NeurOptimal® Research Summary

The following summaries are just two examples of peer-reviewed research that applies to First Responders.

While there are relatively few peer-reviewed studies focused specifically on NeurOptimal® neurofeedback, the ones that do exist are encouraging— especially when viewed through the lens of first responder wellness. The nature of NeurOptimal® as a non-invasive, nonlinear system that doesn’t diagnose or treat specific disorders makes it inherently less compatible with traditional clinical trial models. However, early research and field observations continue to show promising outcomes for stress regulation, sleep, and emotional resilience—key challenges faced by those in high- stakes roles like firefighting, policing, and emergency medicine.

NeurOptimal®

Research Summary

The following summaries are just two examples of peer-reviewed research that applies to First Responders.

While there are relatively few peer-reviewed studies focused specifically on NeurOptimal® neurofeedback, the ones that do exist are encouraging— especially when viewed through the lens of first responder wellness. The nature of NeurOptimal® as a non-invasive, nonlinear system that doesn’t diagnose or treat specific disorders makes it inherently less compatible with traditional clinical trial models. However, early research and field observations continue to show promising outcomes for stress regulation, sleep, and emotional resilience—key challenges faced by those in high- stakes roles like firefighting, policing, and emergency medicine.

Tinnitus & Bruxism

1. Tinnitus Study (2023)

A multi-center study conducted in Italy (Messina, Raponi et al., 2023) investigated the effects of NeurOptimal® neurofeedback on individuals with tinnitus. Participants underwent sessions at centers in Palermo and Milan. Key findings included:

• Reduced perception of tinnitus and improved self-regulation.

• Reported improvements in sleep, stress response, and anxiety.

• Assessment tools included the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), DASS-21, and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire.

Conclusion: NeurOptimal® appears to support cerebral self-regulation and may help manage tinnitus perception and related symptoms. Authors recommend further clinical trials for broader validation.

Published in: Annals of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Vol. 2, Issue 4 (Dec 2023)

2. Bruxism Study (2024)

This peer-reviewed study (Merino et al., 2024) examined 89 participants diagnosed with bruxism who received 21 NeurOptimal® sessions. The study also tested the added effect of Origanum Majorana (marjoram) essential oil.

Key findings included:

• Significant reduction in salivary cortisol levels after NeurOptimal® sessions.

• Further reduction in stress and brain activity divergence with marjoram essential oil inhalation.

• Indications of enhanced calm states with repeated sessions.

Conclusion: NeurOptimal® may effectively reduce stress and promote calm in bruxism patients, especially when paired with marjoram essential oil.

Published in: Biomimetics, Vol. 9, Issue 11, Article 715 (2024)

Tinnitus & Bruxism

1. Tinnitus Study (2023)

A multi-center study conducted in Italy (Messina, Raponi et al., 2023) investigated the effects of NeurOptimal® neurofeedback on individuals with tinnitus. Participants underwent sessions at centers in Palermo and Milan. Key findings included:

• Reduced perception of tinnitus and improved self-regulation.

• Reported improvements in sleep, stress response, and anxiety.

• Assessment tools included the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), DASS-21, and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire.

Conclusion: NeurOptimal® appears to support cerebral self-regulation and may help manage tinnitus perception and related symptoms. Authors recommend further clinical trials for broader validation.

Published in: Annals of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Vol. 2, Issue 4 (Dec 2023)

2. Bruxism Study (2024)

This peer-reviewed study (Merino et al., 2024) examined 89 participants diagnosed with bruxism who received 21 NeurOptimal® sessions. The study also tested the added effect of Origanum Majorana (marjoram) essential oil.

Key findings included:

• Significant reduction in salivary cortisol levels after NeurOptimal® sessions.

• Further reduction in stress and brain activity divergence with marjoram essential oil inhalation.

• Indications of enhanced calm states with repeated sessions.

Conclusion: NeurOptimal® may effectively reduce stress and promote calm in bruxism patients, especially when paired with marjoram essential oil.

Published in: Biomimetics, Vol. 9, Issue 11, Article 715 (2024)

Additional Reading

For those interested in learning more about how NeurOptimal® is being used in wellness and neurofeedback communities around the world, the following external resource provides a wide range of observational and practitioner- reported experiences:

California Neurofeedback – Research Library: This site compiles various studies and articles on NeurOptimal® neurofeedback, categorized by topics such as anxiety, attention, and brain fog. CLICK HERE FOR THE CALIFORNIA RESEARCH LIBRARY

Note: This link leads to a U.S.-based site not subject to Health Canada regulations. The content may include claims or terminology not endorsed by HeroBrain. We share it for informational purposes only, as part of a broader conversation around brain training and wellness.

Additional Reading

For those interested in learning more about how NeurOptimal® is being used in wellness and neurofeedback communities around the world, the following external resource provides a wide range of observational and practitioner- reported experiences:

California Neurofeedback – Research Library: This site compiles various studies and articles on NeurOptimal® neurofeedback, categorized by topics such as anxiety, attention, and brain fog. CLICK HERE FOR THE CALIFORNIA RESEARCH LIBRARY

Note: This link leads to a U.S.-based site not subject to Health Canada regulations. The content may include claims or terminology not endorsed by HeroBrain. We share it for informational purposes only, as part of a broader conversation around brain training and wellness.