The post Types of Brain Stimulation Technology first appeared on Vielight Inc - Deutsch.

The post Types of Brain Stimulation Technology appeared first on Vielight Inc - Deutsch.

1. Ein wachsendes Problem für ältere Menschen – altersbedingter kognitiver Abbau
2. Verschiedene Faktoren der Gehirnalterung und des altersbedingten kognitiven Verfalls
3. Photobiomodulation des Gehirns (PBM) und Mitochondrienfunktion
4. PBM im Gehirn und metabolische Effekte
5. PBM im Gehirn und entzündungshemmende Wirkungen
6. PBM im Gehirn führt zu einer Verringerung der neuronalen Exzitotoxizität
7. PBM im Gehirn erhöht die zerebrale Vaskularität und Sauerstoffversorgung
8. Veröffentlichte Forschung – PBM im Gehirn bei älteren Menschen

Ein wachsendes Problem für ältere Menschen ist der altersbedingte kognitive Abbau.

Aufgrund des medizinisch-technischen Fortschritts ist die ältere Bevölkerung das am schnellsten wachsende Segment der Weltbevölkerung. Folglich sind die Nebenwirkungen des natürlichen altersbedingten kognitiven Verfalls – wie verlangsamtes Denken, Gedächtnisverlust und geringe geistige Energie – aufgrund der wachsenden Zahl älterer Menschen und der negativen qualitativen Auswirkungen auf ihre Lebensqualität ein immer häufiger auftretendes Problem.

Source: United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). World Population Prospects 2019.

Andererseits haben die Fortschritte in der Hirnstimulationsforschung in Verbindung mit technologischen Innovationen die Neurotechnologie für Langlebigkeit (oder Anti-Aging) zu einem vielversprechenden Vorschlag für das 21.

Es stellt sich die Frage: Wie kann die Photobiomodulation des Gehirns als Biohacking-Tool für Langlebigkeit eingesetzt werden, um die negativen Auswirkungen der Gehirnalterung teilweise zu mildern, indem bestimmte physiologische Prozesse verstärkt werden?

In diesem Artikel werden wir uns auf veröffentlichte Forschungsstudien beziehen, um zu untersuchen, wie die Photobiomodulation des Gehirns für Langlebigkeit und Anti-Aging eingesetzt werden könnte, indem die neuronale mitochondriale Funktion und die allgemeine ganzheitliche Gehirnleistung verbessert werden.

Bitte beachten Sie, dass nichts Bekanntes die genetische Alterung und ihre negativen Auswirkungen rückgängig machen kann, aber der Lebensstil und technologische Interventionen haben das Potenzial, einige der negativen Auswirkungen des Alterns zu verringern oder abzuschwächen.

Verschiedene Faktoren der Gehirnalterung und des altersbedingten kognitiven Abbaus

Die Alterung des Gehirns ist ein natürlicher biologischer Prozess, der zu einem Rückgang der physiologischen Funktionen des Gehirns führt. Mehrere Faktoren tragen zu diesem Phänomen bei.

Einer der bemerkenswerten Faktoren der Hirnalterung ist ein allmählicher Rückgang der Mitochondrienfunktion in den Neuronen. Dies führt zu einem Rückgang der kognitiven Funktionen und einer suboptimalen Gehirnleistung, da der Energiestoffwechsel der Neuronen in den Mitochondrien abnimmt.

Darüber hinaus führt eine Verringerung der Hirndurchblutung und der Sauerstoffversorgung des Gehirns aufgrund eines Verlusts der Hirnvaskularität zu einem Rückgang der kognitiven Funktion[19].

Das alternde Gehirn ist auch durch eine zunehmende Neuroinflammation gekennzeichnet.[17] Wissenschaftler haben Neuroinflammation mit kognitivem Abbau und einem höheren Risiko für altersbedingte kognitive Beeinträchtigungen in Verbindung gebracht.[18]

Was sind Mitochondrien und Neuronen?

• Mitochondrien sind die Batterien der Zelle. Diese membrangebundenen Zellorganellen (Mitochondrium, Singular) erzeugen den Großteil der chemischen Energie, die für die biochemischen Reaktionen der Zelle benötigt wird. Die von den Mitochondrien erzeugte chemische Energie wird in einem kleinen Molekül namens Adenosintriphosphat (ATP) gespeichert.
• Neuronen sind Informationsübermittler. Neuronen, manchmal auch Nervenzellen genannt, machen etwa 10 Prozent des Gehirns aus; der Rest besteht aus Gliazellen und Astrozyten, die die Neuronen unterstützen und ernähren. Sie nutzen elektrische Impulse und chemische Signale, um Informationen zwischen verschiedenen Bereichen des Gehirns sowie zwischen dem Gehirn und dem übrigen Nervensystem zu übermitteln.

Konzentration auf neuronale Mitochondrien und den Alterungsprozess

Neuronale Mitochondrien spielen eine Schlüsselrolle bei der Regulierung des Alterungsprozesses des Gehirns. Wenn ihre Funktion nachlässt, wird die Produktion von Adenosintriphosphat (ATP) reduziert, was zu einer Verringerung des neuronalen Stoffwechsels führt. Darüber hinaus führt ein Rückgang der Mitochondrienfunktion zu einer verminderten Aktivierung von Signalwegen und Transkriptionsfaktoren, die die Expression verschiedener Proteine modulieren[1].

Hinweis: Transkriptionsfaktoren regulieren die Transkription von Genen – den Prozess des Kopierens in RNA während der Proteinsynthese (kurze Information: mindestens 10.000 verschiedene Proteine machen Sie zu dem, was Sie sind und halten Sie in diesem Zustand). Proteine sind die Bausteine dessen, was Sie sind.

Photobiomodulation des Gehirns und Mitochondrienfunktion

Die Photobiomodulation des Gehirns birgt das Potenzial, die Funktion der Mitochondrien zu verbessern und so die negativen Auswirkungen des Alterns teilweise zu mildern.

Der Mechanismus der Photobiomodulation (PBM) beruht auf der Fähigkeit der Zellen, Photonen des roten bis nahen Infrarotlichts (620-1100 nm) durch den Photoakzeptor der Mitochondrien, die Cytochrom-c-Oxidase (CCO), zu absorbieren[2].

Anmerkung: CCO ist der vierte Enzymkomplex der mitochondrialen Atmungskette und katalysiert die Reaktion, bei der Sauerstoff zu Wasser reduziert wird, was mit der Produktion von Stoffwechselenergie in den Zellen verbunden ist.

Figure 1: Activation of mitochondria cytochrome c oxidase through photobiomodulation

Die mitochondrialen Biomechanismen der Photobiomodulation

CCO-Aufregulierung

Die Absorption von roten bis NIR-Photonen durch die Mitochondrien CCO löst eine Reihe von zellulären und physiologischen Effekten im Gehirn aus, die auch als CCO-Hochregulierung bekannt sind.

Figure 2: The cascade effects of photobiomodulation

Die Hochregulierung von CCO führt zu:

• Ein geringer Anstieg reaktiver Sauerstoffspezies (ROS), die mitochondriale Signalwege aktivieren, die mit der Neuroprotektion verbunden sind. [3]
• Ein Anstieg von Stickstoffmonoxid (NO), das die Vasodilatation und den zerebralen Blutfluss stimuliert [4].
• Eine Erhöhung der ATP-Produktion [5].

Zusammengenommen lösen diese Effekte die Aktivierung von Signalwegen und Transkriptionsfaktoren aus, die die langfristige Expression verschiedener Proteine und Stoffwechselwege im Gehirn modulieren[6]. Darüber hinaus wurden durch PBM bei älteren Menschen auch elektrophysiologische Effekte auf das menschliche Gehirn nachgewiesen[7, 8].

Metabolische Auswirkungen und Sauerstoffversorgung des Gehirns

Die metabolischen Wirkungen der PBM bei älteren Menschen erhöhen nachweislich den zerebralen Blutfluss (CBF) aufgrund der gesteigerten CCO-Aktivität, was zu einer verbesserten Sauerstoffversorgung des Gehirns führt. Die Photobiomodulation des präfrontalen Kortex konnte die Alpha-, Beta- und Gamma-Leistung des EEG im Ruhezustand erhöhen und eine effizientere präfrontale fMRI-Reaktion bewirken, was die kognitive Verarbeitung bei älteren Menschen erleichtert. [8] Darüber hinaus hat sich gezeigt, dass die Photobiomodulation des Default Mode Network (DMN) die zerebrale Durchblutung aufgrund einer erhöhten Mitochondrienaktivität verbessert. [9]

PBM im Gehirn und entzündungshemmende Wirkung

Zusätzlich zu den oben genannten Erkenntnissen könnte die PBM aufgrund ihrer entzündungshemmenden Wirkung eine vielversprechende Strategie zur Verbesserung alternder Gehirne sein. [10, 11]

PBM im Gehirn führt zu einer Verringerung der neuronalen Exzitotoxizität

Im Jahr 2022 veröffentlichten Forscher der University of Alberta eine vielschichtige Studie, in der sie die Art und Weise untersuchten, wie lebende Zellen, zelluläre Strukturen und Komponenten wie Mikrotubuli und Tubulin auf Nahinfrarot-Photobiomodulation (NIR PBM) unter Verwendung des Vielight Neuro Alpha reagieren.

Ihre Studie zeigte, dass die PBM ein Gleichgewicht zwischen Erregungsstimulation und -hemmung herstellt, was darauf hindeutet, dass die PBM die Exzitotoxizität verringern kann, was für die Erhaltung eines gesunden Gehirns von Bedeutung ist. Diese Studie zeigte auch, dass die PBM mit niedriger Intensität das mitochondriale Potenzial hochreguliert und die physiologischen Gehirnfunktionen verbessert, die aufgrund von Traumata oder Neurodegeneration beeinträchtigt sind. [14]

PBM im Gehirn erhöht die zerebrale Vaskularität und Sauerstoffversorgung

Der Alterungsprozess geht mit Veränderungen der Gewebestruktur einher, die häufig zu einem Funktionsverlust führen. Die Blutgefäße des Gehirns bilden dabei keine Ausnahme. Mit zunehmendem Alter nimmt die Durchblutung des Gehirns durch den Verlust der zerebralen Gefäße ab, was zu einem kognitiven Verfall führt, wenn die Neuronen nicht mehr ausreichend mit Sauerstoff versorgt werden können.[21] Die Photobiomodulation des Gehirns erhöht nachweislich die zerebrale Durchblutung aufgrund der Vasodilatation, die nach der Freisetzung von Stickstoffmonoxid auftritt.[20]

Figure 3: The beneficial effects of photobiomodulation

Zusammenfassung

Diese Ergebnisse sind vielversprechend, denn mit zunehmendem Alter nimmt die Mitochondrienfunktion ab, die Hirndurchblutung und die Sauerstoffversorgung nehmen ab[12] , Entzündungen nehmen zu und die Vaskularität des Gehirns nimmt ab.

