITIVE OR ENTERTAINMENT-BASED TRAINING ACTIVITIES

摘要

This invention consists of a neurofeedback training system that utilizes EEG activity based goals to help motivate trainees to learn to produce and sustain desirable EEG activity by enabling them to earn “game play” time. The method provides positive behavioral reinforcement to trainees by rewarding them with the opportunity to begin or continue to participate in computer game-like or entertainment-based training activities (e.g., video games, educational games, movies, music or computerized cognitive training exercises) whenever the specified EEG activity goals are achieved and maintained for a set time period. The method also provides, in one embodiment, negative reinforcement in the form of the loss of game play or entertainment opportunities whenever the specified EEG activity goals are not achieved or maintained for a specified time interval. The subject method provides simultaneous real-time, concurrent visual, auditory and/or quantitative informational feedback during the game-like computer play or entertainment that puts the trainees “in charge” so that they can win or lose game play time based on their ability to produce the specified brainwave activity that is being reinforced. The purpose of this method is to help trainees learn to maintain desirable, alert mental states associated with successful cognitive and emotional functioning during neurofeedback training exercises and during any life activity requiring active mental engagement.