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Biofeedback is a process in which users receive real-time feedback on physiological activities such as heart rate, heart rate variability, brainwave activity, and breathing, to name a few. Through repeated and consistent practice of biofeedback, users can learn to control the physiological activity they’re training with the purpose being improving performance.
Heat rate variability is NOT heart rate. While heart rate measures the average number of times your heart beats per minute, heart rate variability measures the variation in time between those beats. This measurement has been growing in popularity over the past few years, especially for those who are interested in fitness and wellness.
Heart Rate Variability is an indicator of the autonomic nervous system’s (ANS) performance, and the balance between the parasympathetic state (rest/digest) and sympathetic state (fight/flight). Your body seeks balance. Each day, internal and external conditions change. These stressors, predictable or not, trigger automatic physiological responses which impact your body & brain.
Heart Rate Variability Training taps into your body’s natural ability to reestablish balance and master the calm, restorative parasympathetic state.
For more information about Heart rate variability download our report here.
Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that provides you with real-time information about your brainwave activity. Without receiving any direct stimulation, you will learn to optimize your brainwave activity to approach the target range that is being rewarded. Repeated neurofeedback sessions reinforce or create new brain connections and pathways through neuroplasticity, optimizing your performance.
Consistent, repeated neurofeedback sessions reinforce or create new brain connections and pathways through neuroplasticity, creating long-lasting changes in the brain. During major life events clients may engage in a monthly subscription for maintenance.
No, we do not shock the brain. Neurofeedback uses noninvasive EEG technology that simply reads the brainwaves using a small lead sensor and some conductive paste that is placed on the scalp.
Your brain will never receive any form of stimulation. It learns to improve by itself, without any conscious effort on your part.
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is an important indicator of performance. A headset and EEG sensor are used during the evaluation and neurofeedback training sessions to measure the electrical activity on the surface or cortex of the brain. The EEG allows us to quantify different frequency ranges, or “speeds” within the brain. You may be familiar with some of the terms: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and High Beta. These frequency ranges each have a purpose. Delta waves, for example, predominate in the deepest stages of non-REM sleep. Beta 1 activity contributes to physical balance and coordination. Beta 2 activity is involved in thinking, planning and problem solving. Too much or too little of a particular frequency can have a negative impact on performance. The key to optimal performance is balance – that’s where neurofeedback training comes in!
There are no major health risks associated with neurofeedback or heart rate variability training.
During neurofeedback training sessions, a small sensor is placed on your scalp. The sensor application site is prepared by a gentle massage with a mild abrasive gel, which may cause minor skin discomfort. Conductive electrode paste is used to hold the EEG sensor in place. There is a chance that this paste will cause minor skin discomfort.
This technology is based on a reward system that encourages your brain to reach a level of being focused and relaxed. Your brain will never receive any form of stimulation. It learns to improve by itself, without any conscious effort on your part.
You may experience discomfort from sitting still in a chair for 20 minutes while the neurofeedback takes place, in the form of fatigue, muscle stiffness or less often, mild headache. You may experience eye strain from watching the movie.
Precision breathing and Heart Rate Variability training will require you to breathe slowly at a relaxing rate. Changing the pace and depth of your breathing may initially produce some mild light-headedness.
We work with individuals, athletes, executives, entrepreneurs, businesses, organizations, and teams looking to improve their performance, focus, energy, recovery, creativity, mood, or memory.
You can purchase a program on our website or by giving us a call at 800-600-4096. Once you purchase your program, you will be able to schedule your evaluation.
For more information on our program options, or to purchase a program, click here.
What a session looks like will vary depending on the program selected and your customized training protocol.
FIT+:
During your Heart Rate Variability (HRV) training sessions you will log into the HRV app, on your phone, and place the CorSense on your finger. You’re your screen will show your HRV and Heart Rate scores as well as a breathing pacer for you to follow on the screen. You will be able to edit your breathing pacer settings to determine the inhale and exhale pattern that works best for you. Repeated practice of this paced breathing will condition your body and brain to better respond to, and recover from, internal and external stressors.