Die Photobiomodulation des Gehirns hat jedoch das Potenzial, die Mitochondrienfunktion, die Hirndurchblutung und die Vaskularität des Gehirns teilweise zu verbessern und möglicherweise auch Entzündungen zu verringern.

Veröffentlichte Forschung – PBM des Gehirns bei älteren Menschen

Im Jahr 2017 fanden Forscher der Abteilung für Psychologie und des Instituts für Neurowissenschaften der University of Texas in Austin heraus, dass die Photobiomodulation des Gehirns die Alpha-, Beta- und Gamma-Leistung des EEG im Ruhezustand erhöht, eine effizientere fMRT-Aktivität fördert und die kognitive Verarbeitung von Verhaltensweisen bei Erwachsenen mittleren Alters und älteren Menschen mit dem Risiko eines kognitiven Verfalls erleichtert. Es wurden keine unerwünschten Wirkungen berichtet.

Diese Ergebnisse unterstützen das Potenzial der Photobiomodulation des Gehirns zur Verbesserung der neurokognitiven Funktionen und zur Bekämpfung des altersbedingten und durch Gefäßkrankheiten verursachten kognitiven Verfalls [13].

Im Jahr 2019 führte Dr. Chao vom Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Francisco VA Medical Center, eine Studie an Patienten im Alter von 80 Jahren durch, bei denen Demenz diagnostiziert wurde. Die NIR-PBM-Behandlungen wurden von einem Studienpartner zu Hause dreimal pro Woche mit dem Vielight Neuro Gamma-Gerät durchgeführt. Nach 12 Wochen kam es in der PBM-Gruppe zu Verbesserungen bei den ADAS-cog- und NPI-Scores, zu einer erhöhten zerebralen Durchblutung und zu einer verbesserten Konnektivität zwischen dem posterioren cingulären Kortex und den lateralen parietalen Knoten innerhalb des Default-Mode-Netzwerks. [15]

Im Jahr 2021 entdeckten Forscher der School of Medical Sciences der Universität Sydney in einer Pilotstudie mit 12 Teilnehmern, dass Messungen der Mobilität, der Kognition, des dynamischen Gleichgewichts und der Feinmotorik durch eine PBM-Behandlung über 12 Wochen und bis zu einem Jahr signifikant verbessert wurden. Viele individuelle Verbesserungen lagen über dem minimalen klinisch bedeutsamen Unterschied, dem Schwellenwert, der für die Teilnehmer als bedeutsam erachtet wird. Die individuellen Verbesserungen variierten, aber viele hielten bis zu einem Jahr an, wenn die Behandlung mit dem Vielight Neuro Gamma zu Hause fortgesetzt wurde. Es gab einen nachweisbaren Hawthorne-Effekt, der unterhalb des Behandlungseffekts lag. Es wurden keine Nebenwirkungen der Behandlung beobachtet.

References

1. Jang, J. Y., Blum, A., Liu, J., & Finkel, T. (2018). The role of mitochondria in aging. The Journal of clinical investigation, 128(9), 3662–3670. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI120842
2. Dompe, C., Moncrieff, L., Matys, J., Grzech-Leśniak, K., Kocherova, I., Bryja, A., Bruska, M., Dominiak, M., Mozdziak, P., Skiba, T., Shibli, J. A., Angelova Volponi, A., Kempisty, B., & Dyszkiewicz-Konwińska, M. (2020). Photobiomodulation-Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications. Journal of clinical medicine, 9(6), 1724. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9061724
3. Suski, J. M., Lebiedzinska, M., Bonora, M., Pinton, P., Duszynski, J., & Wieckowski, M. R. (2012). Relation between mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS formation. In Mitochondrial bioenergetics (pp. 183-205). Humana Press.
4. Wang X., Tian F., Soni S.S., Gonzalez-Lima F., Liu H. Interplay between up-regulation of cytochrome-c-oxidase and hemoglobin oxygenation induced by near-infrared laser. Sci. Rep. 2016;6:30540. doi: 10.1038/srep30540.
5. Hamblin M.R. Photobiomodulation for traumatic brain injury and stroke. J. Neurosci. Res. 2018;96:731–743. doi: 10.1002/jnr.24190.
6. Cardoso FDS, Mansur FCB, Lopes-Martins RÁB, Gonzalez-Lima F, Gomes da Silva S. Transcranial Laser Photobiomodulation Improves Intracellular Signaling Linked to Cell Survival, Memory and Glucose Metabolism in the Aged Brain: A Preliminary Study. Front Cell Neurosci. 2021 Sep 3;15:683127. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2021.683127. PMID: 34539346; PMCID: PMC8446546.
7. Wang, X., Dmochowski, J. P., Zeng, L., Kallioniemi, E., Husain, M., GonzalezLima, F., & Liu, H. (2019). Transcranial photobiomodulation with 1064-nm laser modulates brain electroencephalogram rhythms. Neurophotonics, 6(2), 025013.
8. Vargas E, Barrett DW, Saucedo CL, et al. Beneficial neurocognitive effects of transcranial laser in older adults. Lasers in medical science. 2017;32(5):1153–1162. [PubMed: 28466195]
9. Chao LL. Effects of Home Photobiomodulation Treatments on Cognitive and Behavioral Function, Cerebral Perfusion, and Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Patients with Dementia: A Pilot Trial. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2019 Mar;37(3):133-141. doi: 10.1089/photob.2018.4555. Epub 2019 Feb 13. PMID: 31050950.
10. Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337-361. doi: 10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337. Epub 2017 May 19. PMID: 28748217; PMCID: PMC5523874.
11. dos Santos Cardoso, F., Mansur, F.C.B., Araújo, B.H.S. et al.Photobiomodulation Improves the Inflammatory Response and Intracellular Signaling Proteins Linked to Vascular Function and Cell Survival in the Brain of Aged Rats. Mol Neurobiol 59, 420–428 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-021-02606-4
12. Braz, I. D., & Fisher, J. P. (2016). The impact of age on cerebral perfusion, oxygenation and metabolism during exercise in humans. The Journal of physiology, 594(16), 4471–4483. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP271081
13. Vargas E, Barrett DW, Saucedo CL, Huang LD, Abraham JA, Tanaka H, Haley AP, Gonzalez-Lima F. Beneficial neurocognitive effects of transcranial laser in older adults. Lasers Med Sci. 2017 Jul;32(5):1153-1162. doi: 10.1007/s10103-017-2221-y. Epub 2017 May 2. PMID: 28466195; PMCID: PMC6802936.
14. Staelens Michael, Di Gregorio Elisabetta, Kalra Aarat P., Le Hoa T., Hosseinkhah Nazanin, Karimpoor Mahroo, Lim Lew, Tuszyński Jack A. Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation of Living Cells, Tubulin, and Microtubules In Vitro, Frontiers in Medical Technology 4. 2022 May 04, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmedt.2022.871196, ISBN:2673-3129
15. Chao LL. Effects of Home Photobiomodulation Treatments on Cognitive and Behavioral Function, Cerebral Perfusion, and Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Patients with Dementia: A Pilot Trial. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2019 Mar;37(3):133-141. doi: 10.1089/photob.2018.4555. Epub 2019 Feb 13. PMID: 31050950.
16. Liebert A, Bicknell B, Laakso EL, Heller G, Jalilitabaei P, Tilley S, Mitrofanis J, Kiat H. Improvements in clinical signs of Parkinson’s disease using photobiomodulation: a prospective proof-of-concept study. BMC Neurol. 2021 Jul 2;21(1):256. doi: 10.1186/s12883-021-02248-y. PMID: 34215216; PMCID: PMC8249215.
17. Sparkman NL, Johnson RW. Neuroinflammation associated with aging sensitizes the brain to the effects of infection or stress. Neuroimmunomodulation. 2008;15(4-6):323-30. doi: 10.1159/000156474. Epub 2008 Nov 26. PMID: 19047808; PMCID: PMC2704383.
18. Simen AA, Bordner KA, Martin MP, Moy LA, Barry LC. Cognitive dysfunction with aging and the role of inflammation. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2011 May;2(3):175-95. doi: 10.1177/2040622311399145. PMID: 23251749; PMCID: PMC3513880.
19. Yang T, Sun Y, Lu Z, Leak RK, Zhang F. The impact of cerebrovascular aging on vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Ageing Res Rev. 2017 Mar;34:15-29. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2016.09.007. Epub 2016 Sep 28. PMID: 27693240; PMCID: PMC5250548.
20. Salgado AS, Zângaro RA, Parreira RB, Kerppers II. The effects of transcranial LED therapy (TCLT) on cerebral blood flow in the elderly women. Lasers in medical science. 2015;30(1):339– 346. doi: 10.1007/s10103-014-1669-2 [PubMed: 25277249]
21. Yang T, Sun Y, Lu Z, Leak RK, Zhang F. The impact of cerebrovascular aging on vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Ageing Res Rev. 2017 Mar;34:15-29. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2016.09.007. Epub 2016 Sep 28. PMID: 27693240; PMCID: PMC5250548.

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X-Plus 3 Components

The X-Plus 3 consists of 4 main modules: the X-Plus Head module, the X-Plus Body module, and 2 633nm X-Plus nasal applicators.

The X-Plus Head Module

In everyday life and in sports, your visual processing ability, balance, and coordination is crucial. The X-Plus Head module sits comfortably on the occipital lobe and cerebellum, which are the areas of the brain that process these tasks.

The occipital lobe interprets information from the eyes and turns it into the world as a person sees it. It is responsible for visuospatial processing, distance, and depth perception. ^[1].

The cerebellum is another important structure of the brain.

Although the cerebellum accounts for approximately 10% of the brain’s volume, it contains over 50% of the total number of neurons in the brain. The cerebellum is involved in the following functions:

Maintenance of balance and posture. The cerebellum is important for making postural adjustments to maintain balance. It modulates commands to motor neurons to compensate for shifts in body position or changes in load upon muscles. ^[2]

Coordination of voluntary movements. Most movements are composed of different muscle groups acting together in a temporally coordinated fashion. One major function of the cerebellum is to coordinate the timing and force of these different muscle groups to produce fluid limb or body movements.[3]

Motor learning. The cerebellum is important for motor learning. The cerebellum plays a major role in adapting and fine-tuning motor programs to make accurate movements through a trial-and-error process (e.g. learning to hit a baseball or throwing a basketball accurately).^[4]

Combined, the cerebellum and occipital lobe account for much of the brain’s processing ability for movements required for physical performance. Now imagine the ability to stimulate these two brain structures to improve your everyday life and boost athletic and sports performance in a convenient manner without side effects.

