Biofeedback and Psychophysiology
Psychophysiology is the study of interactions
between mind and body. Before the 1960's, autonomic body processes
( such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, muscle
tension, hand temperature, etc.) were considered to be involuntary.
Since that time, the idea of voluntary control of these autonomic
body processes has become a standard concept. Learning to control
these processes (to avoid illness) is the goal of Biofeedback
Training.
Biofeedback Training is a multifaceted
process wherein particular body functions are measured to determine
if improvements are needed; 10-20 lessons of relaxation are learned
and applied; counseling is given for psychological stress triggers;
exercise is evaluated; and nutrition is evaluated.
During a session of biofeedback, sensors
are attached to the skin to measure body functions. A baseline
is developed as the comparison for progress. Many different lessons
in relaxation are learned to determine which are the most effective
in producing relaxation the fastest. A graph of results can be
viewed during and/or after the session to evaluate the success
of the lesson.
Who Can Benefit From Biofeedback Training?
Anyone who participates in learning
relaxation and control of important body functions can benefit
by physical and mental heath. However, if a person has a pacemaker
or a severe heart disorder, he/she should consult the cardiologist.
Diabetics inform their diabetic medical advisor because the need
for insulin will most likely be reduced. Mental disorders such
as severe psychosis, obsessive neurosis, and psychopathic personalities
are considered contraindicated.
Is Biofeedback Supported by Research?
The efficacy of biofeedback training
in management and/or reduction of symptoms was published in the
Journal of Neurotherapy in 2002 by Dr. D. Moss and Dr.
J. Gunkelman. Following is a brief outline of the results:
Level 5 (Efficacious and Specific)
a. migraine in adults and children
b. tension headache in adults and children
Level 4 (Efficacious)
a. muscle related orofacial pain
b. irritable bowel syndrome
c. anxiety related to incorrect breathing patterns
d. posture related pain problems such as forward head thrust
Level 3 (Probably Efficacious)
a. muscle related low back pain
b. cramping and burning phantom limb pain
c. PMS and dysmenorrhea
d. Pain from spastic muscles & muscle spasms
e. Subluxation of the patella and patelofemoral pain
f. Magnification of pain by stress and anxiety
Level 2 (Possibly Efficacious)
a. pain from carpel-tunnel syndromes
related to upper arm & neck muscle tension
b. myofacial pain/trigger point related pain
c. Raynaud's syndrome
d. repetitive strain syndrome
e. Fibromyalgia
Level 1 (Not empirically supported)
a. pain and spasticity due to not taking
microbreaks among sign language translators, musicians, factory
workers, computer workers, etc
b. biofeedback for reflex sympathetic dystrophy
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