Biofeedback and

1
Chapter 12

• Biofeedback and
• Other Relaxation Techniques

2
What is Biofeedback?

• Instrumentation to measure psychophysiological
  patterns
• Reports this data back to the subject
• The individual may not be aware of the
  information
• Process can be brought under voluntary control

3
Three Phases of Biofeedback

1. Measuring the physiological parameter
2. Converting this measurement into understandable
   data
3. Feeding back information to the subject who is
   learning to control their body processes

4
Benefits of Biofeedback
Biofeedback has specific physiological and
psychological benefits
5
Physiological Effects
EMG biofeedback has been effective in treating
the following conditions

• Asthma
• Hypertension
• Bruxism
• Hyperkinesias
• Spasticity
• Cerebral palsy
• Dystonias
• Dysphonia

• Ulcers
• Muscle spasms
• Nerve-muscle injuries
• Spasmodic torticollis
• Tinnitus
• Migraine headache
• Tension headache
• Colitis

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Physiological Effects, contd
Thermal biofeedback has been effective in
treating the following conditions

• Raynauds disease
• Hypertension
• Palmar hyperhidrosis
• Constipation
• Jaw taping
• TMJ syndrome
• Excessive snoring

• Migraine headaches
• Scoliosis
• Incontinence
• Leg muscle weakness
• Learning to walk (post stroke recovery)
• Insomnia
• Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder

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Physiological Effects, contd
Researchers have found contradictory results
regarding some benefits/uses of biofeedback
8
Psychological Effects

• Phobias
• Stage fright
• Alcoholism
• Depression
• Tension headaches
• Pain
• Burnout
• Regulation of mental state

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Drug abuse
• Hyperactivity
• Sexual dysfunction
• Stuttering
• Various affective disorders

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Psychological Effects, contd
The more biofeedback is studied, the more common
elements it shares with relaxation and cognitive
stress management procedures (Rice, 1987)
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Biofeedback Instrumentation

• Biofeedback comes in various forms and measures
  various physiological parameters
• Thermal (body temperature)
• EMG (muscle tension)
• Galvanic skin response (electrical conductivity)
• Biofeedback is used as a training device to
  achieve greater control of your physiological
  processes
• Once you are able to gain control, you will react
  positively to stress without dysfunction

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OtherRelaxation Techniques

• Diaphragmatic breathing (breathing to expand the
  belly)
• Body scanning a technique that searches for
  body parts and transports that sensation to less
  relaxed areas
• Massage and acupressure
• Yoga and stretching
• Repetitive prayer (Benson, 1985)

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OtherRelaxation Techniques, contd

• Quieting reflex (Stroebel, 1983) - developing an
  inner smile technique
• Instant Calming Sequence (ICS) by Robert Cooper
  involving 5-step approach, leading to quick
  relaxation
• Mindfulness - focusing attention on the present
  moment to relax
• Music and relaxation
• Tai Chi

13
Chapter 12

• Biofeedback and
• Other Relaxation Techniques