X-Plus Intranasal module

The nasal cavity is saturated with blood capillaries. Five major arteries connect directly to the circulatory system ^[5], making it the perfect location for systemic photobiomodulation.

The X-Plus 3 comes with two 633nm intranasal modules, enabling photobiomodulation of the blood capillary-rich nasal passageway. Additionally, our patented clip-on intranasal design enables usage almost anywhere and while on the move.

Why systemic circulation?

Intranasal photobiomodulation improves oxygenation and leads to increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in various tissues. ^[6]

Light energy absorbed by blood through the photobiomodulation process leads to an increase in nitric oxide (NO) release.^[7]

Nitric oxide is one of the most important factors affecting microcirculation. This leads to increases in vasodilation which contributes to improved oxygen delivery to tissues , which is important for optimizing your health and sports performance.

The result of light-induced photodissociation of oxyhemoglobin also results in a significant enrichment of local tissue oxygenation. ^[8]

The systemic effect of photobiomodulation on circulation could be a consequence of positive alterations in the membrane properties of red blood cells (RBCs). Absorption of red/NIR light affects hydrogen bonds, which could induce structural changes in RBC membrane proteins. ^[9]

This in turn, results in an improvement of RBC structure, ATP content, and osmotic properties. ^[10]

Conclusively, the X-Plus 3 intranasal modules are powerful tools for internalizing photobiomodulation into your circulatory system.

The X-Plus Body module

We hypothesize that the X-Plus Body module could potentially help with the immune system when positioned on the sternum. A version of this has been used in our clinical trial to treat COVID-19, and the findings will be made public soon.

Clinical trial link: Link

Additionally, the X-Plus Body module can be positioned over joints and certain body parts, such as the shoulder or knees to provide anti-inflammatory relief.

Conclusion

The X-Plus 3 is a useful device for improving anyone’s quality of life, but an especially powerful tool for athletes and biohackers to maximize performance. In a competitive world where the smallest difference in mental and physical performance can mean either first place or everything else after, the X-Plus 3 is a powerful tool to try.

References

[1] – Rehman A, Al Khalili Y. Neuroanatomy, Occipital Lobe. [Updated 2021 Jul 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544320/

[2, 3, 4] – Cerebellum (section 3, Chapter 5) neuroscience online: An electronic textbook for the Neurosciences: Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy – the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Cerebellum (Section 3, Chapter 5) Neuroscience Online: An Electronic Textbook for the Neurosciences | Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy – The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://nba.uth.tmc.edu/neuroscience/m/s3/chapter05.html#:~:text=The%20cerebellum%20is%20important%20for,in%20order%20to%20maintain%20balance.&text=One%20major%20function%20of%20the,is%20important%20for%20motor%20learning.

[5] – Nguyen JD, Duong H. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Lateral Nasal Artery. [Updated 2021 Nov 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546681/

[6], [7] – Lohr NL, Keszler A, Pratt P, Bienengraber M, Warltier DC, Hogg N. Enhancement of nitric oxide release from nitrosyl hemoglobin and nitrosyl myoglobin by red/near infrared radiation: potential role in cardioprotection. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2009 Aug;47(2):256-63. doi: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2009.03.009. Epub 2009 Mar 25. PMID: 19328206; PMCID: PMC4329292.

[8] – Stadler I, Evans R, Kolb B, Naim JO, Narayan V, Buehner N, Lanzafame RJ. In vitro effects of low-level laser irradiation at 660 nm on peripheral blood lymphocytes. Lasers Surg Med. 2000;27(3):255-61. doi: 10.1002/1096-9101(2000)27:3<255::aid-lsm7>3.0.co;2-l. PMID: 11013387.

[9] – Szymborska-Małek K, Komorowska M, Gąsior-Głogowska M. Effects of Near Infrared Radiation on DNA. DLS and ATR-FTIR Study. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2018 Jan 5;188:258-267. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2017.07.004. Epub 2017 Jul 12. PMID: 28723592.

[10] – Walski T, Dyrda A, Dzik M, Chludzińska L, Tomków T, Mehl J, Detyna J, Gałecka K, Witkiewicz W, Komorowska M. Near infrared light induces post-translational modifications of human red blood cell proteins. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2015 Nov;14(11):2035-45. doi: 10.1039/c5pp00203f. PMID: 26329012.

The post X-Plus 3: Exponential Performance first appeared on Vielight Inc - Deutsch.

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At Vielight, we work tirelessly to offer products that are helpful to improve brain functions. A large part of this relates to the use of photobiomodulation (PBM) to modulate brain waveforms. Here we share why this understanding is useful, starting with the neurofeedback practitioners’ perspective.

Neurofeedback training and the brain 

Every brain is unique. Neurofeedback practitioners know that our brains respond to external stimuli in a variety of ways. These sensory stimuli can be helpful in modifying the brain’s responses when those responses are abnormal.

Neurofeedback training is based the principle that the brain uses sensory inputs to learn. Repeated information patterns indicate to your brain how to best prioritize received information. They also teach the brain response strategies to help it to interact most effectively with its immediate environment.

During a neurofeedback session your brain will receive cues based on changes in its attention and arousal. After some repetition, your brain learns which cortical behaviors have greater impacts on auditory or visual feedback patterns. As it learns, the brain begins to generate more of those desired responses and behaviors. Instead of traditional psychological “stick and carrot” techniques, neurofeedback targets the brain directly by employing various forms of stimulation.

Furthermore, neurofeedback training helps to train the brain to react differently to a stimulus or a set of stimuli in order to change an individual’s reaction. Brain wave frequencies, or neural oscillations, can play important roles in this process because they are present during specific brain states.

Brain oscillations, neurofeedback training, and photobiomodulation

Neural oscillations and brain states

Every brain state is associated with a particular band of brain frequencies, or rhythms. These rhythms are called “neural oscillations” because they are created by a multitude of neurons communicating with each other. These neural oscillations or brain waves can be registered and measured using an electroencephalogram, or EEG.

There is a correlation between a brain state and the type and frequency of neural oscillations produced during this state. It is possible that by stimulating a particular brain wave frequency, brain activity associated with this frequency can be modulated. Research shows that transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) can be effective in stimulating and modulating the brain.

Interventional and non-interventional ways to affect brain oscillations

EEG is an important part in neurofeedback training. It is a useful, non-interventional method of capturing brain state data and allowing for its analysis. In addition to non-interventional tools like EEG, the neurofeedback training also requires interventional tools. Brain photobiomodulation is one such interventional tool offering a non-invasive form of brain stimulation and modulation using light energy.

While brain PBM can start a restorative biochemical reaction in the neurons, it can also affect the brain’s natural oscillations. It can help to increase or decrease these oscillations, stimulating the brain to change its response. To achieve this goal, the light that is emitted during a tPBM session is pulsed at a specific frequency that is similar to natural brain oscillations. The choice of the pulse rate depends on the issue at hand and on the desired outcome.

A neurofeedback specialist uses equipment to map brain frequencies with qEEG, or quantitative electroencephalogram. Such frequency mapping can be helpful in assessing some deficiencies and abnormalities in the brain’s responses. Furthermore, the brain frequency mapping provides an image of brain oscillations and their respective frequency bands. These brain wave bands are defined differently by different contributors to the field. However, they are most commonly classified into the following five frequency band categories: delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma.

What are unique brain wave frequencies?

Brain’s delta wave frequency band — 0.1 Hz to 4 Hz 

Delta frequencies fall in the range of around 0.1 Hz to 4 Hz, and constitute the lowest range of brain frequencies. Brain activity in this frequency range correlates with the states of deep sleep, along with some anomalous processes.

In addition to being present in stages 3 and 4 of sleep, delta frequencies are also commonly predominant in infants under one year. The delta waves are the slowest and have the highest amplitude. They help the brain to focus inwardly, while decreasing awareness of the outside environment. These waves are helpful in attaining a state of connection with the unconscious mind.

High-performing individuals are able to decrease their delta waves to attain top levels of performance. On the other hand, individuals who are unable to decrease their delta wave activity in the brain can experience difficulty focusing. For example, individuals with attention deficit disorder (ADD) usually experience elevated delta wave activity when attempting to focus. Therefore, individuals with ADD have limited ability to stay focused and pay attention. This inability to focus can occur in anyone who has abnormal and unsuppressed delta wave reactions.

The inability to regulate delta wave activity impedes an individual’s ability to react fast to external stimuli. It can also be the cause of an inability to navigate the outside world with ease.

Brain’s theta wave frequency band — 4 Hz to 8 Hz 

Brain oscillations in the theta waves frequency band fall between approximately 4 Hz and 8 Hz. The brain activity in this frequency range often correlates with creativity, emotions, and sensations. Theta brain frequencies are present during inwardly focused brain activity, as well as the transitional state between alertness and sleep. Theta oscillations are often prominent during states of creative activities, meditation, and spiritual contemplation.

Furthermore, activity in the theta range correlates with states of learning and memory creation and integration. It can also be present during anxious episodes.

In comparison with delta waves, theta waves are faster. However, despite representing faster brain activity, they are also present during sleep. Theta wave activity commonly correlates with distracted or dreamy states and experiences.

Brain’s alpha wave frequency band — 8 Hz to 12 Hz 

Brain oscillations in the alpha wave frequency band fall between approximately 8 Hz and 12 Hz. Alpha wave activity correlates with states that combine relaxation, alertness, and awareness. For example, the brain’s alpha wave activity is present during some stages of meditation. Alpha band activity is also associated with mental resourcefulness, while enhancing a general sense of relaxation.

During alpha wave activity, individuals can accomplish a variety of tasks more efficiently. Alpha brain oscillations promote a sense of calm, allowing the brain to prioritize and to focus better. They are also commonly present in normal adults and teenagers in relaxed states. Alpha wave activity also correlates with a state of alertness, but it is absent when the brain is performing specific tasks.

Furthermore, the brain’s alpha oscillations are present during relaxed learning and while applying knowledge. They occur in both classroom and work environments.

It is possible to increase your brain’s alpha activity by doing deep breathing exercises, or simply by closing your eyes. If you wish to lower your alpha state, you could try doing a complex task, like a mathematical calculation. Alpha wave activity promotes the ability to easily switch between tasks while increasing inner awareness, balance, and calmness. It correlates with faster brain activity than that of delta and theta brain waves. Faster brain wave activity refers to activities in the states of alertness and the execution of cognitive tasks. Slow brain wave activity is present during dream-like and meditative states.

Brain’s beta wave frequency band — 13 Hz to 35 Hz 

Beta frequencies produce faster brain activity than alpha frequencies. Beta frequencies begin at about 13 Hz. This faster frequency occurs during a state of alertness and consciousness. If you are performing an analytical task with your eyes open, your brain’s beta oscillations are at work. This happens because communication among the neurons is increasing.

