The term "biofeedback" stands for biological-feedback. Biofeedback uses electronic instrumentation to monitor biological/physiological processes which an individual is not normally aware of, to assist the individual in controlling these processes. Biofeedback is based on a very simple principle: If you can monitor a supposedly involuntary physiological response (such as your heart rate as indicated on an electrocardiogram), you can learn to modify it. The instruments used in biofeedback give a person immediate feedback information about their own physiological conditions.
At any time, there are numerous minute physiological changes occurring in our bodies. For example, there are fluctuations in muscle activity, brain wave patterns, heart rate, blood flow and gastric acidity. Many of these changes are related to psychological factors, such as stress, arousal, fear, anxiety and relaxation. The term "psycho-physiological processes" describes physiological conditions which are related to psychological factors. Such interaction of the mind and body underlie much of biofeedback training. A person can learn to control many internal reactions, such as blood pressure, heart rate, or the cramping of muscles that produces tension headaches. Control of these physiological responses can limit their negative health consequences.
Many of these internal responses are ordinarily beyond our awareness. However, we can become more aware of some of these signals through the use of biofeedback training. Trained awareness can result in the ability to control these responses. Clinical work in biofeedback has clearly shown that voluntary changes in such physiological processes as muscle tension, heart rate, brain wave patterns and blood pressure can be learned and retained without further need for feedback. Modern technology has developed biofeedback instruments which amplify the tiny signals so that they can be "heard" over one's bodily internal and external "noise." Years of training in "quieting" the body are not necessary to hear the signal--with biofeedback, learning occurs more quickly. Therefore, an individual learns to lower muscle tension, or blood pressure, or to increase hand temperature, etc. whenever necessary (i.e., at home, in the office, on vacation, etc.).
There are three psychophysiological processes which are commonly measured and "fed back" to the individual during biofeedback training.
1. EMG - electromyogram
Muscle tension and relaxation can be measured and displayed by an electromyogram (EMG). Sensors placed on the skin over a muscle will detect electrical activity of the muscle. Greater frequency of electrical firings indicates greater tension. The use of EMG biofeedback is extensively applied in general relaxation training, neuromuscular re-education, and in treating TMJ pain, "tension headaches", chronic pain, stuttering, bruxism and other syndromes.
2. TEMP - peripheral temperature
Peripheral blood flow can be monitored by measuring the temperature of the surface of the skin using temperature biofeedback (TEMP). Changes in the dilation or constriction of the peripheral blood vessels lead to changes in blood flow, resulting in changes in surface skin temperature. In a normal environment, surface skin temperature of the hands can fluctuate between 60 and 97 degrees Fahrenheit. In temperature training, minute changes in the skin temperature are measured by a thermistor placed on the surface of the skin, and fed back to the individual. Temperature feedback has been successfully applied in treatment of such conditions as migraine headaches, Raynaud's syndrome, peripheral vascular dysfunction, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive ruminations, and severe menstrual cramps, and to foster general relaxation.
3. HR - heart rate
Heart rate can be monitored by a electrocardio pulse monitor. Anxiety and stress readily affect heart rate resulting in feelings of severe discomfort. For individuals with an anxiety disorder, the ability to know how to reduce one's heart rate can be quite useful in controlling a panic/anxiety response. The use of heart rate feedback if quite helpful with general relaxation training.
Other physiological processes which are sometimes measured and fed back to the individual include blood pressure (BP); the sweat response on the surface of the skin, or galvanic skin response (GSR); and the electrical activity of the brain cortex, or brain wave activity (EEG).
Biofeedback allows self-control through increased awareness of stress responses and the ability to voluntarily control these responses. The therapist helps the individual to integrate the biofeedback training into his or her daily living with various techniques including home practice exercises and generalization. It can help reduce the need for drugs for a particular condition or eliminate the need for more drastic measures as the person learns to gain control over certain conditions (e.g., hypertension). Biofeedback can give a person voluntary control over a distressing symptom like a headache, and deep relaxation can counter the effects of stress on the body as a whole. Psychotherapy can then augment the treatment by focusing on how the person came to be under so much stress and what alternatives exist to reduce the stress.
Persons interested in biofeedback services can contact Daniel J. Goeckner. Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist. at (262) 241-9990 or e-mail Dr. Goeckner.