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DUAL Training

DUAL training uses two channels simultaneously - training both brain hemispheres or complementary sites at once for more comprehensive effects.

🔀 What is DUAL Training?

The Basics

Standard neurofeedback: - 1 active site + ear reference - 4-5 traces displayed - Training one area at a time

DUAL training: - 2 active sites + references - 8 traces displayed (twice as many!) - Training two areas simultaneously

Example: - Standard C4-A1: Trains right sensorimotor only (1 channel) - DUAL C3-A1; C4-A2: Trains BOTH left and right sensorimotor simultaneously (2 channels)

🎮 What It Feels Like

The Experience

DUAL sessions often feel: - More challenging than single-channel - Game moves slower or is less responsive - Harder to get high scores - More mentally engaging

This is completely normal and by design!

Why it's harder: - Your brain is managing twice as many feedback streams - Software is monitoring 8 traces (vs 4 in single-channel) - Success rate may be lower (55-60% vs 65%)

Don't worry - this is how it's supposed to feel!

🎯 When DUAL is Used

Prerequisites

Before starting DUAL: - Foundation built with single-channel training (usually 10-15+ sessions) - Comfortable with electrode placement - Understand basic neurofeedback process - Stable response to standard protocols

Your coach introduces DUAL when: - Foundation is solid - Ready for more comprehensive training - Goals require bilateral effects - Single-channel protocols have stabilized early gains

Common DUAL Protocols

Protocol Sites What It's For
C3-A1; C4-A2 Left & right sensorimotor Hard focus, bilateral regulation
Fz-Pz + Cz Front-back + center Anxiety, calming ("Unclench DUAL")
F3-A1; F4-A2 Left & right frontal Mood, emotional balance
P3-A1; P4-A2 Left & right parietal Processing, integration
T3-T4 Left-right temporal (single channel interhemispheric) Emotional regulation

Your coach selects based on your QEEG and goals.

🔌 Equipment Setup

What's Different

Standard training uses: - 3 electrodes (1 active, 2 ears)

DUAL training uses: - 5 electrodes (2 active sites, 2 references, 1 ground)

Example for C3-A1; C4-A2 DUAL: 1. C3 electrode (left sensorimotor) 2. C4 electrode (right sensorimotor) 3. A1 ear clip (left ear reference for C3) 4. A2 ear clip (right ear reference for C4, also ground) 5. This creates two separate "subtractions": C3-A1 and C4-A2

More electrodes = more setup time - allow an extra 5-10 minutes.

💡 What to Expect

Performance

Normal observations: - Game moves slower than single-channel - Harder to keep game running smoothly - Lower score/points than usual - More concentration required (though you still don't actively "try")

This doesn't mean it's not working!

The challenge is intentional - your brain is doing twice as much work.

Effects

DUAL often produces: - Broader effects (multiple areas improving) - Stronger regulation - More lasting changes - Integration of bilateral brain regions

Timeline: - May take a few sessions to adjust - Effects similar to single-channel but often more robust - Sleep, focus, mood all targeted simultaneously

📋 Session Preparation

Before DUAL Training

Same as standard: - Wash hair if needed (or use dry shampoo) - No heavy hair products - Train 2+ hours before bedtime - Follow all normal restrictions

Additional: - Allow extra time for setup (5-10 min more) - Be patient with yourself - more electrodes to place! - Take photos if unsure about placements

Software Setup (Remote Clients)

In your portal: - Protocol will specify "DUAL" or show two sites - Example: "C3-A1; C4-A2 DUAL"

In EEGer: - Load your 2-channel client ID (ClientID-2ch) - You'll see 8 traces instead of usual 4-5 - This is correct!

Threshold setting: - Set BOTH raw thresholds to 2× average - This is important - both channels need thresholding

🧠 Why DUAL Works

Bilateral Training Benefits

Training both hemispheres: - Promotes hemispheric balance - Integrates left-right brain communication - Often more comprehensive effects than single-side

Training complementary sites: - Example: Fz-Pz (relaxation) + Cz (regulation) - Addresses multiple goals simultaneously - Creates synergistic effects

Research shows: - DUAL can be more efficient than sequential single-site training - Effects often generalize better - Particularly good for complex issues (anxiety + focus, mood + energy)

⏱️ Session Duration

Training time: Same as standard (30 minutes)

Feels like: May feel longer because it's more challenging

Total time: 50-70 minutes - Setup: 15-20 min (more electrodes) - Training: 30 min - Cleanup: 5-10 min

🤔 Common Questions

Is DUAL better than single-channel?

Not necessarily "better" - just different.

  • Single-channel: Targeted, specific
  • DUAL: Broader, integrative

Both are valuable at different times in your training.

Why does the game move slower?

You're training twice as much brain area!

The software monitors 8 traces (vs 4). All 8 need to be in range for rewards, so naturally the game is more selective.

This is by design - your brain is working harder.

Will I get used to it?

Yes! After 2-3 DUAL sessions: - Setup feels more routine - Game difficulty feels more normal - Your brain adapts to the dual requirements

Still feels harder than single-channel? That's OK - it always will be somewhat!

Can I switch back to single-channel?

Absolutely! Most training plans alternate: - Some sessions: DUAL protocols - Other sessions: Single-channel protocols - Mix based on goals and response

Your coach will guide the rotation.

Do I need to do anything different?

Nope! Same passive process: - Watch the game (or listen if audio feedback) - Let your mind be at ease - Don't try to control anything - Let your brain learn

The only difference is setup (more electrodes).

📊 Typical DUAL Progression

Session 1-2 of DUAL

What to expect: - Learning curve with more electrodes - Game feels harder - May feel more mentally engaged - Curious about the difference

Sessions 3-5 of DUAL

What to expect: - Setup becoming routine - Adjusted to game difficulty - Starting to notice effects - Effects may feel broader than single-channel

Sessions 6+ of DUAL

What to expect: - Comfortable with DUAL protocols - May prefer them for some goals - Effects stabilizing - May rotate with single-channel

⚠️ Important Notes

Not for Everyone

Some people: - Prefer single-channel (simpler, less overwhelming) - Don't respond as well to DUAL - Find it too challenging

This is fine! Tell your coach if DUAL doesn't feel right for you.

When to Report Issues

Contact coach if: - DUAL disrupts your sleep - Feeling more anxious or agitated after - Too challenging/frustrating - Prefer single-channel

We can always switch back!

Patience with Setup

Remote clients: - DUAL takes practice to set up independently - First few times may take 20-30 minutes - Gets faster with experience! - Take photos and send to Slack for verification

In-office: - Coach handles all setup - You just show up and relax!

DUAL training is powerful and efficient. While it feels more challenging, the broader effects are often worth it. Your coach will introduce it when you're ready, and you can always rotate between DUAL and single-channel based on what works best for you! 🔀🧠