In general, when you are processing information about the world, beta wave activity is evident in the brain. This activity is present during various tasks ranging from mathematical problem solving to decision making.

Furthermore, because of its significant range, the beta frequency band consists of three sub-ranges — low beta, mid beta, and high beta.

Low Beta Frequency Band — 13 Hz to 15 Hz
The low beta frequency range activity is associated with a more relaxed and focused state.

Mid Beta Frequency Band — 15 Hz to 18 Hz
The mid beta frequency range activity is associated with alertness, mental activity, and focus.

High Beta Frequency Band — 18 Hz to 35 Hz
The high beta frequency range activity is associated with higher levels of alertness and even agitation.

Brain’s gamma wave frequency band — 35 Hz to 100 Hz 

The fastest of the five frequency bands is the gamma frequency. It is prominent when the brain is processing complex information that requires input from different parts of the brain. Intense thinking and problem solving are states that correlate with gamma wave activity. The brain oscillations in the gamma wave frequency band fall between approximately 35 Hz and 100 Hz.

Brain activity associated with a frequency of 40 Hz is of particular importance. The 40 Hz gamma wave activity is, presumably, present and needed for consolidation and complex processing of information from different parts of the brain. Whereas activity in this frequency range correlates with good memory performance, its deficiency correlates with learning issues and even disabilities.

Using photobiomodulation to modulate brain waves 

Considering the importance of brain oscillations, Vielight offers several products that have been found to modulate brain waves using photobiomodulation. The Vielight Neuro Alpha device trains the brain for mainly alpha brain waveforms and improves basic brain network functions. The Neuro Gamma elevates the faster brain waves of beta and gamma, and downregulates the slower delta and theta waves. The new Vielight Neuro Pro device offers the versatility of delivering PBM in the range from 0 to 10,000 Hz.

Understanding the effects of brain oscillations can be helpful in analyzing, supporting, and improving brain wellness. As studies suggest, brain PBM is a non-invasive form of neurostimulation that can help to affect and modulate brain oscillations. PBM with light pulsing at specific frequencies can help modulate and normalize brain oscillations. Considering that brain oscillations represent neural activity, this means that brain PBM can affect neural activity.

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What is the place of photobiomodulation in a neurofeedback practice?

Every neurofeedback practitioner is aware that human brains prioritize resourcing and organization based on what they pay the most attention to. However, not everyone is aware that photobiomodulation can be an effective way to recruit the brain’s attentional networks for better results.

Neurofeedback and photobiomodulation are relatively new fields. For many, they are still somewhat esoteric fields of brain stimulation, training and modulation. Incidentally, both began their development in the late 1950s. The field of neurofeedback originated in California, while the field of PBM started in Hungary by accident. Furthermore, both can help the brain deal with complex issues while complementing each other.

The brain is an adaptive and self-reinforcing system, and neurofeedback, as a form of brain modulation, attempts to retrain neural response patterns. However, even the most effective neurofeedback interventions can encounter less responsive central nervous systems. Luckily, neurofeedback providers can benefit from having multiple ways to supply information to the brain. Thus, some brains will respond better to tPBM or to a combination of tPBM and EEG feedback. Therefore, having access to modern technological tools that offer a variety of viable brain-training options can improve neurofeedback’s outcomes.

Recent Developments in Photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation has emerged as a promising therapy for ameliorating symptoms associated with both mental health and neurophysiological conditions. Early findings recorded in the literature indicate that photobiomodulation has significant clinical potential in the treatment of a number of brain-based disorders. These include, but not limited to, traumatic brain injury (Henderson, 2016), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (Johnstone, 2015), improving executive function (Barrett, 2013), memory (Rojas, 2012), stroke and developmental disorders (Hamblin, 2016), and depression (Cassano, 2015).

A meta-analysis of articles examining the link between photobiomodulation and biological processes such as metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress and neurogenesis suggest that these processes are potentially effective targets for photobiomodulation to treat depression and brain injury. There is also preliminary clinical evidence suggesting the efficacy of photobiomodulation in treating major depressive disorder, comorbid anxiety disorders, and suicidal ideation (Cassano, 2016).

Pairing tPBM’s documented enhancement of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and synaptogenesis (Hennessy, 2017) with EEG-based feedback paradigms that focus on supporting neural connectivity (Collura, 2008) potentially offers a novel approach to building better brain infrastructure at any age.

Why is photobiomodulation technology synergetic with neurofeedback? 

Neurofeedback is often based on scalp electroencephalography (EEG), which measures cortical activity, and doesn’t explicitly include activity from subcortical brain regions. However, a specialized transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) system, like Vielight Neuro Pro for example, can deliver NIR light to the brain stem. It can offer a more direct impact to lower central nervous system circuitry. This is one way specialized photobiomodulation technology can complement neurofeedback and help to improve its timeline and effects.

As a source of light, tPBM supports the brain energetically, helping it with energy supply to build new connections. Neurofeedback specialists can take advantage of this new optimized state that is supportive of learning. Furthermore, when this happens, neurofeedback training can help the brain to develop better cognitive functions.

Moreover, technically astute neurofeedback practitioners may prefer additional customization options from their tPBM device to further improve outcomes. They may want to directly impact neural network patterns, particularly if they are qEEG users. This group of neurofeedback specialists may prefer to use advanced features of a professional tPBM system. For example, features like phase synchrony/asynchrony of tPBM pulsing, or options to develop a database of specialized tPBM programs that complement neurofeedback.

What are the benefits of combining neurofeedback and brain photobiomodulation? 

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that is based specifically on brain activity. To put it simply, neurofeedback utilizes neuroplasticity to modulate and change the brain’s response to various stimuli. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and change. To attain such change, the brain needs to go through training. Thus, during the training, the brain learns to adopt a new response to a known stimulus.

Interestingly, additional stimulus or stimuli may be introduced to help the brain change its response. For example, light, color, sound, and tactile sensations are some of the primary stimuli that can be used to retrain the brain during neurofeedback sessions.

Brain photobiomodulation is a way to deliver the light to the brain. Therefore, it can be used as an additional stimulus for neurofeedback. A specialized tPBM system can become a very useful and synergetic tool in neurofeedback. For example, it can act as a mechanism for priming the brain prior to a neurofeedback session. It can also open numerous opportunities for creative approaches to improving neurofeedback outcomes.

Furthermore, neurofeedback practitioners are well aware that some individuals have difficulty tolerating initial neurofeedback sessions. This can be either because of anxiety or sensory processing issues. Therefore, having an alternative intervention that is less time-intensive and doesn’t involve pastes or gels can be helpful. It can provide some early alleviation of symptom intensity until the client is more comfortable with the neurofeedback process.

Effects of transcranial PBM on the brain 

Brain PBM, or tPBM, can be helpful for the brain on cellular level. It helps to support the brain by transcranially delivering the energy of the near-infrared (NIR) light directly to the neurons.

Current abundant research shows that NIR has the best penetration rate and is particularly suitable for brain stimulation and modulation. Although the research into tPBM has a long way to go, the science behind tPBM is gaining acceptance

While therapeutic uses of red light across the body are well documented, research into the effects of various light pulsation frequencies on the brain are more limited. The most commonly known tPBM frequencies are 10 Hz (Alpha) and 40 Hz (Gamma). Both correspond to the respective alpha and gamma oscillations in the brain. Most of the tPBM pulse frequency related research is focused on these two frequencies and below. Thus, the effects of the higher frequency pulse rates on the brain need more research. Modern tPBM systems offer more sophisticated options to conduct tPBM-related research.

The importance of specialized tPBM hardware for neurofeedback 

The absence of hardware suitable for extended research utilizing higher pulse frequencies has been somewhat of a hindrance. However, over the last few years, tPBM research has made significant progress opening the doors for deeper knowledge dives. Thus, both the researchers and practitioners utilizing tPBM are showing interest in studying and analyzing the effects of higher pulse frequencies on the brain.

Furthermore, new technologies and growing body of knowledge are helping to improve the capabilities of new tPBM hardware. For example, the recently introduced Vielight Neuro Pro tPBM system allows setting the pulse frequency between 0 and 10,000 Hz. The Neuro Pro’s numerous other variables can also be changed to find the best possible fit for the task at hand.

Why brain photobiomodulation should be of interest for neurofeedback practitioners?

Many neurofeedback practitioners have already discovered the beneficial synergies between neurofeedback and brain photobiomodulation. Thus, some use functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), others use Frequency and Power Neurofeedback, and there are other forms and options. While practitioners can use different tools for and types of neurofeedback in their practice, many principles stay common.

For example, the concepts of brain mapping and brain priming are familiar to many neurofeedback practitioners. While brain mapping requires measuring tools, brain priming requires interventional tools. However, interventions do not have to be invasive.

One form of noninvasive intervention for brain priming can be transcranial photobiomodulation. There are neurofeedback practitioners who have already discovered the important and effective synergies that tPBM can offer in their work.

Photobiomodulation Research References: 

Barrett D.W., Gonzalez-Lima F. Transcranial infrared laser stimulation produces beneficial cognitive and emotional effects in humans. Neuroscience. 2013;230:13–23. [PubMed]

Cassano P., Petrie S.R., Hamblin M.R., Henderson T.A., Iosifescu D.V. Review of transcranial photobiomodulation for major depressive disorder: targeting brain metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurogenesis. Neurophotonics. 2016;3:031404. [PubMed]

Cassano P., Cusin C., Mischoulon D., Hamblin M.R., De Taboada L., Pisoni A., Chang T., Yeung A., Ionescu D.F., Petrie S.R., Nierenberg A.A., Fava M., Iosifescu D.V. Near-infrared transcranial radiation for major depressive disorder: proof of concept study. Psychiatry J. 2015;2015:352979. [PubMed]

Collura, T.F. (2008) Towards a coherent view of brain connectivity. Journal of Neurotherapy. 12, 2–3, 99–110.

De Freitas L.F., Hamblin M.R. Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE J. Sel. Top. Quantum Electron. 2016;22:7000417.

