Neurofeedback: A Guide to Understanding the Different Types

The risk of typing “neurofeedback” into your search bar is getting lost in the sea of information—some reliable, some less so.

Neuroscience has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years, and it’s thanks to this science, combined with advanced technology, that neurofeedback was born.

Unfortunately, with progress comes pitfalls, such as the spread of “neuromyths.” For example, it’s widely believed that we use only 10% of our brain’s capacity or that people can be categorized as “right-brained” (creative and emotional) or “left-brained” (analytical and logical). These myths are as enticing as they are false, and they’re traps to avoid!

In the field of neuroscience and neurofeedback, scientific rigor and evidence-based research are your best allies.

In this article, we’ll clarify the different types of neurofeedback and the technologies used, exploring their scientific validity, how they work, and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

1. Dynamical Neurofeedback (NeurOptimal)

NeurOptimal, also known as dynamical neurofeedback, is likely the system you’ll encounter most often when researching neurofeedback. It’s also the one that makes the most sweeping promises. But how does it hold up scientifically?

How It Works

NeurOptimal is an automated system based on proprietary algorithms (which remain undisclosed). The same brain region is always targeted during sessions, and there’s no evaluation conducted before or during training. Electrodes are always placed in the same spots, and the approach does not consider individual differences.

Sessions are entirely passive for the participant, who simply sits in front of a computer and can even sleep or engage in another activity. The trainer does not intervene.

Scientific Limitations

Unfortunately, NeurOptimal and other automated systems cannot be scientifically validated because their methodology lacks transparency and reproducibility. As a result, they are not recognized as therapeutic tools in neuroscience and are often considered to rely on a placebo effect.

2. Traditional qEEG Neurofeedback

This is the original form of neurofeedback, first explored by pioneers like Barry Sterman and Joe Kamiya. Using quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) to measure brainwave activity, these researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of neurofeedback, particularly in treating epilepsy.

How It Works

Traditional qEEG neurofeedback is based on the brain’s ability to adapt, also known as neuroplasticity. Participants learn to regulate their brainwaves through operant conditioning, conscious self-regulation, and feedback.

The process begins with an initial brain assessment to create a global understanding of brain function and identify specific brainwave patterns to train. Based on this evaluation, a personalized protocol is designed to target individual goals.

Training typically involves:

• 2 sessions per week for a total of 25 to 40 sessions.

• Each protocol includes 10 to 15 sessions with specific goals and strategies.

• At the end of each protocol, a new qEEG evaluation is conducted to measure progress.

During sessions, 1-2 electrodes are placed on the target brain area to record brain activity in real time. This non-invasive process allows the participant to better understand their brain function, guided by the trainer, who helps develop effective and personalized strategies.

Scientific Evidence

Traditional qEEG neurofeedback has demonstrated evidence-based efficacy in treating:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Depression

• Epilepsy

It also shows potential efficacy for:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., learning disabilities, dyslexia)

• Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychoses

• Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

• Sleep disorders

• Chronic pain

• Tinnitus

• Performance optimization (sports, creativity, arts, and cognitive tasks)

There are many other experimental applications as well.

For a deeper dive into the applications of qEEG neurofeedback, stay tuned for our upcoming articles or check out our training programs through our webiBRAINs and neuroTALK show.

3. LORETA Neurofeedback (and all the variants)

Technological advancements have revolutionized neurofeedback, and the LORETA system (Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography) is a prime example of this progress.

LORETA uses quantitative EEG (qEEG) paired with complex probability calculations to target subcortical brain regions and networks.

How It Works

The evaluation and training process for LORETA is similar to traditional qEEG neurofeedback:

• An initial assessment establishes a detailed understanding of brain function.

• Training protocols are designed based on specific goals.

However, there are key differences:

• Enhanced Precision: LORETA offers exceptional accuracy during evaluations.

• Training Method: LORETA uses a 19-electrode cap (compared to 1-2 electrodes in traditional qEEG neurofeedback). Training primarily relies on operant conditioning, making the process largely passive for the participant. Unlike traditional qEEG neurofeedback, LORETA does not encourage conscious self-regulation.

Scientific Evidence

LORETA neurofeedback is supported by science, much like traditional qEEG neurofeedback. It may be particularly effective for:

• Tinnitus

• Addictive behaviors

• PTSD

However, there is significantly less scientific literature on LORETA compared to traditional qEEG neurofeedback. Additionally, its complexity and cost mean that traditional qEEG neurofeedback remains the most commonly used and supported approach.

4. Home Neurofeedback Systems

Finally, we come to home neurofeedback systems.

Today, anyone can purchase a “neurofeedback” system online for as little as $300–$400. These devices, often worn as headbands, claim to improve sleep, concentration, or overall well-being. But how effective are they?

How It Works

These systems offer standardized protocols without any prior evaluation, meaning they fail to account for individual differences. Training is passive, and users must develop their own strategies to influence brain activity—without the guidance of a professional.

The equipment used in these systems often provides poor-quality readings of brain activity, which explains their low cost.

Potential and Limitations

While current home systems lack the rigor and effectiveness of professional neurofeedback, future advancements in technology and minimal professional guidance could make them a useful complement to traditional neurofeedback. For now, they are not recognized as therapeutic tools by neuroscience.

Which Neurofeedback Should You Choose?

Neurofeedback continues to evolve, both technologically and scientifically. Among the various methods, traditional qEEG neurofeedback stands out as the most effective and scientifically supported.

By placing the individual at the center of the process, traditional qEEG neurofeedback combines the therapeutic relationship with the precision of functional neuroimaging tools.

When applied rigorously and seriously, this method can truly make a difference. But how exactly does a neurofeedback session work? It all begins with an initial qEEG assessment, which we’ll explore in our next article.

If neurofeedback interests you, visit our website to explore this fascinating technique in more detail. You can also reach out to us at contact@neurologic.academy—we’d love to hear from you!

References

• Hammond, D. C. (2011). What is neurofeedback: An update. Journal of Neurotherapy, 15(4), 305-336.

• Marzbani, H., Marateb, H. R., & Mansourian, M. (2016). Neurofeedback: a comprehensive review on system design, methodology, and clinical applications. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, 7(2), 143.