Biofeedback method
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The biofeedback method is a special kind of training for arbitrary regulation of such physiological indicators as bioelectric oscillations of brain potentials, heart rate, respiratory parameters, temperature and electrical resistance of the skin, muscle tension, etc. Feedback can be translated as "feedback ", The term" biofeedback "in the Russian-speaking literature is represented by various options -" biofeedback "," biocontrol with feedback "or (more often in the last 10 years) as a" biofeedback method ".
The biofeedback method can affect the unconscious level. The peculiarity of the method lies in the nonspecific therapeutic effect - the reduction of emotional tension, which is extremely important in the treatment of borderline "mental disorders.
Before applying the biofeedback method it is necessary:
- carry out a polygraphic registration of a number of the physiological functions of the organism;
- Identify the parameters of bioelectric or biomechanical processes selected for management;
- Provide an alarm system that denotes "punishment" or "reinforcement" ("encouragement") depending on the change in the parameters of the regulated functions (phase, frequency, amplitude);
- to enter the registration of biological processes for the subsequent systematic mathematical analysis;
- conduct an objective quantitative analysis of pathological manifestations, rapid analysis of individual bioelectric, biomechanical and vegetative indices;
- involve the patient to participate in treatment.
The main attributes of therapy are biofeedback:
- continuous monitoring of the functions under study;
- the patient is provided in real time with a reverse sensory connection for a regulated function in the form of sound or image;
- Instructions that encourage the patient to change their functions.
[Indications for use of biofeedback therapy
The method of biological feedback by electromyogram is used for relaxation training and therapy of motor disorders. Applied with dissociative motor disorders, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome.
The method of biological feedback on the parameters of the cardiovascular system (heart rate, blood pressure, pulse wave propagation time, etc.) is indicated for anxiety-phobic disorders, somatoform autonomic dysfunctions, adaptation disorders, central and autonomic nervous system lesions (with cerebrovascular and cerebral disorders circulatory manifestations of neurocirculatory dystonia, cardiac arrhythmias).
Method of biological feedback at skin temperature. The technique is aimed at increasing the blood supply of various parts of the body. The reaction of stress is accompanied by the centralization of blood circulation, by "pumping" blood to vital organs, increasing blood pressure, accelerating blood flow, reducing blood flow to the extremities and spasms of peripheral vessels. Mastering arbitrary control over the temperature of fingertips is an effective way to expand the vessels of the limbs, reduce peripheral resistance and thereby prevent the development of psycho-emotional stress or lower its level.
Method of biological feedback on dermal-galvanic reaction. The technique is based on teaching patients to suppress the conditioned-reflex reaction of fear in simulated circumstances while controlling the skin-galvanic reaction using elements of colloquial psychotherapy and then transferring the acquired experience to specific life situations. In patients with a predominant anxiety-phobic syndrome, the level of anxiety decreases, phobic manifestations are disactualized. In patients with borderline mental disorders due to hypertension, in most cases, a subjective improvement in the state of health is noted-a decrease in anxiety, mood improvement, normalization of sleep, increased activity, a significant reduction in neurasthenic, asthenodepressive anxiety-depressive, obsessional, hysterical and epileptic syndromes. Biological feedback on the skin-galvanic reaction is an auxiliary means of increasing mental stress resistance.
The method of biological feedback on respiratory indicators is successfully used in hyperventilation syndrome, bronchial asthma, somatoform dysfunctions of the respiratory system. High efficiency of correction of speech, heart rate, respiratory arrhythmia of the heart, in the treatment of stuttering in children and adults (Smetankin AA method) is noted. The essence of the method consists in teaching the patient control and purposeful change in the physiological functions involved in speech formation (breathing, muscle and vegetovascular tone, psychoemotional state).
The method of biofeedback based on the rheoencephalogram is used to regulate pulse blood filling, reduce arterial tone, facilitate venous outflow. Applied with vegeto-vascular dystonia, somatoform autonomic dysfunction, migraine, neurotic-like somatogenic and organic disorders of traumatic and vascular genesis.
The biofeedback method for EEG, or neurofeedback, is used to treat various functional disorders. In the English-language literature, the terms "EEG biofeedback" and "neurofeedback" (as synonyms) are generally accepted. Biological feedback on the EEG (along with other methods) allows the patient to feel a condition that is not normally controlled in the normal situation.