Gonzalez-Lima F., Barrett D.W. Augmentation of cognitive brain functions with transcranial lasers. Front. Syst. Neurosci. 2014;8:36. [PubMed]

Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA Clinical, 6, 113–124. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002

Henderson T.A., Morries L.D. Near-infrared photonic energy penetration: can infrared phototherapy effectively reach the human brain? Neuropsychiatr. Dis. Treat. 2015;11:2191–2208.[PubMed]

Henderson T.A. Multi-watt near-infrared light therapy as a neuroregenerative treatment for traumatic brain injury. Neural Regen. Res. 2016;11:563–565. [PubMed]

More References: 

Henderson T.A., Morries L.D. SPECT perfusion imaging demonstrates improvement of traumatic brain injury with transcranial near-infrared laser phototherapy. Adv. Mind Body Med. 2015;29:27–33.[PubMed]

Hennessy, M., & Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Photobiomodulation and the brain: a new paradigm. Journal of Optics (2010), 19(1), 013003–. https://doi.org/10.1088/2040-8986/19/1/013003

Johnstone D.M., Moro C., Stone J., Benabid A.L., Mitrofanis J. Turning on lights to stop neurodegeneration: the potential of near infrared light therapy in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Front. Neurosci. 2015;9:500. [PubMed]

Rojas J.C., Bruchey A.K., Gonzalez-Lima F. Low-level light therapy improves cortical metabolic capacity and memory retention. J. Alzheimers Dis. 2012;32:741–752. [PubMed]

Rojas, JC., Gonzalez-Lima, F. Neurological and psychological applications of transcranial lasers and LEDs. Biochem Pharmacol. 2013 Aug 15;86(4):447-57. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.06.012. Epub 2013 Jun 24.

The post Brain Stimulation: Neurofeedback and Photobiomodulation first appeared on Vielight Inc - Deutsch.

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Mehr als ein halbes Jahrzehnt ist vergangen, seit wir den ersten Vielight Neuro auf den Markt gebracht haben, und es ist an der Zeit, die Gründe für sein Design zu überprüfen und zu bekräftigen. Als Pioniere der transkraniell-intranasalen Hirnphotobiomodulationstechnologie gibt es mehrere wichtige Gründe, warum unser neuestes Modell, das Vielight Neuro 3, in der Lage ist, auch in absehbarer Zukunft die höchste Wirksamkeit in Verbindung mit einem benutzerfreundlichen Design zu einem erschwinglichen Preis zu bieten.

• Der intranasale Vorteil
• Die Wahl: Vielight Neuro Headset oder wiederverwendete Helme?
• Ausrichtung auf das Standardmodusnetz
• Die Theorie hinter den Pulsraten
• Validierung durch Forschung

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Der intranasale Vorteil

“Warum die Nase?” – Diesen Satz haben wir schon viel zu oft gehört.

Wir haben die Nase wegen ihrer Lage und Struktur ausgewählt. Die Nase ist ein Einfallstor für die 810nm-Lichtenergie im nahen Infrarot (NIR), um den ventralen Bereich (Unterseite) des Gehirns zu erreichen, der sonst unzugänglich wäre. Die Regionen des Gehirns, die sich auf der Unterseite des Gehirns befinden, spielen eine wichtige Rolle bei emotionalen Reaktionen, Entscheidungsfindung und Selbstkontrolle. Darüber hinaus ist der nasale (olfaktorische) Bereich direkt mit der Gedächtnisverarbeitung (Hippocampus, entorhinaler Kortex) und der Emotionssteuerung (Amygdala) verbunden und ermöglicht den Zugang zu anderen Bereichen des Gehirns (Thalamus).

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Die Wahl: Vielight Neuro Headset oder wiederverwendete Helme?

Es mag verlockend sein, einen Fahrradhelm, einen Hut oder einen Eimer zu nehmen, ihn mit LEDs zu bestücken und ihn ein “Photobiomodulationsgerät für das Gehirn” zu nennen.
Aber haben Sie schon einmal darüber nachgedacht, ob sie wirksam sind?

Nach einem Jahrzehnt Erfahrung als eines der ersten Unternehmen im Bereich der Photobiomodulation des Gehirns haben wir gelernt, dass eine effektive Photobiomodulation des Gehirns nicht so einfach ist. Vor allem, wenn wir ein Gerät anbieten wollen, das auf sichere Weise ein Maximum an Licht in das Gehirn leitet.

Als forschungsorientiertes Unternehmen haben wir festgestellt, dass bei der Maximierung der Wirksamkeit der Photobiomodulation des Gehirns mehrere Schlüsselfaktoren ins Spiel kommen.

     1. Übertragung von NIR-Lichtenergie

NIR-Lichtenergie ist eine Form der elektromagnetischen Strahlung, die aus Teilchen wie Photonen besteht, die wellenartige Eigenschaften haben.

In der Natur kann Lichtenergie die Zellphysiologie eines Organismus beeinflussen, aber wie bringen wir sie richtig an?

Mehrere Eigenschaften der Lichtenergie beeinflussen die Übertragung von NIR-Energie auf das Gehirn.

• Die Lichtenergie wird bei der Ausbreitung über Entfernungen schwächer, weil die inverse square law of light.  
• Lichtenergie wird vom Haar absorbiert.

Angesichts dieser beiden Faktoren sind Helme/Hüte usw. nicht ideal für die Photobiomodulation des Gehirns. Zusätzlich zu dem Energieverlust, der entsteht, wenn das Licht aus dem Helm/der Mütze/dem Hut usw. austritt, werden die Haare zu einer Hemmschwelle, da sie das Restlicht absorbieren, da die schwebenden LEDs keinen Kontakt mit der Haut haben.

Zweitens ist die Positionierung der LEDs für die Wirksamkeit entscheidend. Die LEDs müssen in den Bereichen des Gehirns positioniert werden, die am stärksten betroffen sind. Die Qualität der ausgewählten Stellen in Verbindung mit Leistung und Frequenz ist wichtiger als die bloße Anzahl der wahllos platzierten LEDs, die zu weit von der Kopfhaut entfernt sind.

Schlimmer noch, sie erzeugen und speichern unbrauchbare/unregulierte Wärme und beeinträchtigen den Komfort und die Tragbarkeit, da sie an Steckdosen angeschlossen werden müssen.

Und schließlich fehlt es den “Einheitsgrößen”-Designs an der Anpassungsfähigkeit an unterschiedliche Kopfgrößen. Igitt!

Geben Sie den Neuro

Figure 1. Penetration of NIR energy into a human cadaver using the Vielight Neuro.

Das Vielight Neuro ist für eine maximale Übertragung der Lichtenergie ausgelegt.

Das Headset der Neuro hat einen angeborenen Designvorteil, da die LED-Module der Neuro so konzipiert wurden, dass sie den Kontakt mit der Kopfhaut maximieren. Die mikrochip-gesteuerten LED-Module kontrollieren auch die Wärmeleistung,

Außerdem ist das Neuro-Headset so konzipiert, dass es sich an verschiedene Kopfgrößen und -formen anpassen lässt. Komfort und Effektivität für Ihr wichtigstes Organ – Ihr Gehirn.

     2. LED-Technologie

Ein berühmter Küchenchef sagte einmal: “Es ist ganz einfach: Gute Zutaten ergeben ein gutes Essen. Eine weitere wichtige Zutat (oder ein Faktor) bei der Photobiomodulation des Gehirns ist die Art der verwendeten LED-Technologie. Das Vielight Neuro verwendet mikrochip-geregelte LED-Dioden, die die gewünschte Leistung bei vernachlässigbarer Wärme erzeugen. Dadurch können die LEDs in direktem Kontakt mit der Kopfhautoberfläche stehen, um die Energieübertragung und -durchdringung zu maximieren.

Andererseits ist die Verwendung zahlreicher minderwertiger LEDs kein “Rezept für eine Katastrophe”, sondern für einen Misserfolg, da sie das Fehlen einer Wärmeregulierungstechnologie häufig durch eine geringere Leistungsdichte kompensieren. Bei Vielight kann unsere proprietäre LED-Technologie so viel Energie wie nötig innerhalb sicherer und effizienter Grenzen extrahieren.

     3. Sind mehr LEDs besser?

Nicht unbedingt – erstens müssen die LEDs genügend Energie mit der richtigen Wellenlänge erzeugen, um den Schädel zu durchdringen. Es ist wenig sinnvoll, eine hohe Gesamtleistung zu erzeugen, wenn nichts davon das Gehirn erreicht.

Als Verbraucher sollten Sie sich immer über den Unterschied zwischen Leistungsdichte (mW/cm2) und Gesamtleistung (mW) im Klaren sein. Die Leistungsdichte ist wichtig, nicht die Gesamtleistungsabgabe. Leistungsdichte und Wellenlänge (810 nm) sind die beiden wichtigsten Faktoren, die bestimmen, ob Photonen den Schädel durchdringen und das Gehirn erreichen. Die Gesamtausgangsleistung kann eine irreführende Angabe sein, da sie leicht durch die Verwendung vieler LEDs mit geringer Leistung und schlechter Qualität erreicht werden kann.

Das Sprichwort “Qualität vor Quantität” trifft hier zu!

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Ausrichtung auf das Standardmodusnetz

There are approximately 86 billion neurons in the human brain. That’s a lot of neurons. For reference, there are approximately 200-400 billon stars in our galaxy.  Neurons are highly interconnected – our brain stimulation optimization theory is to pick the most important regions that show the highest interconnectivity. Hence, our research team chose the default mode network (DMN) as the primary target for the Vielight Neuro. Here’s why.

The Vielight Neuro targets the Default Mode Network.

• Why the Default Mode Network?

The general health of the brain is often associated with the health of the default mode network (DMN), often considered the template network of the brain. It is a large-scale brain network primarily composed of the lateral parietal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, precuneus and the entorhinal cortex. The DMN is prominent when the brain is in its quiet state of repose.^[1] Several brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease has been associated with dysfunctional DMN.^[2]

In a nutshell, the Default Mode Network (DMN) has been linked to the general health of the brain and is involved in various domains of cognitive and social processing. Do you know of a better target for brain photobiomodulation? If so, let us know.

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The Theory behind Pulse Rates

We have found that the pulse rate matters in brain PBM. The brain responds to pulse rate stimulation in specific ways. When we stimulate a healthy brain in gamma (40 Hz), we can elevate the amplitude of gamma and other fast waves in alpha and beta in the brain while reducing those of the slow delta and theta ^[3]. Independent researchers have found success in the use of the Vielight Neuro Gamma for dementia ^[4] , Parkinson’s Disease ^[5] ; and the Vielight Alpha (10 Hz) in traumatic brain injury ^[6] . However, please note that our devices are still general wellness device and not medical devices. We don’t claim efficacy for any indication and can only point towards research already published with our devices. (https://www.vielight.com/de//research)

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Validation via Research

At Vielight, research is in our DNA. We understand the need to validate the engineering theory behind our devices with scientific data. A simple idea like placing LEDs on your head can turn surprisingly complex when taking different parameters into account, like the pulse rate, wavelength and power density to maximize efficacy.

With that in mind, we’ve invested heavily in research and clinical trials over the years. In fact, Vielight devices have the most published research in the field of brain photobiomodulation to date.

