Most professionals and researchers in the field of neurofeedback are familiar with the now classic neurofeedback study by Barry Sterman entitled, “Electroencephalographic and Behavioral Studies of Monomethyl Hydrazine Toxicity in the Cat.” This is perhaps one of, or the most, important studies to be conducted in neurofeedback. The Journal of Neurotherapy has made this important study available for all. Check the end of this report for a free download link for full-text access.
Dr. Sterman demonstrated that cats who received SMR-neurofeedback became resistant to seizures when exposed to jet fuel. He further hypothesized that SMR-neurofeedback might be able to produce a similar protective effect in humans.
Future studies would show that SMR-neurofeedback, which typically targets increased SMR (sensori-motor rhythm; 12 – 15 Hz on the sensori-motor strip) and decreased slow waves (often Theta or 4 – 8 hertz), did indeed reduce the number of seizures in those with seizure disorders, such as epilepsy. Moreover, these reduction in seizures occurred even in those with treatment resistant epilepsy.
The release of this classic study is a positive development for the field of neurofeedback. There is a strong push to disseminate neurofeedback research (as well as to conduct more studies) to the general public by the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research, the parent organization of the Journal of Neurotherapy, and the release of this free journal article this certainly helps to meet this important goal.
Download / Reference
M. B. Sterman, R. W. LoPresti, & M. D. Fairchild. Electroencephalographic and Behavioral Studies of Monomethyl Hydrazine Toxicity in the Cat. Journal of Neurotherapy, 14:293–300, 2010.
Citations
Tobias Egner and M Barry Sterman. Neurofeedback treatment of epilepsy: from basic rationale to practical application. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, February 2006, Vol. 6, No. 2, Pages 247-257 , DOI 10.1586/14737175.6.2.247
M. Barry Sterman and Tobias Egner. Foundation and Practice of Neurofeedback for the Treatment of Epilepsy. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, Volume 31, Number 1, 21-35, DOI: 10.1007/s10484-006-9002-x
Chris,
I haven’t received the Behav Med Report for about 2 months now and miss it terribly. Can you please check to see if I’m still subscribed? I haven’t changed anything on my end.
Thank you.
Jerry Kozlowski
Hi Gerald. Thanks for contacting me. I am going to send you a back channel message.
Dr. Chris Fisher