EEG recordings obtained from cats with lesions in afferent pathways to the ventrobasal thalamic nuclei together with data from humans with spinal cord injuries have shown that central cortical 12 to 15 hertz activity (SMR) may be enhanced by release of intrin-sic thalamocortical circuits. A series of neurophysiological stud-ies have indicated, further, that the SMR is closely associated with voluntary motor inhibition. It was proposed that patients with spinal cord injury and showing, also, enhanced central cor-tical SMR activity, are burdened additionally by a pathological increase in cortical motor inhibition. Accordingly, preliminary studies have been undertaken employing EEG biofeedback to suppress SMR activity in such patients. Preliminary data has been obtained from a 20-year-old C-6 quadriplegic, trained to suppress central cortical 12 to 15 hertz. Pre-training assessment included complete neurological examination, neuroradiological evaluation, all-night EEG monitoring, and full muscle strength and range of motion stud-ies. The subject was provided with daily 30-minute sessions for six weeks. Results, thus far, show a progressive suppression of 12 to 15 hertz activity, paralleled by a decrease in 18 to 23 hertz activity. No change was observed in lower frequencies from central cortex. Concurrent with this, the patient has shown a significant reduction in reflex spasms, both above and below the level of cord injury, and a significant increase in voluntary motor control. The preliminary nature of these findings and the complex course of post-traumatic spinal recovery preclude any conclusions at this time.

BIOFEEDBACK AND SELF-REGULATION, M.B. Sterman, M.E. Ayres, and S.J. Goodman, VA Hospital - Sepulveda, California, University of California - Los Angeles, Volume 1, No. 3, Pages 340-341, 1976