For a full list of published research that used our devices: Link

We’re grateful to all the research institutions we’ve collaborated with over the years and look forward to a bright future of discoveries together.

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References

1. Sormaz, Mladen; Murphy, Charlotte; Wang, Hao-Ting; Hymers, Mark; Karapanagiotidis, Theodoros; Poerio, Giulia; Margulies, Daniel S.; Jefferies, Elizabeth; Smallwood, Jonathan (2018). “Default mode network can support the level of detail in experience during active task states”
2. Buckner, R. L.; Andrews-Hanna, J. R.; Schacter, D. L. (2008). “The Brain’s Default Network: Anatomy, Function, and Relevance to Disease”. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
3. Zomorrodi, R., Loheswaran, G., Pushparaj, A., & Lim, L. (2019). Pulsed Near Infrared Transcranial and Intranasal Photobiomodulation Significantly Modulates Neural Oscillations: a pilot exploratory study. Scientific Reports, 9.
4. Chao LL. Effects of Home Photobiomodulation Treatments on Cognitive and Behavioral Function, Cerebral Perfusion, and Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Patients with Dementia: A Pilot Trial. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2019 Mar;37(3):133-141. doi: 10.1089/photob.2018.4555.
5. Liebert A, Bicknell B, Laakso EL, Heller G, Jalilitabaei P, Tilley S, Mitrofanis J, Kiat H. Improvements in clinical signs of Parkinson’s disease using photobiomodulation: a prospective proof-of-concept study. BMC Neurol. 2021 Jul 2;21(1):256. Doi: 10.1186/s12883-021-02248-y.
6. Chao LL, Barlow C, Karimpoor M, Lim L. Changes in Brain Function and Structure After Self-Administered Home Photobiomodulation Treatment in a Concussion Case. Front Neurol. 2020;11:952. Published 2020 Sep 8. doi:10.3389/fneur.2020.00952

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A creative and curious mind can be a beginning of something new, something important, even something big. This is as true in the field of arts as it is in the field of sciences. This article offers one more testament to these observations.

Penijean Gracefire is a licensed mental health counsellor (LMHC) in the state of Florida. She focuses on the applications of neurofeedback in her work with clients. Like many neurofeedback practitioners, she is excited by technology that can help her in her work. Unlike most, she is a techno geek, when it comes to her tools. Moreover, her interest in and fascination with technology helps her to discover new ways of helping her clients. She also happened to have an affinity for engineering and innovation, and pushes the frontier of her tools to the limits.

Thus, one day Penijean discovered trascranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) and Vielight’s tPBM devices. What happened when a talented neurofeedback practitioner with a curious mind decided on combining neurofeedback with photobiomodulation. Let’s find out the answer directly from Penijean Gracefire, LMHC.

How long have you been working with transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM)?

Penijean: I’ve been interested in how light affects brains and bodies for as long as I can remember. Sometimes I joke that my interest in the therapeutic applications of light began when I was four years old. That is when I discovered that I could soothe a fussy younger sibling using a prism. Even as a child I noticed that my mood was affected by light and color, and I wanted to know why.

I picked up my first infrared light therapy device in 2005. Then I spent some years using tPBM for peripheral applications, such as relaxation and pain management.

What have brought you to tPBM initially and why did you stay with it?

Penijean: My initial experience using tPBM to stimulate the peripheral nervous system was informative and useful. However, I found that the applications were limited for my interests. Eventually I moved on to interventions that focused more on the central nervous system.

In 2017, I met Dr. Lew Lim at a neurofeedback conference. Our discussion of his Vielight Neuro device reignited my interest in tPBM. At that time I had been sitting on ideas for integrating infrared stim (stimulation) into a closed loop neuromodulation design. Dr. Lim was willing to allow me to use the Vielight platform to start creating new techniques. My design concept incorporated both the tPBM and the neurofeedback protocols.

The early results from the prototype designs were very promising. Thus, tPBM has become a much more central element in my protocol design process. I found it to be an excellent and naturally fitting complement to neurofeedback.

Where do you see synergies between tPBM and neurofeedback?

Penijean: Research indicates that tPBM has potential to support synaptogenesis – the creation of new synapses. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4870908/

Neurofeedback relies on brain plasticity (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroplasticity) to help individuals learn new ways to process information and regulate stress responses. Injury or illness can reduce neural capacity to adapt in real time to the changing demands of our environment. Brains need healthy and flexible neural networks to be able to prioritize and shift attention. Furthermore, they need to have the capacity to signal the central nervous system to wind down and relax. For example, this would be useful when a busy day is over.

Helping brains develop new connections, which support better function, is an important part of neurofeedback training. In my view, tPBM can potentially support the growth of those new pathways.

Combining tPBM with Neurofeedback, have you noticed anything new that could have a strong potential for helping your clients?

Penijean: The “feedback” part of neurofeedback means that we are giving the brain information based on its own behavioral changes. Typically, this feedback consists of musical sounds or visual data displays or, perhaps, an object that physically vibrates. For the feedback to work, it needs to be sufficiently novel and stimulating to recruit the brain’s attention.

After experimenting with and designing a number of innovative feedback techniques, I created the first EEG-modulated pEMF designs. While pEMF stands for pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, EEG stands for electroencephalogram. This protocol design has tremendous therapeutic potential. At the same time, these new integrated training protocols were yielding very exciting results. However, I work with many populations that are medically fragile and have compromised systems. Therefore, not all cases were suitable for the information-dense combination of neurofeedback and pEMF.

Combining Neurofeedback and Photobiomodulation

For some individuals, integrated tPBM and neurofeedback offers the perfect balance. Thus, on the one hand, this combination provides not so much feedback that their system feels overwhelmed. On the other hand, it provides not too little feedback that would fail to effectively recruit the brain’s attention.

I adapted my designs and created the first closed loop EEG-modulated pNIR (pulsed near-infrared light) protocols. This means that the individual not only simultaneously receives both the tPBM and the neurofeedback, but the NIR pulses themselves are changing in real time based on live EEG.

The combination of neurofeedback and tPBM is like a conversation with a wise friend while sitting in the afternoon sun. You receive both, the benefits of learning new helpful things about yourself and the benefits of absorbing natural light.

TPBM is the light source that supports your brain energetically, as it builds new connections. When this happens, the neurofeedback takes advantage of this optimized learning state to help your brain develop better cognitive function.

Can you provide some examples of how you employ tPBM in your neurofeedback practice?

Penijean: The practical flexibility of tPBM in a clinical setting is one of its strengths. Whether I use tPBM as a standalone therapeutic approach or combine it with other modalities often depends on individual needs.

Some people are sufficiently responsive. Thus, for them, 5-10 minutes of tPBM by itself is enough to produce a noticeable impact. Other people are a little more resilient. For those, I may do multiple things in a session, but in a sequence instead of simultaneously.

TPBM can be an effective primer at the beginning of a session before introducing sensory grounding techniques, or heart rate variability training. By applying tPBM to the head, we can help stimulate neural activity immediately prior to a neurofeedback session.

When combining tPBM with other modalities, you are only limited by your own creativity. Therefore, I try to be as creative as appropriate. For example, I may have someone wear a pair of violet eye lenses while receiving a 40hz tPBM stimulation. This helps to create a shift in gamma activity. I can also have someone wear a pair of dark amber or orange lenses, when receiving a 10hz stimulation. This can help to support slowing down into a more alpha-wave friendly state.

I noticed that layering other inputs over tPBM can also help with state flexibility and integration. Thus, utilizing inputs like binaural beats, vibrating sensory aids, or progressive relaxation audio can be helpful.

What benefits do you see tPBM on its own and in combination with neurofeedback can provide at this stage?

Penijean: A helpful way to think about these modalities is in terms of how much of a resource demand they place on a nervous system. This can be in terms of demand on attention, arousal, processing and integration. Each technique is a different way of asking the brain to prioritize and learn from specific types of sensory information. Furthermore, different brains may respond differently to the stimuli.

Some brains learn more easily when we present information to them in simpler ways. Those people make quicker, more noticeable progress, if they receive tPBM and neurofeedback separately. This separation can be done either during different sessions, or at different times during a session.

Other brains have more capacity for integrating complex information. They seem to benefit more from the combination of neurofeedback and tPBM. Often such individuals are less medically fragile and have more physical resources to help them process more dense cognitive tasks.

Both of these approaches are beneficial. Usually, we start with the simpler approach and build up over time to more complex feedback designs.

What benefits do your clients report during and following your protocols that include tPBM?

Penijean: Clients report results across a wide spectrum. Some improvements are expected, such as better sleep, more functional attention and cognitive flexibility, and less anxiety. However, I am pleasantly surprised by how frequently clients report unanticipated benefits.

For example, one elderly woman recovered her ability to remember music that she thought she lost years ago. An executive who came to reduce his anxiety around work was very happy to discover his golf game improved significantly. Children, brought in by parents concerned about academic performance, have noticed improved visual integration, better frontal lobe inhibition, and increased social awareness. As you can see, there is a lot to learn.

As you are aware, Vielight has developed and will be launching a unique new tPBM device, the Neuro Pro. What do you think the applications of the Neuro Pro can be for neurofedback practitioners and their patients specifically?

Penijean: Being both a health and wellness practitioner and a designer of innovative ways to interact with the brain, I am limited only by two things. These things are my own creativity, and the capabilities of my tools. I am someone who tends to push devices to their limits. Therefore, I am always looking for user interfaces that allow as much customization and choice as the platform can support.

The Neuro Pro is the type of device, which will allow to design and build tPBM sessions specifically tailored to a specific individual. The capacity for programming a series of pulses based on a person’s unique EEG signatures will be unprecedented.

While not every practitioner will want to design their own protocols, the Neuro Pro will still provide the platform for all practitioners to run the protocols developed by researchers.

New Brain Modulation Techniques

When new effective brain modulation techniques emerge, they can only spread as widely as the availability of the technology. Neuro Pro will support the innovation of new tPBM protocols. At the same time it will provide the devices by which these protocols can be implemented and used.

This means that neurofeedback providers will be able to pair up more precise tPBM protocols with the customized EEG biofeedback. Techniques that have not been possible before, such as cross frequency coupling feedback timed synced with near infrared pulses, to improve neural networks, or ramping frequency delivery protocols that help the brain learn state flexibility, may become much more accessible.

What could be the applications of this device for researchers and health and wellness practitioners dealing with human brains?

Penijean: One of the critical principles of interacting with the brain in effective ways is being able to observe and, to a degree, mimic some of the complex dynamics, which make up flexible neural states. The brain habituates quickly to repetitive stimuli, because so it can prioritize its limited resources.

The Neuro Pro offers the possibility of building more sophisticated and precise tPBM protocols. These protocols could not only capture the brain’s attention better, but also could produce informational sequences, which more closely match neural patterns. Thus, this Vielight device opens potential for advanced stimulation designs that can target network behaviors with more nuance and specificity.

