| Q. |
What is attention training? |
| A. |
Attention training is a well-defined technique designed to improve
focus and receptivity. It is best described as a noninvasive learning
exercise that trains people, through conscious thought and effort,
to control their attention-related brain wave patterns. When information
about one's own level of concentration is revealed in real-time
through the training, a person can learn to control their ability
to focus. This is quite literally an "exercise" for
the brain.
|
| Q. |
How does it work? |
| A. |
The brain is amazingly adaptable and capable of learning. It
can even learn to improve its own performance. In attention training,
brain wave activity is monitored through sensors that touch the
scalp. These sensors read the brain waves and provide that information
to the software. In the case of The Attention Trainer, the software
is video games. The software, or game, provides immediate feedback
to the trainee about their level of attention. As the trainee
gains and loses focus, the games respond, revealing a player's
attentive state. These games challenge the trainee to maintain
this "high-performance," alert, and attentive state.
Like learning to ride a bike, with practice the trainee begins
to sense what it feels like to pay attention and is able to control
their ability to concentrate.
|
| Q. |
Where else can I look for information
about neurofeedback/biofeedback? |
| A. |
In addition to the Read & Research section on this site,
we recommend these sources:
- A Symphony in the Brain: The Evolution of the New Brain Wave
Biofeedback by Jim Robbins. Atlantic Monthly Press, New York,
2000.
- Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
- NASA's Langley Research Center
- Biofeedback: A Practitioner's Guide, Second Edition by Mark
S. Schwartz and Associates. The Guilford Press, New York, 1995.
|
| Q. |
Who makes The Attention Trainer™?
|
| A. |
The Attention Builders, LLC., a commercialization and development
firm specializing in advanced feedback technology, has developed
The Attention Trainer in consultation with NASA and other leaders
in the industry. The technology used in The Attention Trainer
builds on more than 25 years of research done in clinics and by
the government. For more information about The Attention Builders,
LLC., visit the About Us section of www.attention.com.
|
| Q. |
What is the difference between
The Attention Trainer™ and regular video games? |
| A. |
The Attention Trainer incorporates attention levels (brain waves)
as an input into the games. The enhanced software in the games
provides a tool to help children learn how to control levels of
attention. Simply, The Attention Trainer uses specially designed,
attention-enhanced video games to keep players interested while
they are learning to master their attention skills.
|
| Q. |
Can anyone use this product? |
| A. |
The Attention Trainer™ Headset has been designed specifically
for children between the ages of 7-14. However, adults or older
children may use The Attention Trainer™ if their head size
is within the Headset size range. It is recommended that people
with a diagnosed history of seizures, bipolar disorders, closed
head injuries, anxiety, or depression consult their physicians
before use. Directions for use provided with the product should
be followed as safety guidelines.
|
| Q. |
How often should The Attention
Trainer™ be used and for how long? |
| A. |
The Attention Trainer should be used twice a week for 15 to 30
minutes per session. While the number of sessions needed to acquire
this skill varies, on average 40 sessions are needed to master
the training. The Attention Trainer can be used as often as desired.
The more frequent the use, the more quickly trainees may learn
to control their attention.
|
| Q. |
What happens if I stop using The
Attention Trainer™ after only 20 sessions instead of the recommended
40? |
| A. |
Like any training regimen or exercise, it takes a certain amount
of time before any changes are seen. Typically, benefits may begin
to be seen at around 20 sessions and maximum benefits at around
40 sessions. Continued practice beyond the 40 sessions is encouraged
to maintain the skill. If training is stopped prior to reaching
the goal, full benefit cannot be obtained nor sustained.
|
| Q. |
Can someone abuse or over-use The
Attention Trainer™? |
| A. |
It is not possible to over-use The Attention Trainer; however,
it is recommended that directions for use provided with the product
be followed as safety guidelines.
|
| Q. |
How long does it take to see results? |
| A. |
While the number of sessions needed to acquire this skill varies,
on average 40 sessions are needed to master the training. It is
possible to see results with as few as 20 sessions. It is important
to note that there is no known intervention that will work for
everyone. The Attention Trainer™ is no exception and the
benefit each person receives will vary. It is important to monitor
each child individually and encourage completion of the training.
|
| Q. |
Is the information collected secure?
|
| A. |
Attention.com is a secure site. Please refer to the Privacy Policy.
|
| Q. |
Can The Attention Trainer™
be used while taking medication? |
| A. |
The Attention Trainer can be used while taking medication. Consult
your physician about any questions you may have concerning medication.
|
| Q. |
Where is the The Attention Trainer™
available? |
| A. |
The Attention Trainer™ is available through schools and
mental health professionals for on-site and take-home use. These
channels will provide the best possible training results, customer
service, and product support. The price of the training will vary,
depending on the provider.
|
| Q. |
Is it safe? |
| A. |
The Attention Trainer™ is noninvasive. It detects signals
emitted from the external surface of the head. Although The Attention
Trainer™ poses no greater threat than a Walkie-Talkie or
regular video games, it is not recommended for children under
the age of 7. There are no harmful side effects from using The
Attention Trainer. Although safe, if health issues exist, it is
recommended that users consult a physician prior to use.