Elite:
The Elite program combines the HRV training sessions outlined in FIT+ and includes a neurofeedback component. During your neurofeedback sessions, and customized training protocol, you’ll receive either audio or visual feedback. Clients can search YouTube for the content that interests them during each training session. Here is an outline of the neurofeedback experience:
· Once you’re hooked up to the brainwave sensor and headset, you will watch or listen to a video of your choice.
· The headband and sensor monitor your brainwave activity in real-time and “talk” to the application, telling it when to play optimally.
· The video will play in full brightness when your brainwave activity is moving toward a healthier range, which will be established just for you.
· When your brainwaves re not firing within the target range the video will fade to black.
· This disruption is the brain’s cue that it has deviated from transitioning to a more optimal state.
· Because the brain craves rhythm, it is motivated to determine how to keep the video playing in full brightness.
· Within milliseconds, the brain corrects itself. This feedback loop happens repeatedly during your session.
Premier:
The Premier program combines the neurofeedback component outlined in the Elite program and includes enhanced HRV training. During your session you’ll log onto predownloaded software on the laptop provided for training and attach the breathing belt and finger sensor. Depending on your stage of the program, your screen will show different data points (i.e., Coherence, Respiration Rate, Amplitude, Volume). With the guidance of your performance coach, you’ll train your way through the different stages of HRV training.
Nurofeedback Training Recommendations
You will work with your coach to determine a customized plan that best suits you and your lifestyle. Ideally, we recommend at least 2-3 training sessions per week, for about 20 minutes each session. Our programs that include neurofeedback are 90 days long, with the option to transition to a month-to-month subscription after the first 90 days.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Training Recommendations
Ideally, we recommend practicing deep, paced breathing 10-20 minutes each day. For client’s enrolled in FIT+ and Elite, we also recommend collecting a 2-minute baseline reading at the start of each day. Our programs that include HRV Training are 90 days long, with the option to transition to a month-to-month subscription after the first 90 days.
We work with clients as young as 6 years old with no age maximum. One limitation to neurofeedback training for younger clients is that the size of the Muse headband may be too large for the average size of a child’s head. If the Muse headband is too big for the client, we will be unable to get a connection; therefore, they will be unable to train. Training also requires clients to be able to sit “statue still” for 20+ minutes at a time.
For precision breathing and heartrate variability training, often the younger kids have a harder time learning how to master the breathing techniques taught. The apps utilized are geared towards an adult’s understanding of data/science and are not tailored to children. However, there are parental control options for the YouTube selection during neurofeedback training.
All our performance coaches are Board Certified in Neurofeedback by the Board Certification International Alliance (BCIA). Our coaches are committed to you and your success as they guide you through the program. For more information, click here.
After the first 90 days of training, you will complete a 90-day program evaluation to review your progress and discuss next steps with your performance coach. Clients will often choose to transition to our monthly subscription program. Think of the first 90 days as a ‘Bootcamp’ or in-season training and then we get into practice or off-season maintenance during the subscription!
Your performance coach will work with you to identify goals and define expectations for training. Throughout the 90-day program, you will complete a baseline, 45-day, and 90-day evaluation, in addition to biweekly check-ins with your performance coach. The data collected at the baseline evaluation will determine the data that is collected at future evaluations, allowing you and your coach the ability to compare and track progress throughout the program.
You may change programs at any time. To do so, contact your performance coach. S/he will update your account, collect any additional payment, and provide additional equipment, as needed.
Neuropeak Pro works to help you reach your peak performance. We do not treat diagnosed conditions. Benefits of our program may include improved focus, stress management, mood, creativity, recovery, and memory.
Our performance coaches will guide you through your training journey by providing progress updates and coaching you on all-things breathing, brain and lifestyle modifications. Note that this is not counseling, clinical help, or mental health therapy.
Once you have scheduled your evaluation you will receive two emails. The first will be a calendar invite for your evaluation. The second email will contain links for you to complete a Consent & Terms of Service form and Neuropeak Pro Performance Profile. Please complete these forms prior to your evaluation appointment. It is also recommended that you download the necessary apps and charge your equipment and have it available during your evaluation. Note: during your evaluation you will want to find a quiet, distraction free environment. You will access your appointment via the zoom link provided in the calendar invite, via a computer with a camera.