What else would you like to add in conclusion?

Penijean: In an increasingly tech savvy society, as we are suffering from the habitual overexposure to specific light frequencies from heavy screen use, it seems poetic to me that we may be able to help rewire these brains using other types of light. The light is information. Our bodies rely on light sources to help us regulate various systems and functions. Thus, regulating circadian rhythms, affecting our sleep cycles, our immune systems, our metabolism, and our mental health are some possibilities.

Wavelengths of light are a language. The more we learn, the better we can speak to our body in ways, which it recognizes as familiar and healing. Transcranial photobiomodulation could be an invaluable mechanism in our pursuit of improving brain’s function and wellbeing.

The post Combining Neurofeedback with Photobiomodulation first appeared on Vielight Inc - Deutsch.

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Only a few years ago brain stimulation was a closed playground. It was destined for cutting edge science and research. However, today, general wellness devices can stimulate your brain and help to boost your mental acuity right at your home.

Brain wellness is garnering a lot of attention over the recent decade. Even younger adults, those under forty, are interested in supporting their brain. This interest is not without bases. Thus, statistical data is painting an unpleasant picture that shows proliferation of dementia in our society. That is a strong enough stimulus for fear to trigger a sympathetic response in the brain. Truly, the perspective of suffering through dementia is not a particularly appealing scenario for anyone. No wonder people are searching for ways to support and help their brain.

Brain Stimulation Devices

Among options available to support brain wellness, brain stimulation devices are the newest category of products. Some of them are medical devices and some are general wellness devices. The latter category intended to help in supporting brain wellness. Let’s dig in deeper.

Even for those with highly consumerist attitudes and high expectations it can be hard to imagine that a small and strange-looking contraption can stimulate the brain. Furthermore, the new technology pushes this category of device even further, and some brain stimulation devices can do their job anywhere. Thus, no need to go to a specialized laboratory or some other dedicated facility.

For example, you can simply pop the device on your head, press a button, and off goes a brain stimulation session. Moreover, no drilling required, so the number of holes in your body will not increase. You can also preserve your lovely skull in its original shape, which is likely an important factor for many.

Funny things aside, the fact that today anyone can purchase an at-home-use brain stimulation device has to be awe-inspiring. A specialized consumer device that can deliver neural stimulation in an unsupervised, self-administered session is worth appreciation and continued research. That is exactly what Vielight and many researchers do.

Are Vielight Brain Modulation Devices Safe

Furthermore, speaking about such devices, it is important to note that Vielight is a leading designer and manufacturer of brain stimulation devices. The Vielight devices utilize near infrared light (NIR) to reach and stimulate the brain transcranially.

Not less important is the fact that this form of neural stimulation, photoneuromodulation (PNM) or transcranial photobimodulation (tPBM), is noninvasive. Moreover, it is likely the least invasive form of neural stimulation. Therefore, the Vielight brain stimulation devices are not only simple in exploitation, but also safe and noninvasive consumer-focused products.

Neural Stimulation vs Brain Stimulation vs Brain Modulation

Do you find some of the terminology around brain stimulation to be confusing? Sometimes you can hear or read terms neural stimulation, sometimes, brain stimulation, brain modulation and sometimes, transcranial photobiomodulation. Although these terms may sound somewhat different, in general, they refer to similar processes, and some use them interchangeably. For example, transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a form of brain stimulation. On the other hand, neural stimulation can be used completely interchangeably with brain stimulation and means exactly the same.

However, brain modulation has somewhat different connotations. Unlike the other terms, it implies the process of changes to the brain, and not just its stimulation. Thus, Vielight tPBM devices do both, brain stimulation and brain modulation.

Neural Stimulation and Brain Wellness

At this point you might have questions about how brain stimulation translates into brain wellness. A simple answer is stimulation presumes that something will happen to change the status quo, or the current state of something. In this case the brain is the subject of change.

For example, some of you may have experienced slower reaction and some sort of decline in mental focus. Such changes could happen because some of the neurons may become hypoxic over time. There can be a number of reasons for such changes. Natural aging of the brain is one of them.

When this happens, your neural networks may not function as well as they once where. In this case, the focus of brain stimulation could be on improving mental acuity. Thus, a tPBM device could help to stimulate the neurons in the brain. Following stimulation, some of the hypoxic neurons could become more active. They can start firing again and participating in the creation of stronger neural networks. Consequently, this type of brain stimulation can provide support for the brain. It can also lead to improvements in mental acuity and overall brain wellness.

Non-medical Brain Stimulation

However, it is important to note that this form of brain stimulation in not medical. This means that it is not intended to cure an illness or its specific symptoms. On the other hand, the goal is to provide support for the brain, improve mental acuity and to delay brain’s aging.

The devices that can offer such stimulation fall in the category of general wellness devices. These are not medical devices. Of course, there are other forms of brain stimulation and neural modulation. Some of them can support general brain wellness, others have medical use, yet there are those that can do both. However, that would be a subject for another article.

At-home Brain Modulation 

As you may recall from the above, a big thing about modern brain stimulation devices is their simplicity of use. On the one hand, new technology is very sophisticated. On the other, it allows to simplify many functions. It is also conducive of compact product designs, which can comfortably fit with any settings of a personal dwelling. After all, you would only need a small footprint to put the device on. It can be not much bigger than the size of a book. Furthermore, the latest brain stimulation devices can be also so simple in exploitation that anyone can use them at home.

For example, Vielight products are known for their simplicity and one-button-push operation. This is manageable even on the days when you are very tired or have little energy. No need to deal with complex contraptions or unruly technology. Instead, the Vielight device offer simple design and one button to press to start brain stimulation and neural modulation.

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The words “brain” and “stimulation”, by themselves, are easily recognizable by most people. However, the combination of the two may cause a confusion in some. On its own the word “stimulation” refers to the action of improving performance of something or of someone. Combining the words “brain” and “stimulation” clearly references a process that encourages some transformation or modulation in brain activity.  The lack of clarity appears because there is no explicit reference to what exactly this “brain stimulation” is or does.

Context and Meaning of the Term Brain Stimulation

In the absence of a clear context, this subject can present numerous inferences. A more specific context would be helpful in better understanding the meaning of the term brain stimulation. In some cases, unfortunately, too often, terms like this one are thrown around without much clarity and specific context. In others, they represent a scientific or medical lingo, and can cause moments of intellectual discomfort to a layperson.

Thus, in reference to a healthy individual with no brain related abnormalities, the term “brain stimulation” can mean a few things. For example, maximization of this individual’s cognitive abilities through some form of brain stimulation is one, somewhat generic, option. By establishing these references, you can draw a more cohesive concept that is much easier to understand. Meanwhile, additional information, which can further clarify this concept and process, is still missing. For example, there is no specific reference to the form of stimulation, which is an important condition. There are numerous ways in which a brain can be stimulated, and some are more complex and invasive than others.

You are probably noticing how more contextual clarity can help to define and simplify your understanding of new complex terminology. Now that this matter is out of the way, let’s dive a little deeper into the subject of brain stimulation.

Types of Brain Stimulation Simplified

As often does any intellectually challenging material, brain stimulation requires clarification and even some simplification. Thus, it is easy to identify two general types of brain stimulation based on the levels of its intrusiveness. One is non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), and the other type would be invasive. Each of these types include various forms or modalities of brain stimulation. It most likely sounds to you that the non-invasive brain stimulation would be preferred over the invasive one. In principal, it would be the case, if all modalities of brain stimulation could deliver equal benefits. In reality, selection depends on a specific need at hand, and the capability of a given modality to achieve it.

Without getting deep into complex neurological and medical aspects of various form of brain stimulation, let’s discuss what they are.

Briefly About Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Terms

Non-invasive forms of brain stimulation are gaining attention from both the scientists and the practitioners alike. The more commonly used forms of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) are Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Current Stimulation (TCS). However, one of the most recent forms of non-invasive brain stimulation is Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM) or Transcranial Photoneuromodulation (tPNM). TPBM is rapidly evolving through growing research spurred by its simplicity, low cost and a potentially wide spectrum of applications.

Notably, the word “transcranial” is prominently present in the names of all three forms of non-invasive brain stimulation. Not to be confused with “intracranial” meaning “inside the skull”, transcranial means “passing through the skull”. In the case of non-invasive brain stimulation, the stimulation is delivered transcranially, or from outside of the skull. Such procedure does not require and physical alterations to the skull, neither outside, nor inside. Hence, the name of the procedure, non-invasive brain stimulation.

On the other hand, invasive forms of brain stimulation usually presuppose a direct stimulation of the brain inside the skull. Common techniques of invasive brain stimulation include Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and neurosurgical procedures. These techniques require direct intracranial access to the brain. In simple words, the skull has to be opened surgically in order to deliver stimulation to the brain.

Transcranial Photobiomodulation for Brain Stimulation

As new technologies evolve, new modalities for therapies emerge. Light therapy, or photobiomodulation (PBM), has been known and studied considerably for over half a century. Recently, a body of promising evidence has emerged from new research in support of the concept of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM). Research studies show that near infrared light (NIR) can penetrate the skull deep enough to reach the brain. Moreover, the studies also show that NIR can affect the brain in a number of meaningful ways.

Thus, the scientists observed that following tPBM sessions using a Vielight Neuro Gamma device, subjects presented increased interconnectivity between influential parts of the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN). (L.L. Chao, 2019). DMN is an important cluster of brain regions responsible for the resting state of brain. Expressly, DMN enables brain activity during periods of rest, when you do not engage in any specific task. Furthermore, DMN engages in the social working memory (SWM). You use social working memory when you are navigating your social world. For example, SWM engages when you may think of friends, colleagues, others’ beliefs and other social paradigms. (M. Meyer & M. Lieberman, Social Working Memory: Neurocognitive Networks and Directions for Future Research, 2012).

Neurodegenerative disorders and transcranial photbiomodulation

The Dr. Chao finding is highly valuable for a number of reasons. One of them is the relationship between DMN functionality and Alzheimer’s Disease. Thus, functional connectivity in the DMN is disrupted in the brains of those suffering from Alzheimer Disease. The transcranial LED modules of the Vielight Neuro devices are specifically designed for placements that target the nodes of the DMN. This fact could potentially explain the increased functional connectivity in Alzheimer’s subjects observed by Dr. Chao.

When it comes to neurodegenerative conditions or an impairment in the brain, tPBM is showing promise. The range of research for applications of tPBM with NIR stimulation is increasing. Today it includes such complex neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease, as well as PTSD, stroke and depression. (Berman 2017).

