Neurofeedback-enhanced gamma brainwaves from the prefrontal cortical region of meditators...

OBJECTIVES: This study had two aims: (1) to explore the inner experiences associated with increased production of gamma brainwaves in an initial neurofeedback experience; and (2) to measure and compare neurofeedback-enhanced increased output from the prefrontal cortical region of meditators and non-meditators, using the Peak Brain Happiness Trainer(™) neurofeedback system. DESIGN: This was a controlled pilot study; it involved a single session per subject. SETTING: The research was conducted in a nonprofit laboratory in the United States. SUBJECTS: There were 12 adults in 2 groups (N?=?12): 6 practitioners of Transcendental Meditation(™) and six controls. MEASURES: The measures were self-assessed inner experiences and measurements of clarified gamma output at the prefrontal cortical region. RESULTS: (1) Self-assessed descriptions were comparable for both groups; (2) the associations of 16 supplied descriptors with the initial neurofeedback experience were comparable for both groups and showed highest scores for "happy" (p? J Altern Complement Med. 2011 Feb;17(2):109-15. Epub 2011 Feb 8. Rubik B. Institute for Frontier Science, Oakland, CA 94611-2802, USA. brubik@earthlink.net