This webpage comes about from research conducted during 2008 in Pacific Grove California when Ron Fitch had the opportunity to perform an E-E-G analysis of fitness trainer Michael Whitis, the designer of the incredible Orbital-360 exercise trainer and the innovatively new Wringoes. EMG (Electromyograph) studies have already shown the Orbital-360 to be a more superior form of exercise, while being low-impact at the same time. Several years ago, Michael commisioned such a study at Cal-State Northridge. You can view this study HERE. More recently, Michael wanted to move beyond EMG evaluation into the world of exercise-related Brainwave analysis. That is when he contacted Ron Fitch of the Performance Enhancement Group working with the Monterey Center in Pacific Grove - Monterey. Ron put together a custom, multi-faceted evaluation combining Brainwave analyis (before, during and after exercise) in conjunction with Neurofeedback. The goal of this evaluation was to demonstrate that Brainwave enhancement can improve the efficacy and safety of the exercise protocol. As part of this research into to the world of neural-assisted Orbital-360 and Wringoes exercise, the first step was to create an evaluation baseline of E-E-G data that we can compare against as we contiue our investigation into this hidden world waiting to be discovered. Michael Whitis himself was the best candidate for evaluation as he knows the Orbital-360 literally inside-out. Watching him progress through an exercise routine is like watching a professional dancer. In fact, one of his biggest difficulties during the Orbital-360 part of this study is that he had to in a sense "restrain his movements" somewhat during the workout so as not to create what is known as "artifact eeg data" - in this case falsely measured data caused by physical body movement. For this study Ron devised a custom E-E-G hookup to measure the Executive Centers of the brain (FP1 & FP2), areas involving short-term memory (F7 & F8) & long-term memory (T3 & T4) and last but most important the motor cortex itself (an arch across the top of the head, just forward of the ears). A set of brainwave snapshots were taken to observe the following: A resting baseline - Michael sitting quietly, but not meditating. Michael recalling something stressfull. Michael sitting in a state of Intense Focus. Michael working out on the Orbital-360. Michael after 5 minutes of Neurofeedback using the Neurosky EM-Headset. Michael doing another exercise routine on the Orbital-360. Michael doing a brief workout using the Wringoes. The E-E-G readings were made with a Biocomp Research Biocomp-2010 unit. E-E-G data was correlated into display form using software from NeuroLogiK Solutions (written by Ron Fitch) known as the Brainmap Assistanttm For this study we measured two kinds of brainwave ratios: Beta Theta Beta waves (16hz - 30hz) Theta waves (4hz - 8z) S-M-R Theta S-M-R waves (12hz - 15hz) Theta waves (4hz - 8z) You can obtain a more detailed understanding of these brainwave ratios and what Brainmapping is all about from our informational webpage. In the Brainmap displays shown below the brainwave ratio numbers at each point on the cortex are paired, essentially giving us a before/after in each case. If you have further questions, E-Mail us for further details. Michael Under Stress In this 30 second brain snapshot, the numbers that are important are at EEG-points: F7, F8, FP1 & FP2. Notice that in all cases, the Beta/Theta ratios have increased. This suggests that Michael is able to handle stressful situations reasonably well. (People who cannot handle stress well typically find the ratios drop in value, rather than increase.)   In this 30-second brain snapshot, the numbers that are important are at EEG-points: F7, F8, FP1 & FP2. Notice here with the exception of location F7, the SMR/Theta ratios have dropped, not increased. This suggests that under stress, Michael does not slow these brain areas down to the SMR frequencies. In general, people unable to deal with chronic stress tend to slow their FP1 & FP2 down as a part of a strategy to withdraw from stressfull situations. Notice that most of the remaining areas on the brain actually increase the amount of SMR produced. This suggests that the motor cortex is beginning to engage in the "Flight" aspect of the Fight/Flight syndrome in response to stress. Michael engaged in Deep Focus In this 30-second brain snapshot, the numbers that are important are at EEG-points: F7, F8, FP1 & FP2. Notice that in all cases, the Beta/Theta ratios have increased. This suggests that Michael is able to focus reasonably well. Because Michael is also a meditator, this increase is to be expected. Notice how the ratio at T3 drops somewhat, which suggests that as Michael focuses (on the here-now), his long-term memory access is impacted by about 17%. This makes sense because being here-and-now requires little/no access to the past. The ratios at FC3, FCZ, FC4 & F4 have all increased +/- 10%. We want an increase of brain activity in these areas just prior to exercise.   In this 30-second brain snapshot, the numbers that are important are at EEG-points: T3, FC3, FCZ, FC4 & F4. Notice that in all cases, the SMR/Theta ratios have increased slightly. This suggests that when Michael is in focus mode the motor cortex begins to synchronize at the SMR frequencies. Because Michael is also a meditator, this increase is to be expected. Notice how the SMR ratio at T3 increases considerably, which suggests that as Michael is able to access long-term memory (aiding in synchronized movement). The ratios at FC3, FCZ & FC4 have all increased approximately 20%, while F4 has increased 40%. In general, we want an increase of SMR brain activity in these areas just prior to exercise. Michael working out with the Orbital-360 In this 30-second brain snapshot, the numbers that are important are at EEG-points: FP1, FP2, F7, F8 & T3. Notice that in all cases (except T3), the Beta/Theta ratios have decreased slightly. Looking at the behind the scenes data, it was noticed that the Theta remained relatively constant; the drop in ratio being attributed to a reduction in Beta. This would make sense because for exercise to be efficient, we need to reduce our stress-levels. Reducing Beta accomplishes that goal. While F7 has noticably dropped, it is still within the mid-operational range for maintaining the short-term memory, needed during physical movement. What is most striking about the above snapshot is location T3. Notice the Beta/Theta ratio has increased by a factor of 1.3. This is a necessary increase as T3, being involved with long-term memory, can supply the so-called "muscle-memory" information needed to engage in physical-movements based on successful execution of those movements during similar exercise routines in the past.     For the rest of the study, see Page: 2