not is a specialist magazine aimed at patients with traumatic brain injuries, stroke, and other acquired brain injuries - while simultaneously offering insights for healthcare professionals, relatives, and interested parties. The magazine provides well-founded articles, practical tips, and current developments in the field of neurorehabilitation.

In March, the magazine published an article on the topic of ILF Neurofeedback in collaboration with BEE Medic:

Making changes in the brain visible
In neurological rehabilitation, neurofeedback is increasingly being used. This refers to methods in which the electrical activity of the brain is measured via electrodes on the surface of the scalp and analyzed using an electroencephalogram (EEG). The information obtained is translated into real-time feedback, for example through visual and auditory changes in a film or animation. In this way, the brain continuously receives information about its own activity. This feedback can enable changes in the organization and regulation of neuronal activity.

Symptom-based application
One possible approach is Infra-Low-Frequency Neurofeedback (ILF neurofeedback). Extremely slow changes in brain activity are included in the feedback, which are associated with higher-level processes of self-regulation and stabilization. ILF neurofeedback does not rely on conscious tasks but works predominantly on an unconscious level. In practice, it is applied based on symptoms. The starting point is specific complaints, understood as an expression of limited regulatory capacity. ILF neurofeedback is not used in isolation but combined with classical frequency band information. Only this combination constitutes the complete ILF neurofeedback protocol.

Imaging methods
In this context, imaging methods provide an additional perspective. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) plays a central role here. It allows indirect measurement of changes in brain activity by assessing blood flow and oxygen supply in the brain. This makes it possible to map functional brain networks.
Against this background, a key question arises:
Can changes in the brain after neurofeedback be objectively demonstrated not only through symptom progression but also using imaging methods?

Extensive body of research
Numerous clinical studies already exist on the effectiveness of neurofeedback-based methods, including ILF neurofeedback. What has largely been missing so far, however, are imaging data showing whether and how different components of an established ILF neurofeedback protocol are reflected in the brain. A study published in December 2025 in the journal NeuroImage addresses exactly this question. The aim of the investigation was not to evaluate treatment outcomes but to examine whether objective changes in the brain can be detected after a single neurofeedback session and whether these depend on which signal components are used.
A total of 135 healthy adults participated in the study. The focus was therefore on fundamental neurophysiological effects rather than clinical treatment outcomes. Participants were divided into groups and received different forms of neurofeedback, using either individual signal components or their combination. Functional MRI was used before and after the session to assess changes in brain connectivity.

Results
The results show a clear pattern. Stable and statistically robust changes in functional connectivity were observed exclusively after application of the full ILF neurofeedback protocol, meaning the combination of classical frequency band information and infra-low-frequency signals. When the signal components were applied separately, no comparable stable changes could be detected.

Conclusion
Although the present study does not make statements about clinical effectiveness, its significance for understanding neurofeedback is considerable. Using imaging data, it shows that ILF neurofeedback is associated with stabilization and increased connectivity of functional brain networks.
The study does not add further effectiveness data to existing clinical studies but instead provides an imaging-based perspective on the underlying neurophysiological processes. For patients, this can serve as an important point of orientation. Neurofeedback can thus be understood not only through subjective experience but also through objectively measurable changes in the brain under clearly defined experimental conditions.

Read more about the fmri study here.

The Neuro-Bio-Practice was founded in November 2025 in the Rhein-Lahn District by Marcin Grabowski. His clear vision: to combine traditional occupational therapy expertise with modern neurotechnological methods. The focus is on therapy that is individually tailored to clients’ needs and oriented toward their real-life situations.

The practice treats a wide range of neurological, psychological, and psychosomatic conditions. These include, among others, attention and regulation issues such as ADHD, stress-related complaints, anxiety disorders, depressive symptoms, as well as chronic pain or sleep problems. People experiencing exhaustion or cognitive impairments—such as those related to Long COVID—will also find suitable therapeutic options here.
 

From Interest to Specialization

Marcin Grabowski’s journey into neurofeedback began early in his professional career. He received a formative impetus during his work in forensic medicine, where he first came into close contact with the subject. “The possibility of directly addressing the brain’s functioning fascinated me from the very beginning,” he recalls.

Since then, he has continuously pursued further training and deepened his knowledge of various neurofeedback methods. As early as 2018, he completed his training in ILF Neurofeedback according to Othmer. In the years that followed, he gained diverse practical experience, including working with individuals on the autism spectrum and those with post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Today, Marcin Grabowski combines various neurofeedback approaches with biofeedback, pursuing a client-centered and systemic therapeutic approach.
 

Focus on Modern Therapeutic Approaches

A particular focus of the Neuro-Bio-Practice is on the use of neurofeedback and biofeedback. Both methods are specifically employed to support therapeutic processes and make changes immediately tangible for clients.

