Play Attention system helps in studying, strengthening concentration and attention focus, extending attention focus, strengthening memory and decreasing impulsiveness.

Play attention system is extremely efficient because it uses Edufeedback technology, the integration of feedback from educational methodology and behavior modification.

In other words Edufeedback allows the user to see their own attention in real time, by controlling a computer game using their own attention focus. Edufeedback also allows the user to understand the connection between attention and behavior (eg. Wiggling interrupts attention and thus prevents the player to continue with computer game).

What is Play attention?

Play attention is a computer program that contains a variety of games, using brain waves that set the game in motion. Repeated use of the system helps extend and strengthen attention focus, and improve memory in people with ADHD, although it is not designed exclusively for people with this disorder. Using technology originally developed for pilots to improve their attention and alertness, Play Attention system includes a used bike helmet equipped with sensors connected to a computer. It consists of 5 games which aim at extending attention focus, visual monitoring of the desired object, the process of discriminating between relevant and irrelevant stimuli, and improving short-term memory. If the player is focused on the object on the screen, the game is set in motion by means of player’s attention. If his attention is weakened, the object on the screen stops moving, and the game ends. At that moment, it is necessary to regain focus on the object if one wishes to continue playing the game.

Kako djeluje Play attention

How does Play attention work?

Scientific studies indicate that our brain is able to adapt and learn during a lifetime. This is known as neuroplasticity. Over time, with the help of continuous exercise, the user learns how to extend and improve their own attention focus and concentration. Acquired skills can later be used in their own work, school and at home.

When can I see results?

It is common for the first minor improvements to be seen after 30 days of exercise. These developments usually include better listening skills, better organization, greater autonomy in doing homework.

How does Play attention help in academic achievement?

Inability to finish tasks, maintain full attention, organize their own activities, forgetfulness and distractibility accompanies children throughout their lives, and does not cease even in adulthood. Play attention teaches them better organization skills, how to recognize moments in which they begin to weaken attention, extending attention focus and improving concentration, how to differentiate important from the unimportant, and to improve memory. These are essential skills in children as well as adults, both in school and later in workplace.

How to use Play attention?

After completing the diagnostic procedure, a treatment plan is made. Play attention is one of the treatments for children and adults with ADHD. It is best to use 2 times a week for 30 minutes continuously. The results are visible after 20 hours of practice. Progress is recorded by the computer for each user. The games are designed on three levels; beginner, intermediate and advanced. Once the user masters the initial level, they advance to the next level, and after the advanced level is also mastered, the diagnostic process is repeated in order to confirm the improvement.

“Play attention allows the user to examine their attention in real time. Over time, with the help of continuous exercise, it teaches users to extend their own attention focus and improve their concentration.”

Vesna Hercigonja – Novković, prof.defektolog

Lecture at the Round Table “Multidisciplinary approach to detection, diagnosis and treatment of children with hyperkinetic disorder”, Zagreb, 2014.

Attention as a psychological function has two important components: directing and focusing mental energy on a particular object (person, appearance, etc.), and the tenacity of attention, the ability to shift it from one object to another, or so-called vigilance of attention. If there is difficulty in terms of these characteristics, the following attention disorders appear: hypervigilance (a disorder that is related to excessive vigilance, excessive shifting of attention); hypovigilance (difficult and slow shifting of attention from one content to another, which in some cases may indicate a dysfunction of the central nervous system), hypertenacity (the emergence of a strong focus and focus on one single content) and hypotenacity (decreased ability to focus and maintain attention towards a certain content, often associated with hypervigilance). Attention deficit disorder can be found in comorbidity with other disorders and so manic, anxious, and people with ADHD often suffer from hypervigilance, while hypovigilance occurs in depressed people and those with damaged central nervous system. Hypertenacity occurs along with depression and schizophrenia, and hypotenacity with organic damage, ADHD and similar disorders. The sample of Play attention users in Polyclinic Kocijan – Hercigonja mostly consists of those with ADHD / ADD disorder, anxiety disorder, various emotional disturbances etc. In general, Play attention represents a type of neurofeedback, called edufeedback, which besides directing attention allows the modification of behavior during treatment. This technology enhances the control of your own mind, extends and stabilizes attention focus while discriminating unnecessary stimuli. The end result of attending the exercises in continuous months-long treatment of 30-40h, allows the establishment of constructive attention as a lifelong skill, made possible by the neuroplasticity of the brain. There are different sets of exercises within Play attention program, allowing implementation of an individual program depending on the user’s specific difficulties. There are exercises focused specifically on hyperactivity. The treatment includes training and evaluation of behavioral conduct using attendants scale, in order to enhance the possibility of observing unwanted behavior, so it could be modified later on.

Links:

http://www.totallearningcenter.com/play-attention/
http://www.playattention.com/