The Science of Neuro-Fitness

Neuro-fitness training relies on a principle called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is a fancy word that describes how neurons (nerve cells) change and the brain re-organizes (molds like plastic) its networks in response to learning new skills and new experiences we have in our lives.  The brain consists of neurons (and glial cells) which are interconnected, and learning may happen through changing of the strength of the connections between neurons, by adding or removing connections, or by adding new cells (neurogenesis).

Although once thought to be confined to the childhood years, recent advances in neuroscience indicate your brain is capable of neuroplastic change your entire life.  Neuro-fitness training encourages neuroplastic change by providing tailored exercises for the brain that “work-out” specific areas of the brain.  The brain areas are chosen to correspond to functions that may be limiting your performance or ability to relax, rather like a personal trainer would chose areas to target for increased strength and flexibility in a physical work-out. For example, the prefrontal area of the brain would be a likely training site to strengthen and enhance the brain’s executive control functions, like the ability to pay selective attention, organize, control impulses, and multi-task.

Imaging shows the amazing results of training the brain

SPECT is one of the standard functional imaging tools that are now available to characterize brain function and to do so relatively non-invasively. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the blood stream, and where that activity is picked up in the brain shows the regions that are most strongly activated.

These brain images are from an adult male veteran suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder who did neurofeedback training at the EEG Institute in California. The red and white areas  are a characteristic activation pattern of those with symptoms of PTSD. Notice the decreased activity in the back of the brain (less red) in the image on the right scan after a number of training sessions. He experienced reduced anxiety, depression, and irritability, relief from nocturnal flashbacks, and more optimism, confidence, and happiness.