Configuring EEGer for SubHz Training
What is SubHz Training?
SubHz Training refers to any Session Plan that measures signals below 1 Hz, either for active training or monitoring purposes. Once enabled, there are no restrictions or limitations from the software about which Layouts, Protocols, or Feedback Displays can be used for SubHz training. The user retains control to adjust the game and session plan as they require to allow the feedback and training they want. This includes using monitor and inhibit traces, measuring specific frequencies down to .001 Hz, measuring frequency ranges such as .001 Hz to .002 Hz, or tailoring and using Custom Games for training (such as creating state-based audio feedback).
What is Required to do SubHz Training?
This section details the technical requirements to begin SubHz training with EEGer. Once configured, SubHz Training can be performed with any Client ID or using any Feedback Display on the system. Please note that for Home Use training, the Supervising Clinician must additionally create and send a Home Use Client File to permit this type of training.
-
To use SubHz Training with EEGer, you must request a new keyfile that enables the functionality. There is no cost for this enable, and the file can be installed like any other keyfile.
SubHz Training is referred to as ‘experimental’ within EEGer. While it is possible to do this type of training within EEGer, it’s not quite at a state where we’re happy for it to be openly accessible and advertised as a feature. There are likely to be some pieces that do not work quite right or are confusing when first getting things configured.
From speaking with Clinicians, however, we’re confident that this is an area worth exploring and developing further. By allowing Clinicians to opt-in to trying SubHz Training with EEGer, we hope to receive feedback on what works and what doesn’t so the software can be improved and, eventually, these features be available to all users.
-
To perform SubHz training, a compatible EEG amplifier must be used. The amplifier must be able to measure signals below 1Hz accurately, so we recommend using a DC-Coupled device.
A short list of these amps are included below, but additional information is available upon request:
BrainMaster Amplifiers such as the Atlantis 2x2, Atlantis 4x4, and Discovery
BeeMedic NeuroAmp I and NeuroAmp II
Note: BrainMaster amplifiers require an additional purchase from BrainMaster to enable for use with EEGer.
-
There are a few small adjustments that must be made to EEGer’s filter settings to allow for SubHz Training:
Open EEGer and Navigate to Options>EEGer Configuration Options from the top toolbar of EEGer’s main screen.
If needed, ensure the EEG amplifier is configured appropriately on the Devices and Device Options tabs.
Clock on the Setup tab and adjust 1 Filter computation module from Internal to FIDdll.
Adjust 2 Filter computation depth (2-5 for FIDdll) from 0 to 5.
Ensure that 23 Enable <1 Hz noth filter is unchecked.
There are additional setting that can be adjusted depending on the type of training being performed and type of feedback provided. Please consult EEGer’s Manuals for additional information on adjusting settings related to SubHz Training or reach out to EEGer Support for additional guidance if needed.
Other Considerations
Setting Up the Session Plan
Once the above adjustments have been made, it is possible to enter values below 1 Hz on the Plan Session screen. The specifics of how the Session Plan are configured are determined by the Clinician, but some areas that have come up during Support Appointments include:
Adjusting the threshold levels, including enabling AutoThresholding to occur.
Changing the feedback mode, including setting the Inhibit traces or unused channels as ‘monitors’.
Adjusting the Run time to begin at a low initial value, then ‘dialing in’ the session length depending on the individual or type of training.
Selecting a Game
SubHz Training can be done with any EEGer game, including games developed by third parties. From speaking with clinicians, however, the default way that games provide reward and visual feedback might not be as effective as with normal amplitude training. Clinicians who do SubHz training will often configure their own tailored games within EEGer to use state-based audio feedback, or to adjust the timing of rewards to better fit the training.
The specifics of how the game is tailored will depend on many factors including the type of training and preferences of the clinician and client. We’re happy to share what we have helped clinicians tailor in the past upon request but encourage Clinicians to explore and share what they find effective.
Electrodes for SubHz Training
For SubHz Training, some clinicians have a preference for using Silver/Silver-Chloride Electrodes. We have not done extensive internal testing on how these types of electrodes compare or evaluated the different manufacturers that are available to provide any strong recommendations. We have heard from clinicians who have used silver electrodes successfully for SubHz training, as well as clinicians who have used both cup-style and flat-style electrodes.
The electrodes provided as part of our equipment bundles or through our website are solid silver construction. We find these electrodes to be much more durable and less prone to failure over time compared to other materials, with comparable conductivity to other types of electrodes we have stocked in the past.
Sharing What You Find
While training below 1 Hz is possible with some systems, we’ve heard clinicians share limitations or frustrations with how it is approached. From a technical perspective, we’re also interested in better understanding how this type of training works and what may be effective, with the goal of creating presets or custom games to use when this functionality is shared with the entire EEGer community.
We’re excited to explore SubHz Training with dedicated members of the EEGer Community. We plan to organize and host discussion groups about it, and encourage clinicians to do the same. A big part of improving SubHz Training with EEGer is hearing from Clinicians about what they like, the specific settings they see results with, and what they might expect from SubHz training to better understand it or use it effectively at their practices.
Not What You’re Looking For?