| Biofeedback (biological feedback) is a therapeutic method designed to give an individual conscious control over a physiologic function not usually under conscious control. To accomplish this, the activity level of the function is measured. The patient receives feedback and then works to gain some control over that function. For example, surface electromyography sensors are usually attached over the muscle group (e.g., frontalis for muscle contraction headaches) targeted for change. In addition, clinical biofeedback equipment can measure heart rate, blood volume pulse, galvanic skin conductance, pulmonary respiration, and even electroencephalogram (EEG) electrical impulses. There are specific types of sensors for each specific physiological measurement. Feedback is supplied in the form of an electronically amplified sound or visual signal. Now armed with this increased awareness of activity level, an individual can learn to change levels of physiologic activity in such areas as skin temperature, muscle tension, skin resistance, heart rate, blood pressure, brain wave activity, gastric motility, and other symptoms, thereby improving health.
Biofeedback is most proven in the specialty of gastroenterology, where it is the preferred treatment for fecal incontinence (80% improvement of symptoms by self-report), with tension, migraine, and combination headaches, and some forms of chronic constipation (Barrows). Biofeedback has demonstrated effectiveness for numerous medical and psychological symptoms. But there are often more cost-effective approaches for achieving the same result. For example, a number of well-designed studies have shown that relaxation therapies are as effective as biofeedback yet less expensive in the treatment of headaches (Barrows).
Biofeedback requires the individual's active participation to learn to control normally involuntary physiologic functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, brain waves, skin temperature, muscle tension, breathing, and digestion. Individuals with certain disorders such as hypertension should be closely monitored as their need for medications may change. Biofeedback is not recommended in psychotic disorders or with many of the more serious personality disorders or in extremely decompensated individuals. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Biofeedback can help improve a number of health and medical concerns, including migraine headaches, tension headaches, neck pain, back pain, teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw joint pain (temporomandibular joint syndrome), neuromuscular re-education, irritable bowel concerns, other chronic pain, and high blood pressure (hypertension). Stress incontinence of the bladder or rectal incontinence may be improved by learning to increase tension in specific muscles. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be helped by changing the person's brain wave patterns and therefore improving the ability to concentrate. In Raynaud's disease (a circulatory disorder causing discomfort in the extremities), skin temperature biofeedback can increase circulation to the fingers.
New techniques and applications for biofeedback are constantly being developed by applied psychologists, behavioral and medical professionals, and researchers. These problem areas include repetitive stress injuries (carpal tunnel and thoracic outlet syndromes) and irritable bowel syndromes or other disorders of gastrointestinal motility. Biofeedback can be used for stress-related disorders by teaching the individual how to deepen his or her powers of relaxation. It can also be incorporated into psychotherapy to reveal physical signs of tension over a certain situation, even if the individual is unaware of feeling a conflict about it. Biofeedback is sometimes used in nonclinical settings for performance enhancement in athletes and musicians.
Research shows that biofeedback has been used successfully to help individuals with psychiatric disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social phobia in which anxiety is a central factor. It has also been successfully applied to psychophysiological disorders such as muscle contraction headaches and certain types of hypertension. It is being utilized within a number of medical specialties such as with pelvic floor issues in urology. Many individuals prefer biofeedback over other treatments since it is noninvasive and does not involve medications or pain.
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Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Biofeedback practitioners use a variety of instruments during biofeedback. One method is to measure the individual's muscle tension using an electromyograph (EMG). Two sensors (electrodes) are placed on the skin over the muscle to be monitored, such as the forehead muscle (frontalis) in headaches or the muscles that shrug the shoulders (trapezius) in stress-related conditions. The EMG amplifies the electrical sound made by muscle contraction and allows the individual to respond, depending on the condition being treated. Therapists use the EMG to relieve muscle stiffness, treat incontinence, and recondition injured or strained muscles.
Other methods use skin temperature or sweat measurements. Peripheral skin temperature biofeedback devices quantify changes in the amount of heat given off by the skin, a measurement that reveals changes in blood flow in the peripheral vasculature. This type of biofeedback may be used in the treatment of Raynaud's disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, and migraines. Galvanic skin response sensors (GSRs) use the amount of sweat and increased skin tone produced by an individual while under stress to measure the conductivity of the skin. Pulmonary wave sensors are also utilized to assess the rate of respiration, which often increases in states of increased physiological arousal.
Electroencephalographs (EEGs) measure brain-wave activity. This type of biofeedback is sometimes called neurofeedback. Conditions that may benefit from training on this type of equipment include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), some types of epilepsy, tooth grinding, head injuries, and depression (including bipolar depression and seasonal affective disorder). Electrocardiographs (ECGs) monitor the individual's heart rate and may be useful in relieving an overly rapid heartbeat and controlling high blood pressure. Respiration feedback devices concentrate on measuring the rate, rhythm, and type of breathing to help the individual lessen symptoms of asthma, anxiety, and hyperventilation and to promote relaxation.
Biofeedback sessions usually last 15 to 20 minutes. Relaxation techniques are taught simultaneously during biofeedback. Most people respond best to shorter periods of training so they do not become fatigued or fall asleep during training. The number of sessions and the cost of biofeedback vary with the medical condition and ability of the patient being treated. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| A satisfactory outcome is typically when biofeedback is used as a treatment intervention to address a physical problem or psychological concern for which it is appropriate. However, the outcome is dependent upon the individual fully committing to regular training and practice of the techniques in between clinical training appointments. The prognosis also depends on the individual's specific mental health or medical diagnosis. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Biofeedback is a safe and effective procedure, and there are no known physical or emotional complication. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| No restrictions are required, but a flexible work schedule may be helpful if the individual must occasionally attend biofeedback sessions during work hours. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Barrows, K. A., and BP Jacobs. "Mind-body Medicine: An Introduction and Review of the Literature.." Medical Clinics of North America 86 1 (2002): 11-31. MD Consult. Elsevier, Inc. 14 Sep. 2004 <http://home.mdconsult.com>. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
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