Both ILF neurofeedback according to Othmer and classic frequency band training methods such as alpha-theta or synchrony protocols are employed. “Working with neurofeedback makes it possible to directly address the brain’s regulatory processes. Many clients are surprised at how immediately the first changes become noticeable, without any active effort on their part,” Marcin Grabowski describes his experience.

In addition, biofeedback is used to visualize physical processes such as breathing, muscle tension, or stress responses. This fosters a better understanding of one’s own body, opening up new possibilities for specifically influencing well-being.
 

Individualized Therapy for Different Life Stages

Daily practice is characterized by a wide variety of clients. From adolescents to adults to older adults, neurofeedback is used across different life stages. The method can also be used even when communication is limited, as it works directly on brain activity.

Many report initial changes in their daily lives as early as after the first few sessions. Statements like “I didn’t think it would be noticeable so quickly” or “I don’t have to actively do anything for this?” reflect these experiences well.
As therapy progresses, concrete improvements often emerge: improved concentration, greater inner calm, a more stable mood, or a changed approach to stress. These advances are continuously monitored and incorporated into further treatment planning.
 

Experiences that motivate

Particularly impressive is the feedback from clients who have already tried many therapeutic approaches and initially approach neurofeedback with skepticism. Often, after just a few sessions, they report greater clarity, inner stability, or improved resilience in daily life.

For example, a client with significant concentration and fatigue issues described how everyday tasks have become easier again and how he feels more mentally organized. Such developments strengthen trust in the therapeutic process and foster motivation for continued collaboration.
 

Proven Collaboration with BEE Medic

Marcin Grabowski has been working with BEE Medic systems since 2019. He particularly values the reliability of the devices as well as the practical training programs. “For me, it was important from the very beginning to integrate neurofeedback well into the practice, both technically and spatially. The systems have proven to be stable and reliable, which plays a major role in everyday therapeutic practice,” reports Marcin Grabowski.

Modern approaches such as virtual reality are also increasingly finding their place in therapy. They make it possible to actively involve patients and bring content to life in new ways. This is complemented by biofeedback sensors that make physical processes visible, thereby facilitating access to one’s own experience.thetic.
 

About the Neuro-Bio Practice

The Neuro-Bio Practice stands for modern, scientifically oriented, and at the same time client-centered therapy. The focus is on the individual with their unique resources, challenges, and life circumstances. The goal is to strengthen self-regulation and sustainably improve daily functioning.

A quiet and state-of-the-art practice environment creates optimal conditions for focused work and a pleasant atmosphere.
 

Neuro-Bio Practice
Ballstädter Straße 5, 56357 Miehlen
📞 06772 301371-0
🌐 Website: https://www.neuro-bio-praxis.de

Written by Kasia McCartney | ION

Abstract 
Peak performance across domains - including elite sport and high-level executive functioning - depends not only on skill acquisition and psychological training, but fundamentally on the integrity and adaptability of underlying neurophysiological systems. Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) neurofeedback represents an emerging intervention targeting self-regulatory capacity at the level of brain network dynamics. This article explores the application of ILF neurofeedback in performance populations, integrating perspectives from neuropsychology, performance psychology, and sports medicine. Clinical observations suggest that ILF training supports improvements in attentional control, sensorimotor integration, emotional regulation, and recovery processes, thereby enhancing both performance output and resilience under pressure.

Introduction
The pursuit of peak performance has historically prioritised physical conditioning, technical skill acquisition, and psychological strategies such as visualisation and cognitive restructuring. While these domains remain essential, increasing attention has been directed toward the role of neurophysiological regulation as a foundational determinant of performance consistency and adaptability (Thompson & Thompson, 2003).
Elite performers, whether in sport or executive leadership, operate within environments characterised by sustained cognitive demand, high stakes, and repeated exposure to stress. In many cases, performance is maintained through compensatory reliance on heightened arousal states, including anxiety and adrenaline-driven activation. Although such states may support short-term output, they are frequently associated with diminished recovery capacity, impaired decision-making under pressure, and an increased risk of cumulative fatigue and burnout (McEwen, 2007).
Infra-Low Frequency neurofeedback offers a method of directly engaging the brain’s self-regulatory systems, with particular relevance to large-scale network stability and autonomic balance (Othmer, Othmer, & Kaiser, 2013).

The Neurophysiological Basis of ILF Neurofeedback 
Infra-Low Frequency neurofeedback targets brain activity below 0.1 Hz, a range associated with slow cortical potentials and the regulation of large-scale neural networks, including thalamocortical systems and default mode network dynamics (Aladjalova, 1957; He & Raichle, 2009). These slow oscillatory processes are thought to modulate cortical excitability, coordinate neural timing, and maintain system-wide stability.
Disruptions in these mechanisms have been described in the context of thalamocortical dysrhythmia, a model proposed by Rodolfo Llinás and colleagues (1999), in which altered rhythmic activity contributes to impaired signal integration and increased neural noise. Within performance populations, such dysregulation may manifest as cognitive overactivation, motor inconsistency, emotional reactivity, and difficulty transitioning into restorative states such as sleep.

