As with the neurofeedback equipment itself, competition for market share among training methodologies is intense. Each approach strives to demonstrate its superiority—whether in effectiveness, speed, or long-term outcomes. However, research in this field is both costly and complex, primarily due to the wide variety of protocols and techniques used to influence brain activity.

While all methods aim to improve regulation, each one claims to offer distinct advantages depending on what aspect of brain function is being reprogrammed.

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Overview of Common Neurofeedback Methodologies:

Amplitude Training

This is the most traditional form of neurofeedback, focused on increasing or decreasing specific brainwave frequencies (e.g., alpha, beta, theta). The goal is to bring brainwave activity into more optimal ranges, depending on the symptoms being treated.

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Coherence Training

Coherence refers to the degree of connectivity or synchronization between different regions of the brain.

• For example, limited coherence between the front-left and rear-left regions may impair short-term memory.

• Conversely, hyper-coherence in the frontal lobes can create difficulty processing new information, resulting in disorganization and poor task execution.

Coherence training helps optimize these communication pathways, improving cognitive clarity and coordination.

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z-Score Training (2-Channel / 4-Channel)

This method uses real-time comparisons of an individual's brain activity to a normative database (z-scores) to guide training.

• 2-channel z-score training focuses on balancing activity between two key brain sites.

• 4-channel training allows for more complex, network-level reorganization, promoting deeper integration across brain regions.

 

z-Score LORETA Training

This advanced protocol uses Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA) to target deeper brain structures in three dimensions. It provides a more detailed and spatially precise method for normalizing brain function across multiple areas simultaneously.

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Infra-slow Fluctuation (ISF) Training

ISF neurofeedback is a cutting-edge technique targeting the brain’s lowest-frequency electrical activity (<0.1 Hz) using direct current (DC)–coupled amplifiers.

• While distinct from Slow Cortical Potential (SCP) and Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) training, ISF shares their focus on emergent state regulation.

• This method emphasizes real-time frequency adjustments to guide subtle shifts in brain state, leading to improved emotional and physiological regulation.

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Slow Cortical Potential (SCP) Training

SCP training targets the brain’s slow electrical shifts (up to several seconds long) that are involved in regulating cortical excitability. It's widely used in clinical research, especially for attention disorders and seizure regulation, and is well-established in European neurofeedback protocols.

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Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) Training

ILF focuses on stabilizing the brain’s most foundational regulatory networks, often leading to improvements in mood, sleep, and arousal regulation. It’s especially effective for clients with complex trauma, as it targets the autonomic nervous system and supports deep self-regulation without requiring conscious effort.