| Biofeedback
Definition Biofeedback was first used in the 1930s to detect electrical signals from the brain and in the 1960s doctors emphasised its therapeutic properties, it has been very popular since then in America. Based on the principle that the mind is intrinsically linked to the body and that our emotions affect our body, biofeedback teaches patients how to be aware of physiological functions that are normally automatic and unconscious and how to use this internal information to improve their health. Using measuring devices patients learn how to monitor their body responses (heart beat, skin temperature, blood pressure, respiratory patterns, brain wave activity or muscle tension) in order to control them.
Biofeedback is a non-invasive and painless process, the information is fed back in the form of a light, sound or needle sign on a screen. Once the patients recognise changes in their physical states, they learn how to alter them with guided imaginary or relaxation techniques. After a few sessions they are able to notice these responses and to control them without devices.
Biofeedback takes practice, it requires discipline and commitment and several sessions are generally needed to master the technique. This technique appears attractive to children as they are asked to play with a computer game and perform tasks, however it may be difficult for some children who have electrodes attached to their head to stay still during a session.
There are various forms of biofeedback:
EMG (electromyograph biofeedback): measures the electrical activity created during muscle tension. This is a good indicator of stress.
Thermal biofeedback: a hand-held thermometer measures the temperature
of the skin, which can be a sign for headaches and migraines.
EEG biofeedback (also called neurofeedback): patients are connected to electrodes and an electroencephalograph measures brain waves also known as Theta, Alpha, Beta and Gamma. Biofeedback therapists believe that their patients can learn to control their nervous system. For more information see our fact sheet on neurotherapy.
ECG: biofeedback measures the heart rate, it can help reduce blood pressure.
GSR: Galvanic Skin Response measures the amount of sweat produced
by the glands.
Conditions that may respond to biofeedback ADHD
Anxiety
Aphasia
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism
Bi-polar disorder
Cerebral palsy
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Depression
Dyspraxia
Epilepsy
Headaches
IBS
Incontinence
Insomnia
Learning difficulties
Migraines
Neuromuscular injuries
Pain
Raynaud disease
Seizures
TMJ
Tourette syndrome
Research Many clinical trials have been conducted on biofeedback, some of them are available
on the internet, at the Medline website: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=&DB=PubMed
Resources Organisations
Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB)
10200 W. 44th Avenue
Suite 304
Wheat Ridge
CO 80033-2840
USA
Tel: (001) 303 422 8436
http://www.aapb.org/
Biofeedback Organisation of Europe
Dr D. M. Matto
P.O. Box 75416
1070 AK Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: (0031) 20 44 22 631
Organises workshops to train clinicians
EEG Spectrum
Neurofeedback Research and Clinical Services
16500 Ventura Blvd
Suite 418
Encino
CA 91436-2011
Tel: (001) 818 789 3456
http://www.eegspectrum.com/
EEG Neurofeedback Services
Dolphin Lodge
Dolphin Yard
Holywell Hill
St. Albans
Herts AL1 1EZ
Tel: 01727 874292
http://www.eegneurofeedback.net/
Publications These are some of the references that have been passed to us; the list is not
exhaustive. We have not necessarily read the books, and cannot say how easy it
will be to get them.
- Danskin D., Crow M. Biofeedback. An introduction and guide. ISBN 0-874845300
- Nigl A.J. Biofeedback and behavioral strategies in pain treatment. ISBN 0-893352039
- Robbins J. A symphony in the brain: The evolution of the new brain wave biofeedback.
ISBN: 0871138077.
- Schwartz M.S, Andrasik F. Biofeedback : a practitioner's guide ISBN: 1572304138.
- Soroka G.E. Twelve steps to biofeedback. ISBN 1-889122246
- Wise A. The high-performance mind: mastering brainwaves for insight, healing,
and creativity. ISBN: 0-874778506
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