The Science Behind Using Neurotechnology for Optimizing Attention
Have you ever wondered how focused you are during a task or activity? Have you ever wished you could measure your focus level objectively? If so, you're not alone. Many people struggle with maintaining focus and concentration, whether it's due to attentional disorders or just the demands of everyday life.
Luckily, recent advances in neuroscience and technology have made it possible to measure focus levels using EEG (electroencephalography). EEG is a non-invasive method of recording electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp. It measures the synchronized activity of thousands of neurons firing together, providing a representation of the brain's neural activity. By analyzing this activity, researchers can gain insight into brain function and cognitive processes, including attention and focus.
Research has identified specific EEG biomarkers that are associated with attention, including alpha, theta, and beta waves. Alpha waves are associated with a state of relaxed wakefulness, while theta waves are associated with a state of deep relaxation or drowsiness. When a person is actively focusing on a task, alpha and theta activity decreases, while beta activity increases. Beta waves are commonly associated with alertness, focused attention, and concentration. By measuring the levels of beta waves during a focus session, Propel Focus provides users with an indication of their level of focus, allowing them to reflect on their performance and make modifications to improve their focus scores. This type of EEG feedback is known as post-session feedback, which differs from traditional neurofeedback which provides real-time feedback during the session. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of post-session EEG feedback in improving attention, focus, and cognitive performance in individuals with attentional disorders (Angelakis et al., 2013; Enriquez-Geppert et al., 2019).
So, how can this information be used to improve focus? By reflecting on their focus level during the session and comparing it to their previous scores, users can identify patterns in their focus level and make modifications to improve their scores in future sessions. For example, they may notice that they're more focused in the morning or after a good night's sleep, and adjust their schedule accordingly. Or they may find that certain activities or environments help them focus better, and incorporate those into their routine.
Using EEG to measure focus levels and provide feedback on performance is a promising new approach to improving attentional processes. While it's still a relatively new field of research, there is evidence to suggest that EEG can be a reliable and valid measure of attention and focus (Krigolson & Williams, 2016). As technology continues to improve and more research is conducted, we may see EEG-based tools like Propel Focus become more widely used for improving focus and concentration.
References:
Angelakis, E., Stathopoulou, S., Frymiare, J. L., Green, D. L., Lubar, J. F., & Kounios, J. (2007). EEG neurofeedback: A brief overview and an example of peak alpha frequency training for cognitive enhancement in the elderly. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 21(1), 110-129. doi: 10.1080/13854040600744839
Enriquez-Geppert, S., Huster, R. J., & Herrmann, C. S. (2017). EEG-neurofeedback as a tool to modulate cognition and behavior: A review tutorial. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 11, 51. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00051
Krigolson, O. E., & Williams, C. C. (2016). The use of EEG in measuring attentional processes. In J. F. Lubar & J. R. Thatcher (Eds.), Introduction to Quantitative EEG and Neurofeedback (3rd ed., pp. 121–139). Elsevier.