FIT+ Evaluation/Orientation
At the time of your evaluation, you will log on to the Zoom meeting using the ID provided to you in your appointment confirmation email. A Neuropeak Pro Performance Coach will be waiting to greet you and to help you get acclimated with the equipment and technology.
After introductions, you and your performance coach will discuss your reason(s) for your evaluation and your journey to better performance, thus far. You will then collect a baseline HRV reading. Once this is complete you will review the results, set goals, and discuss your custom training program with your performance coach. To conclude the evaluation/orientation appointment, you will complete your first HRV training session!
Performance Evaluation
At the time of your evaluation, you will log on to the Zoom meeting using the ID provided to you in your appointment confirmation email. A Neuropeak Pro Performance Coach will be waiting to greet you and to help you get acclimated with the equipment and technology.
After introductions, you and your performance coach will discuss your reason(s) for your evaluation and your journey to better performance, thus far. We will then transition to the EEG data collection. Your performance coach will guide you through the set up your headband and sensor, so we can ensure proper placement. Once the EEG data collection is complete, we will move to the HRV data collection phase, using your CorSense finger sensor. The appointment will conclude with a review of your results and a discussion about next steps.
Premium Evaluation
Premium Evaluations are conducted in person by one of our performance coaches and consist of three phases:
In phase one you tell us – we will ask you to complete our Neuropeak Pro Performance Profile (NP3) prior to your evaluation. During your evaluation you and your performance coach will discuss what you’ve done in your performance journey, thus far and what goals you hope to achieve throughout the program.
In phase two, we’re going to put you to the test. You’ll take a computerized evaluation that will allow us to see how well your body is able to recover in a stressful situation.
In the third and final phase, we’ll look at your brain! We’ll complete a full cap qEEG allowing us to look at 19 different sites on the brain. This will help to determine what your brain is doing really well and areas that may benefit from improvement, and therefore may be impacting your performance.
The information will be reviewed with you during the evaluation and will be used to guide your customized training plan to meet your performance goals.
FIT+ Evaluations/Orientations & Performance Evaluation appointments typically last about 1 hour. Premium Evaluation appointments typically last about 90 minutes due to the information gathered.
If something comes up that requires a return or refund, we’re here to help. Equipment must be received by Neuropeak Pro within 30 days of original delivery date to be eligible for 100% refund. The purchaser is responsible for return shipping costs.
After we receive your equipment, our team of professionals will inspect it and process your refund. Neuropeak Pro is not responsible for returned equipment that is lost or damaged in transit back to Neuropeak Pro. We recommend insurance in the amount of $5. If the product is unused, undamaged, and in the same condition that you received it, you are eligible for a full refund.
If a return is requested for opened or used equipment within 30 days of the original delivery date,, you are still eligible for up to a 50% refund depending on the condition of the equipment which will be evaluated in Neuropeak Pro’s sole and absolute discretion.
Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding our return policy.
To make a return or request a refund, please fill out this form or call 800.600.4096. Once a refund is processed, the amount will be posted back to the account it was pulled within 2-7 business days.
Neuropeak Pro clients enjoy FREE shipping within the United States. Those located outside of the U.S. can still participate in our programs and should complete a contact us form for estimated shipping rates and delivery details.
Orders within the continental US, typically ship within 5-7 business days.
Note that due to COVID-19, delays are possible.
Neuropeak Pro works people to help achieve their performance goals and is not considered a medical necessity. Therefore, you cannot use an HSA or FSA for our programs.
If something comes up that requires a return or refund, we’re here to help. Equipment must be received by Neuropeak Pro within 30 days of original delivery date to be eligible for a refund. The purchaser is responsible for return shipping costs. Please see the full return policy here.
We offer Affirm pricing which allows you to pay over time. Click here for more information about Affirm.
Neuropeak Pro works to help people improve their performance and is not considered a medical necessity. Therefore, our programs are not billable to health insurance.
If you would like to cancel your program or subscription, contact your performance coach.
Neuropeak Pro offers performance training and wellness programs and makes no claims to diagnose, treat or cure any clinical conditions. If you believe you have a clinical condition, please contact your healthcare provider.
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