|
| Q. |
Are there side effects? |
| A. |
While The Attention Trainer™ does not have side effects;
it is recommended that any individuals who may have been diagnosed
with seizures or bipolar disorders check with their doctors before
using this system.
|
| Q. |
How much parental involvement
is required? |
| A. |
There generally is little parental involvement required, although
this will vary by child. Children will benefit from a parent's
involvement and encouragement. Tools provided with The Attention
Trainer™ and at www.attention.com make it easy for parents
to stay involved and create a positive environment for continued
training.
|
| Q. |
Can I use the Headset for more
than one child? |
| A. |
You can use the same Headset for more than one child. For sanitary
reasons, each trainee should have his or her own sensors and Headset
pads. The inside of the Headset should be wiped with an alcohol
swab between trainees. Sensors should be replaced after 10 hours
of use.
|
| Q. |
What is a Personal Training Account™? |
| A. |
A Personal Training Account is a secure location at attention.com
that allows you to monitor, assess, and guide a child's progress
with The Attention Trainer™. After each training session,
a child's scores can be sent to a secure location on the Web site.
These scores are used to create personal training reports that
provide results and information on the child's training. The Personal
Training Account is part of a Learning Circle.
|
| Q. |
What is a Learning Circle™? |
| A. |
The Learning Circle is an online improvement-training tool to
monitor and guide a child's learning progress from a variety of
sources. In addition to reporting information from The Attention
Trainer™ (Personal Training Account), the Learning Circle
provides the ability to collect and record information from a
child's doctor, teacher, parent, or others involved in a child's
learning. Because this tool is accessible over the Internet and
easy to use, the information can be shared with others.
|
| Q. |
What is the difference between
a Learning Circle™ and a Personal Training Account™? |
| A. |
A Personal Training Account is a component of the Learning Circle™.
It contains the training performance data and information uploaded
directly from The Attention Trainer™ games.
|
| Q. |
Can I use The Attention Trainer™
with other video games? |
| A. |
Regular video games will not work with The Attention Trainer.
The Attention Trainer will only work with the specially designed,
attention-enhanced games. The software in the games allows them
to provide feedback to help the player learn how to control attention.
The Headset, as well as the other components of The Attention
Trainer, will not work with other non-attention-enhanced games.
Wearing the Headset during the play of other non-attention-enhanced
games is not recommended as it does not provide any additional
value to other games, and it will reduce the life of the sensors
inside the Headset. Results achieved using The Attention Trainer
may not be achieved by playing other non-attention-enhanced games.
The Attention Trainer will not prevent, nor interfere with, the
use of other games currently in use on a personal computer.
|
| Q. |
Is The Attention Trainer™
easy to use? |
| A. |
It is easy to get started with The Attention Trainer™. There
is no preparation required and everything is included with the
system. As with any game, it takes practice to master the skills
necessary to begin attention training. But, the warm-up game included
with the system will allow a child to discover how to interact
with the training system, giving them an immediate sense of accomplishment.
|
| Q. |
How can I connect The Attention
Trainer™ to a PC? |
| A. |
The Attention Trainer™ can be installed and configured using
the easy-to-follow instructions provided in Section A.1: Quick
Start Instructions of the User Guide. The Attention Trainer™
can be installed and configured in about 15 minutes.
|
| Q. |
How fast does my Internet connection
have to be? |
| A. |
The Internet is not required during a training session. It is
only used to upload training data and to view training related
reports at attention.com. A high-speed connection is not a necessity;
a 28.8 modem is sufficient.
|
| Q. |
What are the computer requirements? |
| A. |
The Attention Trainer™ system requires a PC with the Windows
95 or 98 operating system, with an Intel Pentium 233 or compatible
processor, at least 32 MB of RAM, and a PCI/AGP 8MB video card.
A CD drive also is necessary. An Internet connection is required
to use the Personal Training Account™, the online access
to training reports.
|
| Q. |
How can I determine if The Attention
Trainer™ Headset will fit? |
| A. |
Use the measuring tape provided in your package to determine
if the Headset will fit.The measuring tape has a bold line on
the front end of the tape (beside The Attention Trainer logo),
and the letters A, B, and C on the back end. Place the front measuring
tape edge at that point where the bridge of the nose meets the
forehead (i.e. between the eyes). Lay the tape, from this point,
on the forehead and over the top of the head until the tape measure
reaches the bony knob on the back center of the child's head.
The A, B, or C zone marking on the tape should lie directly over
the knob. If none of these letters lie over the knob, the Headset
may not fit properly. If one of these letters falls correctly
over the knob, insert the corresponding pads to ensure a proper
fit.
All measurements are based on averages for children aged 7 to
14.
