A method of behavioral modification in which signals are relayed to the patient regarding the status of certain physiologic functions such as the heart rate and blood pressure.
The use of instrumentation to provide information (i.e., feedback) about variations in one or more of the subject’s own physiological processes not ordinarily perceived (e.g., brain wave activity, muscle tension, blood pressure). Such feedback over a period of time can help the subject learn to control certain physiological processes even though he or she is unable to articulate how the learning was achieved.
A technique designed to aid an individual to sense or feel a change in bodily function (e.g., heart rate or blood pressure), which permits the individual to lower his blood pressure and heart rate by control of mental and bodily function (e.g., increased relaxation).
A relaxation technique consisting of using an electronic device that continuously registers pulse rate, muscle tension, and other body activities.
The control of the autonomic nervous system by someone’s conscious thought, as he or she sees the results of tests or scans.
Learnable technique that enables a person to manipulate ordinarily involuntary processes, such as heartbeat and blood pressure, through concentration and knowledge (feedback) of bodily effects or responses as they occur.
A technique in which sight or sound signals allow a person to become aware of and control specific bodily functions that are not normally controlled voluntarily, such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and brain wave activity. In a typical biofeedback session for a person wanting to lower blood pressure, a blinking light or beeper is activated every time a sensor detects that blood pressure is rising. As the individual learns to associate sensations in the body with the light or beeper, he or she can become conscious of the physical changes associated with rising blood pressure and learn to bring them under control. After a number of training sessions, the individual learns how to keep blood pressure from rising even when the light or beeper is not used. Biofeedback has been used successfully to treat a wide variety of conditions, diseases, and symptoms, including migraine and tension headaches; chronic pain; high blood pressure (hypertension); digestive disorders; irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia); attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Raynaud phenomenon, a circulatory condition that causes uncomfortably cold hands; epileptic seizures; mood changes before menstruation (premenstrual syndrome); difficulty holding urine in adults (incontinence); bed-wetting in children; and movement disorders, such as paralysis from spinal injury.
The giving of immediate information to a subject about his bodily processes (such as heart rate), which are usually unconscious. These processes can then be subject to operant conditioning. This is an experimental treatment for disturbances of bodily regulation, such as hypertension.
A technique in which a noise or sight stimulus follows on from a physiological response. Thus, a person’s electrocardiogram may be monitored, and a signal passed back to him or her indicating their heart rate: for example, a red light if the rate is between 50 and 60 beats a minute; a green light if it is between 60 and 70 a minute. Once the person has learned to discriminate between these two rates, he or she can learn to control the heart rate. How this is learned is not clear, but by utilising biofeedback some subjects can control heart rate and blood pressure, relax spastic muscles, bring migraine under control and even help relieve constipation.
A training program designed to develop one’s ability to control the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system. After learning the technique, the patient may be able to control heart rate, blood pressure, and skin temperature or to relax certain muscles. The patient learns by using monitoring devices that sound a tone when changes in pulse, blood pressure, brain waves, and muscle contractions occur. Then the patient attempts to reproduce the conditions that caused the desired changes.
The operation of a feedback loop in a biological system. In general, the term “feedback” defines a method of controlling any system by reinserting into it the results of its past performance a feedback loop. This sort of feedback is common in biological systems, and no creature could survive without it. Through feedback humans, like animals, learn how to control their limbs and coordinate their hands and eyes, as well as solve problems.
The term is also used to describe a series of techniques aimed at providing us with information on the connection between psychological and physical processes that are not usually under our voluntary control. The he detector is just one of many biofeedback machines developed to monitor changes in physical states. Many types of instruments can be used, but the simplest system includes a hand-held thermometer, an electric skin resistance gauge, and a display box. The technology does not harm the body; it just provides information.
A method of learning to voluntarily control certain body functions such as heartbeat, blood pressure and muscle tension with the help of a special machine. This method can help control pain.
The technique in which a person learns to control a specific physical function by recognizing his or her body’s signals.
Educational tool used to provide information about an individual’s physiological actions.
The use of a physiological recording device to present visual or auditory tracking information to participants so they can learn how to regulate targeted internal physiological responses.
The use of electronic devices that amplify body electricity in order to help people monitor otherwise unconscious physiological processes such as heart rate and body temperature.
This approach entails the utilization of recorded physiological data to facilitate self-improvement and remediation of ailments through training.