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What
is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback is a method by which people are taught how
to learn “control” over certain physical processes in order
to improve health or performance. This is accomplished through the use
of precise instruments which measure physiological functions (e.g. muscle
tension, heart rate) and feed information back to the person via a computer
screen. Having access to “real time”, immediate information
about what is going on inside the body, enables a person to make specific
changes in thinking or behavior, and see the physiological results of
those changes right away. Over time, a person can learn to control the
physiological process voluntarily without the help of the instrument,
ex. By learning to recognize an increased heart rate when anxious, and
slowing down the rate to normal values.
Another
example of biofeedback treatment would be the use of skin temperature
training or thermography to treat vascular headaches. These types of
headaches are associated with the constriction of blood vessels which
results in a reduction in blood flow. In the peripheral areas of the
body, this restricted blood flow causes a reduction in skin temperature
that may only be detectable by a sensitive biofeedback instrument. Treatment
would involve measuring these small temperature changes through a sensor
placed on a fingertip, and showing the person those changes on a computer
display. The person would watch the display and try to increase their
temperature measure by changing thoughts and feelings. Over time they
would learn to warm their skin temperature, thereby opening their blood
vessels and increasing blood flow. This method ultimately increases
blood flow to the head, reducing the incidence of vascular type headaches.
Biofeedback has
been shown to be useful in treating the following:
• Migraine headaches
• Tension headaches
• Other types of chronic pain
• High blood pressure
• Cardiac arrhythmias (abnormalities in the rhythm of the heartbeat)
• ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)
• Epilepsy
• Paralysis, spinal cord injury and other movement disorders.
Biofeedback has also been used to improve academic and athletic performance
by improving concentration, mental sharpness, and mind/body control.
Biofeedback Links:
http://www.bcia.org/
http://www.aapb.org/