<32 cm = A
33 cm - 34.9 cm = B
34.9cm - 37 cm* = C
*If the Player's head size is larger than 37 cm, it may be difficult
to achieve a proper fit and calibration reading.
|
| Q. |
Is The Attention Trainer™
tested? |
| A. |
Training for concentration and attention has been performed for
25 years with impressive results. NASA pilots, Olympic athletes,
and clinicians all use this technique. The Attention Trainer uses
this same technique and has been developed in association with
leaders in the industry (Dr. Joel Lubar and Dr. Alan Pope at NASA,
to name a few). There has been a variety of testing done on The
Attention Trainer. Testing of the headset technology and its ability
to pick up and transmit a proper signal has been tested both internally
and externally. Leaders in the field have been reviewing the product
throughout its development. Testing with children began in the
summer of 2000 and continues today with testing in office, home,
school, and clinical environments. In the summer/fall of 2000,
NASA and Eastern Virginia Medical School conducted a study that
compared traditional neurofeedback training to training with video
games. The results of the study revealed that training with video
games performed as well as traditional training but the subjects
who received video game training were more likely to enjoy and
complete the training.
|
| Q. |
Does The Attention Trainer™
work? |
| A. |
Training for concentration and attention has been performed for
25 years with impressive results. NASA pilots, Olympic athletes,
and clinicians all use this technique. Like the traditional feedback
technique, The Attention Trainer has seen positive results with
the children in our summer testing program. We have worked closely
with NASA and other experts in the field to incorporate the same
attention training protocols into our product that they have found
successful in theirs. In the summer/fall of 2000, NASA and Eastern
Virginia Medical School conducted a study that compared traditional
neurofeedback training to training with video games. The results
of the study revealed that training with video games performed
as well as traditional training, but the subjects who received
video game training were more likely to enjoy and complete the
training. The use of The Attention Trainer in a school environment
revealed the same results as the EVMS study. The stigma of the
goop and wires was removed and the level of enthusiasm increased.
“My child tells me he now knows what it feels like to focus
and I can see the difference in both school work and in social
settings.” - Mo Blackwell, parent
|
| Q. |
Is it for children with ADD? |
| A. |
The Attention Trainer is for all children who want to learn to
control their attention.
|
| Q. |
Is The Attention Trainer™
an alternative to medication? |
| A. |
The Attention Trainer is a learning tool. It is designed to teach
children how to control their attention. It is not a substitute
for medication. Testing has shown the best solutions are a multi-mode
approach. Any changes to medication should be discussed with a
doctor.
|
| Q. |
What is your involvement with
NASA? |
| A. |
The Attention Trainer has been developed under a memorandum of
agreement with NASA and we have been working with them on a consultative
basis for almost two years. We do not use their technology in
our current products but we are continuing to discuss with them
licensing their technology for future products. The Attention
Trainer is largely the result of a 2-year collaboration with NASA
that combined 10 years of their research and development with
new technology.
|
| Q. |
Are you FDA approved? |
| A. |
The Attention Trainer falls under the FDA exemption for I-330
C2 as a battery-powered device. The product and the claims meet
FDA guidelines. Labeling on The Attention Trainer outlines the
intended use of the product, carrying the FDA approved language
for neurofeedback products. This language specifies that the intended
use be for relaxation and neuromuscular re-education.
|
| Q. |
Does the training transfer to
other environments? |
| A. |
Studies have shown that when the 40-60 recommended training sessions
are complete, the skill can be retained and applied in other settings.
Parents of children who have used The Attention Trainer talk about
the self-confidence their child now has and about their newfound
ability to sit and do their homework. They are pleased by the
positive change that it has made in their family life.
"What I've seen is that his confidence has increased and
that he is able to focus and stay attentive on what he's doing.
But, mostly the confidence of trying, being able to step into
a new situation.” - Laura Crank, parent.
|
| Q. |
How can I tell if it is working? |
| A. |
The games provide scores. You and the trainee can watch the game
scores and the attention span bar in the games to see improvement
from game to game. Also, www.attention.com offers the ability
to securely upload game data, review reports, and monitor performance
over time. Weekly surveys of parents and teachers, as well as
periodic continuous performance testing, are recommended. Mid-point
and final evaluations are encouraged to provide additional opportunities
to review progress.
Most parents will look for the positive changes in a child’s
performance at school or at home to make a true judgment that
the training is working.
|
| Q. |
What do you respond to those that
say neurofeedback has not been proven? |
| A. |
Joel Lubar cites approximately 60 studies that have been done
over the past 25 years and all show positive results, or to quote
CHADD, "impressive results". Some take issue with 3
or 4 of the studies and how their results were compiled and everyone
agrees that a large, double-blind study has not yet been done.
But if you look at the large number of studies that have been
done over a long period of time in addition to the work by NASA,
athletes, and the 1,500 clinicians that currently use this technique
today, it is hard to say this does not work.
As stated by Dr. Frank H. Duffy (Boston Children’s Hospital
- Harvard), “if any medication had demonstrated such a wide
spectrum of efficacy, it would be universally accepted and widely
used.”
If you did not find the answer to your question on this page,
please send us an email. We will be happy to help you.
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