ILF neurofeedback aims to restore functional stability while preserving adaptive flexibility, enabling more efficient transitions between activation and recovery states. In this sense, the intervention targets not isolated symptoms, but the broader regulatory architecture underlying performance.

Application in Athletic Performance
Athletic performance is fundamentally dependent on the integration of sensory processing with motor execution. Neurofeedback training has been associated with measurable improvements in coordination, reaction time, and perceptual accuracy, reflecting enhanced sensorimotor integration (Gruzelier, 2014). In clinical practice, athletes undergoing ILF training frequently demonstrate increased precision in timing and movement, particularly in disciplines requiring fine motor control.

The capacity to maintain attentional stability under pressure represents another critical determinant of performance. Neurofeedback has been shown to reduce variability in attentional engagement, supporting sustained focus even in high-stakes conditions (Vernon et al., 2003). A common clinical observation is a reduction in the experience often described as “freezing” or overthinking during key performance moments. Following training, individuals frequently report an increased ability to execute automatically, suggesting improved integration between higher-order cognitive control systems and subcortical motor processes.´

Mental imagery and visualisation, widely used in performance psychology, also appear to be influenced by neurofeedback training. Athletes often describe their imagery becoming more vivid, stable, and controllable, enhancing the effectiveness of rehearsal strategies. This may reflect improved coherence within neural networks responsible for internal representation and simulation (Schack et al., 2014).
Recovery processes, particularly sleep, are central to sustained athletic performance. Sleep disruption has well-documented effects on reaction time, cognitive performance, and injury risk (Fullagar et al., 2015). ILF neurofeedback has been associated with improvements in sleep onset, continuity, and overall quality, likely mediated through its effects on cortical arousal and autonomic regulation. These changes support not only physical recovery but also cognitive and emotional resilience.

Application in Executive Performance
In executive populations, the demands of performance often manifest as cognitive overload, characterised by fragmented attention and reduced efficiency in information processing. This is frequently described subjectively as an inability to “switch off” or as having multiple competing streams of thought. Neurofeedback has been associated with improvements in working memory, attentional control, and cognitive flexibility, supporting more efficient and organised mental processing (Enriquez-Geppert et al., 2017).
Clinically, individuals often report a transition toward greater clarity in decision-making, accompanied by an increased ability to initiate and complete tasks. This shift reflects not only enhanced cognitive capacity but also improved regulation of underlying neural networks.
Emotional regulation represents a further domain of relevance, particularly in leadership contexts requiring sustained composure under pressure. ILF neurofeedback appears to support more stable interactions between limbic and prefrontal systems, reducing emotional reactivity while preserving responsiveness (Thayer & Lane, 2000). This is reflected in improved interpersonal functioning, reduced impulsivity, and a greater capacity for consistent leadership.

Chronic activation of stress responses is a defining feature of many high-demand professional environments. While often perceived as necessary for productivity, prolonged sympathetic dominance contributes to cumulative physiological strain and burnout (McEwen, 2007). ILF training facilitates a shift toward more balanced autonomic functioning, supporting recovery without compromising performance output.
Clinical Considerations in Peak Performance Populations
A central consideration in working with high-performing individuals is their relationship to arousal. Many individuals in this group are accustomed to operating in heightened states of activation and may attribute their success to such conditions. As a result, the introduction of increased calmness or stability may initially be misinterpreted as reduced motivation or diminished performance capacity.
This highlights the importance of psychoeducation and careful pacing within the therapeutic process. Individuals benefit from understanding the distinction between dysregulated activation, characterised by anxiety and inefficiency, and optimal activation, which supports focused, sustainable performance. Early experiences of increased rest, extended sleep, or transient fatigue are often indicative of underlying neurophysiological recalibration rather than decline.

Reflection
The application of ILF neurofeedback within performance contexts reflects a broader shift toward systems-level approaches to optimisation. Rather than targeting isolated cognitive or behavioural variables alone, this intervention addresses the foundational regulatory mechanisms that support performance across domains.
From this perspective, peak performance is not defined solely by output, but by the capacity to maintain stability without rigidity, flexibility without loss of control, and effectiveness under pressure without reliance on maladaptive stress responses. ILF neurofeedback aligns with contemporary models emphasising adaptability, resilience, and recovery as central to sustained excellence.
Infra-Low Frequency neurofeedback represents a promising approach to enhancing performance in both athletic and executive populations. By targeting the brain’s intrinsic self-regulatory systems, it offers a means of improving not only improved performance outcomes but also the sustainability and wellbeing of high-performing individuals. 

This article was written by our lecturer, Kasia McCartney. You can find more information about her and her work at https://www.ionbiofeedback.com/.

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