Biofeedback is also called biofeedback analysis or psychophysiological feedback. It is a form of therapy that teaches individuals how to improve their health conditions through self-regulated, “mind-to-body” interface methods by controlling bodily functions that occur automatically. Biofeedback patients learn techniques through trained professionals who use various tools for analysis.
Conditions
Biofeedback is used to treat an array of conditions including depression, seizure disorders, asthma, constipation, chronic pain, Raynaud's disease, autism, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, sexual disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and migraine headaches. Depending on the condition being addressed, one or more biofeedback tools are used for evaluation.
Tools
Through the use of biofeedback tools and analysis, patients are trained to self-regulate processes such as brain activity, blood pressure, muscle tension, skin temperature and heart rate, to positively impact their health. Some of the biofeedback tools, or biofeedback techniques, include electroencephalography, electromyography, galvanic skin response sensors, thermal sensors and other secondary equipment.
Electroencephalography
Electroencephalography, or EEG, also referred to as neurofeedback or brain wave testing, monitors the activity of the brain waves alpha, beta, delta and theta. This neurological test is administered by first attaching up to 21 electrodes to a patient’s scalp around the head’s circumference. Various approaches are used to stimulate brain activity, such as presenting visual stimuli and having the patient engage in patterned breathing. Throughout the testing, the EEG records brain activity that will be interpreted for analysis.
Electromyography
Electromyography, or EMG, evaluates muscle health and corresponding nerves by measuring muscle tension. A needle electrode is inserted under the patient’s skin and into a muscle. When the muscle is stimulated, such as through bending or flexing, its electrical activity is registered and evaluated.
Galvanic Skin Response
Galvanic skin response, or GSR, is synonymous with the terms electrodermal response, psychogalvanic reflex and skin conductance response. Electrodes are placed on a patient’s fingers and/or palms to measure the skin’s response to stimuli by monitoring perspiration. Active GSR uses electrical currents for stimuli, whereas passive GSR uses noninvasive methods as stimuli to provoke arousal. Responses are recorded and assessed.
Thermal Sensors
The practice of using thermal sensors for biofeedback, also called thermal biofeedback, temperature biofeedback and blood flow biofeedback, involves attaching sensors/electrodes to a patient’s feet or fingers to measure skin temperature. Blood flow in the extremities responds to both relaxation and stress. As blood flow increases, skin temperature also increases and vice versa. Stimuli, such as invoking various thoughts, is used to produce responses that cause temperature changes. These changes are interpreted and analyzed.
Supplemental Data
In addition to primary biofeedback tools, other equipment, such as heart rate and respiratory sensors, often are used to generate supplemental data. Heart rate sensors are employed by placing a pulse monitor on the patient’s fingertips to register heartbeat activity. Respiratory sensors, also referred to as capnometry, measure the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels that occur during breathing.
Sessions
Biofeedback sessions usually last 30 minutes to an hour. As response reports are generated from the biofeedback tools, patients learn over time what mental activities assist in creating the desired physical changes. Patients may require as few as 10 sessions, or possibly up to 50 sessions, to learn what self-regulatory techniques are best for managing their condition.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Biofeedback Overview
- Encyclopedia.com; Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders; Biofeedback; J. Thomas; 2003
- Encyclopedia.com; Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery -- A Guide for Patients and Caregivers; Electroencephalography; 2004
- MedlinePlus.com: Electromyography
- University of Kuopio Biomedical Signal Analysis Group: Galvanic Skin Response (GSR); 2004
- MayoClinic.com: Biofeedback; What You Can Expect
- University of Idaho UI Counseling and Testing Center: Biofeedback
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