Furthermore, a recently published exploratory study has shown more evidence of the positive effects from brain stimulation by transcranial photobiomodulation. (R. Zamorrodi et al, 2019). The subjects in this study were healthy individuals. It presents that even a single twenty-minute tPBM session, using a Vielight Neuro Gamma device, causes significant changes in brain oscillations.

What are brain oscillations?

Brain oscillations, or neural oscillations, are forms of repetitive electrical activity in the brain. They are considered important building blocks in sensory-cognitive processes. (E. Basar, Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 2013). Moreover, brain oscillations are attributable to firings of neurons in the brain, and can vary in frequency, power and phase. These three parameters are measurable and linkable to certain brain states and activities. The insights from the above study can help to optimize tPBM parameters for brains. Optimization can be done for normal brains, those with neurological anomalies, like Alzheimer’s Disease, and those with trauma, like TBI.

Why Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) using light is important?

The simpler way to respond to this question would be to base it on the benefits of the brain stimulation. Importantly, the fact that the therapy is non-invasive reduces the risks and increases the tolerability of the procedure. Therefore, NIBS using light opens another dimension in its non-invasive characteristics. The procedure becomes not only painless, but maybe even undetectable for those who undergo NIBS using light. In absence of acute sensitivities to light, or irritation by the foreign objects, most would sense only the physical pressure of the tPBM device.

Thus, the primary factors of importance of non-invasive brain stimulation using light, are the benefits that this photobiomodulation can deliver. The extent of these benefits is under the lens of a significant scientific research. A worldwide body of scientific evidence is growing to offer a better understanding of the effects of tPBM on the brain. As this new and exciting field of research is gaining momentum, so does the extent of tPBM applications and benefits. The future of non-invasive transcranial brain stimulation with light looks promising. Meanwhile, it awaits further validation and support from solid, evidence-based research. You can expect more news, as new research finds its way into reputable scientific publications.

The post Brain Stimulation with Light Energy first appeared on Vielight Inc - Deutsch.

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Therapeutic Effects of Brain Photobiomodulation

The therapeutic effects of brain photobiomodulation therapy are enhanced oxygenation^[1], brain energy metabolism^[2], neuronal protection^[3] and neurogenesis^[4](production of neurons). Most importantly, these factors can trigger an increase in mental acuity and improvement in brain functions. All these facts point to an affirmative answer to the the question of “can light therapy help the brain?”Above all, tPBM is completely non-invasive, has no significant side effects and dose not employ any artificial chemicals. Furthermore, the light does penetrate deep enough to reach the brain and numerous studies support this as a fact. If you’d like to learn more about the penetration of near infrared light through the skull, you can read this article.

Independent research in the field of brain photobiomodulation using Vielight technology has demonstrated efficacy in a wide range of applications. The following are some examples of such findings. Independent research demonstrated neural oscillation modulation through brain photobiomodulation. Neural oscillations, or brainwaves, are repetitive patterns of neural activity that can be recorded. Neural oscillations can vary depending on the brain state and neural activity.

Moreover, pre-clinical studies by researchers at the University of California San Francisco on dementia patients showed that transcranial PBM can enhance cerebral blood flow and neural connectivity in specific brain regions. Lastly, researchers at the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System are investigating the efficacy of brain photobiomodulation to treat gulf war illness. You can read more ongoing and completed, and published research on this page which has a list of studies with links.

Mechanisms that help to answer the question
of “can light therapy help the brain?”

Figure 1. Mechanism of photobiomodulation therapy in mitochondria^[5]

A) Photobiomodulation stimulates cytochrome c oxidase, which increases ATP synthesis.
This results in the enhancement of neuronal respiration and metabolism.

B) Photobiomodulation dissociates nitric oxide from the center, increasing the proton gradient.
(The proton gradient is a product of the electron transport chain. A higher concentration of protons
outside the inner membrane of the mitochondria than inside the membrane is the driving force
behind ATP synthesis).

Brain Bioenergetics

Brain photobiomodulation has an enhancing effect on neuronal mitochondria without any negative side effects or harmful chemicals. Additionally, brain disorders are commonly caused by mitochondrial dysfunction^[6] because brain tissue is rich in mitochondria^[7].

Results from a study on human neuronal cells (808 nm) reveals that maximum ATP production occurred at 10 minutes post-irradiation.^[8] Also, another study^[9] using phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) evaluated the metabolic rate in neurons following transcranial laser therapy (808 nm). Correspondingly, repeated irradiation over 2 weeks showed prolonged beneficial effects and improved cerebral bioenergetics.

Neural Oscillations

The discovery of the effect of brain photobiomodulation PBM on neural activities and brain oscillations is groundbreaking. In this cross-over, double-blind study, the results revealed a significant effect of transcranial near-infrared light (810 nm wavelength) at a 40 Hz pulsing rate. The effects were on the power, functional connectivity and synchronization of endogenous brain activity.

The potential of brain PBM to modulate brain activity opens new opportunities for research and therapy. In a published study, delivering NIR light energy pulsed at 40 Hz to the hubs of the default mode network significantly increases the power of the high oscillatory frequencies of alpha, beta and gamma. Ultimately, this points towards the potential of brain PBM to improve focus and memory encoding.

Cerebral Blood Flow

Blood flow to the brain is vital because neurons need oxygen to function properly. Inadequate blood flow to the brain has been linked to several dysfunctions, such as depression and anxiety. According to pre-clinical findings, tPBM could potentially increase nitric oxide in neurons, which leads to an increase in cerebral blood flow^[10]. Furthermore, in the most recent clinical investigations by the University of Texas, improvement in cerebral oxygenation was found both during and following transcranial laser irradiation.^[11]

Clinical research using Vielight technology by the University of California, San Francisco, on people with dementia has shown that brain photobiomodulation can increase cerebral blood flow. Thus, leading to an overall increase in their cognitive function.

Neuroinflammation

Neuroinflammation is inflammation of brain tissue which is mediated by microglial cells. Thus, microglial cells respond to neuronal damage by releasing pro-inflammatory markers (cytokines). Furthermore, inflammatory cytokines play a role in initiating the inflammatory response. Moreover, dysregulation of proinflammatory cytokines has been linked to depression and other neurological diseases.

In an early study^[12], researchers assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of NIR lasers on the alteration of cerebral interleukins in cryogenic brain injury. Notebly, they found a decreased level at 24 hours compared to 6 hours. In addition, brain photobiomodulation activated cellular immunity via increasing the presence of interleukins in blood cells at 20 days post-stroke.

To sum up, these studies supports the idea that the anti-inflammatory effects of brain PBM may be due to its ability to modulate microglial activity.

Neurogenesis

Increased expression of neurotrophins (proteins inducing survival and development of neurons) may account for observations of stimulation of neurogenesis.^[13] The neurogenesis effects of tPBM was demonstrated in TBI mice models.^[14] In a series of studies, researchers determined the optimal regimen of tPBM (810 nm) for neuroprotection in mice with TBI. As a result, they reported that tPBM sessions, delivered for 1 to 3 consecutive days, notably stimulated neurogenesis.

Conclusion

At this point you hopefully feel more confident in answering the question posed in the subject of this article, “Can light therapy help the brain?”. Considering all the research noted in  this article, the answer seems to be self-evident. Because neural tissues contain large amounts of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, brain photobiomodulation has great potential. Improving mental acuity through enhanced cerebral metabolic function and blood flow, stimulating neurogenesis and providing neuroprotection are the most important effects of brain PBM therapy.

Figure 2 Beneficial effects of brain photobiomodulation
Source : Mol Neurobiol. 2018 Aug; 55(8): 6601–6636

References

1. Rojas JC, Bruchey AK, Gonzalez-Lima F. Low-level light therapy improves cortical metabolic capacity and memory retention. J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;32(3):741–752
2. Lu Y, Wang R, Dong Y, Tucker D, Zhao N, Ahmed ME, Zhu L, Liu TC-Y, Cohen RM, Zhang Q. Low-level laser therapy for beta amyloid toxicity in rat hippocampus. Neurobiol Aging. 2017;49:165–182
3. Quirk BJ, Torbey M, Buchmann E, Verma S, Whelan HT. Near-infrared photobiomodulation in an animal model of traumatic brain injury: improvements at the behavioral and biochemical levels. Photomed Laser Surg. 2012;30(9):523–529
4. Xuan W, Agrawal T, Huang L, Gupta GK, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser therapy for traumatic brain injury in mice increases brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and synaptogenesis. J Biophotonics. 2015;8(6):502–511
5. Mattson MP, Gleichmann M, Cheng A. Mitochondria in neuroplasticity and neurological disorders. 2008;60(5):748–766.
6. Passarella S, Karu T. Absorption of monochromatic and narrow band radiation in the visible and near IR by both mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial photoacceptors results in photobiomodulation. J Photochem Photobiol B, Biol. 2014;140:344–358
7. Schwarz TL. Mitochondrial trafficking in neurons. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2013;5(6):a011304.
8. Oron U, Ilic S, De Taboada L, Streeter J. Ga-As (808 nm) laser irradiation enhances ATP production in human neuronal cells in culture. Photomed Laser Surg. 2007;25(3):180–182.
9. Mintzopoulos D, Gillis TE, Tedford CE, Kaufman MJ. Effects of Near-Infrared Light on Cerebral Bioenergetics Measured with Phosphorus Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Photomed Laser Surg. 2017;35(8):395–400
10. Uozumi Y, Nawashiro H, Sato S, Kawauchi S, Shima K, Kikuchi M. Targeted increase in cerebral blood flow by transcranial near-infrared laser irradiation. Lasers Surg Med. 2010;42(6):566–576.
11. Wang X, Tian F, Reddy DD, Nalawade SS, Barrett DW, Gonzalez-Lima F, Liu H. Up-regulation of cerebral cytochrome-c-oxidase and hemodynamics by transcranial infrared laser stimulation: A broadband near-infrared spectroscopy study. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2017;37(12):3789–3802.
12. Moreira MS, Velasco IT, Ferreira LS, Ariga SKK, Barbeiro DF, Meneguzzo DT, Abatepaulo F, Marques MM. Effect of phototherapy with low intensity laser on local and systemic immunomodulation following focal brain damage in rat. J Photochem Photobiol B, Biol. 2009;97(3):145–151.
13. Telerman A, Lapter S, Sharabi A, Zinger H, Mozes E. Induction of hippocampal neurogenesis by a tolerogenic peptide that ameliorates lupus manifestations. J Neuroimmunol. 2011;232(1):151–157.
14. Xuan W, Vatansever F, Huang L, Wu Q, Xuan Y, Dai T, Ando T, Xu T, Huang Y-Y, Hamblin MR. Transcranial low-level laser therapy improves neurological performance in traumatic brain injury in mice: effect of treatment repetition regimen. PLoS One. 2013;8(1):e53454.

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